Privacy Policy

Last updated: August 24, 2026

IT-Systems ("we") operates the PixelDock mobile application (the "Service"). This policy describes what data we collect, what we use it for, and your rights, in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Data Controller

IT-Systems, based in Spain. Contact email: emulator@it-systems.es

Data We Collect

• Account (nickname): the username you choose, a device identifier, and a session token. We never ask for your real name or a password.
• Recovery email (optional): if you add one, it is used solely to recover your account if you switch devices (we send you a one-time code). It is never used for marketing or shared with anyone.
• Friends and chat: your friends list, 1:1 chat messages, and your presence status (online/away/busy). Messages are stored on the server so you can see them even after closing the app.
• Sharing games: sending a game to a friend uses a direct connection between the two devices (P2P/WebRTC) -- the game file never passes through our server, only the minimal information needed to set up that connection.
• Save state sync (Premium): if you enable cloud sync, your save states and their screenshots are uploaded encrypted in transit (HTTPS) to our server, so you can recover them if you switch devices. Sending a save state to a friend works the same way: unlike sharing the full game, here the file DOES pass through our server, in a temporary inbox until your friend downloads or dismisses it.
• Purchases and subscriptions: Apple handles the entire payment process; we only receive confirmation that you have an active subscription (and which type), never your payment or card details.
• Push notifications: a token provided by Apple (APNS) so we can notify you about friend requests, messages, or shared games.
• RetroAchievements (optional): if you sign in with your RetroAchievements account, your username and password are sent directly to RetroAchievements' servers (a third-party service) for authentication -- they are never stored on our server.
• Technical data: device model, app version, and language, so we can provide support and send emails in your language.

What We Use Your Data For

• Creating and maintaining your account (nickname) within the Service.
• Providing friends, chat, and game-sharing features.
• Sending push notifications about those same features.
• Recovering your account if you switch devices (only if you added an email).
• Keeping the Service secure and preventing abuse.

Legal Basis

We process your data based on: (a) performing the Service you request by creating an account, (b) your explicit consent for the recovery email and push notifications, and (c) our legitimate interest in keeping the Service secure and preventing misuse.

Who We Share Data With

We do not sell your data to anyone. We only share it with:

• Apple Inc.: for push notifications (APNS) and to distribute the app through the App Store.
• GitHub: looking up a game's cover art makes a direct request to their service (libretro-thumbnails), sending no personal data, only the game's name.
• RetroAchievements: only if you choose to sign in with that feature, and only your own credentials for that third-party account.
• Hosting provider: our server is located in the European Union.

How Long We Keep Your Data

For as long as your account is active. If you delete it from the app (Settings → Account → Delete Account), your nickname and all associated data (friends, chat, presence) are erased immediately and the nickname becomes free for someone else to use.

Your Rights

Under the GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access: ask us for a copy of your data.
• Rectification: update your recovery email from Settings at any time.
• Erasure: delete your account and all your data directly from the app, no need to contact us.
• Portability: ask us for your data in a machine-readable format.
• Objection: object to specific processing by contacting us.
• Withdraw consent: remove your recovery email or disable push notifications at any time from Settings.

To exercise any of these rights: emulator@it-systems.es. You may also file a complaint with the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD).

Local Wi-Fi Portal

The app can open a small web server to transfer your own games over Wi-Fi. This server only works within your own local network (your home, your router) while the app is open -- it is never exposed to the internet and collects no data for us.

Security

All communication with our server is encrypted (HTTPS). Passwords and session tokens are never stored in plain text visible from the app.

Children

The Service is not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from children under that age.

Changes to This Policy

If we make significant changes to this policy, we will notify you within the app itself.

Contact

Any privacy questions: emulator@it-systems.es