Welcome to LinkedUp Mini Sudoku (minisudoku.games). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a safe gaming experience. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

• Nickname (Optional): If you choose to submit your score to the leaderboard, you may provide a nickname.
• Game Scores: Your game scores, time, accuracy, and difficulty level when you opt to save them to the leaderboard.

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, screen resolution, and device type.
• Usage Data: Game sessions, puzzle completion times, difficulty preferences, and interaction patterns.
• Cookies and Local Storage: We use cookies and browser local storage to save your preferences (theme, best scores) and improve your experience.
• Analytics: We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our website (page views, session duration, bounce rates).

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Game Functionality: To display leaderboards, save your progress, and remember your preferences.
• Analytics & Improvements: To analyze website usage, identify popular features, and improve the gaming experience.
• Advertising: To display relevant ads through Google AdSense (if you consent to cookies).
• Communication: To respond to your inquiries if you contact us via email.

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:

3.1 Essential Cookies

• Store your game preferences (dark mode, difficulty level)
• Remember your local best scores
• Maintain your session on the website

3.2 Analytics Cookies (Google Analytics)

• Understand visitor behavior and website performance
• Track page views and user engagement
• Improve website functionality based on usage patterns

3.3 Advertising Cookies (Google AdSense)

• Display relevant advertisements
• Measure ad performance
• Support our free service through ad revenue

Cookie Control: You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings or our cookie consent banner. Note that disabling certain cookies may limit website functionality.

4. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services that may collect information:

4.1 Google Analytics

• Purpose: Website analytics and performance monitoring
• Data Collected: Anonymous usage statistics, session data, device information
• Privacy Policy: Google Privacy Policy

4.2 Google AdSense

• Purpose: Display advertisements to support our free service
• Data Collected: Browsing behavior, ad interactions, device information
• Privacy Policy: Google Ads Privacy

4.3 Firebase (Google Cloud)

• Purpose: Store leaderboard data and user authentication
• Data Collected: Anonymous user IDs, game scores, nicknames
• Privacy Policy: Firebase Privacy

4.4 Tailwind CSS & CDN Services

• Purpose: Website styling and functionality
• Data Collected: IP address (for CDN delivery only)

5. Data Storage and Security

We take data security seriously:

• Secure Storage: All leaderboard data is stored securely on Firebase (Google Cloud)
• Anonymous Authentication: Users are authenticated anonymously; we don't collect personal identifiable information
• HTTPS: All data transmission is encrypted using SSL/TLS
• Local Storage: Your preferences and local scores are stored only on your device

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your data:

6.1 Cookie Consent

• Accept or reject cookies through our consent banner
• Manage cookie preferences at any time through browser settings

6.2 Data Access & Deletion

• View your local scores in browser storage
• Clear your data by clearing browser cache and local storage
• Request leaderboard data removal by contacting us at linkedupmini@gmail.com

6.3 Opt-Out Options

• Google Analytics: Use Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Personalized Ads: Visit Google Ads Settings
• Do Not Track: We respect browser "Do Not Track" signals

7. Children's Privacy

LinkedUp Mini Sudoku is suitable for all ages, but we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at linkedupmini@gmail.com.

8. International Users (GDPR Compliance)

For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, and Switzerland:

• Legal Basis: We process data based on your consent (cookies) and legitimate interests (website functionality)
• Data Transfer: Your data may be transferred to and stored on servers in the United States (Google Cloud/Firebase)
• Rights: You have the right to access, rectify, delete, restrict processing, and data portability
• Consent Management: You can withdraw consent at any time through cookie settings

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top
• Displaying a notice on our website for significant changes

Your continued use of LinkedUp Mini Sudoku after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us:

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11. Your Consent

By using LinkedUp Mini Sudoku, you consent to this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.