Privacy Policy - Sudoku IQ Pro

1. Introduction

Welcome to Sudoku IQ Pro ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how Code Moksha handles your information when you use our mobile application Sudoku IQ Pro (the "App").

Privacy-First Approach: Sudoku IQ Pro is designed with privacy as a core principle. We collect only the minimum data necessary to provide you with features like game progress synchronization and leaderboards. We do not share your personal data with any third parties (except as required by law or for essential services like Firebase).

Your Control: You have full control over your data. You can delete your account and all associated data at any time by visiting our account deletion page.

We reserve the right to make changes to this Privacy Policy at any time and for any reason. We will alert you about any changes by updating the "Last updated" date of this Privacy Policy. You are encouraged to periodically review this Privacy Policy to stay informed of updates.

Your continued use of the App after any changes to this Privacy Policy constitutes your acceptance of such changes.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Account Information

When you create an account to use features like game progress synchronization and leaderboards, we collect:

• User ID: A unique identifier automatically generated for your account
• Email Address: If you choose to provide it for account recovery (optional)
• Username/Display Name: Your chosen display name for leaderboards (if applicable)
• Authentication Data: Information used to verify your identity and secure your account

Note: Creating an account is optional. You can still play Sudoku IQ Pro without an account, but features like progress synchronization and leaderboards will not be available.

2.2 Game Data

When you use the App, we collect and store the following game-related data in Firebase:

• Game Progress: Your current level, puzzles in progress, and saved games
• Game Statistics: Scores, best times, completion rates, and win/loss records
• Achievements: Unlocked achievements and milestones
• Leaderboard Data: Your scores and rankings for competitive features
• Difficulty Preferences: Your chosen difficulty levels and game settings
• In-game Settings: App preferences like sound, notifications, and visual themes

Storage Location: This data is securely stored in Google Firebase, a cloud-based platform, to enable features like:

• Progress synchronization across multiple devices
• Game data backup and recovery
• Leaderboard rankings and competitions
• Achievement tracking

2.3 Device Information

We automatically collect certain device information to improve app performance and user experience:

• Device Type: Model and manufacturer
• Operating System: Version and type
• App Version: Which version of Sudoku IQ Pro you're using
• Device Language: Your preferred language setting
• Time Zone: For accurate timestamping

This information helps us optimize the app for different devices and troubleshoot technical issues.

2.4 Advertising Data

The App displays advertisements through Google AdMob. AdMob may automatically collect certain information for ad serving purposes:

• Advertising ID (can be reset in device settings)
• Device information (type, model, OS version)
• Ad interaction data (views, clicks)
• Approximate location (country/region level, based on IP address)

This information is collected directly by Google AdMob and is not stored or processed by us. For more information about how Google handles this data, please see Google's privacy policy.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

3.1 Providing Core Features

• Game Progress: Save and sync your game progress across multiple devices
• Leaderboards: Display your rankings and compare scores with other players
• Achievements: Track and display your unlocked achievements
• Account Management: Create, maintain, and secure your user account

3.2 Improving User Experience

• Personalization: Remember your preferences and settings
• App Optimization: Improve app performance based on device information
• Bug Fixes: Identify and resolve technical issues
• Feature Development: Understand which features are most used to guide future updates

3.3 Security and Fraud Prevention

• Account Security: Protect your account from unauthorized access
• Leaderboard Integrity: Prevent cheating and ensure fair play
• Data Protection: Secure your information using Firebase security measures

3.4 What We DO NOT Do

• No Third-Party Sharing: We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for their marketing purposes
• No External Analytics: We do not use third-party analytics services to track your behavior
• No Cross-App Tracking: We do not track your activity across other apps or websites
• No Unauthorized Communication: We will not send you marketing emails unless you explicitly opt-in

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes. We only share your information in the limited circumstances described below:

4.1 Service Providers

We use trusted third-party services to provide core functionality:

• Google Firebase: Secure cloud storage for your game data, account information, and leaderboards. Firebase is subject to Google's privacy policies and security standards
• Google AdMob: Advertisement serving (see section 4.2 below)

These service providers are bound by contractual obligations to keep your information confidential and use it only for providing their services to us.

4.2 Advertising

The App displays advertisements through Google AdMob. AdMob collects and processes data independently according to Google's privacy policies. We do not have access to or control over the data collected by AdMob. AdMob may share data with advertisers for targeting purposes.

4.3 Public Leaderboards

If you choose to participate in leaderboards, the following information will be visible to other players:

• Your username/display name
• Your scores and rankings
• Your achievements (if public)

Note: Your email address and other personal information are never displayed publicly.

