1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

• Contact Information: Name and email address when you contact us or sign up for premium features
• Payment Information: Processed securely through Paddle (we never store your credit card details)
• Feedback: Messages you send through our contact form

1.2 Information Automatically Collected

• Game Progress: Your scores, streaks, completed quests, and power-ups (stored locally on your device)
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, features used
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, IP address (for analytics)
• Cookies: Small files stored on your device for functionality and analytics

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide and maintain the BrainStorm Quest game
• Process your premium subscription payments
• Respond to your questions and support requests
• Send important updates about the service (if you're a premium user)
• Improve our game and develop new features
• Analyze usage patterns and optimize performance
• Prevent fraud and ensure security
• Comply with legal obligations

3. How We Store Your Information

3.1 Local Storage (Your Device)

Most of your game data is stored locally in your browser using localStorage:

• Game progress (scores, streaks, quests completed)
• Power-ups remaining
• Premium status (if applicable)
• Language preference

Note: Clearing your browser data will reset your game progress.

3.2 Our Servers

• Contact form submissions (stored securely via FormSpree)
• Premium user email addresses (for account management)
• Anonymous analytics data (via Google Analytics)

4. Third-Party Services

We use the following trusted third-party services:

4.1 Paddle (Payment Processing)

• Handles all payment transactions
• Stores payment information securely
• Acts as Merchant of Record
• Privacy Policy: paddle.com/privacy

4.2 Google AdSense (Advertising)

• Shows ads to free users
• May use cookies for personalized advertising
• Privacy Policy: policies.google.com/privacy

4.3 FormSpree (Contact Form)

• Delivers contact form submissions to our email
• Privacy Policy: formspree.io/legal/privacy-policy

4.4 Google Analytics (Analytics)

• Helps us understand how users interact with our game
• Collects anonymous usage data
• Privacy Policy: policies.google.com/privacy

5. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies for:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the game to function (game state, preferences)
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand usage patterns (Google Analytics)
• Advertising Cookies: Used by Google AdSense to show relevant ads (free users only)

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling essential cookies may affect functionality.

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do NOT sell your personal information. We may share information only in these situations:

• With Service Providers: Paddle, FormSpree, Google (as described above)
• Legal Requirements: If required by law or to protect our rights
• Business Transfers: In case of merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• With Your Consent: For any other purpose with your explicit permission

7. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails
• Data Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format
• Object: Object to certain data processing activities

To exercise these rights, contact us at brainstormquest@outlook.com

8. Children's Privacy

BrainStorm Quest is designed for users aged 8 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with applicable data protection laws (GDPR, POPIA, etc.).

10. Data Security

We implement security measures to protect your information:

• HTTPS encryption for all connections
• Secure payment processing through Paddle (PCI DSS compliant)
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• Limited access to personal information

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Data Retention

• Game Progress: Stored locally on your device until you clear browser data
• Contact Form Submissions: Retained for 2 years
• Premium Account Data: Retained while your subscription is active, plus 1 year after cancellation
• Analytics Data: Anonymized and retained for 26 months (Google Analytics default)

12. Your Choices

To Opt-Out of Personalized Ads:

• Upgrade to Premium (no ads!)
• Use browser ad blockers
• Adjust Google Ad Settings: adssettings.google.com

To Reset Your Game Data:

• Clear your browser's localStorage
• Use your browser's "Clear Site Data" feature

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting the new policy on this page
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending an email to premium users (for material changes)

Continued use of BrainStorm Quest after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

• Email: brainstormquest@outlook.com
• Contact Form: Visit our contact page

15. Legal Compliance

This Privacy Policy complies with:

• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation - EU)
• POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act - South Africa)
• CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act - USA)
• COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act - USA)