Last Updated: 10/4/2025

1. Introduction

Dots & Boxes Online ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our free multiplayer game service.

🔒 GDPR Compliance Notice:

This service is designed with privacy in mind. We collect minimal data and provide you with full control over your information in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

Player Names: Temporary display names for gameplay (not stored permanently)
Chat Messages: In-game communications (stored temporarily in memory only)
Room Names: Optional room titles for public games

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

Usage Data: Anonymous analytics about game usage patterns
Technical Data: Browser type, device information, IP address (anonymized)
Game Data: Game scores, room information (temporary, in-memory only)

2.3 Information We Do NOT Collect

✅ We Do NOT Collect:

Personal identification information (names, emails, addresses)
Payment information (service is completely free)
Location data beyond general region
Biometric data
Health information
Financial information

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

To provide and maintain the game service
To enable multiplayer functionality
To facilitate in-game communication
To improve service performance and user experience
To ensure service security and prevent abuse
To comply with legal obligations

4. Data Storage and Retention

4.1 Storage Duration

Chat Messages: Stored in memory only, deleted when room closes (max 2 hours)
Player Names: Temporary, deleted when player leaves
Game Data: In-memory only, deleted when game ends
Analytics Data: Anonymized, retained for up to 12 months

4.2 Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data, including:

Encryption in transit (HTTPS/WSS)
Secure server infrastructure
Regular security updates
Access controls and monitoring

5. Your Rights Under GDPR

🇪🇺 Your GDPR Rights:

Right to Access: Request copies of your personal data
Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate personal data
Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
Right to Object: Object to processing of your personal data
Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at contact@dotboxes.com. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

6. Cookies and Tracking

6.1 Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies: Required for basic functionality (no consent needed)
Analytics Cookies: Anonymous usage statistics (consent required)
Preference Cookies: Remember your settings (consent required)

6.2 Cookie Consent

We use a cookie consent banner that allows you to choose which cookies to accept. You can change your preferences at any time through our cookie settings.

7. Third-Party Services

We may use the following third-party services:

Vercel: Hosting and CDN services
Analytics: Anonymous usage statistics (if enabled)

These services have their own privacy policies, which we encourage you to review.

8. Children's Privacy and Safety

👶 Children's Privacy Notice:

Our service is designed to be family-friendly for entertainment purposes, but we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

8.1 Age Verification and Parental Consent

Under 13: Parental supervision required, no personal data collected
13-17: Parental guidance recommended, minimal data collection
18+: Full service access with standard data collection

8.2 Special Protections for Minors

Enhanced chat monitoring and filtering for inappropriate content
Automatic blocking of personal information sharing
Immediate reporting system for inappropriate behavior
Parental notification system for safety concerns
Restricted access to certain features for younger users

8.3 Parental Rights and Controls

Parents and guardians have the right to:

Review any personal information collected from their child
Request deletion of their child's data
Opt out of data collection for their child
Request restrictions on their child's account
Receive notifications about their child's activity

🛡️ Safety First for Families:

If you are a parent concerned about your child's safety on our platform, contact us immediately at contact@dotboxes.com orcontact@dotboxes.com

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with applicable laws.

10. Data Breach Notification

In the unlikely event of a data breach that poses a risk to your rights and freedoms, we will notify the relevant supervisory authority within 72 hours and affected users without undue delay.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.

12. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Data Protection Officer: contact@dotboxes.com
General Inquiries: contact@dotboxes.com
Website: https://dotboxes.com

This Privacy Policy is effective as of the date listed above and will remain in effect except with respect to any changes in its provisions in the future.