BeanStep Privacy Policy

Last updated: 13/10/25

Introduction

HertzkeGames ("we," "us," or "our") operates the BeanStep mobile application (the "Service"). This page informs you of our policies regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data when you use our Service.

Information We Collect

Health Data

• Step Count Data: We access your daily step count through Apple's HealthKit framework to power the core gameplay mechanics of growing your virtual beanstalk.
• Usage: Step data is used solely to calculate your in-game progress, tokens earned, and beanstalk growth.

Game Data

• Profile Information: Your chosen beanstalk name and game statistics (height achieved, tokens collected, etc.)
• Leaderboard Data: Your beanstalk name, height, and ranking for the global leaderboard feature
• Device Identifier: A unique identifier to distinguish your game progress from other players

Automatically Collected Data

• Device Information: Basic device model and iOS version for compatibility purposes
• App Usage: General app performance and crash reporting data

How We Use Your Information

We use the collected data to:

• Calculate your beanstalk growth based on your step count
• Award tokens and track your game progress
• Display your ranking on the global leaderboard
• Sync your game data across your devices via iCloud
• Improve app performance and fix technical issues

Data Storage and Security

Local Storage

• Your health data and game progress are stored locally on your device
• Game data is backed up to your personal iCloud account for synchronization

Cloud Storage

• Leaderboard data is stored securely in Apple's CloudKit servers
• Only your beanstalk name, height, and a device identifier are shared publicly on the leaderboard
• No personal identifying information is included in leaderboard data
• Old records are deleted routinely so your record will be eventually be removed if not updated.

Data Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties. The only data sharing that occurs is:

• Leaderboard Display: Your chosen beanstalk name and height are visible to other players on the global leaderboard
• Apple Services: Game data sync through your iCloud account (controlled by your Apple ID privacy settings)

Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

• Access: View what data we have about you through the app's interface
• Delete: Remove your data by deleting the app or clearing your game progress
• Control: Revoke HealthKit permissions at any time through iOS Settings
• Opt-out: Disable leaderboard participation in the app settings

Health Data Privacy

• We only access step count data - no other health information
• Health data never leaves your device except for game calculations
• You can revoke health data access at any time in iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Health
• Removing health access will disable step tracking but preserve your existing game progress

Children's Privacy

BeanStep is suitable for all ages. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy in the app and updating the "Last updated" date.

Third-Party Services

BeanStep uses the following Apple services:

• HealthKit: For accessing step count data (requires explicit user permission)
• CloudKit: For leaderboard functionality and game data sync
• iCloud: For backing up your game progress

These services are governed by Apple's Privacy Policy: https://www.apple.com/privacy/

This privacy policy is designed to be transparent about our data practices while ensuring your privacy is protected. BeanStep is built with privacy by design - we only collect what's necessary for the game to function and never share your personal information.