Introduction

Welcome to Crossword Chaos ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and providing a safe, enjoyable gaming experience. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you play our real-time multiplayer crossword puzzle game.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

• Username: A display name you choose for gameplay
• Game Statistics: Your scores, win/loss records, and gameplay history
• In-Game Communications: Messages or interactions during gameplay (if applicable)

Information Collected Automatically

• Device Identifiers: Anonymous device IDs for gameplay sessions
• Analytics Data: Game performance metrics, feature usage, and crash reports
• Technical Information: Device type, operating system, app version

Information from Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services that may collect information:

• Firebase (Google): Authentication, database, analytics, and crash reporting
• AdMob (Google): Non-personalized advertisement delivery and ad performance measurement

How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

• Provide and maintain the game service
• Match you with other players in real-time games
• Display leaderboards and game statistics
• Display non-personalized advertisements
• Measure advertising performance and prevent fraud
• Improve game performance and fix bugs
• Send important game updates and notifications
• Prevent cheating and ensure fair play
• Comply with legal obligations

Data Storage and Security

• Your data is stored securely using Firebase's cloud infrastructure
• We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information
• Game data is encrypted during transmission
• Anonymous authentication means your account is tied to your device

Important: If you uninstall the app or clear app data, your anonymous account and progress may be lost permanently unless you've linked your account to an email (when this feature is available).

Advertising and Your Choices

We display non-personalized advertisements to keep the app free. Non-personalized ads are based on context (like the content you're viewing) rather than your personal interests or browsing history.

How Advertising Works:

• Device Identifiers: We may share anonymous device identifiers (like your device's advertising ID) with Google AdMob to serve ads and measure performance
• Consent Requirement: In the European Economic Area (EEA), UK, and Switzerland, we ask for your consent before sharing device identifiers. This consent request appears when you first use the app.
• Your Choices:
  • Accept: We can use device identifiers for non-personalized ads (higher quality ad experience)
  • Decline: We serve "Limited Ads" that don't use any device identifiers (fewer ads, lower quality)
• Other Regions: If you're outside the EEA/UK/Switzerland, device identifiers are used by default for non-personalized ads. You can opt out through your device's privacy settings.

We do not:

• Track your interests or browsing history
• Create advertising profiles about you
• Serve personalized/targeted ads
• Share your personal information beyond what's necessary for ad serving

Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We share limited data only in these circumstances:

• Advertising Partners: We share anonymous device identifiers with Google AdMob to serve non-personalized advertisements. In regulated regions (EEA/UK/Switzerland), this sharing only occurs with your consent. If you decline consent, we serve Limited Ads without device identifiers.
• Service Providers: With Firebase and other third-party services necessary for game operation (authentication, database, analytics, crash reporting)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Aggregated Data: We may share anonymized, aggregated statistics publicly
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to sharing

Children's Privacy

Crossword Chaos is intended for users aged 13 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access Your Data: Request a copy of your game data
• Delete Your Account: Remove your account and associated data
• Manage Privacy Preferences: Control how your data is used for advertising. EU/UK/Swiss users can manage consent choices through the dialog shown on first use. All users can opt out of personalized advertising through their device settings.
• Opt-Out of Data Sharing: Decline consent for device identifier sharing (EEA/UK/Switzerland users) or use your device's "Limit Ad Tracking" or "Opt out of Ads Personalization" settings
• Update Information: Change your username at any time

To exercise these rights, use the in-app privacy settings or contact us at the email below.

Data Retention

We retain your game data as long as your account is active. If you request account deletion, we will remove your personal data within 30 days, except where retention is required for legal or legitimate business purposes.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

Third-Party Links

The game may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by updating the "Last Updated" date and, for significant changes, providing in-game notifications.

United States Privacy Rights

California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), including:

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

Data Sharing for Advertising: We share device identifiers with Google AdMob for advertising purposes. Under California law, this may be considered "sharing" for cross-context behavioral advertising. You can opt out by declining consent when prompted or using your device's privacy settings.

We do not sell personal information in the traditional sense (for monetary value).

Other US States

Residents of Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and Utah have similar privacy rights under their respective state laws. Contact us to exercise these rights.

European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom (UK), or Switzerland, you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and related privacy laws, including:

• Right to consent: We ask for your explicit consent before using device identifiers for advertising. You see this consent request when you first use the app.
• Right to withdraw consent: You can change your mind at any time by adjusting your privacy preferences
• Right to data portability: Export your game data in a portable format
• Right to restriction of processing: Limit how we use your data
• Right to object to processing: Object to data processing based on legitimate interests
• Right to lodge a complaint: File a complaint with your local data protection authority

Legal Basis for Processing:

• Consent: For device identifier sharing with advertising partners (Purpose 1: Store and/or access information on a device)
• Legitimate Interest: For ad performance measurement, fraud prevention, and service improvement
• Contractual Necessity: For providing game services you request (matchmaking, leaderboards, etc.)

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Email: support@keedastudios.com
Website: https://crossword-chaos.com

For data protection inquiries:
Data Protection Officer: support@keedastudios.com

Consent

By using Crossword Chaos, you consent to our Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.