This privacy policy explains how TriangleCarrot ("we", "us") handles information when you use the 11+ Vocabulary Master mobile app ("the app"). In short: the app has no accounts, and your learning progress stays on your device. The only information it sends to us is the small amount of anonymous data needed for the leaderboard, described below, which you can delete and stop sending at any time. The app never collects your name, email address or location.
Information stored on your device
The app saves your learning data locally on your device. This includes which words you've learnt, your test results, review schedule, streaks, badges, settings, and which word sets you've unlocked. We don't receive it, apart from the three leaderboard figures described below, and the rest isn't uploaded to any server we operate. Uninstalling the app deletes it.
The leaderboard
The app has a weekly and all-time leaderboard. To take part, it sends the following to a server we operate:
- A random player ID and secret code. The app generates these the first time it runs. They aren't based on your name, your device or any account. We store only a scrambled (hashed) version of the secret, which the app uses to prove that an update comes from the same player.
- A nickname. The app creates it automatically from a list of words (for example "Brave Otter"). You can't type your own name, and you can ask for a new random nickname at any time.
- Your points (one for each correct answer), for the current week and in total.
- Your daily practice streak and the number of words you've mastered (a count only, not which words).
- The dates and times your entry was created and last updated.
Who can see it. Other players of the app can see the nickname, points, streak and mastered-word count of players on the leaderboard, and your own position. Nobody can see your name, because we don't collect it. Players can't message each other.
When it's sent. When you finish a practice session and when you open the Ranks tab. If your device is offline nothing is sent and the app keeps working normally.
Network information. Like any internet service, our server receives your device's IP address when the app connects. We use it only to keep the service running and to limit abuse (for example, rate limiting), and it may appear in standard server logs. We don't use it to identify you or to work out where you are.
Leaving the leaderboard. On the Ranks tab, choose "Delete my leaderboard data". This removes your entry from our server straight away and the app stops sending anything until you choose to rejoin, with a new random player ID and nickname that aren't linked to the old ones.
Purchases
Word sets are sold through the Apple App Store or Google Play. Payment is handled entirely by Apple or Google, so we never see or store your payment details. The app receives only a confirmation that a purchase was made, so it can unlock the set and restore it later.
Text-to-speech
Pronunciation audio is generated by your device's built-in speech engine. The app doesn't record or access your microphone.
No ads, no accounts, no analytics
The app shows no advertising, has no sign-in or messaging features, and contains no analytics or third-party tracking libraries. Apart from the leaderboard, which uses a server we operate, the only third-party services involved are the Apple App Store and Google Play, which process purchases and, if you choose to leave a review, app ratings, and IONOS, the hosting provider that runs our leaderboard server on our behalf.
How we use information
We use the leaderboard information to show the leaderboards and your own rank, and to keep the leaderboard working and fair (for example, limiting abuse and fixing bugs). Everything else the app does, such as running the app, tracking your progress and unlocking content you've purchased, happens on your device.
We don't sell your information or use it for advertising, and we don't use analytics or tracking of any kind.
Legal basis (UK and EEA users)
Where UK or EU data protection law applies, we run the leaderboard on the basis of our legitimate interests in providing that feature and keeping it secure. We keep the data minimal and anonymous, and you can delete it at any time. Purchase processing is handled entirely by Apple or Google.
Where your data is stored, and security
Leaderboard information is stored on a server in the United Kingdom, hosted by IONOS, and we don't transfer it to any other country. It's sent over an encrypted (HTTPS) connection, updates need the player's secret code, and the server limits how often the app can send requests. Server backups are kept for up to 7 days and then deleted automatically. No method of storage or transmission is completely secure, which is why we limit what we collect.
Data retention
Data on your device stays there until you uninstall the app. Leaderboard data stays on our server until you delete it in the app or ask us to delete it, and entries that haven't been updated for 12 months (because the app hasn't been used) are deleted automatically. Deleted entries are removed from the live database immediately.
Your choices and rights
You can delete your leaderboard entry and stop sharing at any time from the Ranks tab, get a new random nickname whenever you like, and delete all locally stored data by uninstalling the app. Uninstalling doesn't by itself remove a leaderboard entry from our server, so delete it in the app first, or email us at the address below with your nickname and roughly when you last used the app and we'll find and delete it.
If you're in the UK or EEA, you also have the right to complain to your local data protection authority. In the UK, that's the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
Children
11+ Vocabulary Master is designed for children preparing for the 11+ exam. It doesn't ask for or collect names, email addresses or other personal information, children can't type text for other players to see, and there's no way for players to contact each other. The only information that leaves the device is the random player ID, automatically generated nickname and the points, streak and mastered-word figures above. Parents can delete a child's leaderboard entry from the Ranks tab at any time, or ask us to do it. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we'll take steps to delete it.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time, for example when the app changes. Any changes will be posted on this page with a new "Last updated" date.