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Privacy Policy
The Barrel - Daily Word Puzzle Game
Effective Date: July 19, 2025 | Last Updated: July 19, 2025
1. Information We Collect
We collect minimal information necessary to provide and protect our Service:
- IP Addresses: We collect and immediately hash your IP address using one-way encryption for rate limiting purposes only. We never store IP addresses in plain text.
- Gameplay Statistics: We collect anonymous data about puzzle completions, including move counts, completion times, and hint usage to generate aggregate statistics.
2. Information We Do NOT Collect
We are committed to minimal data collection. We do not collect:
- Names, email addresses, or other personal identifiers
- Device information or browser fingerprinting data
- Location data or geographic information
- Cookies or tracking pixels
- Social media profiles or external account information
3. How We Use Information
We use the limited information we collect solely to:
- Prevent abuse by limiting each player to one completion per puzzle
- Generate anonymous, aggregate statistics about puzzle difficulty and player performance
- Maintain the integrity and fairness of the game
4. Local Storage
We use your browser's local storage feature to:
- Save your game progress so you can continue puzzles later
- Remember your theme preference (light or dark mode)
This information is stored entirely on your device and is never transmitted to our servers. You can clear this data at any time through your browser's settings.
5. Data Retention
- IP Address Hashes: Automatically deleted after 5 days
- Gameplay Statistics: Retained indefinitely in anonymized, aggregated form
- Local Storage: Persists until cleared by you or your browser
6. Third-Party Services
We currently do not use any third-party analytics, advertising, or tracking services. If this changes in the future, we will update this privacy policy and notify users accordingly.
7. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical measures to protect the limited data we collect:
- IP addresses are immediately hashed using one-way encryption
- No personally identifiable information is stored
- All communications are secured with HTTPS encryption
8. Children's Privacy
Our Service is designed to be safe for all ages. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.
9. Your Rights
Since we do not collect personally identifiable information, we cannot identify individual users in our data. However, you have the right to:
- Clear your local game data through your browser's settings
- Contact us with any privacy-related questions or concerns
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify users of any material changes by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy. Continued use of the Service after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact Us