Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 10, 2026

The Shadow Grid ("we", "our", or "us") operates the Joker Spades mobile application (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, your choices, and how we protect your data. By using the App, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Account Information

If you create an account, we collect your email address and display name. These are stored securely on servers hosted by Amazon Web Services (AWS). A unique user identifier is generated automatically when you create an account.

1.2 Sign in with Apple

If you sign in with Apple, we receive the information you authorize Apple to share, which typically includes your name and email address. We use this solely to create and authenticate your account. We do not access any other Apple account data.

1.3 Google Sign-In

If you sign in with Google, we request access to your basic profile information (name and email address) via the email and profile OAuth scopes. We use this information solely to create and authenticate your account. We do not access your Google contacts, calendar, drive, or any other Google services. Our use and transfer of information received from Google APIs adheres to the Google API Services User Data Policy, including the Limited Use requirements.

1.4 Game Data

We store your game statistics locally on your device, including wins, losses, rank progression, tricks won, bids, and streaks. If you create an account, your rank and basic win/loss record may be synced to our servers to enable online multiplayer features, tournaments, and leaderboards.

1.5 Social and Friend Data

If you use the friends feature, we store:

This data is stored on our servers to enable friend search, game invitations, and online play.

1.6 Tournament and Leaderboard Data

If you participate in tournaments, your display name, game variant, and win count are recorded on our servers and may appear on public leaderboards visible to other players.

1.7 Token Storage

Authentication tokens are stored using platform-native encrypted storage (iOS Keychain / Android EncryptedSharedPreferences). Tokens are never stored in plaintext. ID tokens expire after 1 hour and refresh tokens expire after 30 days.

1.8 Subscription Data

Premium subscriptions are processed entirely through Apple's App Store or Google Play. We do not collect or store your payment information. We receive confirmation of your subscription status from RevenueCat, our subscription management provider, which communicates with the App Store or Play Store on our behalf. For more information, see RevenueCat's Privacy Policy.

1.9 Advertising Data

The free version of the App displays advertisements served by Google AdMob. AdMob may collect:

This data may be used to serve personalized or contextual advertisements. You can opt out of personalized ads through your device settings or by declining the App Tracking Transparency prompt on iOS. Premium subscribers do not see any advertisements and no advertising data is collected for them. For more information, see Google's Privacy Policy.

1.10 Guest Mode

You can use the App without creating an account. In guest mode, a random identifier is generated locally on your device to maintain your local game progress. This identifier is not sent to our servers unless you later create an account, in which case it is used to link your local progress to your new account.

1.11 Automatically Collected Information

Other than information collected by our advertising partner (Google AdMob) and subscription partner (RevenueCat) as described above, we do not use additional third-party analytics or tracking SDKs. We do not independently collect device identifiers, location data, or browsing history.

1.12 Preferences and Settings

Your visual and gameplay preferences (theme, card style, volume levels, favorite emotes, etc.) are stored locally on your device only. These preferences are not uploaded to our servers.

2. How We Use Your Information

3. Data Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for their own marketing purposes. We may share information only in the following circumstances:

PartnerPurposeData Shared
Amazon Web Services (AWS)Backend infrastructure, authentication, data storageAccount data, game data, friend lists
Google AdMobAdvertising (free tier only)Device advertising ID, ad interaction data
RevenueCatSubscription managementUser ID, subscription status
Apple / GoogleFederated sign-in (only during authentication)Authentication tokens

We may also disclose information if required by law, legal process, or to protect our rights, safety, or property.

4. Data Storage and Security

We take the security of your data seriously:

5. Data Retention

6. Children's Privacy

The App is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected such information, we will delete it promptly. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at the address below.

7. Your Choices and Rights

8. International Data Transfers

Our servers are located in the United States (AWS US-East-1 region). If you access the App from outside the United States, your data will be transferred to and processed in the United States. By using the App, you consent to this transfer.

9. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

To exercise these rights, contact us at the email address below or use the in-app account deletion feature.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your data rights, or have privacy concerns, please contact us at:

The Shadow Grid
support@theshadowgrid.com