ChessCall ("the app") is a chess and messaging app for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. This policy explains what information the app uses and how.
What the app uses, and why
- Games and chat messages (text and voice). Stored in your private iCloud (CloudKit). When you invite someone to a game, that game and its messages are shared with that person through Apple's iCloud sharing (CKShare) and synced by Apple between the participants' devices. The developer has no access to this content.
- Display name. The name you choose is attached to your games so your opponent can see who they're playing. It is stored with the game data in your iCloud.
- Voice messages. Recorded using your microphone only while you are actively recording a message, then stored as part of the conversation in iCloud.
- Contacts. When you start a new chat, the app shows Apple's system contact picker so you can choose a person. Selecting a contact gives the app that person's name and phone number on your device, used only to pre-address the invitation message. Your contacts are not uploaded anywhere and are not stored by the developer.
- Head-to-head record. The win/loss tally against each contact is stored only on your device and is never uploaded.
- Notifications. The app uses Apple Push Notification service (via CloudKit) only to let you know when someone wants to play.
- Bug reports. If you choose "Send Bug Report" in the app, your description and a technical log from your device are uploaded to a database the developer can read. This is entirely optional, contains no chat content, and is used only to diagnose and fix problems.
- Apple Watch. Practice games on the watch run entirely on the watch. When your iPhone is nearby, the watch may ask the phone to compute the computer opponent's move; nothing leaves your devices.
Permissions
- iCloud, required to play with others.
- Contacts, used only to pick an opponent and address an invite.
- Microphone, used only to record voice messages.
- Notifications, used only to tell you when someone challenges you.
Data sharing
We do not sell, rent, or share your data with third parties. Game and chat data is shared only with the specific people you choose to play with, through Apple's iCloud.
Data retention and deletion
Your data lives in your iCloud account. You can delete games within the app, and manage or remove app data in iCloud via Settings › [your name] › iCloud. Deleting the app removes its on-device data, including your local head-to-head record.
Children
ChessCall is not directed to children under 13 and does not knowingly collect data from children.
Changes
We may update this policy; the "last updated" date above will change accordingly.
Contact
Questions about this policy? Contact nospamapplestore(at)gmail.com.