Chronophoto ("Chronophoto," "we," "us," or "our") is a mobile game where you guess the year a real historical photo was taken. This policy explains what information the Chronophoto app collects, how it's used, and the choices you have. It applies to the Chronophoto iOS app and will apply to any future Android release.
The short version: Chronophoto doesn't require an account, doesn't ask for your name or email, and doesn't collect your location, photos, or contacts. The app shows ads through Google AdMob (which collects some device data to do that), and your scores/streaks/badges are stored on your own device, optionally synced across your own devices via your Apple iCloud account, which we never see.
Chronophoto does not have user accounts, sign-in, or sign-up. We do not collect or ask for your name, email address, phone number, or payment information. The app does not request access to your camera, photo library, contacts, or your precise or approximate location, and it does not use any of these on your device.
Chronophoto is free and supported by ads served through Google AdMob (banner, occasional interstitial, and an optional rewarded ad if you choose to continue in Survival mode). To deliver and measure ads, Google AdMob and its partners may collect device and advertising identifiers, general device information, and approximate usage data, in accordance with Apple's and Google's advertising rules. Depending on your device's tracking permissions, ads may be personalized or non-personalized.
You can review how Google handles this data at Google's Privacy Policy and AdMob's data disclosure. You can limit ad-related tracking at any time in iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking and Settings → Privacy & Security → Apple Advertising.
Your scores, streaks, badges, and daily-challenge history are stored locally on your device. If you have iCloud enabled, this data may also sync through Apple's iCloud Key-Value Storage so your progress carries over across your own devices signed into the same Apple ID. This sync is provided and controlled entirely by Apple under Apple's Privacy Policy. Chronophoto's developer does not receive, see, or store this data on any server.
If you allow notifications, Chronophoto schedules reminders locally on your device (for example, a nudge before your daily streak resets). These reminders are generated and delivered entirely on-device, and nothing about your streak or activity is sent to us or any third party to create them. You can disable notifications anytime in iOS Settings → Notifications → Chronophoto.
The historical photos you're shown are delivered through a content delivery network (Amazon CloudFront). To fetch them, the app requests a temporary, anonymous access credential (via AWS Cognito) used only to gate access to image files and apply basic rate-limiting. This credential is not tied to your name, account, or any other identifying information about you.
Party mode lets you share a game code or link with friends. That code is generated and shared directly from your device (for example, through the iOS share sheet) — Chronophoto does not store party codes or who you shared them with on any server.
Like most apps, Chronophoto may use basic, non-identifying device and app information (such as OS version, app version, and device model) to keep the app running correctly and to diagnose crashes or bugs. This is not linked to your identity.
We do not sell your personal information, and we do not use any of the above to build an advertising profile of you beyond what Google AdMob independently collects under its own policy.
| Service | Purpose | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Google AdMob | Ad serving | Google Privacy Policy |
| Apple iCloud | Cross-device progress sync (optional, on-device controlled) | Apple Privacy Policy |
| Amazon Web Services | Image hosting & delivery infrastructure | AWS Privacy Notice |
Data stored locally on your device (scores, streaks, badges) remains there until you delete the app or clear its data. iCloud-synced data is retained according to your own iCloud settings. We do not operate servers that store personal information about you, so we have nothing to retain or delete on our end beyond what's described above.
Chronophoto is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, contact us at the email below and we will address it.
If you're in the EU/UK, California, or another region with data protection laws, you may have additional rights (such as access, deletion, or objection requests). Because Chronophoto collects minimal information that is not tied to your identity, many of these requests won't apply — but you're welcome to contact us with any question or request and we'll respond.
We rely on reputable providers (Apple, Google, Amazon Web Services) that maintain their own security standards for the services described above. No method of electronic storage or transmission is 100% secure, and we can't guarantee absolute security.
Chronophoto's infrastructure providers (including AWS) may process data in the United States and other countries. By using the app, you understand your information may be processed outside your country of residence.
We may update this policy as the app changes — for example, if we add new features, an Android release, or additional analytics. We'll update the effective date above, and for material changes, we'll provide reasonable notice within the app or on this page.
Questions, requests, or concerns about this policy or your data? Reach us at support@chronophoto.app.