Privacy Policy

How we handle and protect your information

Last updated: June 30, 2026

Sharma Tech Labs ("we," "us," or "our") operates the Dots & Boxes mobile application (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our App. Please read this policy carefully. By using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information when you use our App:

  • Account Information: When you sign in with Google, we receive your name, email address, and profile picture from your Google account.
  • Gameplay Data: Match history, scores, rankings, Flames balance, and in-game achievements.
  • Communication Data: Messages sent through in-game chat features.
  • Payment Information: When you redeem Flames via UPI or PayPal, we process payment details through secure third-party payment processors. We do not store your full payment credentials.

Automatically Collected Information

  • Device Information: Device type, operating system version, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information.
  • Usage Data: App features used, session duration, crash reports, and performance data.
  • Log Data: IP address, access times, and pages viewed within the App.

2. Google Sign-In

Our App uses Google Sign-In for authentication. When you choose to sign in with Google, we receive basic profile information from your Google account as permitted by your Google account settings. We use this information solely to create and manage your game account.

Google's use of your data is governed by Google's Privacy Policy. You can revoke our access to your Google account at any time through your Google account settings.

3. Firebase Services

We use Google Firebase services to power core App functionality, including:

  • Firebase Authentication: Secure user authentication and account management.
  • Cloud Firestore / Realtime Database: Storing gameplay data, user profiles, and leaderboard information.
  • Firebase Cloud Messaging: Delivering push notifications about game events, matches, and rewards.
  • Firebase Crashlytics: Collecting crash reports to improve App stability.
  • Firebase Analytics: Understanding how users interact with the App to improve our services.

Firebase data processing is subject to Google's Firebase Privacy Policy.

4. Push Notifications

With your permission, we send push notifications to inform you about:

  • Match invitations and game updates
  • Reward and Flames notifications
  • Leaderboard position changes
  • App updates and new features

You can disable push notifications at any time through your device settings or within the App's notification preferences.

5. Analytics

We use analytics services to collect information about App usage patterns. This helps us understand user behavior, improve features, fix bugs, and optimize performance. Analytics data is aggregated and does not personally identify individual users unless combined with account information you have provided.

Analytics tools we may use include Firebase Analytics and Google Analytics for Firebase.

6. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

  • Provide, maintain, and improve the App and its features
  • Process matchmaking and multiplayer gameplay
  • Manage your account, Flames balance, and reward redemptions
  • Display leaderboards and player rankings
  • Send notifications and communicate with you about the App
  • Detect, prevent, and address fraud, cheating, and security issues
  • Comply with legal obligations

7. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information with:

  • Service Providers: Third parties that help us operate the App (hosting, analytics, payment processing).
  • Other Players: Your display name, avatar, and leaderboard ranking are visible to other players.
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law, regulation, or legal process.
  • Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

8. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including:

  • Encryption of data in transit using SSL/TLS protocols
  • Secure authentication through Google Sign-In
  • Firebase security rules to protect database access
  • Regular security assessments and updates

While we strive to protect your information, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. If you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal data within 30 days, except where retention is required by law or for legitimate business purposes.

10. Children's Privacy

Our App is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, we will promptly delete such information. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

11. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of your account and personal data
  • Object to or restrict certain processing of your data
  • Data portability
  • Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below.

12. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using the App, you consent to the transfer of your information to these countries.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy within the App or on our website. Your continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. How to Delete Your Account

You can permanently delete your Dots & Boxes account and associated personal data directly from the app. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Dots & Boxes app and log in to your account.
  2. Go to the Dashboard.
  3. Open the Profile screen.
  4. Scroll to the bottom of the Profile screen.
  5. Tap the Delete Account option and confirm your choice.

Once confirmed, your account will be permanently deleted. This action cannot be undone. Your profile information, gameplay data, Flames balance, and leaderboard rankings will be removed from our systems within 30 days, except where retention is required by law.

If you are unable to delete your account through the app, you may request account deletion by contacting us at sharmatechlabs@gmail.com.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Sharma Tech Labs
Email: sharmatechlabs@gmail.com