Privacy Policy

Introduction

PlayCodeArena ("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 website and services at playcodearena.com (the "Service").

By using the service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

• Username: Display name you choose for battles
• Email Address: Optional, only if you provide it for updates and notifications
• Feedback: Any comments, suggestions, or feedback you submit

Usage Data Automatically Collected

• Code Submissions: Your code solutions during battles and practice sessions
• Battle Statistics: Win/loss records, solve times, performance metrics
• Navigation Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on the service
• Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device information, operating system
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: Session identifiers, preferences

How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Provide and Maintain the Service: Enable coding battles, matchmaking, and practice features
• Improve User Experience: Analyze usage patterns to enhance functionality and features
• Communication: Send service-related updates, notifications, and promotional content (if you opted in)
• Fair Play Enforcement: Monitor for cheating, abuse, and violations of terms of service
• Technical Support: Respond to inquiries and troubleshoot issues
• Analytics: Understand how users interact with the service to improve performance
• Legal Compliance: Comply with applicable laws and regulations

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your data only in the following circumstances:

• During Battles: Your username is visible to opponents during gameplay
• Service Providers: Third-party vendors who help us operate the service (e.g., hosting, analytics). These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or to protect our rights and safety
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (users will be notified)
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to share information

Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your data, including:

• Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/TLS)
• Secure server infrastructure with access controls
• Regular security audits and updates
• Limited employee access to personal data
• Industry-standard authentication mechanisms

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations)
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
• Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Restriction: Request limitation of data processing
• Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests

To exercise these rights, please contact us through the feedback form on our website.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Maintain your session during battles
• Remember your language and display preferences
• Analyze site traffic and usage patterns (anonymized where possible)
• Improve security and prevent fraud

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect functionality.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Battle statistics and code submissions may be retained for service improvement and fair play enforcement.

Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for users under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately, and we will take steps to delete such information.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and maintained on servers located outside your country of residence. By using the service, you consent to such transfers. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers.

Third-Party Links

Our service may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or for legal reasons. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.