1. Scope and who we are
This Privacy Policy applies to the Backwords iOS application (the “App”), the Backwords marketing and support website (the “Site”), and direct support communications with Backwords (together, the “Services”). “Backwords,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to the developer and operator identified as the seller on the App Store product page.
For privacy questions or requests, email privacy@backwords.games. Before commercial release, the operator’s verified legal identity and mailing address will also be available through the App Store seller and, where applicable, EU trader disclosures.
The App has no account system, ads, advertising identifiers, analytics SDKs, or cross-app tracking. Camera and microphone recordings are processed on your device. We do not receive your videos, audio, guesses, player names, or gameplay history. The App connects to Apple for purchases and to our content-delivery provider for game content. The Site is static and uses no analytics cookies.
2. Information handled by the App
The following information may be created or used on your iPhone. It remains on the device unless you deliberately save or share it:
| Information | Why it is used | Where it goes |
|---|---|---|
| Camera video and microphone audio | To record, reverse, play, and compose your Backwords attempt. | Processed locally. Not uploaded to Backwords. |
| Words, hints, guesses, and player names you enter | To run custom and party rounds on the device. | Stored locally. Not uploaded to Backwords. |
| Gameplay history, streaks, starred status, and settings | To preserve your history and preferences. | Stored locally. Not uploaded to Backwords. |
| Photos add-only access | To save a video to your Photos library when you choose Save. | The App can add the selected video; it does not request permission to browse your photo library. |
iOS asks for camera and microphone permission when recording is needed, and for add-only Photos permission when you choose to save a video. You can change these permissions at any time in iOS Settings. Without camera or microphone permission, recording features will not work, but other available parts of the App may remain usable.
3. Network services and providers
Game content
The App requests word packs, reference audio, artwork, and catalog updates from a public content service hosted by Supabase. Like ordinary internet requests, these connections disclose technical information such as your IP address, request time, requested file, and device or network metadata needed to deliver and secure the request. We do not put your recordings, typed words, guesses, player names, advertising identifiers, or gameplay history into these requests.
Apple services and purchases
The App uses Apple frameworks and StoreKit to request permissions, present the system share sheet, and determine access to purchased content. Apple processes purchase, device, App Store, and diagnostic information under its own privacy terms. Backwords does not receive your payment-card details. Apple may provide developers with aggregated or transaction reporting through App Store Connect.
Service providers
Our current providers are:
- Apple, for App Store distribution, purchases, permissions, Photos saving, and system sharing.
- Supabase, for public delivery of game content.
- Vercel, for hosting and securing this Site.
We require providers acting for us to process information only for the services they supply and to protect it in accordance with their contractual and legal obligations. We may also disclose information when reasonably necessary to comply with law, protect rights and safety, investigate misuse, or complete a business transfer, subject to applicable law.
4. Information handled by the Site
The Site does not contain account registration, contact forms, behavioral advertising, or analytics scripts. We do not set first-party analytics or advertising cookies. Vercel, as the hosting provider, may automatically process standard request and security logs—such as IP address, date and time, requested page, browser or device type, and security signals—to deliver, protect, and troubleshoot the Site.
If we later add analytics, newsletters, forms, advertising, or non-essential cookies, we will update this policy and provide any notice or consent controls required before those tools operate.
5. Saving and sharing
When you tap Save, the App asks iOS to add the selected video to your Photos library. When you tap Share, iOS shows destinations available on your device. A clip is sent only after you choose a destination and confirm the action. The recipient app or service then handles that clip under its own terms and privacy policy.
Please get permission from anyone shown or heard in a recording before saving, posting, or sending it. Do not share a child’s image, voice, name, location, or other personal information without the involvement and consent of a parent or guardian.
6. Retention and deletion
On-device information
App information stays on your device until you delete it, the App removes it under your selected retention setting, or you uninstall the App. By default, unstarred history videos are eligible for deletion after two weeks. You can choose one week, two weeks, 30 days, or “Keep all.” Starred videos remain until you unstar and clear them or uninstall the App. History entries and settings may remain after their associated video is deleted.
You can delete eligible videos through Settings → History & Storage. You can delete all remaining App data by deleting the App from your device. Videos already saved to Photos or shared to another service must be deleted from those locations separately.
Provider and support information
Hosting and content-delivery providers retain technical logs according to our configuration, their documented retention practices, and security or legal needs. If you email us, we receive your email address, message, and any attachments you choose to send. We generally retain support correspondence for up to 24 months after the request is resolved, unless a longer period is needed for security, legal compliance, or a continuing dispute.
7. Your privacy choices and rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights to request access, correction, deletion, restriction, portability, or objection concerning personal information we control; to withdraw consent where processing relies on consent; and to complain to a privacy regulator. We will not discriminate against you for exercising a privacy right.
Because Backwords does not receive your on-device gameplay or recordings, we cannot access, export, correct, or delete that information for you. Use the in-App controls or delete the App. For Site logs or support correspondence that may identify you, email privacy@backwords.games. We may need to verify your request before responding.
California notice
Backwords does not sell personal information, share it for cross-context behavioral advertising, use it for targeted advertising, or process sensitive personal information to infer characteristics about you. We have not done so during the preceding 12 months. If California law applies to us and our practices change, we will provide the required notices and opt-out methods before the change.
Legal bases for EEA, UK, and similar laws
Where a legal basis is required, we process limited Site and content-request data as necessary to provide the Services, protect their security, and pursue our legitimate interests in reliable operation; purchase information as necessary to perform the transaction you request; support communications to respond to you and pursue our legitimate interests in customer support; and information required by law to meet legal obligations. Where we ask for consent, you may withdraw it at any time without affecting earlier processing.
8. Children
The Services are intended for a general audience and are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information online from a child under 13. A child should use the App only with a parent or guardian’s involvement and should not save or share a recording without that adult’s approval. If you believe a child has sent personal information to us—for example in a support email—contact us so we can review and delete it as required.
9. International transfers
Apple, Supabase, Vercel, and our support systems may process technical or support information in countries other than your own, including the United States. Where required, transfers are supported by recognized legal mechanisms such as adequacy decisions, standard contractual clauses, or another lawful safeguard. Contact us for more information relevant to your request.
10. Security
We use data minimization, on-device processing, HTTPS, platform permission controls, access restrictions, and reputable service providers to protect information. No system is perfectly secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. If you believe you have found a security issue, please do not include private recordings or sensitive information in your first message; contact security@backwords.games.
11. Changes to this policy
We may revise this policy when the Services, providers, or legal requirements change. We will update the date above and provide additional notice when required. Material changes will apply prospectively unless applicable law permits otherwise.
12. Contact
Email privacy questions and rights requests to privacy@backwords.games. For product help, visit Backwords Support or email backwords@mbird.app.