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, such as:

• To comply with a legal obligation, court order, or government request
• To enforce our Terms of Service or protect our legal rights
• To protect the safety and security of our users or the public
• To detect, prevent, or address fraud or security issues

4.5 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new owner. We will notify you before your data is transferred and becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

5. Third-Party Services

Sudoku IQ Pro integrates the following third-party services:

5.1 Google Firebase

We use Google Firebase for:

• Cloud Storage: Securely storing your game data and account information
• Authentication: Managing user accounts and login
• Realtime Database: Syncing game progress and leaderboards in real-time
• Security: Protecting your data with industry-standard encryption

Firebase is operated by Google and is subject to Google's privacy policies and security standards. Your data is stored on Google's secure servers.

5.2 Google AdMob

We use Google AdMob for displaying advertisements in the App. AdMob operates independently and may collect certain information as described in Section 2.4. This data collection is governed by Google's privacy policies, not by us.

Links to third-party privacy policies:

• Google Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
• Google Firebase: https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy
• Google AdMob: https://support.google.com/admob/answer/6128543

6. Data Storage and Security

6.1 Data Storage

Cloud Storage with Firebase: Your account and game data are securely stored in Google Firebase cloud servers:

• Account Information: Stored in Firebase Authentication
• Game Progress: Stored in Firebase Realtime Database for cross-device synchronization
• Leaderboard Data: Stored in Firebase to enable real-time rankings
• Server Location: Data is stored on Google's secure servers in compliance with international data protection standards

Data Persistence: Your data remains in Firebase until you delete your account or request data deletion. This allows you to:

• Access your game progress from any device by logging in
• Recover your progress if you reinstall the app
• Maintain your leaderboard rankings across sessions

6.2 Security Measures

We take the security of your data seriously and implement multiple layers of protection:

• Encryption: All data transmitted between your device and Firebase is encrypted using industry-standard SSL/TLS protocols
• Secure Authentication: Firebase Authentication uses secure protocols to protect your login credentials
• Access Controls: Strict Firebase security rules ensure users can only access their own data
• Google Infrastructure: Your data is protected by Google's world-class security infrastructure
• Regular Updates: We regularly update our security measures to protect against new threats

6.3 Your Responsibility

While we implement strong security measures, you also play an important role in protecting your account:

• Keep Credentials Secure: Don't share your login information with anyone
• Use Strong Passwords: If using email/password login, choose a strong, unique password
• Device Security: Keep your device's operating system updated and use device lock features
• Report Issues: Contact us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access to your account

6.4 Data Breach Notification

In the unlikely event of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will:

• Notify affected users within 72 hours of discovering the breach
• Report the breach to relevant authorities as required by law
• Take immediate steps to secure the data and prevent further unauthorized access
• Provide you with information about what data was affected and what steps you should take

7. Data Retention

We retain your data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with our services:

7.1 Active Accounts

• Account Data: Retained as long as your account remains active
• Game Progress: Stored indefinitely to allow you to resume playing at any time
• Leaderboard Data: Retained to maintain leaderboard integrity and historical rankings
• Achievements: Stored permanently as part of your gaming history

7.2 Inactive Accounts

If your account remains inactive (no login) for an extended period:

• After 2 years of inactivity: We may send you a reminder email about your account
• After 3 years of inactivity: We may delete your account data unless you log in and reactivate
• Notification: You will receive advance notice before any data deletion

7.3 Account Deletion

You have the right to delete your account and all associated data at any time. When you request account deletion:

• Immediate Effect: Your account will be marked for deletion
• 7-Day Waiting Period: You have 7 days to cancel the deletion request if you change your mind
• Permanent Deletion: After 7 days, all your data will be permanently deleted from our servers
• Email Confirmation: You will receive email confirmation when deletion is complete
• Leaderboard Removal: Your scores will be removed from public leaderboards

7.4 Legal Retention

In some cases, we may need to retain certain information for legal purposes:

• To comply with legal obligations or court orders
• To resolve disputes or enforce our agreements
• To prevent fraud and abuse

Even in these cases, we will only retain the minimum necessary information and delete it as soon as the legal requirement no longer applies.

8. Children's Privacy

Sudoku IQ Pro is suitable for all ages and designed to be family-friendly. Since we do not collect any personal information from any users, including children, there are no privacy concerns regarding children's data.

Parents: You can feel confident that your child's privacy is protected when using this App, as no personal information is collected, stored, or transmitted. All game data remains on the device only.

Please note that the App displays advertisements through Google AdMob. Parents may wish to review Google's privacy policies regarding advertising to understand what information AdMob may collect for ad serving purposes.

