This Privacy Policy describes how Boxed ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and shares your information when you use our mobile application (the "App"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about our data practices.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Game Collection Data
The primary data you create in the App is your personal game collection — the list of physical video games you own, including titles, platforms, genres, and cover images. This data is stored locally on your device only. We do not operate a backend and no collection data is ever saved to any cloud or remote server.
1.2 Anonymous Authentication
We use Firebase Authentication to create an anonymous account for you when you first open the App. This is used solely for app analytics and crash reporting correlation. No email address, phone number, name, or social profile is collected.
1.3 Camera and Gallery Access
The App requests access to your device's camera and photo gallery for the following purposes:
- Camera: To capture photos of physical game covers for analysis.
- Gallery / Photos: To select existing photos of game covers from your device for analysis, and to save or share collection-related images.
Cover images you scan are sent to OpenAI for text recognition and game title identification. The images are transmitted securely and are not stored or retained by us or by OpenAI after analysis. We do not keep track of scanned images in any way.
1.4 Analytics and Crash Data
We use Firebase Analytics and Firebase Crashlytics to collect anonymized usage statistics and crash reports. This helps us understand how the App is used and fix technical issues. The data collected includes:
- App session duration and frequency
- Feature usage (e.g., scan, search, share)
- Device model, operating system version, and app version
- Crash logs and error stack traces (without personal content)
This data is not linked to your identity and is used solely for improving the App's stability and user experience. We do not store any of your collection data in Firebase.
1.5 Search Queries
When you search for games by title, your query is sent to IGDB (Internet Game Database) to retrieve game information. These queries are not logged or associated with your account by us.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide and maintain the App's core functionality
- Enable cover scanning via OpenAI vision analysis
- Allow you to share collections via QR codes locally with other users
- Diagnose crashes and improve app performance
- Understand feature usage to prioritize development
3. Data Storage and Security
3.1 Local Storage
Your game collection is stored in a local database on your device. You have full control over this data. Uninstalling the App will delete this local data unless you have exported or shared it.
3.2 Cloud Services (Firebase)
We use Google Firebase for anonymous authentication, analytics, and crash reporting only. No collection data, images, or QR-sharing data is stored in Firebase. Firebase may process analytics data in accordance with its own privacy and security practices. You can learn more at Firebase Privacy and Security.
3.3 Third-Party Services
Game metadata (titles, descriptions, cover art, platforms) is retrieved from IGDB, a third-party game database. This data is publicly available and does not include your personal information.
3.4 OpenAI Vision Analysis
Cover scan images are sent to OpenAI for text recognition and game title identification. OpenAI processes these images in accordance with its Privacy Policy. Images are not retained by us after analysis, and we do not maintain any record of scanned images.
4. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We only share data in the following limited circumstances:
- QR Sharing: When you generate a QR code to share your collection, the encoded data is presented locally on your device screen for another user to scan directly. No collection data is uploaded to our servers or any backend.
- Service Providers: We use Firebase (Google) for anonymous authentication, analytics, and crash reporting. Cover scan images are sent to OpenAI for analysis. Data shared with these providers is subject to their respective privacy policies.
- Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights, property, or safety.
5. Your Choices and Rights
5.1 Permissions
You can grant or revoke camera and gallery permissions at any time through your device's system settings. Revoking these permissions will disable cover scanning and gallery import features, but the rest of the App will remain functional.
5.2 Data Export and Deletion
You can export your collection data from within the App at any time. To delete your data, uninstall the App or use the in-app deletion options where available.
5.3 Analytics Opt-Out
You may be able to limit analytics collection through your device settings. On iOS, you can enable "Limit Ad Tracking." On Android, you can opt out of interest-based ads in your Google settings.
6. Children's Privacy
The App is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can delete it.
7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Your continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
8. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at: