Privacy Policy for 'Whereabouts?'

Effective Date: 10th February 2025

Welcome to Whereabouts? (“we,” “our,” or “us”). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience while playing our game. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit and play Whereabouts? (the “Game”).

By using the Game, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect minimal personal data to operate the Game efficiently. Below is a detailed breakdown of the types of data we collect.

a. Information You Provide Voluntarily

• Contact Information: If you contact us for support or feedback, we may collect your email address, your name, and the content of your message.
• User-Generated Content: If the Game allows for usernames, leaderboards, or custom avatars, we may collect and display this data. Any content you submit is considered public.

b. Information Collected Automatically

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to collect certain types of data automatically:

• Device and Technical Data:
  • IP Address
  • Browser type and version
  • Operating System
  • Language Preferences
  • Device Type (e.g., mobile, desktop, tablet)
• Gameplay Data:
  • Number of games played
  • Guesses per game
  • Scores, streaks, and rankings
  • Achievements and milestones
• Usage Analytics:
  • Time spent on the game
  • Pages/screens viewed
  • Clicks and interactions
  • Error reports and bug tracking

This data is aggregated and anonymized where possible.

c. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience.

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the Game to function properly (e.g., saving game progress).
• Performance Cookies: Collect information about how users interact with the Game to improve functionality.
• Functional Cookies: Remember user preferences like dark mode, language, and volume settings.
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand usage patterns via tools like Google Analytics.

You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings.

2. How We Use Your Information

We process your information for the following purposes:

• To Operate the Game: Ensure smooth gameplay, save progress, and maintain leaderboards.
• To Improve User Experience: Analyze usage data to identify bugs, optimize performance, and enhance features.
• To Prevent Cheating and Abuse: Monitor activity to detect cheating, bots, and unauthorized access.
• To Provide Support and Respond to Inquiries: Answer support requests and gather feedback.
• To Communicate Updates: Notify users about game updates, new features, or important policy changes.
• For Analytics and Research: Understand how players interact with the Game to improve user engagement and retention.

3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR Compliance)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), we rely on the following legal bases for processing your data:

• Contractual Necessity: To provide and operate the Game.
• Legitimate Interests: For analytics, bug fixing, and improving game performance.
• Consent: For optional cookies and marketing communications (where applicable).
• Legal Obligations: To comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

4. Sharing and Disclosure of Your Information

We do not sell your personal data. We may share your information with trusted third parties under the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: We may share data with third-party vendors who assist us in operating the Game, including:
  • Hosting provider
  • Analytics services (e.g., Google Analytics)
  • Customer support tools
• Legal Obligations: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law, such as in response to a subpoena or legal process.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new owner under the same privacy terms.
• Advertising Partners: If the Game is ad-supported, anonymized data may be shared with ad networks. We will request your consent before showing personalized ads.

5. Data Retention and Deletion

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy.

• Gameplay Data: Retained indefinitely for leaderboards and game analytics.
• Contact Information: Retained for up to 12 months after the last user interaction for support purposes.
• Cookies: Cookie data retention depends on the cookie type but generally expires within 12 months.

Your Rights: You can request data deletion or modification at any time by contacting us at witty@whereabouts.co.uk.

6. Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security practices to protect your data:

• HTTPS encryption for all data transfers.
• Regular security audits and vulnerability testing.
• Secure data storage with access limited to authorized personnel.

Note: No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We encourage users to safeguard their own devices and networks.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), you may have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of the data we hold about you.
• Right to Rectify: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data (“right to be forgotten”).
• Right to Object: Object to data processing based on legitimate interests.
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a portable format.
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing at any time.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at witty@whereabouts.co.uk.

8. Children's Privacy

The Game is not intended for children under 13 (or under 16 in certain jurisdictions like the EU). We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we will promptly delete it.

9. Third-Party Links

The Game may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices and encourage users to review their privacy policies before engaging with them.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements, our data practices, or game features.

Last Updated: 20th February 2025

Next Review Date: 20th March 2025

We will notify users of significant changes through the Game interface.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact us:

• Email: witty@whereabouts.co.uk
• Address: Whereabouts ITW Ltd, Courtyard 1, Dissington Hall, Northumberland, NE18 0AD

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