Privacy Policy

Last updated: August 26, 2026

LinHug is a multiplayer word game. This Privacy Policy explains what information the app uses, how it is stored, and how you can contact us.

Information We Collect

LinHug can be played as a guest without creating an account. Users may also choose to sign in with Google or Apple to save eligible game progress and use it on another device.

The app may collect and store the following information to provide the game experience:

• Username or display name entered in the app
• Selected avatar and language preference
• Device-based player identifier used to keep a player connected to rooms
• If a user chooses Google or Apple sign-in: the provider's stable account identifier and the provider name used to link that sign-in to the player's game profile
• Email address, name, and profile image only when the selected provider makes them available. The email address is stored separately from gameplay data to support account identification and deletion requests; it is not shown to other players or used to merge game profiles. Apple may provide a private relay email address instead of a personal email address.
• Room information, such as room name, invite code, player list, game mode, timer, and room status
• Gameplay information, such as submitted words, scores, winner information, and leaderboard entries
• Basic security and rate-limit information used to prevent abuse, spam, or excessive requests

We do not intentionally collect sensitive personal information such as real name, address, phone number, precise location, contacts, photos, or payment information.

We do not receive, store, or process Google or Apple account passwords.

How We Use Information

We use the information above to:

• Let players create, join, and play in game rooms
• Validate words and calculate scores
• Show game results and leaderboards
• Keep rooms synchronized between players
• Link a user's optional Google or Apple sign-in to their game profile and restore that linked profile on another device
• Prevent spam, abuse, and excessive server usage
• Improve app stability and gameplay quality

Backend and Storage

LinHug uses Convex as its backend service to store and synchronize game data. Game data may be stored on Convex servers depending on the selected deployment region.

Some room and gameplay data may be cleaned up automatically when it is no longer needed. Leaderboard and player score data may be kept for longer to support game history and rankings.

Third-Party Services

LinHug may use the following third-party services:

• Convex, for backend database, real-time synchronization, and server functions
• Expo and EAS, for app updates, builds, and related app infrastructure
• Google, when a user chooses Google Sign-In
• Apple, when a user chooses Sign in with Apple

These services may process limited technical information needed to operate the app.

Children’s Privacy

LinHug is a general audience word game and does not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal information through the app, please contact us so we can review and delete it when appropriate.

Data Sharing

We do not sell user data.

We may share limited data only when necessary to:

• Operate the app through backend and infrastructure providers
• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect the safety, integrity, or security of the app

Data Deletion Requests

Guest data is mainly connected to the in-app username, device-based player identifier, rooms, and leaderboard entries. If a user chooses Google or Apple sign-in, related game data may also be linked to the provider's stable account identifier so that the profile can be restored on another device.

Signing out keeps the current device available for guest play; it does not by itself delete a linked account or game data. To request deletion of related data, contact us with your in-app username and, if applicable, the email address associated with the Google or Apple sign-in (including an Apple private relay address) and any relevant room or leaderboard information.

Security

We use reasonable technical measures to protect game data and reduce abuse, including rate limits and server-side validation. However, no internet-connected service can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the “Last updated” date above.

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