Privacy Policy

Introduction

Walk & Gather ("we," "our," or "the app") is a step-based resource gathering game developed by Forage Labs. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our app.

Information We Collect

HealthKit Step Data

Walk & Gather accesses your daily step count via Apple HealthKit to power the game's core mechanics. Specifically, we read:

• Step Count (Today): Total steps taken since midnight in your local timezone
• Usage: Steps are converted to in-game resources ("Sparks") to unlock crafting and progression

Motion & Fitness Data

The app uses the device's accelerometer (via CoreMotion) to detect walking motion for real-time game animations. This data is processed locally on your device and is never transmitted or stored.

Anonymous Authentication

When you first open the app, we create an anonymous user account to enable cloud save functionality. This account contains:

• A randomly generated user ID (UUID)
• Your game progress (resources, unlocked recipes, structures built)

This data is not linked to any personally identifiable information (PII) unless you choose to upgrade to Sign in with Apple.

How We Use Your Data

• Step Count: Converted to in-game rewards; synced to our servers to enable cloud saves and cross-device play
• Motion Data: Processed locally for walk animations; never leaves your device
• Game Progress: Stored in our Neon database (serverless Postgres) to prevent data loss and enable future features

Data Sharing & Third Parties

We do not sell, rent, or share your data with third parties for advertising or analytics purposes. Your data is only shared with:

• Neon (Database Service): Serverless Postgres database with SOC 2 compliance
• Apple HealthKit: Step data is read directly from your device's Health app; we do not share this data with Apple or other apps

Data Retention & Deletion

• HealthKit Data: We only query step counts in real-time; no historical step data is stored on our servers
• Game Progress: Stored indefinitely to preserve your save file; you may request deletion by contacting hello@walkandgather.com
• Account Deletion: Deleting the app does not delete your cloud save. To fully delete your account and data, email us at hello@walkandgather.com

Your Rights (GDPR & CCPA)

If you are located in the EU, UK, or California, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your data (game progress, user ID)
• Deletion: Request permanent deletion of your account and associated data
• Portability: Export your game save in JSON format

To exercise these rights, contact us at hello@walkandgather.com.

Children's Privacy

Walk & Gather is rated 4+ and does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. HealthKit step data is processed locally and not linked to any identifiable information.

Security

We use industry-standard encryption (HTTPS/TLS) for all data transmitted between your device and our servers. Our database provides row-level security (RLS) to ensure users can only access their own game data.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy as the app evolves. Significant changes will be communicated via an in-app notification. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or data requests, please contact us at:

• Email: hello@walkandgather.com