Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Hornswoggled ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website playhornswoggled.com and use our Daily Swoggle word game service.

By using our service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Register an account: Username, email address, password (encrypted), first name, last name (optional)
• Play the game: Word definitions you submit, votes you cast, ratings you provide
• Customize your profile: Avatar images you upload, profile preferences
• Contact us: Name, email address, and message content when you use our contact form

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you access our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device, including:

• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, game activity, submission timestamps
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type and version, device type, operating system
• Cookies and Tracking: Session cookies for authentication, preference cookies, analytics cookies

2.3 Third-Party Information

We use third-party services that may collect information:

• Google Analytics: Website usage statistics and visitor demographics
• Google AdSense: Advertising preferences and ad interaction data
• Google Tag Manager: Website performance and conversion tracking

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

3.1 Service Provision

• Create and manage your user account
• Enable you to participate in Daily Swoggle games
• Display your submissions to other players (using your chosen username)
• Calculate scores, rankings, and determine daily winners
• Award badges and track achievements

3.2 Communication

• Send you game notifications and updates
• Respond to your inquiries and support requests
• Send administrative information about service changes

3.3 Improvement and Analytics

• Analyze usage patterns to improve game features
• Monitor and analyze trends and user preferences
• Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and technical issues
• Optimize website performance and user experience

3.4 Marketing and Advertising

• Display relevant advertisements through Google AdSense
• Personalize content based on your interests (if you consent)

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Public Information

The following information is visible to other players:

• Your username
• Your avatar image
• Word definitions you submit
• Your votes and ratings (anonymized)
• Badges and achievements you earn
• Win history and statistics

4.2 Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website and conducting our business, including:

• Hosting providers: For website infrastructure and data storage
• Analytics services: Google Analytics for usage analysis
• Advertising networks: Google AdSense for ad serving
• Email services: For sending transactional emails

These third parties are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., court orders, subpoenas, or government agencies).

4.4 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred. We will provide notice before your personal information is transferred and becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption: Passwords are encrypted using secure hashing algorithms
• HTTPS: All data transmission is encrypted via SSL/TLS
• Secure sessions: HttpOnly and Secure cookies prevent XSS attacks
• Access controls: Limited employee access to personal data
• Regular audits: Security reviews and vulnerability assessments

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Privacy Rights

6.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to access, update, or correct your personal information at any time through your profile settings.

6.2 Data Deletion

You may request deletion of your account and associated data by contacting us at support@playhornswoggled.com. We will delete your information within 30 days, except where retention is required by law.

6.3 Opt-Out Rights

• Email communications: Unsubscribe from promotional emails using the link in each email
• Cookies: Disable cookies through your browser settings (may affect functionality)
• Analytics: Opt out of Google Analytics using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Advertising: Manage ad preferences through Google Ads Settings

6.4 California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information we collect and how it's used
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell your information)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

6.5 European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Right to access your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Right to withdraw consent

7. Children's Privacy

Our service is intended for users aged 13 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at support@playhornswoggled.com, and we will delete such information from our systems.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience:

8.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for authentication and site functionality
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Advertising Cookies: Deliver relevant ads through Google AdSense

8.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality and your ability to use certain features.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites and social media platforms (Facebook, TikTok, Instagram). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any information.

10. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services and maintain your account
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
• Prevent fraud and abuse

After account deletion, we may retain anonymized data for analytics and service improvement purposes.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using our service, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other countries where we operate.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting a notice on our website
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Sending an email notification for material changes (if you have an account)

Your continued use of our services after such modifications constitutes your acknowledgment and acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

• Email: privacy@playhornswoggled.com
• Contact Form: playhornswoggled.com/contact
• Mailing Address: Hornswoggled, Privacy Department, [Your Address]

We will respond to privacy-related inquiries within 30 days.

14. Consent

By using Hornswoggled and Daily Swoggle, you consent to our Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.