Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Chess Junction ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience on our platform. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and mobile application (collectively, the "Service").

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: When you register, we collect your username, email address, and password.
• Profile Information: Optional information you choose to add, such as your name, avatar, bio, and country.
• Game Data: Your chess games, moves, ratings, puzzle attempts, and tournament participation.
• Communications: Messages you send through our platform, support requests, and feedback.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type, and unique device identifiers.
• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on the platform, and interaction patterns.
• Login History: IP address, device name, and last login date and time. This history is saved to your profile under "User Settings" to help you monitor your account security.
• Log Data: Referring URLs and access times.

2.3 Third-Party Authentication

If you sign in using Google, we receive your public profile information (name, email, profile picture) as permitted by your Google account settings.

2.4 Device Permissions (Mobile App)

Our mobile application may request the following device permissions. These are only accessed when you explicitly use the related features:

• Camera: Required when you choose to take a new photo for your profile avatar or during identity verification for titled player status. The camera is accessed only at the moment you initiate these actions.
• Microphone: Used for voice chat features during live games, allowing you to communicate with opponents or teammates. The microphone is only active when you enable voice chat.
• Storage/Photos: Required when you choose to upload an existing image from your device as your profile avatar. We only access the specific photo you select.

You can manage these permissions at any time through your device settings. Denying these permissions will not affect core app functionality, but specific features requiring them will be unavailable.

3. Identity Verification

To obtain a "Verified Player" or "Titled Player" status, you may be required to submit additional verification data. This ensures the authenticity of high-profile accounts and prevents impersonation.

• Live Selfie: A real-time photo taken during the verification process.
• Personal Identification: A valid government-issued ID (e.g., Driving License or National Identity Card).
• Professional ID: FIDE ID or other chess federation identification for titled players.

This data is used strictly for verification purposes and is processed securely.

4. How We Use Your Information

• To provide, maintain, and improve our chess platform and services
• To match you with opponents for games and tournaments
• To calculate and display your chess ratings and statistics
• To send you notifications about game invitations, tournament updates, and community activity
• To detect and prevent cheating, fraud, and abuse
• To respond to your support requests and communications
• To analyze usage patterns and improve user experience

5. Advertising

To support our free services, we display advertisements on our platform. We are committed to maintaining a safe environment for our users.

• Ad Suitability: We ensure that all advertisements displayed are appropriate for our target audience (users aged 13 and older). We strictly prohibit ads containing adult content, gambling, violence, or other inappropriate material.
• Certified Networks: We use Google Play certified ad networks (such as Google AdMob and AdSense) to serve ads. These networks comply with strict family safety standards and data protection regulations.
• Data Usage: Third-party advertising networks may use cookies and device identifiers to personalize ads. However, for users who may be considered minors under applicable laws (e.g., GDPR-K), we ensure data processing complies with relevant child safety regulations.

6. Analytics and Tracking

We use Google Analytics and similar tools to understand how users interact with our Service. These tools collect information such as:

• Pages and features you visit
• Time spent on different sections
• Your general geographic location (country/city level)
• Device and browser information

This data is collected anonymously and in aggregate form. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing theGoogle Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

7. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Public Profile: Your username, avatar, ratings, and game history may be visible to other users based on your privacy settings.
• Service Providers: We work with trusted third parties who assist in operating our platform (hosting, analytics, email delivery).
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights and safety.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition, user data may be transferred to the new entity.

8. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including:

• Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
• Secure password hashing
• Regular security audits and monitoring
• Access controls and authentication

However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Your Rights and Choices

• Access: You can view and download your data from your profile settings.
• Correction: You can update your profile information at any time.
• Deletion: You can request deletion of your account by contacting support.
• Privacy Settings: You can control the visibility of your games and profile.
• Notifications: You can manage notification preferences in your settings.

10. Target Audience & Children's Safety

Target Audience: Our Service is specifically designed for and directed towards users aged 13 and older. We do not target children under the age of 13.

Compliance: We comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and Google Play's Families Policy requirements.

• No Collection from Under 13s: We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover such data has been collected, it will be deleted immediately.
• Appropriate Content: We ensure that all content in our app is suitable for our target audience (13+).
• Safe Advertising: Whenever our app is used by a user who may be considered a child under applicable local laws, we ensure that displayed ads are from Google Play certified ad networks and are appropriate for all audiences.

11. 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 data in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the Service after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

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

• Email: admin@chessjunction.com
• Website: playchessjunction.com