Privacy policy

1 Information we collect

• Game Data: your progress, statistics, achievements, save slots, and in-game preferences, stored locally on your device.
• Device Information: device type, OS version, app version, and device identifiers.
• Usage Data: how you interact with the app, features used, session duration, and gameplay patterns.
• Purchase Data: in-app purchase receipts and history, processed securely through Apple.
• Tracking Data (optional): with your explicit permission via App Tracking Transparency, we may collect data for personalized advertising.

2 How we use your information

• App functionality: save your progress locally, provide game features, and process purchases securely.
• User experience: improve performance, fix bugs, and enhance gameplay.
• Advertising (with permission): show relevant ads through Google AdMob.
• Customer support: respond to your questions, feedback, and technical issues.
• Legal compliance: comply with applicable laws and protect our legal rights.

3 Third-party services

• Apple App Store: secure in-app purchase processing and app distribution.
• Expo: app development, deployment, and over-the-air updates.
• Google AdMob (currently disabled): displaying ads, requires your consent via ATT when enabled.

We do not use Firebase or other analytics beyond Apple's built-in frameworks, and we do not transmit your game data to external servers unless you explicitly enable cloud save. All progress is stored locally using AsyncStorage.

4 Data storage & transmission

• Local storage: all game data is stored on your device.
• No cloud by default: your data stays on your device unless you enable cloud save.
• In-app purchases: receipts are validated with Apple but not stored on our servers.
• Data deletion: deleting the app permanently removes all locally stored game data.

5 Data sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share limited data with:

• Apple Inc.: in-app purchase processing and app distribution.
• Expo: deployment and crash reporting (minimal device/app info only).
• Google AdMob (when enabled): serving ads if you grant tracking permission.
• Legal authorities: only when required by law or to protect legal rights.

6 App Tracking Transparency (ATT)

• We request your permission before tracking your activity across other apps and websites.
• You can grant or deny this when first launching the app.
• Denying tracking does not affect core app functionality.
• Change your preference anytime in iOS Settings → Privacy → Tracking.
• Tracking is only used for personalized advertising when AdMob is enabled.

7 Data security

• Encryption: sensitive data is encrypted using industry-standard methods.
• Secure transmission: all network communication uses HTTPS.
• Local security: game data relies on iOS device security features.
• No passwords: the app requires no account or password storage.
• Purchase security: all transactions go through Apple's secure payment system.

8 Data retention

• Game data: stored locally until you delete the app or your save files.
• Purchase receipts: retained by Apple for 7 years (tax and legal compliance).
• Crash reports: up to 90 days for debugging.
• Analytics data: not collected in the current version.

9 Your rights

• Access: view all your game data in-app (Statistics, Progress screens).
• Correct: change your character name and preferences in Settings.
• Delete: remove all data by deleting the app or using in-app save-slot deletion.
• Opt out of tracking: deny or revoke tracking permission in iOS Settings.
• Opt out of ads: purchase "Remove Ads" when available.
• Portability: export your game data (cloud save feature, when enabled).
• Contact us: email DeepLifeSimulator@gmail.com with any privacy concerns.

10 Children's privacy (COPPA)

• The app is rated 17+ and is not intended for children under 13.
• We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
• If you believe we have, contact us immediately at DeepLifeSimulator@gmail.com.
• Parents can use iOS parental controls to restrict usage and in-app purchases.

11 In-app purchases

• All purchases are processed securely through Apple's In-App Purchase system.
• We do not store your payment information — we only receive transaction receipts (no card data).
• Purchases are tied to your Apple ID and can be restored via "Restore Purchases".
• Refunds are handled by Apple according to their refund policy.

12 Changes to this policy

• We may update this policy from time to time.
• We'll notify you of significant changes by updating the app and posting the new policy.
• The "Last updated" date above indicates the most recent revision.
• Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the new policy.

13 International users

• The app is available worldwide through the Apple App Store.
• By using it, you consent to data transfer to the United States, where our service providers may be located.
• We comply with applicable international privacy laws including GDPR and CCPA.

14 Contact us

Questions, concerns, or requests about this policy?

• Email: DeepLifeSimulator@gmail.com
• App: DeepLife Sim
• Developer: DeepLife Simulator
• Response time: we aim to reply within 48 hours.

15 Compliance

This privacy policy complies with:

• Apple App Store Review Guidelines (Section 5.1)
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) — EU
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) — US
• Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) — US
• App Tracking Transparency (ATT) — iOS 14.5+