Privacy Policy
This policy describes what the Chess mobile app ("the app", "we") collects, why, and the choices you have. Chess is published at echecs.cd; you can reach us any time at tresormvumbi@gmail.com.
What we collect
- Account. You can play as a guest (an anonymous account created on your device) or sign in with Google or Apple, in which case we receive the identifier and email address those services share for sign-in. We never see your passwords.
- Profile. The nickname you choose and, optionally, a profile photo. The app encourages you not to use your real name or photo.
- Gameplay. Games you play (moves, results, timestamps), your rating, tournament results, and — while the app is open — your online presence, so friends can invite you.
- Messages. Anything you send us through "Write to the Admins" in the app.
- Push notifications. If you allow notifications, we store a device push token, its platform, and the last time the app connected so Firebase Cloud Messaging can deliver tournament reminders and occasional service or game announcements. You can disable notifications in your device settings.
- Usage analytics. We use Google Firebase Analytics to understand which features are used, via usage events and app-instance identifiers. In the updated iOS app, Firebase advertising storage, advertising data use and ad personalization signals are disabled.
Optional public leaderboards
We store gameplay, scores and ratings on our servers to run games and maintain your history. Appearing on the global Elo and points leaderboards is optional and off by default, including for existing accounts. Before sharing, the profile screen asks for your consent to display your nickname, optional photo, Elo rating, points and game statistics to other players. You can play without opting in. To withdraw consent, open Edit Profile, turn off “Show me on public leaderboards” and save; your entry is then excluded from subsequent leaderboard requests. Your nickname and gameplay remain visible to opponents and spectators during games.
Advertising
The app shows ads through Google AdMob, which may collect device identifiers to serve and measure ads as described in Google's privacy documentation. On iOS we check tracking permission before starting ads and request it when the system permits a prompt. If tracking is denied or restricted, ads are requested without personalization. Where required a consent dialog lets you choose between personalized and non-personalized ads; you can revisit that choice from the app's settings at any time. Some banners are sponsorships served by us directly — for those we count only anonymous impressions and taps, with no personal targeting.
Where your data lives
Game and account data is stored on our own servers. Sign-in, analytics, push delivery and advertising are provided by Google and Apple as described above; we do not sell your personal data to anyone.
Retention and deletion
You can delete your account in the app under More → Delete Account. This permanently removes your account, profile and rating. Completed games are retained in anonymized form (your identity is detached from them) to keep opponents' histories and archives coherent. You can also email us to request access to or deletion of your data.
Children
Chess is a game of skill suitable for a general audience and is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children; if you believe a child has provided us personal data, contact us and we will delete it.
Changes
If this policy changes, the new version will be published on this page with an updated effective date.