HomePrivacy Policy

Privacy Policy

At nearChess, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency in how we handle your personal information. This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) explains how nearChess, Inc. (“nearChess,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards your data when you use our mobile application (“App”) and related services. The App connects chess enthusiasts to find nearby players, clubs, tournaments, and communities for real-time matchmaking, challenges, and social interactions.

This Policy applies to all users of the App, including visitors, registered users, and participants in features like map-based discovery, friend challenges, and event RSVPs. By downloading, accessing, or using the App, you consent to the practices described herein. If you do not agree, please do not use the App.
We comply with applicable privacy laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for EU users, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) as amended, and other U.S. state privacy laws (e.g., Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut). For questions, contact us at hi@nearchess.com.

Table of Contents

  1. Information We Collect
  2. How We Use Your Information
  3. How We Share Your Information
  4. Data Security
  5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
  6. Your Privacy Rights
  7. International Data Transfers
  8. Data Retention
  9. Children’s Privacy
  10. Changes to This Policy
  11. Contact Us

1. Information We Collect

We collect information to provide, improve, and personalize our services. This includes:

Personal Information You Provide:

  • Account and Profile Data: Username, email address, phone number (optional), chess skill level, and bio when you create an account or update your profile.
  • Location Data: Real-time or approximate geolocation (via GPS, IP address, or Wi-Fi) to enable map-based features like finding nearby players, clubs, and tournaments. You can control location sharing in App settings.
  • Social and Interaction Data: Messages, challenge acceptances, friend requests, tournament RSVPs, and game results shared with other users.
  • Payment Information: If you purchase premium features (e.g., ad-free play), we collect billing details via third-party processors (we do not store full card numbers).

Automatically Collected Information:

  • Device and Usage Data: IP address, device type, OS version, App version, crash logs, and analytics on how you interact with features (e.g., time spent on map, match frequency).
  • Location History: Aggregated data on past searches or events attended, unless you opt out.

Information from Third Parties:

  • Social logins (e.g., via Google) may provide name, email.
  • Public sources for verifying events (e.g., tournament listings).

We do not collect sensitive information (e.g., health or political data) unless voluntarily shared in profiles (which we discourage).

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

  • Facilitate core features: Matchmaking, real-time challenges, friend connections, and event notifications.
  • Personalize experiences: Recommend nearby players or tournaments based on skill and location.
  • Improve the App: Analyze usage patterns, debug issues, and develop new features (e.g., AI-powered match suggestions).
  • Communicate: Send updates, promotions, or safety alerts (you can opt out via settings).
  • Comply with laws: Detect fraud, resolve disputes, or respond to legal requests.
  • Marketing: With consent, send tailored offers (e.g., via email).

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal data. We share it only as needed:

  • With Your Consent: When you challenge or message another user, we share your profile and location (limited to the interaction).
  • Service Providers: Third parties like AWS (hosting), Google Firebase (analytics), who are bound by confidentiality. They process data on our behalf.
  • Business Transfers: In mergers or acquisitions, with notice to you.
  • Legal Requirements: To comply with laws, protect rights (e.g., abuse reports), or enforce terms.
  • Aggregated Data: Anonymized stats (e.g., “X users in NYC”) for research or marketing.

For CCPA purposes, in the past 12 months, we have not sold or shared personal data for cross-context behavioral advertising.

4. Data Security

We use industry-standard measures like encryption (AES-256 for data at rest/transit), firewalls, and access controls to protect your information. However, no system is infallible—please use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Report suspected breaches to hi@nearchess.com.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The App uses trackers like SDKs (e.g., Google Analytics) for performance and ads. These collect device IDs and usage data. You can manage via device settings (e.g., iOS App Tracking Transparency). We honor Do Not Track signals. For full details, see our Cookie Policy.

6. Your Privacy Rights

You have rights over your data:

  • Access/Update/Delete: View or edit your info in App settings; request deletion (may affect account functionality).
  • Opt-Out: Withdraw consent for marketing or location sharing anytime.
  • GDPR Rights: Rectification, restriction, portability, or objection (EU users: contact hi@nearchess.com.).
  • CCPA Rights: Opt-out of sales/sharing (none currently), non-discrimination for exercising rights. Submit requests at hi@nearchess.com or via App.
  • Universal Opt-Out: Use tools like Global Privacy Control (GPC) for supported rights.

We verify requests (e.g., via email) and respond within 45 days (extendable). Appeals: hi@nearchess.com.

7. International Data Transfers

Data is stored in the India (via AWS). For international users, we use safeguards like Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) for GDPR compliance.

8. Data Retention

We keep data as long as needed for purposes (e.g., account active) or legal requirements (e.g., 7 years for disputes). Inactive accounts: deleted after 2 years unless objected. Location data: 30 days post-interaction.

9. Children’s Privacy

The App is not for children under 13 (COPPA) or 16 (depending on jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect minors’ data. If we discover such, we delete it. Parents/guardians: report at hi@nearchess.com.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy (e.g., for new features). Changes post on the App and nearchess.com; significant ones emailed. Continued use = acceptance.

11. Contact Us

nearChess, Email: hi@nearchess.com.