Privacy Policy

Last updated 16 October 2026

In short: you play without signing up. We keep an anonymous account with your game progress so it is saved and can move to a new phone. We never ask for your name, email, phone number or location. Ads are provided by Google AdMob, which uses device data as described below and only with the consent the law requires.

This policy explains how Frugal Founder ("we") handles information in the mobile game Trace: Draw to the Beat ("Trace") on iOS and Android.

What we collect

Anonymous account. When Trace first starts, Firebase Authentication (Google) creates an anonymous account with a random user ID. There is no sign-up, password or email.
Player name. Trace picks a random name such as "Brave Panda 42". You cannot type your own, so it never contains personal information.
Game progress. Levels unlocked, your result on each level, achievements and badges, gameplay statistics (such as perfect turns and best streak), the number of continues you have, and when this was last saved. It is stored in Google Cloud Firestore, linked to the anonymous user ID.
On your device only. Settings (music volume, effects, audio sync, chosen skin), tutorial progress and whether you own Remove Ads are kept on your phone and are not sent to us.

We do not collect your name, email address, phone number, contacts, photos, precise location, or any other personal details, and Trace has no chat or way to contact other players.

Advertising (Google AdMob)

Trace is free and shows ads from Google AdMob: a video you can choose to watch for a continue, and occasional full-screen ads between levels. Players who buy Remove Ads see no ads. AdMob may collect and use:

your device's advertising identifier (on iPhone only if you allow it in the "Allow tracking" prompt; on Android you can reset or delete it in your device settings),
IP address and the approximate location derived from it,
information about the ads you see and tap, and app performance and crash data related to ads.

In the European Economic Area, the UK and Switzerland, Trace asks for your consent through Google's consent form before personalized ads are shown. If you do not consent, or do not allow tracking on iPhone, you may still see non-personalized ads. Ads in Trace are limited to family-friendly content (rated PG). Google's use of this data is described at policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites.

Purchases

Remove Ads and continue packs are bought through the App Store or Google Play. Apple or Google process the payment; we never see your card or account details. We only learn which product was bought, so we can unlock it.

Songs

Most songs are downloaded when you first play a level, from Firebase Hosting (Google). Like any web server, it receives your IP address to send the file. We do not use this to identify you.

Why we use this information

to save your progress and restore it on a new device (performing our service to you),
to show ads that keep the game free (your consent where required, otherwise our legitimate interest),
to unlock what you bought, and to keep the game secure and working.

We do not sell your personal information, and we do not use it for anything else.

Who processes it

Google LLC, for Firebase Authentication, Cloud Firestore, Firebase Hosting and AdMob. Data may be processed on Google's servers outside your country, under Google's safeguards. Apple and Google process purchases. All data is encrypted in transit (HTTPS).

How long we keep it

Your anonymous account and progress are kept until you delete them. You can delete everything at any time in the game (Settings → Your data → Delete account), or by emailing us; see Delete your account. Clear progress resets your progress without deleting the account.

Your rights

Depending on where you live (for example under the GDPR, UK GDPR or California law), you may ask to access, correct, delete or export your data, or object to its use. Email vd@frugalfounder.in with your player ID. You can also complain to your local data protection authority.

Children

Trace is meant for players aged 13 and over and is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has used Trace, contact us and we will delete the account.

Changes

If this policy changes, we will update this page and the date above. Significant changes will also be shown in the game.

Contact

Frugal Founder — vd@frugalfounder.in