Geographic History ("we", "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of everyone who uses our app or visits our website at geographichistory.app. This policy explains what information we collect and how we use it.
1. Information We Collect
Geographic History is free and requires no account or sign-in to use. We do not collect your name, email address, or payment details. When you use the app, we automatically collect basic technical and usage information - such as device type, operating system, and how you interact with the app - through analytics and crash-reporting services, so we can fix bugs and understand which features are used. The map is powered by a third-party mapping provider, which receives standard technical data needed to display map tiles. Location is only accessed if you tap "My location" to center the map.
The website uses a privacy-focused analytics service that counts page views without cookies or personal identifiers.
2. Play Leaderboard (optional)
The leaderboard in the Play tab is optional. If you join it, we store a nickname you choose, your game results (your answers, score and time for each daily game), your device platform (iOS or Android) and app version, and a random player ID with a sign-in token and recovery code that are stored only in hashed form. We do not ask for your real name or email address.
Your nickname and scores are visible to other players. Please do not use your real name or other personal details as a nickname. New nicknames are reviewed and moderated by us manually, and if you report another player we store your report and its reason.
You can delete your leaderboard profile at any time in the app (Play tab, leaderboard, your profile, "Delete profile") or by emailing us. This removes your nickname, profile and reports. Your past scores stay in the rankings as an anonymous "withdrawn" entry with no nickname.
3. How We Use Information
We use this information to operate, maintain, and improve the app and website, fix technical issues, and understand which features and marketing placements work. We do not sell your information and do not use it for third-party advertising.
4. Sharing
We share data only with the service providers who help us run the app and website - analytics, crash reporting, mapping, hosting, and the app stores. Images and articles from Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons are loaded directly from those sites, which receive standard technical data needed to deliver them. We do not sell data to data brokers.
5. Data Retention & Security
We keep data only as long as needed for the purposes above and take reasonable steps to protect it. Leaderboard profiles are kept until you delete them.
6. Children's Privacy
Geographic History is intended for a general audience, including students and classroom use, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children beyond what is described above. Leaderboard nicknames are moderated, and children should not use their real name as a nickname.
7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Updates will be posted here with a new "Last updated" date.
8. Contact
Questions or requests: support@geographichistory.com