AuroSudoku
Last updated: March 8, 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how AuroSudoku, operated by Shane Syring, collects, uses, and protects your information when you use our mobile application ("App") and our website at https://functionallyuseless.com/aurosudoku/ ("Website").
We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with applicable laws, including Canada's PIPEDA, U.S. privacy laws (including CCPA/CPRA and COPPA), and GDPR/UK GDPR.
1. Information We Collect
From the App:
- We do not collect personal information directly
- Third parties may collect limited information automatically:
- Google AdMob (with Google UMP consent): serves personalized or non-personalized ads depending on user choices and may collect device and usage data such as IP address, ad interactions, and general device information
- Google Play Billing: processes in-app purchases; we do not receive or store your payment details
- Google Analytics (if enabled): collects anonymized usage statistics
- Google UMP and mediation partners (for example, Unity Ads): may process consent signals and ad request data to support ads in applicable regions
- Google Play In-App Updates and In-App Review APIs: may process app, device, and version metadata required to deliver update and rating features
Local Data Storage:
The App stores the following information locally on your device (not transmitted to our servers):
- Game settings and preferences (sound, vibration, visual aids)
- Game statistics and performance data (completion times, scores, streaks)
- Game history and session tracking data
- Achievement progress and unlocked achievements
- Analytics preferences and display settings
- Current game state for continuation between sessions
From the Website:
- Newsletter sign-up: If you join, we collect your email address, managed by Mailchimp
- Language preferences: We provide a language selection dropdown that stores your choice locally in your browser using localStorage. This preference is not transmitted to our servers. If no preference is set, the website defaults to English
- Cookies and analytics: We use Google Analytics to collect anonymized website data such as page visits, browser type, and IP address
- Social media links: Our Website contains links to platforms like X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. Your use of those platforms is governed by their policies
2. How We Use Information
- To operate and improve our App and Website
- To serve personalized or non-personalized ads (based on consent choices) and measure performance
- To process in-app purchases and ad-free upgrades
- To send newsletters (if subscribed)
- To provide game statistics and performance tracking
- To maintain game continuity between sessions
- To provide in-app update and in-app review functionality through Google Play services
- To comply with legal obligations
3. Legal Bases for Processing (GDPR/UK GDPR)
We rely on the following legal bases:
- Consent: newsletter subscription
- Legitimate interest: analytics, service improvement, fraud prevention, game functionality
- Legal obligation: compliance with tax or law enforcement requests
- Performance of a contract: delivery of purchased features
4. Data Export and Sharing
We do not sell your personal information. Limited information may be shared with:
- Google (AdMob, Google Play, Analytics, UMP consent platform), and ad mediation partners such as Unity Ads
- Mailchimp (newsletter service)
- HostPapa (web hosting in Canada)
User-Controlled Data Sharing:
The App includes export functionality that allows you to:
- Export your game statistics to JSON or CSV format
- Share your exported data via email, cloud storage, or other apps
- Control what data is included in exports through privacy settings
- All exports are initiated and controlled by you
File Storage and Sharing:
- The App uses Android's FileProvider system for secure file sharing
- Exported files are temporarily stored in your device's app-specific directory
- You control when and how these files are shared with other apps or services
5. International Transfers
Your data may be processed outside your country, including in Canada, the U.S., and the EU. We use lawful transfer mechanisms under GDPR/UK GDPR.
6. Data Retention
- Newsletter emails: until you unsubscribe
- Analytics logs: retained per Google's policies
- Web server logs: up to 90 days
- Local app data: stored indefinitely on your device until you delete the app or clear app data
- Exported files: deleted automatically after sharing or when you clear app cache
7. Data Control, Ads, and Analytics Settings
The App provides settings to control data collection and analytics:
- Enable/disable local analytics tracking
- Manage ad consent choices (including GDPR and U.S. state privacy choices) through in-app Privacy Choices when required
- Control session tracking and trend analysis
- Manage achievement notifications
- Set data retention preferences (30-365 days)
- Anonymous mode for privacy-conscious users
- Export settings with privacy controls
You can access these settings through the App's options menu at any time.
8. Security
We use HTTPS encryption and industry-standard safeguards, but no system is 100% secure. Local data is stored using Android's secure SharedPreferences system.
9. Your Rights
You may:
- Access, correct, or delete your data
- Withdraw consent (unsubscribe)
- Manage analytics and ad-consent choices via app settings and device settings
- Request data export or erasure
- Control local data collection through app settings
- Reset all statistics and preferences within the app
To exercise these rights, contact support@functionallyuseless.com
10. Children's Privacy
The App is rated 13+ and not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect children's data. If you believe a child has provided information, contact us for removal.
11. Accessibility
We aim to make our Website and App accessible to all users. If you face accessibility issues, please email us at support@functionallyuseless.com
12. Policy Changes
We may update this Privacy Policy. Updates will be posted at https://functionallyuseless.com/aurosudoku/privacypolicy.html Major changes may be announced in-app or by email.
13. Contact
Shane Syring
Email: support@functionallyuseless.com