Privacy Policy
Last Updated: January 10, 2025
1. Introduction
Board Games Buddy ("we", "our", "us") operates the Board Games Buddy mobile application (the "Service").
This Privacy Policy informs you about how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal data when you use our application.
By using our Service, you agree to the practices described in this policy.
2. Data We Collect
2.1 Data You Provide Directly
We collect the following information that you voluntarily provide to us:
- Username/Display Name: A display name you choose when first using the application
- Player Names: Names or nicknames of people you play games with
- Game Sessions: Information about your game sessions (game played, date, results, scores)
- Photos (optional): Photos you choose to attach to your game sessions
2.2 Data Collected Automatically
- Device Identifier: A unique identifier automatically generated for your device
- Technical Information: Device type, operating system version, device language
- Search History: Games you search for within the application
2.3 Data We Do NOT Collect
We do NOT collect:
- Your email address (unless you contact us)
- Your phone number
- Your GPS location
- Your contacts
- Your social media credentials
- Your payment information
3. How We Use Your Data
We use your data solely for the following purposes:
3.1 Application Functionality
- Record and display your game sessions
- Calculate and display your personal statistics
- Enable game search within our database
- Synchronize your data between local device and our servers
3.2 Service Improvement
- Understand how the application is used (anonymously and in aggregate)
- Fix bugs and improve performance
- Develop new features
3.3 Communication
- Respond to your support requests
- Inform you of important updates (only if you contacted us)
We do NOT use your data for:
- Targeted advertising
- Selling to third parties
- Marketing profiling
4. Data Sharing
4.1 We NEVER Sell Your Data
Your personal data is never sold, rented, or traded with third parties for commercial purposes.
4.2 Limited Sharing
We share your data only in the following cases:
Hosting and Infrastructure:
Our servers are hosted by Hetzner which stores your data securely. These service providers are subject to strict confidentiality agreements and do not access your data.
Legal Obligation:
If required by law, court order, or government authority.
With Your Explicit Consent:
If you explicitly ask us to share your data (e.g., data export).
5. Data Storage and Security
5.1 Where Your Data is Stored
- On your device: Most of your data is stored locally on your phone
- On our servers: A synchronized copy is stored on our secure servers located in Germany
5.2 Security Measures
We implement the following measures to protect your data:
- Encryption in transit: All communications between your device and our servers use HTTPS/TLS 1.3
- Restricted access: Only authorized administrators can access the servers
- Regular backups: Your data is backed up daily to prevent loss
- Anonymization: Statistical analyses are performed on anonymized and aggregated data
5.3 Data Retention
- While you use the app: Your data is kept indefinitely
- After app deletion: Local data is deleted. Server data remains for 30 days to allow recovery
- After deletion request: All your data is deleted within 30 days maximum
6. Your Rights
In accordance with GDPR (for European users) and applicable laws, you have the following rights:
6.1 Right of Access
You can request a copy of all data we hold about you.
6.2 Right to Rectification
You can correct or update your data directly in the application.
6.3 Right to Erasure (Right to be Forgotten)
You can request complete deletion of all your data.
6.4 Right to Data Portability
You can request export of your data in a structured, machine-readable format (JSON, CSV).
6.5 Right to Object
You can object to certain processing of your data.
6.6 How to Exercise Your Rights
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at:
- Email: hello@quetzal-games.com
We respond to all requests within 30 days maximum.
7. Children's Privacy
Our application is not intended for children under 13 years of age (16 years in the EU).
We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal data, contact us immediately at hello@quetzal-games.com.
8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our application does NOT use:
- Advertising tracking cookies
- Tracking pixels
- Third-party analytics tools (Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, etc.)
We only use:
- Local storage (AsyncStorage) for application functionality
- Locally generated device identifier for synchronization
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy occasionally. We will notify you of any significant changes by:
- In-app notification
- Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this document
We encourage you to review this policy regularly.
Changes take effect upon publication. Your continued use of the application after publication constitutes acceptance of the changes.
10. International Data Transfers
If you use our application from the European Union:
- Your data may be transferred to servers located outside the EU (notably in the United States)
- These transfers are made in accordance with GDPR and protected by standard contractual clauses
11. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
For European users, we process your data based on the following legal grounds:
- Contract execution: Provision of the service you request
- Legitimate interest: Application improvement, fraud prevention
- Consent: Game session photos (optional)
12. Contact
13. Supervisory Authority
If you reside in the European Union and believe your rights have not been respected, you may file a complaint with the data protection authority in your country:
Version: 1.0
Effective Date: January 10, 2025