Privacy Policy

WordFren (“we,” “our,” or “us”) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect when you use the WordFren mobile application (“App”), how we use and protect it, and your choices.

1. Who we are

WordFren is a word puzzle and vocabulary app available on iOS. When we refer to “WordFren,” we mean the App and the services we provide in connection with it.

2. Information we collect

2.1 Information you provide

• Account information. If you create an account, we collect the email address and password you provide. Authentication is handled by Firebase Authentication (Google). We do not store your password in plain text.
• Display name. You may set or we may assign a display name used on leaderboards and in the App. This may be stored in our database (Firebase Firestore) and linked to your account.

2.2 Information we collect automatically

• Gameplay and progress. We store data on your device (e.g., scores, discovered words, streaks, level progress, settings such as sound and haptics) so the App works correctly and your progress is saved. When you are signed in, we also send scores and your display name to our servers to display leaderboards (daily, weekly, and all-time).
• Device and usage. We may receive information about your device (e.g., type, operating system) and how you use the App to operate and improve our services. If we use third-party analytics, we will describe that in an updated version of this policy.

2.3 Pronunciation feature

The App can play pronunciation for words. To do so, we may send the word text to a third-party text-to-speech service (e.g., Google Cloud Text-to-Speech) to generate audio. That provider may process the word in accordance with its own privacy policy. You can avoid this by not using the pronunciation feature or by using only the device’s built-in speech (when available).

3. How we use your information

We use the information we collect to:

• Create and manage your account and authenticate you.
• Save and sync your progress, scores, and display name so you can play across sessions and appear on leaderboards.
• Operate, maintain, and improve the App (including gameplay, leaderboards, and features like pronunciation).
• Communicate with you about the App (e.g., important updates or security issues) if we have your contact details.
• Comply with applicable law and protect our and others’ rights and safety.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

4. Where we store your information

• On your device. Progress, discovered words, preferences, and similar data are stored locally on your device.
• Our servers (Firebase). When you are signed in, we use Google Firebase (Authentication and Firestore) to store account data, display name, and leaderboard data (scores, display name, dates). Firebase processes data as described in Google’s Privacy Policy and applicable data processing terms.
• Third-party services. If we use services such as text-to-speech or analytics, those providers may receive and process data as described in their privacy policies.

5. Sharing your information

We may share information:

• With service providers (e.g., Firebase, cloud hosting, TTS) who help us run the App, under contracts that limit use to providing our services.
• When required by law (e.g., court order, subpoena) or to protect the rights, safety, or property of us, our users, or the public.
• In connection with a merger, sale, or restructuring of our business, with notice where required by law.

We do not sell or rent your personal information. Leaderboard data (e.g., display name and score) is designed to be visible to other users as part of the App’s competitive features.

6. Data retention

• Account and leaderboard data. We retain account and leaderboard data for as long as your account is active. When you delete your account (see Section 8), we delete or anonymize your personal data in line with our retention practices and legal obligations.
• Local data. Data stored only on your device remains until you delete the App or clear its data.
• Backups and logs. We may retain certain data in backups or logs for a limited period for security and operational purposes, after which it is deleted or anonymized.

7. Your rights and choices

• Access and correction. You can view and update your display name and account details in the App. For other personal data we hold, you may contact us (see Section 11).
• Delete your account. You may delete your account at any time from within the App (e.g., Profile → Delete account). We will delete or anonymize your account and associated personal data in accordance with our internal procedures and applicable law. Some data may remain in backups or logs for a limited time.
• Opt-out of marketing. If we send marketing messages, we will include a way to opt out. We do not sell your data for marketing by third parties.
• Device permissions. You can control App permissions (e.g., notifications) in your device settings. Disabling certain permissions may limit some features.

If you are in the European Economic Area, UK, or another jurisdiction with specific privacy rights, you may have additional rights (e.g., access, portability, restriction, objection, withdrawal of consent, complaint to a supervisor). Contact us to exercise them.

8. Children’s privacy

The App is not directed at children under 13 (or the applicable age in your country). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.

9. Security

We use industry-standard measures (including Firebase security features and secure connections) to protect your information. No system is completely secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated policy in the App and/or on our website and change the “Last updated” date. If changes are significant, we may notify you in the App or by email where available. Your continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact us

For privacy-related questions, to exercise your rights, or to delete your account data:

• Email: privacy@wordfren.com
• App: Profile → Privacy (and/or Delete account)

If you are in the EEA/UK, you may also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.