🔒 Privacy Policy

Last updated: February 22, 2026

1. Introduction

At 5 Words, we prioritize the protection of your personal data. This privacy policy describes how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our application on Apple devices.

2. Data Collected

2.1 User-Provided Data

• Authentication: Unique identifier (UUID), username, email address
• Profile: Profile photo (optional), language preferences
• Game: Match results, scores, game statistics

2.2 Automatically Collected Data

• Device data: Device type, iOS version, advertising identifier (IDFA)
• Usage data: In-app actions, session duration, features used
• Location data: Approximate location (with permission)
• Technical data: IP address, time zone, system language

2.3 Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use tracking technologies to analyze app usage and improve your experience.

3. Data Usage

We use your data to:

• Service provision: App operation, authentication, data synchronization
• Improvement: Performance analysis, feature optimization
• Communication: Push notifications, customer support, important announcements
• Analytics: Aggregated statistics, usage trends
• Advertising: Personalized advertising content (with consent)
• Compliance: Legal obligations

4. Data Sharing

4.1 Authorized Third Parties

We share your data with:

• Service providers: Cloud hosting, analytics (Firebase, Mixpanel)
• Apple partners: In compliance with App Store guidelines
• Technical providers: Infrastructure, security, support

4.2 Restrictions

5. Data Security

5.1 Protection Measures

• Encryption: TLS 1.3 for data in transit
• Authentication: OAuth 2.0 and Apple Sign In protocols
• Storage: Encryption of sensitive data at rest
• Access: Role-based access restrictions

5.2 Limitations

While we implement robust measures, no system is 100% secure.

6. Your Rights

In accordance with applicable laws (GDPR, CCPA, etc.), you can:

7. Data Retention

• Active account: Data retained as long as you use the service
• After deletion: Deletion within 30 days (except legal obligations)
• Analytics data: Aggregated and retained 12-24 months

8. Apple Sign In Integration

When you use Apple Sign In:

• We receive only the unique identifier provided by Apple
• Apple does not share your email without explicit consent
• You keep full control of your Apple account
• You can revoke access via Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security

9. Location and Regional Data

9.1 European Union (GDPR)

• Legal basis: Consent or legitimate interest
• Right to be forgotten: Fully respected
• Data Protection Officer: Available upon request

9.2 California (CCPA)

• Right to know: Full access to your data
• Right to deletion: Requests processed within 45 days
• Right to opt-out of sale: Your data is never sold

10. Push Notifications

You can control push notifications in your device settings. We use notifications to inform you about new challenges, match results, and important updates.

11. Minors

12. Changes to this Policy

We may update this privacy policy periodically. We will notify you of any significant changes via the app or by email. The "Last updated" date at the top of this document indicates the latest revision.

13. Contact

For any questions regarding this privacy policy or your personal data, please contact us:

14. Supervisory Authorities

If you are not satisfied with our response to your privacy concerns, you have the right to file a complaint with the relevant data protection authority:

• EU: List of EU Data Protection Authorities
• California: California Attorney General - Privacy