8 HandThe short version: 8 Hand doesn't run its own servers, doesn't use analytics or advertising SDKs, and doesn't sell or share your information with anyone. Everything below describes exactly what the app does, based on how it's actually built.
Information used to play with others
Game Center (online play). If you sign in to Game Center and start an online match, the app reads your Game Center display name and a player identifier, so the app can show who's at the table and set up the match. Match invitations and matchmaking are handled by Apple's Game Center service; once a match starts, gameplay data (cards, moves, discards) travels directly between players' devices through Game Center — 8 Hand has no server of its own and never receives or stores this data centrally.
Local network play. To find and connect to nearby players on the same Wi-Fi network, the app uses Apple's local networking and Multipeer Connectivity frameworks, which is why it asks for Local Network permission. Your device's display name and game moves are sent directly, device-to-device, over an encrypted local connection. This never touches the internet and never leaves the network you're playing on.
Information stored on your device
The app keeps a small amount of information in its local settings, on your device only:
- Display name you've chosen in Settings.
- House rules you've configured for games you host.
- Table color and other cosmetic preferences.
- Game stats (wins and losses) — kept locally and not synced to any server or shared with other players.
None of this is uploaded anywhere. If you delete the app, it's deleted with it.
What we don't collect
8 Hand doesn't request access to your camera, photo library, microphone, contacts, or location. The app contains no advertising SDKs, no third-party analytics, and no crash-reporting services — nothing in the app phones home to a third party.
Children's privacy
8 Hand doesn't knowingly collect personal information from children. Any Game Center or networking data described above is handled the same way regardless of age, and is limited to what's needed to connect players in a match, as described.
Your choices
You can sign out of Game Center at any time in iOS/iPadOS/macOS Settings to stop using it for online play — solo and local-network play don't require it. You can decline the Local Network permission prompt; local multiplayer just won't be available. Both choices leave the rest of the app fully usable.
Changes to this policy
If this policy changes, we'll update the effective date above. Continued use of the app after a change means you accept the updated policy.
Contact
Questions about this policy or how 8 Hand handles information can be sent to info@8handgame.com.