Privacy Policy

Introduction

The Word Club ("we," "our," or "the app") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your data.

Information We Collect

1. Device Identifier

• What: A unique identifier assigned to your device by Apple (identifierForVendor)
• Why: To manage your account, sync your learning progress, and secure API requests
• Note: This identifier persists across app reinstalls on the same device

2. Learning Progress Data

• What: Words you've viewed, completion status, familiarity feedback, and timestamps
• Why: To track your vocabulary learning progress and personalize your experience
• Storage: Stored locally on your device and on our secure servers

3. Technical and Diagnostic Data

• What: App usage patterns, performance metrics, crash reports, and API request logs
• Why: To maintain and improve app functionality, diagnose issues, and ensure security
• Retention: API logs retained for 90 days; analytics retained indefinitely in anonymized form

4. Advertising Data

We use Google AdMob to display advertisements. Google may collect:

• Advertising identifier (IDFA)
• Device information (model, OS version)
• IP address
• App interaction data
• General location (country/region level)

Purpose: To serve ads and measure ad performance.

Your Control: You can limit ad tracking in iOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking.

Learn more: Google Privacy Policy | Google Ad Settings

5. Analytics Data

We use TelemetryDeck, a privacy-focused analytics service provided by TelemetryDeck GmbH (Von-der-Tann-Str. 54, 86159 Augsburg, Germany), to collect anonymized usage data:

• Anonymous usage statistics
• Feature usage patterns
• Performance metrics
• Crash and error reports

Data Processing

• All data sent to TelemetryDeck is anonymized before transmission
• TelemetryDeck receives only anonymized user identifiers that cannot be traced back to any personally identifiable information
• Data is aggregated and stored on servers located in the European Union

Note: TelemetryDeck does not collect personally identifiable information and cannot identify individual users.

Learn more: TelemetryDeck Privacy Policy

How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

1. Provide and maintain the vocabulary learning service
2. Track your learning progress across sessions
3. Verify legitimate app installations and prevent fraud
4. Display relevant advertisements through Google AdMob
5. Analyze app performance and identify bugs
6. Generate anonymized statistics to improve word selection

Data Storage and Security

Storage: Your data is stored securely both on your device and on our cloud servers.

Security: We implement industry-standard security measures including:

• Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/TLS)
• Secure authentication mechanisms
• Regular security monitoring
• Access controls and authorization

Retention:

• Learning data: Retained until you delete your account
• API logs: 90 days, then automatically deleted
• Analytics: Retained indefinitely in anonymized, aggregated form

Third-Party Services

Apple Services

We use Apple's device verification services to ensure app authenticity. Apple may collect technical information as part of this process. See Apple's Privacy Policy.

Dictionary API

We retrieve word definitions from Free Dictionary API (dictionaryapi.dev). Only word queries are sent—no personal information.

Google AdMob

Google serves advertisements and may collect data as described in the "Advertising Data" section above. Google is an independent data controller for advertising data.

TelemetryDeck

TelemetryDeck GmbH provides privacy-focused analytics. All data is anonymized before transmission and aggregated on servers in the European Union. TelemetryDeck does not collect any personally identifiable information and cannot identify individual users.

Your Privacy Rights

Access Your Data

View your learning progress within the app's "Past Words" section.

Delete Your Data

You can delete your account and all associated data at any time:

1. Open Settings (gear icon in the Today tab)
2. Tap "Delete My Account and Data"
3. Confirm deletion

What gets deleted:

• Your account and device registration
• All learning progress and feedback
• Security verification keys
• Your device identifier from our records

What remains:

• Anonymized aggregate statistics (e.g., "75% of users knew this word")—your individual contribution is removed but historical counts remain

Note: Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone.

Advertising Opt-Out

To limit ad tracking:

• Go to iOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking
• Toggle off "Allow Apps to Request to Track"

To reset your advertising identifier:

• Go to iOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising
• Tap "Reset Advertising Identifier"

GDPR Rights (European Economic Area Users)

If you are in the EEA, you have additional rights under GDPR:

Legal Basis: We process your data based on:

• Your consent (when you use the app)
• Legitimate interest (to provide and improve the service)

Your Rights:

• Access: Request a copy of your data
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate data
• Erasure: Delete your data (use in-app deletion)
• Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
• Data Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Object: Object to data processing
• Withdraw Consent: Stop using the app and delete your account

Data Transfers: Your data may be transferred to and stored on servers located in the United States. We implement appropriate safeguards to protect your data in accordance with GDPR requirements.

California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

Categories of Personal Information We Collect:

• Identifiers: Device identifier, IP address (via Google Ads)
• Internet/Electronic Activity: App usage, learning progress, ad interactions
• Inferences: Vocabulary proficiency levels based on your learning patterns

Business Purposes: Providing the service, analytics, advertising, security, and app improvement.

Sale of Personal Information: We do NOT sell your personal information.

Your Rights:

• Right to Know: What personal information we collect and how it's used (described in this policy)
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information (use in-app deletion)
• Right to Opt-Out of Sale: Not applicable—we don't sell data
• Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights

Children's Privacy

This app is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child under 13 has used the app, please contact us immediately to request data deletion.

Data Sharing

We share information only in the following circumstances:

With Service Providers:

• Google (AdMob) for advertising
• TelemetryDeck for analytics
• Cloud hosting providers for data storage

Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or to protect our legal rights and safety.

Business Transfers: If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your data may be transferred. We will notify you before your data becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When we make material changes:

• The "Last Updated" date will be revised
• We will notify you through the app or App Store update notes
• Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance

Consent and Your Choices

By using The Word Club, you consent to this Privacy Policy.

To withdraw consent:

1. Delete your account using the in-app feature
2. Uninstall the app
3. Disable ad tracking in iOS settings (for advertising)

Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or data requests:

Email: support@thewordclub.app

Response Time: We aim to respond to privacy inquiries within 30 days.