Salem 13 Privacy Policy

· Effective date

This Privacy Policy explains how The Willows Designs LLC ("The Willows," "we," "us") collects, uses, and protects information when you use the Salem 13 app (the "App"), a paid, GPS-based scavenger game covering 13 historic locations in Salem, Massachusetts. By creating an account or using the App, you agree to the practices described here.

Information We Collect

Account information. When you create an account, we collect your email address, display name, and (optionally) a profile photo.

Gameplay and device data. We collect check-in timestamps, which of the 13 locations you've checked into, your score, and completion history. We use your device's GPS location only at the moment you attempt a check-in, to confirm you're physically at that location.

Business and Artist listing information. If you register a Business or Artist account, we collect the bio, photos, social media links, and offer details you submit for your public listing.

Payment information. If you subscribe to a Business or Artist listing, payment is processed by our payment provider — we do not store your full card number.

Location Data

Location is central to how the App works. We request GPS access so the App can verify you are at one of the 13 Salem locations when you tap to check in during an active attempt window. We do not track or log your location continuously in the background, and we do not sell location data to advertisers or data brokers. You can deny or revoke location permission at any time in your device settings, though doing so will prevent check-ins from working.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information above to:

  • Operate core gameplay — verifying check-ins, calculating scores, running the daily and all-time leaderboards, and issuing completion rewards
  • Create and maintain your account, including authentication and password resets
  • Review, approve, and publicly display Business and Artist listings
  • Provide customer support and respond to reports
  • Maintain app security and detect fraud, such as GPS spoofing at check-in
  • Improve the App through aggregated, non-identifying usage analytics

How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information. We share it only in these limited cases:

  • Service providers. Firebase/Google Cloud (backend, authentication, and database), Google Maps (location display), and our payment processor for subscriptions — each acting on our behalf under their own security and privacy terms.
  • Public listing and leaderboard content. If you run a Business or Artist listing, the information you submit for it (name, bio, photos, links, offer) becomes publicly visible once approved. Your display name and score appear on the public leaderboard.
  • Legal reasons. If required by law, or to protect the rights, safety, or property of The Willows, our users, or the public.
  • Business transfers. If The Willows is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, information may transfer as part of that transaction, subject to this policy.

Data Retention and Deletion

We retain your information for as long as your account is active, or as needed to provide the App and comply with legal obligations. You can delete your account at any time from your profile settings. Deleting your account permanently removes your authentication credentials along with your check-in history, completion records, and leaderboard entries. Business and Artist listing content is removed when the linked account is deleted. Deletion cannot be undone.

Children's Privacy

Salem 13 is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, we will delete it promptly. If you believe a child has used the App and provided personal information, contact us using the details below.

Data Security

We use reasonable technical safeguards to protect your information, including encrypted data transmission and Firebase security rules that restrict access to your data. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Choices and Rights

You can review and edit your profile information, and delete your account, at any time from within the App. You can control location and notification permissions from your device settings. If you live in California, the EU/UK, or another region with its own privacy law, you may have additional rights over your personal information, such as the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your data — contact us using the details below to exercise these rights.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Effective date" at the top will reflect the most recent revision, and we will notify you in the App of any material changes before they take effect.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, contact us at thewillows@thewillowshalloween.com.