Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

At WordZWorld, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information:

• Account Information: Username, email address, password (encrypted)
• Profile Information: Display name, avatar, bio
• Game Data: Words submitted, scores, game statistics
• Communication Data: Messages sent through our platform

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

We automatically collect certain information when you use our Service:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, game interactions
• Cookies and Tracking: Session data, preferences, analytics
• Location Data: General location based on IP address

2.3 AI Processing Data

When you play games, we process your word submissions through our AI scoring system. This data is used solely for game functionality and is not stored permanently.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Service Provision: To provide and maintain our gaming services
• Account Management: To create and manage your user account
• Game Functionality: To process game submissions and calculate scores
• Leaderboards: To display rankings and statistics
• Communication: To send important updates and notifications
• Analytics: To improve our services and user experience
• Security: To detect and prevent fraud and abuse
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Public Information

The following information is publicly visible on our platform:

• Username and display name
• Game scores and statistics
• Leaderboard rankings
• Profile information you choose to make public

4.2 Third-Party Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our website
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• Consent: With your explicit consent

4.3 AI Service Providers

We use third-party AI services (including OpenRouter API) for AI-powered features. When you submit words for scoring, this data is temporarily sent to these third-party services for processing. While we take steps to minimize data sharing and use reputable providers, please be aware that:

• Your word submissions are shared with third-party AI services for processing
• We have limited control over how these third parties handle your data
• Data is processed according to the third party's own privacy policies
• We do not store this data permanently on our servers
• The data is used solely for game functionality and scoring

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption: Passwords are hashed using secure algorithms
• Secure Transmission: Data is transmitted using HTTPS encryption
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
• Regular Audits: Security measures are regularly reviewed and updated
• Data Minimization: We collect only the information necessary for our services

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

6.1 Types of Cookies

We use the following types of cookies:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how you use our service
• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser

6.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our service.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information for the following periods:

• Account Data: As long as your account is active or as needed to provide services
• Game Data: Indefinitely for leaderboards and statistics (anonymized after account deletion)
• Communication Data: For the duration necessary to resolve support issues
• Analytics Data: Up to 2 years for service improvement purposes

8. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data
• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
• Restriction: Request limitation of processing
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdrawal: Withdraw consent where applicable

9. Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure that such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and implement appropriate safeguards.

11. Third-Party Links

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

12. AI Data Processing

13. 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
• Sending you an email notification
• Displaying a notice on our website

Your continued use of the Service after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Privacy Policy.

14. Contact Us

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

• Email: contact@wordzworld.com
• Subject: Privacy Policy Inquiry
• Response Time: We aim to respond within 30 days

15. Data Protection Officer

For matters related to data protection and privacy, you can contact our Data Protection Officer at contact@wordzworld.com.

16. Complaints

If you believe we have not complied with applicable data protection laws, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the relevant supervisory authority in your jurisdiction.