Privacy Policy for Phone Tag
Effective Date: 2/1/26 Last Updated: 3/1/26
1. Overview
Phone Tag (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is a real-time, location-based multiplayer game. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. Because this app involves location tracking and social interaction, please read this carefully.
2. Data We Collect
Account Information
- Phone number (used for Firebase Authentication)
- Display name
Location Data
- Precise GPS coordinates — collected while you have an active game
- Location is shared with game participants only on a successful tag (not continuously)
- We use significant location changes (not continuous GPS polling) to protect battery and minimize data collection
Game Data
- Tag history (who tagged whom, location guesses, results)
- Safe bases and tripwire placements
- Strike counts and game status
Device & Usage Data
- Push notification tokens (Firebase Cloud Messaging)
- Basic app usage via Firebase Analytics (if enabled)
Purchases
- In-app purchase history (processed through Apple’s App Store / StoreKit)
- We do not collect or store your payment information
3. How We Use Your Data
| Purpose | Data Used |
|---|---|
| Run the game (tag validation, safe bases) | Location, game state |
| Connect you with friends | Phone number, display name |
| Send game notifications | Push token |
| Prevent cheating | Server-side location validation |
| Process purchases | Apple handles payment; we record entitlement |
4. Location Data — Special Notice
Location is the core mechanic of this game. Here is exactly how it works:
- Your precise location is never shown to other players in real time
- Other players may only guess where you are; your actual location is revealed only if a tag hits you
- Location data is stored temporarily to validate tags and is not sold to third parties
- You can stop location access at any time in iOS Settings, which will suspend your participation in active games
5. Data Sharing
We do not sell your data. We share data only with:
- Firebase (Google) — authentication, real-time database, cloud functions, push messaging
- Apple — in-app purchase validation
- Other players in your game — limited game state (strikes, safe base zones) as required by gameplay
6. Data Retention
| Data | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Account data | Until you delete your account |
| Active game data | For the duration of the game |
| Location history | 30 days |
| Completed game records | 90 days |
| Purchase records | As required by Apple / tax law |
7. Children’s Privacy
Phone Tag is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from anyone under 13. If you believe a child has provided us data, contact us and we will delete it.
8. Your Rights
You may:
- Access your data — contact us and we will provide an export
- Delete your account and associated data
- Revoke location permission at any time in iOS Settings
- Opt out of push notifications in iOS Settings
9. Security
- All data is transmitted over TLS
- Game actions are validated server-side (Firebase Cloud Functions); clients cannot manipulate game state directly
- Firebase Security Rules restrict players from reading each other’s exact location data
10. Changes to This Policy
We will notify you of material changes via in-app notification or email. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.