Privacy Policy - 2048 Merge & Evolve

Introduction

"2048 Merge & Evolve" is committed to safeguarding the privacy of its users. This Privacy Policy explains the types of information we collect and do not collect via our mobile application and outlines our responsibilities to our users.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

"2048 Merge & Evolve" functions without requiring registration or login, and users can enjoy the game without providing personal details directly to us. We do not collect names, email addresses, or contact details. However, third-party advertising services (Google AdMob) may collect certain information as described in the "Advertising and Third-Party Services" section below.

Analytics Data

We use Firebase Analytics to collect aggregated, anonymous usage data to improve our app and optimize the user experience. This includes:

• Device Information: Device type, operating system version, app version
• Usage Patterns:
  • Game play sessions and completion rates
  • Time spent playing
  • Features used and frequency of use
  • Session duration and app launches
• Performance Metrics:
  • App crashes and performance issues
  • Network connectivity status
  • Game loading times

All analytics data is anonymous and cannot be used to identify individual users. We use this data solely to:

• Improve app performance and user experience
• Understand which collections users enjoy most
• Optimize game mechanics and difficulty
• Fix bugs and technical issues

Local Data Storage

Game progress, high scores, and settings are stored locally on your device using SharedPreferences. This data includes:

• Grid state and current game progress
• High scores per collection
• Discovered evolution tiers
• Audio and haptic preferences
• Game-specific settings

This local data remains on your device and is never transmitted to our servers or shared with third parties.

Game Center Data

If you use Apple Game Center, your scores may be submitted to leaderboards. This data is handled by Apple according to their privacy policy.

Advertising and Third-Party Services

Google AdMob (Advertising Platform)

We display advertisements through Google AdMob to support the app's development and maintenance. AdMob may collect and process certain information for ad personalization and delivery:

• Device Information: Device model, operating system version, unique device identifiers (IDFA on iOS)
• Ad Interaction Data: Ad views, clicks, and interaction patterns
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address (for geographically relevant ads)
• Usage Data: App usage patterns and frequency

Ad Types in the App:

• Banner Ads: Displayed during gameplay at the bottom of the screen
• Interstitial Ads: Full-screen ads shown between games with frequency controls
• Rewarded Ads: Optional ads that users can watch to receive in-game benefits (undo moves)

App Tracking Transparency (iOS)

On iOS 14.5 and later, we request your permission before tracking your activity across other companies' apps and websites for advertising purposes. You can choose to:

• Allow Tracking: Permits personalized ads based on your activity
• Ask App Not to Track: You'll see ads, but they won't be personalized based on cross-app tracking

Your choice can be changed anytime in Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking.

Other Third-Party Services We Use:

• Firebase Analytics (Google) - Anonymous usage analytics
• Firebase Core (Google) - App infrastructure
• Apple Game Center - Leaderboards

Third-Party Privacy Policies:

• Google AdMob: https://policies.google.com/privacy
• Google Ads: https://policies.google.com/technologies/ads
• Firebase: https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy
• Apple: https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/

Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures:

• All data transmission uses secure HTTPS protocols
• Firebase Analytics data is encrypted in transit and at rest
• No personal information is collected or stored
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• Local data is stored securely on your device

Data Retention and Deletion

• Analytics Data: Retained for up to 14 months by Firebase Analytics
• Advertising Data: Retained by Google AdMob according to their policies (typically 6-26 months)
• Local Data: Game progress stored only on your device
• Deletion Rights: Users can request deletion of their data by contacting us

To clear local data, you can:

• Uninstall and reinstall the app
• Clear app data through your device settings

To request analytics and advertising data deletion:

• Email us at contact@alphajcstudio.com
• Include your device ID or IDFA (if available)
• We will process deletion requests within 30 days
• Note: Advertising data managed by Google requires a separate request through Google's privacy controls

To opt out of personalized advertising:

• iOS: Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking > Turn off for 2048 Merge & Evolve
• Google Ads: Visit Google Ad Settings to manage ad personalization

Children's Privacy

This app is designed for all ages and contains no inappropriate content. However, we display advertisements through Google AdMob. We comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and similar regulations:

• No registration or login is required to use the app
• We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13
• Ads shown to children are filtered to be family-friendly and age-appropriate
• We do not display personalized ads to users identified as children
• Parents can disable tracking via iOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking
• Parents can review our data practices in this policy
• If we learn we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, we will delete it promptly

Parental Controls: We recommend parents review and adjust iOS privacy settings, especially "Ask to Track" permissions and Screen Time restrictions.

User Rights and Controls

You Have the Right To:

• Opt Out of Personalized Ads: Disable tracking via iOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking
• Opt Out of Analytics: Limited analytics collection, can be disabled through Firebase Analytics opt-out
• Request Data Deletion: Contact us to remove your usage and advertising data
• Access Your Data: Request a summary of data associated with your device
• Clear Local Data: Through device settings or app reinstallation
• Manage Ad Preferences: Control ad personalization through Google Ad Settings

How to Exercise Your Rights:

• iOS Tracking Settings: Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking
• Device Settings: Clear app data or uninstall the app
• Google Ad Settings: adssettings.google.com
• Email Support: contact@alphajcstudio.com for data requests

Audio and Visual Assets

OpenMoji Graphics

• All emoji graphics are from OpenMoji (openmoji.org)
• Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
• No user data is collected through emoji usage

Sound Effects

• Sound effects licensed for game use
• Audio playback data is not collected

Changes to Our Privacy Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Changes will be:

• Posted in the app with the update date
• Notified through app updates
• Effective immediately upon posting

Users are encouraged to review this policy periodically.

Contact Us

User Consent

By using "2048 Merge & Evolve," you acknowledge that you have read this Privacy Policy and consent to:

• Display of advertisements through Google AdMob
• Anonymous analytics data collection for app improvement via Firebase Analytics
• Local data storage for game progress and settings
• Data processing by third-party services as described in this policy

You may withdraw consent by:

• Disabling tracking via iOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking
• Uninstalling the app
• Clearing app data through device settings

California Residents (CCPA)

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

• Right to Know: Request what personal information we collect, use, and share
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Opt Out: Opt out of the "sale" of personal information (we do not sell data, but ad networks may share it)
• Right to Non-Discrimination: Exercise your rights without discriminatory treatment

To exercise these rights, email contact@alphajcstudio.com with "CCPA Request" in the subject line.

European Union Residents (GDPR)

If you are in the European Union, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data
• Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your data for direct marketing
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, email contact@alphajcstudio.com with "GDPR Request" in the subject line.