# Privacy Policy for Checkers Hub

**Last Updated: August 3, 2026**

## Introduction

Checkers Hub ("we", "our", "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application.

## Information We Collect

### Account Information
- **Authentication data**: We use Firebase Authentication to manage user accounts. You may sign in anonymously or with an email address.
- **Username**: A display name you choose or that is auto-generated.
- **Profile information**: Avatar selection, nationality (auto-detected or manually set), and game preferences.

### Gameplay Data
- **Game statistics**: Wins, losses, draws, ELO rating, streaks, and game history.
- **Game records**: Moves and board states from completed games.
- **Time controls and game modes**: Your preferred settings.

### Technical Data
- **Device information**: Device type and operating system version, used to optimize app performance.
- **Push notification tokens**: If you enable push notifications, we store your FCM token to deliver notifications.

## How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

- Provide and maintain the app and its features.
- Match you with opponents in online multiplayer games.
- Track and display your game statistics, rankings, and leaderboard positions.
- Manage friend lists, direct messages, and friend challenges.
- Deliver push notifications (e.g., game invitations, friend requests).
- Award in-app currency (gems) and manage your inventory.
- Improve the app experience and fix bugs.

## Data Storage and Security

- Your data is stored securely using MongoDB and Firebase services.
- We use industry-standard security measures to protect your information.
- Authentication tokens are used to verify your identity and protect your account.

## Data Sharing

We do **not** sell your personal information to third parties.

Your username, avatar, nationality flag, ELO rating, and league tier are visible to other players during games, on leaderboards, and in friend lists. This is necessary for the multiplayer experience.

## Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

- **Firebase** (Google): Authentication, push notifications, and analytics.
- **Google AdMob**: To display advertisements. AdMob may collect device identifiers and usage data. See [Google's Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy).

## Children's Privacy

Checkers Hub is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us so we can delete it.

## Your Rights

You have the right to:

- **Access** your data through your in-app profile.
- **Update** your username, avatar, and nationality at any time.
- **Delete** your account and all associated data through the Settings page in the app. Account deletion is permanent and cannot be undone.

## Data Retention

- Active account data is retained as long as your account exists.
- When you delete your account, all associated data (profile, statistics, game history, friend connections, and league memberships) is permanently removed.

## Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this document.

## Contact Us

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

**Email**: info@apexconsulting.se