Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide you with a better experience by remembering your preferences and understanding how you use our Service.

This Cookie Policy explains what cookies we use, why we use them, and how you can manage your cookie preferences in compliance with GDPR and Irish data protection laws.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility.

• Game State: Saves your current game progress
• Settings: Remembers your game preferences (theme, difficulty)
• Cookie Consent: Stores your cookie preferences

These cookies do not require consent under GDPR as they are essential for the service.

2.2 Performance Cookies

These cookies collect information about how visitors use our website, helping us improve performance and user experience.

• Analytics: Google Analytics (with IP anonymization)
• Usage Statistics: Pages visited, time spent, game completion rates
• Error Tracking: Technical issues and bugs

2.3 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization.

• Statistics: Your game history and achievements
• Preferences: Language, theme, and display settings
• Daily Puzzle: Tracks which puzzles you've completed

2.4 Targeting/Advertising Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver relevant advertisements and track ad campaign effectiveness.

• Ad Personalization: Shows relevant ads based on interests
• Remarketing: Displays ads on other websites
• Ad Performance: Measures ad effectiveness

3. Specific Cookies Used

4. Third-Party Cookies

We use services from trusted third parties that may set their own cookies:

• Google Analytics: Website analytics and performance monitoring
• Advertising Partners: Ad delivery and measurement (with consent)

These third parties have their own privacy policies. We recommend reviewing them.

5. How to Manage Cookies

5.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our site, you'll see a cookie consent banner where you can:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject non-essential cookies
• Customize your preferences by category

5.2 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies
• Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies
• Edge: Settings → Privacy → Cookies

Note: Blocking necessary cookies may affect website functionality.

6. Local Storage

In addition to cookies, we use browser localStorage to save:

• Game progress and current state
• Statistics and achievements
• User preferences and settings

This data remains on your device and is not transmitted to our servers. You can clear it through your browser's "Clear browsing data" option.

7. Your Rights Under GDPR

Under GDPR and Irish data protection law, you have the right to:

• Withdraw consent for non-essential cookies at any time
• Access information about cookies we use
• Request deletion of cookie data
• Object to cookie-based processing

8. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our practices. Check this page regularly for updates.

9. Contact Us

For questions about our use of cookies, contact:

Email: privacy@wordwaffle.org

Data Protection Commission (Ireland): www.dataprotection.ie