Busted! (Fine Jar) Privacy Policy

Last updated: 1 June 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how the mobile application Busted! (Fine Jar) ("the App", "we", "us") handles information. The App is published by Rowan Monroe.

By using the App you agree to the practices described in this policy.

  1. Summary

Busted! (Fine Jar) is a light-hearted group "fine jar" / tally app. You do not create an account and we do not ask for your name, email, phone number, or any other real-world identifying information. The only personal-style detail involved is a display name you choose yourself for use inside a shared jar (which can be a nickname).

  1. Information the App handles

a) Anonymous identifier (Firebase Anonymous Authentication). When you first open the App, Google Firebase assigns your device a random anonymous ID. This lets the App recognise your device within a jar without you signing up. It is not linked to your real identity.

b) Information you provide inside a jar. A display name you choose when joining or creating a jar; and the fines/penalties, comments, rules, and tallies you create or that involve you. This information is stored in our backend (Google Firebase Firestore) and is visible to other members of the same jar, which is the core purpose of the App.

c) Advertising information (Google AdMob). The App shows banner advertisements provided by Google AdMob. To serve ads, Google and its partners may collect and use certain information, including a device advertising identifier, approximate/coarse location derived from IP address, and device/usage data, in accordance with Google's own policies. See: https://policies.google.com/technologies/ads

d) Diagnostics. Google Firebase and Google Play may collect aggregated, non-identifying app performance/crash and usage data to help keep the App working.

We do not knowingly collect your name, email address, contacts, photos, or precise GPS location.

  1. How information is used

To operate the App's core features (shared scoreboards, fines, rules, audit trail); to keep your device associated with the jars you join; to display advertising (via Google AdMob); and to maintain and improve reliability. We do not sell your information.

  1. Service providers

The App relies on Google services: Firebase Authentication & Firestore (backend data storage and anonymous sign-in), Google AdMob (advertising), and Google Play services. Your information is processed by Google in line with the Google Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

  1. Data retention & deletion

Jar data persists while a jar is in use. A Controller can close a jar and clear the audit trail at any time. You can leave a jar at any time from within the App. Because sign-in is anonymous and tied to your device, clearing the App's storage or uninstalling the App removes your device's local association. To request deletion of data held in a specific jar, contact us at the email below.

  1. Children

The App is not directed at children under 13 (or the equivalent minimum age in your country) and we do not knowingly collect information from them.

  1. Security

We use Google Firebase's security controls to protect stored data. Access to a jar's data requires the App and a valid Join Code. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, but we take reasonable measures to protect your information.

  1. Your choices

You can reset your advertising identifier or opt out of ad personalisation in your device settings (Settings → Google → Ads). You can leave any jar, or uninstall the App, at any time.

  1. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be reflected by the "Last updated" date above.

  1. Contact

For privacy questions or data deletion requests, contact: thomas.d.stoker@gmail.com

Data Deletion Requests

You can request deletion of your data at any time. To do so, email thomas.d.stoker@gmail.com from your device, including your jar's name or Join Code and the display name you used. We will delete the player record, fines, comments, and any rules you created that are associated with you, normally within 30 days.

You can also remove your own data yourself: leave a jar at any time from within the app, and clear the app's stored data by uninstalling the app or clearing its storage in your device settings.

If this was useful, you can support my work on Ko-fi.