Privacy Policy

Welcome to EdgeWords! Your privacy is important to me. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use the EdgeWords game and related services.

EdgeWords is operated by Jonathon Gibbs as an individual project. By using EdgeWords, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information I Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

When you create an account or use EdgeWords, you may provide:

• Account Information: Display name, email address, and password (encrypted)
• Profile Information: Optional profile picture URL, tagline, and bio
• User-Generated Content: Custom puzzles, messages to other users, and group content
• Communication: Messages you send through the platform or to support

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you use EdgeWords, I automatically collect:

• Usage Data: Puzzle solves, solve times, scores, and gameplay statistics
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers
• Log Data: Access times, pages viewed, and actions taken
• Cookies: Authentication tokens and preferences (see Section 5)

2. How I Use Your Information

I use the collected information to:

• Provide the Service: Enable you to play puzzles, track progress, and use social features
• Account Management: Create and maintain your account, authenticate you, and verify your email
• Social Features: Enable groups, leaderboards, friends lists, and messaging
• Improve the Service: Analyze usage patterns, identify bugs, and develop new features
• Communication: Send account-related emails (verification, password resets, important updates)
• Safety and Security: Prevent fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access
• Legal Compliance: Comply with applicable laws and legal processes

3. How I Share Your Information

3.1 Public Information

The following information is visible to other EdgeWords users:

• Your display name, profile picture, and tagline
• Your puzzle solve statistics and badges
• Your rankings on group leaderboards (if you're a member)
• Custom puzzles you create and share

Your email address is never publicly visible.

3.2 Service Providers

I may share your information with third-party service providers who assist in operating EdgeWords:

• Hosting Services: Server hosting and data storage
• Email Services: Transactional email delivery (verification, password resets)
• Analytics: Usage analytics to improve the service (if implemented)

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide.

3.3 Legal Requirements

I may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests, such as:

• Court orders or subpoenas
• Government or law enforcement requests
• Protection of rights, property, or safety

3.4 Business Transfers

If EdgeWords is acquired or merged with another entity, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. You will be notified of any such change.

4. Data Retention

I retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. You can request account deletion at any time through your profile settings. Upon deletion:

• Your account enters a 30-day grace period during which you can recover it
• After 30 days, your personal information is permanently deleted
• Anonymous usage statistics may be retained for analytical purposes

5. Cookies and Tracking

EdgeWords uses the following types of cookies:

• Essential Cookies: Required for authentication and core functionality
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
• Analytics Cookies: Help understand how users interact with EdgeWords (if implemented)

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling essential cookies may prevent you from using certain features.

6. Data Security

I take data security seriously and implement industry-standard measures:

• Encryption: All data transmission uses HTTPS/TLS encryption
• Password Security: Passwords are hashed using bcrypt before storage
• Access Controls: Strict access controls limit who can access user data
• Regular Updates: Systems are regularly updated with security patches

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While I strive to protect your information, I cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights and Choices

7.1 Access and Portability

You can:

• Access your account information through your profile
• Export all your data using the "Export My Data" feature
• Request a copy of your data by contacting support

7.2 Correction and Updates

You can update your profile information at any time through your account settings.

7.3 Deletion

You can delete your account through your profile settings. This will initiate a 30-day grace period before permanent deletion.

7.4 Marketing Communications

I do not currently send marketing emails. If this changes, you will have the option to opt out.

7.5 Do Not Track

EdgeWords does not currently respond to Do Not Track (DNT) signals.

8. Children's Privacy

EdgeWords is not intended for children under 13 years of age. I do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided information, please contact me immediately, and I will delete such information.

9. International Users

EdgeWords is operated from the United Kingdom. If you are accessing EdgeWords from outside the UK, your information may be transferred to and stored in the UK or other countries. By using EdgeWords, you consent to this transfer.

9.1 GDPR Rights (EU/UK Users)

If you are located in the European Union or United Kingdom, you have additional rights under GDPR:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to Restriction: Limit how your data is used
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your data
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact me using the information below.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When I make changes, I will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. For material changes, I will notify you via email or through a prominent notice on the service. Your continued use of EdgeWords after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Third-Party Links

EdgeWords may contain links to third-party websites or services. I am not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. Please review their privacy policies before providing any information.