Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how Match the Frequency collects, uses, and protects information when you use our website and game.
COPPA Compliance Notice
Important Notice for Parents and Guardians:
Match the Frequency is not directed at, and does not knowingly collect personal information from, children under the age of 13. This service is intended for users aged 13 and older.
- No Interest-Based Advertising for Children: If we become aware that a user is under 13 years old, we do not use interest-based advertising (including remarketing) to target that user. Google AdSense ads may still appear, but they will not be personalized based on user behavior or interests.
- Parental Consent: If a child under 13 uses this service, parents or guardians must provide prior verifiable consent. We do not knowingly collect, use, or disclose personal information from children under 13 without parental consent.
- Data Minimization for Children: For any users under 13, we collect only the minimum data necessary to provide game functionality (username, gameplay data) and do not use cookies for personalization.
- COPPA Compliance: This site complies with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), 15 U.S.C. ยง 6501 et seq. We do not target children under 13 with behavioral advertising or collect sensitive behavioral data from this age group.
- Reporting Concerns: If you believe Match the Frequency is not complying with COPPA or have concerns about a child's safety, please contact us immediately at aakmalane@gmail.com.
1. Information We Collect
Match the Frequency may collect the following types of information:
- Gameplay Data: Username, room code, game settings, frequency guesses, match history, and scores needed to run active game sessions and multiplayer rooms.
- Technical Data: IP address (for rate-limiting and security), browser type, device information, and timestamp data needed for service stability and abuse prevention.
- Cookies and Local Storage: Browser cookies and local storage to remember user preferences, volume settings, and username for improved user experience.
- Voluntary Information: Any information you choose to submit through bug reports or support channels.
We do not intentionally collect payment information, precise location data, or sensitive personal information.
2. How We Use Information
We use collected information for the following purposes:
- To provide, maintain, and improve multiplayer and singleplayer game functionality.
- To ensure game security, prevent abuse, enforce fair-use limits, and combat fraud.
- To analyze gameplay patterns to improve game design and user experience.
- To respond to support requests and bug reports.
- To comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service.
- To serve targeted advertising through third-party advertising partners (see Section 4).
We will not sell, rent, or lease personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.
4. Third-Party Services and Advertising
Google AdSense: Match the Frequency displays advertising through Google AdSense. Google and its partners may use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Serve ads based on your prior visits to this and other websites
- Measure ad effectiveness and user engagement
- Personalize ad content
Google's advertising practices are governed by their Privacy Policy. You can opt out of personalized ads through Google Account Settings or the Network Advertising Initiative.
Ko-fi Widget: We may use Ko-fi for supporter contributions. Ko-fi's privacy practices are governed by their terms.
We do not share personal information with advertisers, but we may share aggregated, anonymized data.
5. Data Retention
- Session Data: Gameplay data, usernames, and room codes are retained only during active game sessions and are automatically deleted when players leave or rooms are closed.
- Browser Cookies: Preference cookies are retained until you clear your browser cache or the expiration date is reached.
- IP Data: IP addresses used for security are retained for a limited period for abuse prevention purposes.
- Bug Reports: Submitted bug reports may be retained to help us improve the service.
We do not create permanent player profiles or historical databases of gameplay data beyond what is necessary for service operation.
6. Children's Privacy
Match the Frequency is not intentionally directed at children under the age of 13 (or the applicable digital age of majority in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent.
If you believe a child has submitted personal information without parental consent, please contact us using the information in Section 8, and we will take appropriate action to review and remove the information.
Parents or guardians concerned about their child's use of this service are encouraged to review this Privacy Policy and our Terms of Service.
7. Security
We implement reasonable technical and organizational safeguards to protect information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction, including:
- HTTPS encryption for data in transit
- IP-based rate limiting to prevent abuse
- Secure WebSocket connections for multiplayer communication
- Regular security reviews and updates
No system is completely secure. While we work to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security. You use the service at your own risk. We are not liable for unauthorized access to your data due to factors beyond our reasonable control.
8. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Your continued use of Match the Frequency after any updates constitutes your acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.
We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.
9. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, concerns about how your information is handled, or wish to exercise your rights regarding your information, please contact us:
- Report a privacy concern: Use the bug report feature within the game
- Email: aakmalane@gmail.com
- Website: https://matchthefreq.site/
We will respond to privacy-related inquiries within a reasonable timeframe and work with you to resolve any concerns.