Privacy Policy — DownWords
Effective Date: 22 November 2025
Last Updated: 22 November 2025
1. Introduction
Welcome to DownWords (“the App”), developed by Lit Way Games (“we”, “us”, or “our”).
Your privacy matters to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use DownWords and its related services.
By downloading or using the App, you agree to this Privacy Policy.
2. Information We Collect
a. Account Information
When you sign in to DownWords using your Google account, we receive your name, email address, and profile picture from Google. You may change your display name within the App at any time. We do not access your Google password or any other private Google data.
b. Gameplay and League Data
We store gameplay information such as words found, scores, and league participation (both private and public). Your chosen display name is associated with this data.
In public leagues, your display name and score may be visible to other players globally. In private leagues, your data is visible only to members of that league.
c. Reporting System Data
When a player is reported for an offensive or inappropriate name, we record the reported user’s display name, league association, the player ID of the reporter, and the report reason. This information is used solely for moderation and enforcement purposes.
d. Device and Usage Data
We collect device model, operating system, app version, crash logs, and anonymous usage analytics to help improve performance and stability.
3. How We Use Your Information
- Provide and personalise your gameplay experience
- Maintain leaderboards for public and private leagues
- Allow you to manage and change your display name
- Operate the player reporting and moderation system
- Analyse usage to improve features and performance
- Respond to support enquiries and bug reports
We will never sell or rent your personal information to third parties.
4. Data Sharing
We share limited information only as necessary, for example with trusted service providers (such as Google and Firebase) for authentication, analytics, and storage. We may disclose data where required to comply with applicable law or enforce our policies.
In public leagues, your display name and score may be visible to other users.
5. Data Security and Storage
Data is encrypted and securely stored using reputable cloud services including Google Firebase. We employ reasonable technical and organisational measures to safeguard information from unauthorised access or misuse.
6. Data Retention
We retain your data while your account remains active. If you delete your account, your personal and gameplay data will be deleted or anonymised within 30 days. Moderation records may be stored longer to preserve community integrity.
7. Your Rights
Under applicable data protection law (including the UK GDPR), you have the right to:
- Access a copy of your personal data
- Request correction or deletion of your data
- Withdraw consent at any time
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
Contact us at privacy@downwordsgame.com to exercise these rights.
8. Children’s Privacy
DownWords is intended for users aged 13 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13.
9. Third-Party Services
Our app uses third-party services, including Google Sign-In and Firebase Analytics. These providers have their own privacy policies:
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally. Updates will be posted on this page or within the App, along with the revised effective date.
11. Contact Us
Questions or complaints about privacy should be directed to:
Email: privacy@downwordsgame.com
Address: 14 Marsh Court, Aberbargoed, Bargoed, Wales, CF81 9BF