Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to Online Word Search ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at www.online-wordsearch.com (the "Site") and use our word search game services.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By accessing or using our Site, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access the Site.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide Voluntarily

We may collect information that you voluntarily provide when using our Site, including:

• Player Names: If you choose to submit a score to our leaderboard, you may enter a display name. This is optional and can be anonymous.
• Game Scores: Your game scores, completion times, and difficulty settings when you submit to the leaderboard.
• Contact Information: If you contact us directly, we may receive your name, email address, and the contents of your message.

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our Site, certain information is collected automatically, including:

• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device type, screen resolution, and language preferences.
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click patterns, and game interactions.
• Log Data: IP address, access times, referring URLs, and pages viewed.

Analytics and Tracking Technologies

We use the following third-party services to analyze usage and improve our Site:

Google Analytics 4

We use Google Analytics 4 to understand how visitors interact with our Site. Google Analytics collects information such as how often users visit the Site, what pages they visit, and what other sites they used prior to coming to our Site. Google Analytics uses cookies and similar technologies to collect and store this information.

Google's ability to use and share information collected by Google Analytics is restricted by the Google Analytics Terms of Service and the Google Privacy Policy. You can learn more about how Google uses data at policies.google.com/privacy.

To opt out of Google Analytics tracking, you can install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

Google Tag Manager

We use Google Tag Manager to manage and deploy marketing tags (snippets of code) on our Site. Google Tag Manager itself does not collect personal information, but it facilitates the deployment of other tags that may collect data as described in this policy.

Vercel Analytics

We use Vercel Analytics, a privacy-focused analytics service that collects aggregated, anonymous data about Site performance and usage. Vercel Analytics does not use cookies and does not collect personally identifiable information.

Cookies and Local Storage

Our Site uses cookies and local storage to enhance your experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us provide and improve our services.

Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the Site to function properly, including remembering your game preferences and settings.
• Analytics Cookies: Used by Google Analytics to collect information about how you use our Site.
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences such as language settings and game difficulty.

Managing Cookies

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically find these settings in the "Options" or "Preferences" menu of your browser. You can set your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, some features of our Site may not function properly without cookies.

Local Storage

We use browser local storage to save your game progress, preferences, and settings locally on your device. This data remains on your device and is not transmitted to our servers unless you submit a score to the leaderboard.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, operate, and maintain our word search game
• Display leaderboards and track high scores
• Understand and analyze how you use our Site
• Develop new features, products, and services
• Communicate with you, including responding to inquiries
• Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, or technical issues
• Comply with legal obligations

Data Sharing and Disclosure

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

• Public Leaderboards: If you submit a score with a display name, that name and score will be publicly visible on our leaderboards.
• Service Providers: We share data with third-party service providers (such as hosting and analytics providers) who assist in operating our Site.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests.
• Business Transfers: In connection with any merger, sale, or transfer of company assets.

Data Retention

We retain your information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. Leaderboard scores are retained indefinitely unless you request removal. Analytics data is retained according to the retention policies of our third-party analytics providers (typically 14-26 months for Google Analytics).

Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate personal information.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (such as leaderboard entries).
• Opt-out: Opt out of analytics tracking using the methods described above.

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the Contact section below.

International Users

Our Site is hosted in the United States. If you are accessing our Site from the European Union, United Kingdom, or other regions with laws governing data collection and use that may differ from U.S. law, please note that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States. By using our Site, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States.

Children's Privacy

Our Site is intended for general audiences and is not directed at children under 13. 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 so we can delete such information.

Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

Third-Party Links

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@online-wordsearch.com

You may also visit our Contact Page to reach us.