Privacy Policy

Welcome to ChessMaster Online ("we", "us", or "our"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you visit https://www.chesssmaster.online.

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

• Account registration: username, email address, and password (stored hashed with bcrypt).
• Game data: moves, room history, chat messages, and tournament participation.
• Contact form: name, email, and message content.

Automatically Collected Information

• Log data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, date and time of visits.
• Cookies: session cookies for authentication; advertising cookies from Google AdSense.
• Usage data: game statistics, moves played, rooms created.

2. How We Use Your Information

• To create and manage your account.
• To provide and improve the chess game service.
• To display personalised advertisements via Google AdSense.
• To maintain leaderboards and tournament standings.
• To respond to your inquiries and support requests.
• To detect and prevent fraud or abuse.

3. Google AdSense & Advertising

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements. Google uses cookies (including the DoubleClick cookie) to serve ads based on your prior visits to this and other websites.

• You may opt out of personalised advertising at Google Ads Settings.
• You may also opt out via the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.

For more information see How Google uses data when you use our partners' sites.

4. Cookies

• Essential cookies: Required for login sessions and game functionality.
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site.
• Advertising cookies: Set by Google AdSense to serve relevant ads.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect site functionality.

5. Third-Party Services

• Google AdSense / Analytics Privacy Policy
• Google Fonts

6. Data Retention

We retain your account data for as long as your account is active. Game history is kept for up to 12 months. You may request deletion of your account at any time by contacting us.

7. Children's Privacy

Our service is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

8. Your Rights

You may have the right to: access, correct, or delete your personal data; object to processing; and data portability. To exercise these rights, please contact us via our Contact Page.

9. Security

We implement industry-standard security including password hashing (bcrypt), HTTPS encryption, and prepared SQL statements to prevent injection attacks.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes are effective when posted. Continued use of the service constitutes acceptance.

11. Contact Us

Questions about this Privacy Policy? Contact us here.