Overview

Carve: The Wooden Puzzle Game ("the App") is operated by C. Jason Maier. This policy explains what data is collected when you use the App and how it is used.

We are committed to protecting your privacy. This policy is designed to be straightforward and transparent.

Data We Collect Directly

As a default, we do not collect, transmit, or store any personal information on our servers.

Leaderboard Feature (Optional)

Carve includes an optional Global Leaderboard. Participation is entirely opt-in.

If you choose to join:

• What we collect: A username you choose, your best game scores, and an anonymous device identifier generated randomly on your device, and whether you have purchased the ad-free upgrade (displayed publicly as a ⭐ next to your username on the leaderboard).
• What we do not collect: Your name, email address, Apple ID, device ID, IP address, or any information that could identify you personally.
• Where it is stored: Leaderboard data is stored using Google Firebase Firestore. Google's privacy policy applies to this storage: https://policies.google.com/privacy
• How it is used: Your username and scores are displayed publicly on the in-game leaderboard visible to all players.
• Retention: Your leaderboard data is stored until you delete it. You can permanently remove all your leaderboard data at any time using the "Leave Leaderboard" button in the game's Settings menu. Deletion removes your username and scores from our database immediately.
• Children: The leaderboard requires users to choose a username. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If you are under 13, please do not participate in the leaderboard.

If you did not opt in to the leaderboard, no data beyond what is described in the AdMob and IAP sections below is collected.

Data Collected by Third Parties

Google AdMob

The App displays advertisements served by Google AdMob. If you grant permission when prompted, AdMob may collect:

• Device identifiers (IDFA — Identifier for Advertisers)
• Coarse location (derived from IP address)
• App usage and interaction data

This data is used to serve relevant advertisements. If you deny tracking permission, AdMob will serve non-personalized ads and will not collect your device identifier for advertising purposes.

For more information on how Google uses data, visit: policies.google.com/privacy

Apple In-App Purchases

If you purchase "Remove Ads," this transaction is processed entirely by Apple. We do not receive or store your payment information. Apple's privacy policy governs this transaction: apple.com/legal/privacy

Your Choices

• You can withdraw ad tracking consent at any time in Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking
• You can request non-personalized ads by disabling tracking for this app in your device Settings
• Purchasing "Remove Ads" will remove all advertisements from the App entirely

Children's Privacy

Carve is rated 4+ on the App Store. The core game is suitable for all ages. The optional Global Leaderboard requires users to choose a username. We do not knowingly collect any information from children under 13. If you are under 13, please do not participate in the leaderboard feature.

The leaderboard is entirely opt-in. Players who do not join the leaderboard have no personal information collected beyond what is described in the 3rd party section above.

Parents and guardians can control ad tracking permissions for their child's device through Apple's Screen Time settings. The leaderboard feature can be avoided entirely by simply not opting in when prompted.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy as the App evolves. The date at the top of this page reflects when it was last revised. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact

For privacy questions or concerns, please contact:

cjasonmaier@gmail.com