Summary: The App does not require an account and we do not collect your name, email, or other personal information. Your progress and profile name stay on your device. The App does not access your photos, camera, contacts, or location. The App shows ads through Google AdMob and offers optional in-app purchases through Google Play. Those Google services may collect limited technical data, as described below.
This Privacy Policy describes how The Cipher Gazette ("the App", "we", "us") handles information when you use the App on Android.
Information We Do Not Collect
We do not run our own servers for the App, we do not require account creation, and we do not receive your name, email address, contacts, location, or payment details. We do not use analytics or tracking tools of our own.
Information Stored on Your Device
Saved locally using the platform's standard app storage, never sent to us:
- Game progress: puzzles solved, daily magazine progress, streaks, accuracy, hints, achievements, and settings.
- Profile name: any name you type on the Profile screen.
- Purchase status: which items you have unlocked, so they work offline.
Advertising (Google AdMob)
The App shows banner ads, occasional full-screen ads between puzzles, and optional rewarded ads you can choose to watch for an in-game reward (for example, extra lives or hints). Rewarded ads stay available even if you buy "Remove Ads", which removes banner and full-screen ads only.
Google may collect device identifiers (such as your advertising ID), approximate location derived from your IP address, and ad-interaction data. See Google's Partner Policy and Google's Privacy Policy.
Consent: where consent is required for personalized advertising (such as the EEA, the UK, or Switzerland), the App asks for your choice with Google's consent form before ads are requested. You can also reset your advertising ID or opt out of personalized ads in your device's Google settings.
In-App Purchases (Google Play Billing)
- Hint packs: one-time bundles of hints, used up as you spend them.
- Category unlocks and bundles: permanent access to premium categories.
- Remove Ads (optionally bundled with hints): permanently removes banner and full-screen ads.
- Full Access: unlocks every category, removes ads, and provides unlimited hints.
Payments are handled entirely by Google Play. We never see your payment details. Google shares only what is needed to confirm and restore a purchase (such as the product and a purchase token).
Other Platform Features
- Daily reminders: scheduled locally on your device. No data is sent anywhere. Android may ask you to allow notifications.
- Rate the App: uses Google Play's built-in review prompt.
- Write to the Editor: opens your email app. If you email us, we receive your address and message and use them only to reply.
Children's Privacy
The App is not directed at children under 13 and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
Data Retention & Deletion
- Reset All Progress (Settings) erases game progress, statistics, and hint balance (including purchased hints not yet used). It keeps your profile name and permanent purchases.
- Uninstalling erases everything the App stored on your device.
- Permanent purchases are linked to your Google account and can be recovered with Settings → Restore Purchases. Hint packs are consumed and cannot be restored.
- To delete any email correspondence with us, ask at the address below.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected by updating the "Last updated" date above.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at: altevilstudious@gmail.com