Privacy Policy for GPS Explorer

Last Updated: August 30, 2026

1. Data We Collect

Location Data: We access your device's continuous GPS location to render the map board, spawn loot chests within interactive distance (25 meters), calculate distance from Home Base for XP multipliers, track daily Home Base check-ins (100 meters), and enable social features.

Account Information: When signing in via Google, we collect your unique account ID, email address, and chosen username to establish your profile.

Game Progress & Data: XP, gold, level, streaks, friends list, inventory, and local application preferences stored locally via AsyncStorage and synchronized to Firebase.

2. How We Use & Share Location Data

Precise vs. Coarse Sharing:

Friends: See your precise, live GPS coordinates on the map.

Non-Friends: See coarse/quantized location markers ("Explorers") to protect exact coordinates.

Home Base Cloak: Nearby players cannot see your location marker while you are within 100 meters of your pinned Home Base.

Incognito Mode: Toggling your profile privacy to INCOGNITO hides your location marker from all players on the global map.

Data Storage: Location data is processed dynamically to drive game loops and stored transiently in Firebase Realtime Database for active multiplayer sessions.

3. Third-Party Services

Firebase (Google): Handles user authentication, database state synchronization, and online multiplayer chest transactions.

Google Sign-In: Facilitates secure account authentication.

4. Data Retention & Deletion
You may request complete account and data deletion at any time by contacting support or initiating account removal within the profile settings, which removes all associated Firebase records.

Terms of Service for GPS Explorer

1. Real-World Safety & Trespassing

Physical Awareness: GPS Explorer requires real-world physical movement. You agree to remain aware of your surroundings at all times while playing.

No Trespassing: You must obey all local laws, private property boundaries, posted signs, and safety warnings. Loot chests and game targets do not grant permission to enter private, restricted, or dangerous locations.

Liability Release: The developers accept no liability for personal injury, property damage, or legal violations incurred while playing GPS Explorer.

2. Anti-Cheating & Fair Play

Location Spoofing: Using GPS spoofing software, emulators, or unauthorized location-manipulation tools is strictly prohibited and results in a permanent account ban.

Exploits & Dev Tools: Accessing developer menus (DevPanel), manipulating client-side state, or exploiting multiplayer chest cooldown locks outside intended gameplay will terminate your access.

3. Multiplayer Mechanics

First-Come, First-Served: Online multiplayer chests are shared via synchronized database transactions. The first player whose device registers reaching the 25-meter radius claims the loot.

Availability: Online features rely on client and server availability and are provided without performance guarantees.

4. In-App Purchases & Premium Features

Pocket Mode: Premium status grants access to background Audio/Text-to-Speech features ("Pocket Mode"). Premium purchases are non-transferable and subject to platform store policies.

Virtual Items: XP, gold, level titles, and chests are virtual items with no real-world monetary value and cannot be redeemed for legal tender.