This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and disclose information when you use our website and word puzzle game (the "Service").
1. Information We Collect
Personal Information
We do not require user registration or account creation. We do not directly collect personal information such as your name, email address, or contact information unless you voluntarily provide it to us (e.g., when contacting us via email).
Automatically Collected Information
When you access our Service, we may automatically collect certain information, including:
- Usage Data: Information about your interactions with the game, such as pages visited, time spent on the site, and gameplay statistics
- Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device type, and IP address
- Cookies and Similar Technologies: Small data files stored on your device to enhance functionality and analyze usage
Local Storage
We use browser local storage to save your game progress, preferences, and whether you've seen the tutorial. This information is stored locally on your device and is not transmitted to our servers.
2. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google, Inc. ("Google"), to analyze how users interact with our Service. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect information such as:
- Pages viewed and time spent on each page
- Session duration and bounce rate
- Geographic location (city/country level)
- Browser and device information
Google Analytics may use the data collected to contextualize and personalize ads of its own advertising network. You can learn more about Google Analytics' privacy practices at https://policies.google.com/privacy.
Advertising Cookies
We display third-party advertisements on our Service through Google AdSense and other advertising partners. These companies may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:
- Deliver ads based on your interests and browsing history
- Measure ad performance and effectiveness
- Prevent the same ad from being shown to you repeatedly
3. Third-Party Advertising
We use Google AdSense and may use other third-party advertising networks to display advertisements. These advertising partners may collect and use information about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you.
Third-party advertisers may use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to collect information, which may include your IP address, browser type, pages visited, and time spent on pages. This information is used for interest-based advertising (also called personalized or targeted advertising).
Opting Out of Interest-Based Advertising
You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting:
- Google Ad Settings - Manage Google ad personalization
- Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) - Opt out of interest-based ads
- Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) - Opt out of participating networks
Please note that opting out does not mean you will no longer see ads; it means the ads you see will not be personalized based on your interests.
4. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide, maintain, and improve the Service
- Analyze usage patterns and trends to enhance user experience
- Display relevant advertisements to support the free Service
- Detect, prevent, and address technical issues or abuse
- Respond to user inquiries and provide customer support
5. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share information with:
- Service Providers: Google Analytics, Google AdSense, and other third-party services that help us operate and improve the Service
- Legal Requirements: If required by law or in response to valid legal requests (e.g., subpoena, court order)
- Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user information may be transferred
6. Children's Privacy
Word Hop is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.
If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at playwordhop@gmail.com, and we will delete the information.
7. Your Privacy Rights and Choices
Managing Cookies
You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:
- View and delete cookies
- Block third-party cookies
- Block all cookies (note: this may affect functionality)
- Receive a notification before a cookie is stored
Please refer to your browser's help documentation for specific instructions.
Clearing Local Storage
You can clear your local storage data (game progress and preferences) through your browser's developer tools or settings. Note that this will reset your game progress.
8. Data Security
We implement reasonable security measures to protect the information we collect. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.
9. International Users
Word Hop is operated from the United States. If you are accessing the Service from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your country.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. When we make changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:
Email: playwordhop@gmail.com