Privacy Policy

Last Updated: March 2025

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Starscanner ("the Game") collects, uses, and protects your information. By using the Game, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

Account Data:

• Email address (when registering an account)
• Google account ID (when using Google Sign-In)
• Encrypted authentication tokens

Local Data:

• Game progress, discoveries, and statistics
• Upgrades and energy state
• Settings and preferences

This data is stored locally on your device using Android DataStore and is not transmitted to our servers unless you create an account.

Server-Stored Data:

If you create an account, the following data is stored on our servers:

• Squad membership and squad information
• Signal contributions
• User profile information

3. Information We Do Not Collect

We do not collect:

• Location data
• Contact information (beyond your email if you register)
• Payment information (handled entirely by Google Play)
• Device sensor data

4. Data Storage

Game data is stored locally on your device using Android DataStore. Authentication tokens are stored using Android's EncryptedSharedPreferences with AES-256 encryption.

If you create an account, your account and squad data is stored on our servers in a PostgreSQL database. Server communication is secured via HTTPS and JWT-based authentication.

5. Third-Party Services

The Game uses the following third-party services:

Google Sign-In:

The Game offers authentication via Google Sign-In. When you sign in with Google, we receive your basic profile information (email and account ID) to create or link your account. For more information, see Google's Privacy Policy.

Google Play Billing:

In-app purchases are processed through Google Play Billing. Payment information is handled entirely by Google and is not accessible to us. See Google's Privacy Policy for details.

App Store Distribution:

The Game is distributed through app stores (Google Play) which have their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review their policies.

6. Children's Privacy

The Game is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your data. Authentication tokens are encrypted locally using AES-256 via Android's EncryptedSharedPreferences. Server communication uses HTTPS with JWT-based authentication. However, no method of storage or transmission is 100% secure.

8. Your Rights

You can:

• Request deletion of your account and all associated server-stored data by contacting us
• Clear local game data through your device settings
• Uninstall the Game to remove all locally stored data

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Continued use of the Game after changes constitutes acceptance.

10. Contact

For questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us through the app store listing.