Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to Global Treasure Hunt. This Privacy Policy explains how QuestCrafters ("we," "our," or "us") collects, uses, and protects information when you use:

• Our website at www.questcrafters.com, where users can create treasure hunts and outdoor escape rooms ("Creators"), and
• Our mobile application Global Treasure Hunt, where users can play those games ("Players").

Together, the website and app are referred to as the "Service." By using the Service, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Service.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

• Account information: When you create an account as a Creator or Player, we collect your name (or username), email address, and password. You may optionally provide a profile picture.
• Game content: Treasure hunts and escape rooms you create, including titles, descriptions, clues, locations, photos, and any other content you submit.
• Player activity: Games you play, progress, completed challenges, and photos you choose to submit during gameplay.
• Communications: Messages you send to us through support channels or in-app feedback.

Information Collected Automatically

• Location data: The app requests access to your location only while the app is in use — we do not track your location in the background. Your location is used solely to verify when you are physically near a treasure hunt location, which is required to unlock puzzles and progress through a game. We do not store a history of your locations on your device, and we do not retain location coordinates on our servers beyond what is needed to perform the proximity check. You can disable location access at any time in your device settings, but the app will not function without it.
• Device and basic usage information: Device model, operating system version, app version, and information about your interactions with the Service that is necessary for us to operate it (for example, your game progress and answer submissions). We do not use third-party analytics or crash-reporting SDKs.
• Camera and photo library: With your permission, the app accesses your camera or photo library so you can submit photos as part of gameplay (for example, proof of finding a treasure). We do not access your photos otherwise.
• Cookies and similar technologies (website only): The website uses cookies to keep you signed in and to remember your preferences. You can control cookies through your browser settings.

Information from Third-Party Sign-In

If you sign in using a third-party service such as Apple, Google, or Facebook, we receive basic profile information (like your name and email) from that service, in accordance with the permissions you grant.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide and operate the website and app, including treasure hunt creation and gameplay
• Use your location to enable game features such as verifying when you have arrived at a treasure hunt location
• Authenticate users and protect accounts
• Communicate with you about updates, support requests, and important changes
• Monitor performance, fix bugs, and improve the Service
• Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, or violations of our terms
• Comply with legal obligations

How We Share Your Information

We share information only in limited circumstances:

• With other users: A Creator's username and the games they publish are visible to Players. A Player's username and progress may be visible on leaderboards or to the Creator of the game they are playing. Precise location is not shared with other users.
• Service providers: We operate the Service using our own backend server. The app communicates with this server for game data, progress tracking, answer validation, and to load puzzle images. The only third parties involved are the infrastructure providers we use to host this server and related services (for example, Google Cloud). We do not use third-party analytics, crash-reporting, advertising, or social-tracking SDKs in the app.
• Legal reasons: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect the rights, safety, or property of users, the public, or our company.
• Business transfers: If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

Children's Privacy

Global Treasure Hunt is a general-audience Service and is not specifically directed at children under 13. However, we recognize that families and younger users enjoy outdoor games, and children may play with parental supervision.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 (or under 16 in the EU/UK) without verifiable parental consent. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided personal information without your consent, please contact us at privacy@questcrafters.com and we will promptly delete it.

We strongly recommend that parents supervise children during gameplay, given that the app involves traveling to physical outdoor locations.

Data Retention

We keep your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. If you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within a reasonable period, except where we are required to retain it for legal, security, or fraud-prevention purposes.

You can delete your account at any time from within the website or by contacting us at privacy@questcrafters.com.

Your Rights and Choices

You have control over your information:

• Access, correct, or delete your personal information through your account settings or by contacting us.
• Disable location access at any time through your device's settings (gameplay will be limited).
• Disable camera or photo access at any time through your device's settings.
• Withdraw consent for processing where consent is the legal basis.

For EU/UK residents (GDPR)

You have the right to access, correct, delete, restrict, or object to processing of your personal data, and the right to data portability. The legal bases for our processing include your consent, performance of a contract (providing the Service), and our legitimate interests in operating and improving the Service. You may also lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

For California residents (CCPA/CPRA)

You have the right to know what personal information we collect, to request its deletion, and to correct inaccurate information. We do not sell or share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@questcrafters.com.

Data Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational safeguards to protect your information, including encryption in transit. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be processed in countries other than your own, including the United States of America. Where required, we use appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses to protect your data.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on the website and in the app, and by updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.