1. Information We Collect

When you use WhatCarIsIt, we collect:

• Account Information: Name, email address, profile picture (via OAuth providers: Google, Facebook, Discord)
• Game Data: Game statistics, scores, achievements, discovered cars
• Usage Data: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited
• Cookies: Session cookies, authentication tokens, preferences

2. How We Use Your Information

• Provide and improve our game service
• Track your game progress and statistics
• Display leaderboards and achievements
• Send notifications about game updates
• Analyze usage patterns to improve user experience
• Prevent fraud and ensure security

3. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

• Vercel Analytics: To analyze website traffic and user behavior
• Google AdSense: To display advertisements (uses cookies for personalized ads)
• Cloudinary: For image hosting and optimization
• Vercel: For hosting and deployment
• Sentry: For error tracking and monitoring
• OAuth Providers: Google, Facebook, Discord, Twitter for authentication
• PostgreSQL (Neon): For secure data storage

4. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies for:

• Essential Cookies: Required for authentication and core functionality
• Analytics Cookies: To understand how users interact with our site
• Advertising Cookies: Google AdSense and partners use cookies to serve personalized ads based on your interests
• Preference Cookies: To remember your settings and preferences

You can control cookies through your browser settings or our consent management platform.

5. Advertising and Google AdSense

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements on our website. This service uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Serve personalized ads based on your interests and browsing history
• Measure ad performance and engagement
• Prevent fraudulent activity
• Provide aggregate reporting to advertisers

Your Advertising Choices:

• Opt out of personalized advertising: Google Ads Settings
• Learn more about how Google uses data: Google Privacy & Terms
• Manage consent preferences through our Consent Management Platform (CMP)

Note: Opting out of personalized ads does not mean you will see fewer ads, but they may be less relevant to your interests.

6. Affiliate Links

Our website may contain affiliate links. When you click on these links and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the development and maintenance of WhatCarIsIt.

7. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including:

• Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/SSL)
• Secure password hashing (bcrypt)
• Regular security audits
• Access controls and authentication

8. Your Rights (GDPR/CCPA)

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data
• Object to data processing
• Data portability
• Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, visit our Data Deletion page or contact us.

9. Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.

10. International Data Transfers

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

11. Changes to This Policy

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

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at:

• Email: northingenschtrauze@gmail.com
• Website: https://whatcarisit.com