9. Your Privacy Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

9.1 Right to Access

You have the right to access your personal data stored in our systems:

• View Your Data: You can view your game progress, statistics, and account information within the app
• Request a Copy: Email us at support@codemoksha.com to request a copy of all your data
• Response Time: We will provide your data within 30 days of your request

9.2 Right to Correction

You can update or correct your personal information:

• In-App Changes: Update your username, email, and preferences directly in the app settings
• Contact Us: Email support@codemoksha.com if you need help updating your information

9.3 Right to Deletion

You have the right to delete your account and all personal data at any time:

• Account Deletion Page: Visit codemoksha.com/sudokuiqpro-delete-account
• Email Request: Send a deletion request to support@codemoksha.com
• In-App Option: Use the "Delete Account" option in app settings (if available)
• Processing Time: Your data will be deleted within 7 days of your request

9.4 Right to Data Portability

You have the right to receive your data in a portable format:

• Export Your Data: Request a download of your data in JSON or CSV format
• Transfer Data: Move your data to another service (if applicable)
• How to Request: Email support@codemoksha.com with your data portability request

9.5 Right to Object

You have the right to object to certain processing of your data:

• Opt-Out of Features: You can choose not to use optional features like leaderboards
• Advertising: Opt-out of personalized ads through your device settings

9.6 How to Manage Your Data

• App Settings: Manage your in-app preferences and account settings
• Account Deletion: Visit codemoksha.com/sudokuiqpro-delete-account
• Opt-out of Personalized Ads: Go to your device Settings → Google → Ads → Opt out of Ads Personalization
• Reset Advertising ID: Go to your device Settings → Google → Ads → Reset advertising ID

10. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

10.1 Your CCPA Rights

• Right to Know: You have the right to know what personal information we collect, use, and share
• Right to Access: You can request a copy of your personal information we have collected
• Right to Deletion: You can request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your CCPA rights

10.2 Personal Information We Collect

As described in Section 2, we collect:

• Account identifiers (user ID, email address if provided)
• Game data (progress, scores, achievements, leaderboard data)
• Device information (device type, OS version, app version)

10.3 Sale of Personal Information

We do NOT sell your personal information to third parties.

• We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data for monetary compensation
• We do not share your data for third-party marketing purposes
• Google AdMob may collect advertising data, but this is governed by Google's policies

10.4 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise your CCPA rights:

• Data Access: Email support@codemoksha.com with your request
• Data Deletion: Visit codemoksha.com/sudokuiqpro-delete-account
• Verification: We may need to verify your identity before processing your request
• Response Time: We will respond within 45 days of receiving your request

11. GDPR Compliance (European Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or Switzerland, you have certain data protection rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

11.1 Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: When you create an account and agree to our Terms of Service
• Contract Performance: To provide you with the services you requested (game features, leaderboards)
• Legitimate Interests: To improve our app and prevent fraud

11.2 Your GDPR Rights

Under GDPR, you have the following rights:

• Right of Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten"): Request deletion of your data
• Right to Restriction: Limit how we use your data
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
• Right to Object: Object to certain types of data processing
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw your consent at any time

11.3 How to Exercise Your Rights

• Data Access/Portability: Email support@codemoksha.com
• Data Deletion: Visit codemoksha.com/sudokuiqpro-delete-account
• Other Requests: Contact us at support@codemoksha.com
• Response Time: We will respond within 30 days

11.4 Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and stored on servers located outside your country:

• Data is stored on Google Firebase servers, which may be located in various countries
• Google complies with GDPR requirements and provides adequate safeguards for data transfers
• We rely on Google's Standard Contractual Clauses for international data transfers

11.5 Supervisory Authority

If you are unhappy with how we handle your data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority in the EEA.

Google Services and GDPR:

Google AdMob and Firebase process data for advertising and cloud storage purposes and are subject to GDPR requirements. For information about how Google handles your data:

• Google Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
• Google's GDPR Commitment: https://privacy.google.com/businesses/compliance/

12. Advertising

12.1 Google AdMob Advertising

The App displays advertisements through Google AdMob. These ads may be personalized based on your interests using your Advertising ID, which is managed by Google.

How to Opt-Out of Personalized Ads:

• Android: Settings → Google → Ads → Opt out of Ads Personalization
• Reset Advertising ID: Settings → Google → Ads → Reset advertising ID

Note: Opting out will not reduce the number of ads you see, but the ads will be less relevant to your interests.

12.2 No Tracking by Us

We do not track your activity within the App or across other apps and websites. The only tracking that occurs is by Google AdMob for advertising purposes, which you can control through your device settings as described above.

13. International Data Transfers

Since we do not collect or transfer any user data, there are no international data transfers by us.

However, Google AdMob may transfer data internationally as part of their advertising services. For information about Google's data transfers and safeguards, please refer to Google's privacy policy.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy in the App and on this page
• Updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this Privacy Policy
• Sending you an in-app notification or email (if we have your email address)

You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when posted. Your continued use of the App after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

15. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

We aim to respond to all inquiries within 48 hours during business days.