Privacy Policy

Who we are

PatternForge is a chess tactics and pattern-training application. Depending on how you access the product, it may run in your browser and store some data locally on your device to support training features (such as cycles, sets, and progress). When we say "we," "us," or "our," we mean the team operating PatternForge.

Information we collect

We only collect information that helps the product work or that you choose to give us. This may include:

• Account or contact details if we offer sign-in or support (for example, email address).
• Device and technical data such as browser type, approximate region (if inferred from network requests), and basic diagnostics needed to keep the service reliable.
• Content you submit when you contact us (for example, support messages).

We do not ask for sensitive categories of data (such as health information) to use PatternForge for chess training.

How we use your information

We use information for limited, legitimate purposes, including to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve PatternForge.
• Remember your preferences and sync training-related state when that feature is available.
• Respond to support requests and communicate about the product.
• Protect the service, investigate abuse, and comply with legal obligations.

Training data and chess activity

PatternForge is built around structured tactical training: sets, cycles, attempts, and related progress. Depending on your version of the app, some of this information may be stored on your device (for example, in browser storage) so you can train offline or without sending every move to a server. If and when cloud sync or accounts exist, we will process that training data only to operate the features you use.

We do not sell your puzzle history or use it to advertise unrelated products.

Analytics and cookies

We may use a small number of cookies or similar technologies to keep you signed in, remember settings (such as theme), or understand how the app is used in aggregate (for example, which screens load slowly). Where we use third-party analytics, we choose providers proportionate to an indie product and configure them to minimise unnecessary tracking.

You can control many cookies through your browser settings. If you block essential cookies, parts of the app may not work as expected.

How we share information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information only in these situations:

• Service providers who help us host, secure, or operate the product (for example, infrastructure or email delivery), bound by confidentiality and instructions.
• Legal and safety when we believe disclosure is required by law or necessary to protect users or the service.
• Business transfers if PatternForge is involved in a merger or acquisition; we will notify you if your information becomes subject to a new policy.

Data storage and security

We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect information—encryption in transit where appropriate, access limits, and careful dependency management. No online service can guarantee perfect security; if we learn of a breach that affects you, we will notify you as required by law and in line with good practice.

Data retention

We keep information only as long as needed for the purposes above or as the law requires. Training data stored locally on your device stays there until you clear it or uninstall the app. Server copies, if any, are deleted or anonymised when no longer needed for running the service.

Your choices

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, export, or delete certain personal information, or to object to some processing. You can also stop using PatternForge at any time. To exercise your rights, contact us at the email below; we will respond within a reasonable timeframe.

Children's privacy

PatternForge is not directed at children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your country). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we will take appropriate steps to delete it.

International users

If you use PatternForge from outside the country where our servers or providers are located, your information may be processed in those regions. Where required, we use appropriate safeguards (such as standard contractual clauses) for international transfers.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will change the effective date at the top and, for material changes, provide a clearer notice in the app or by email where we have your address. Continued use after the update means you accept the revised policy.

Contact

Questions about this policy or your data? Reach us at privacy@patternforge.app.