1. Introduction

LexiThread ("we", "us", or "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our word puzzle game service.

2. Age Requirements

Our Service is intended for users who are at least 13 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are under 13, please do not use our Service or provide any information to us.

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Information You Provide

Currently, our Service does not require account creation or personal information submission. When playing multiplayer games, you may choose a username that is temporarily stored for the duration of your game session.

3.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Game Progress Data: Your game scores, completion status, and preferences are stored locally on your device using browser localStorage
• Usage Analytics: We may implement Google Analytics to understand how users interact with our Service, including pages visited, time spent, and general usage patterns
• Technical Information: Basic technical data such as browser type, device type, and general location (country/region level) may be collected automatically

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

• Provide and maintain our Service
• Save your game progress and preferences
• Enable multiplayer functionality
• Improve our Service based on usage analytics
• Ensure Service security and prevent abuse

5. Data Storage and Technology

5.1 Local Storage

We use browser localStorage to save your game progress, preferences, and settings directly on your device. This data remains on your device and is not transmitted to our servers unless you participate in multiplayer games.

5.2 Multiplayer Data

For multiplayer functionality, we use Ably (a third-party real-time messaging service) to facilitate game sessions. During multiplayer games, temporary game state data and chosen usernames are processed through Ably's secure infrastructure.

5.3 Hosting and Infrastructure

Our Service is hosted on Vercel, which may process basic technical information as part of providing hosting services. Vercel's privacy practices are governed by their own privacy policy.

6. Third-Party Services

6.1 Google Analytics

We may use Google Analytics to analyze Service usage. Google Analytics may collect information about your use of our Service, including your IP address, browser type, and usage patterns. This data is processed according to Google's privacy policy.

6.2 Ably

We use Ably for real-time multiplayer functionality. Ably may process temporary game data and connection information. Their data practices are governed by Ably's privacy policy.

7. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties, except:

• To provide our Service through trusted third-party providers (Ably, Vercel, Google Analytics)
• When required by law or to protect our rights
• In connection with a business transaction (merger, acquisition, etc.)

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your data. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.

9. Data Retention

• Local Storage Data: Stored on your device until you clear your browser data
• Multiplayer Session Data: Temporary data is deleted after game sessions end
• Analytics Data: Retained according to Google Analytics retention settings

10. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Clear your local game data by clearing your browser's localStorage
• Opt out of analytics tracking by using browser settings or extensions
• Request information about data we process about you
• Request deletion of your data (where technically feasible)

11. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed in countries other than your own through our third-party service providers. These transfers are conducted in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy periodically. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new privacy policy on this page with an updated effective date.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us through the game interface.