1. Introduction

Welcome to Gaming Network ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our gaming platform, participate in tournaments, or interact with our services.

By accessing or using our services, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you disagree with any part of this policy, please discontinue use of our services immediately.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Username, email address, password, date of birth, and country of residence
• Profile Information: Gamer tag, avatar, bio, gaming preferences, and skill level
• Payment Information: Credit card details, PayPal account, cryptocurrency wallet addresses (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Tournament Data: Registration details, team information, match results, and performance statistics
• Communications: Messages, support tickets, forum posts, and tournament chat logs
• Identity Verification: Government ID for prize claims over $600 (US residents) or equivalent thresholds

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: IP address, hardware model, operating system, unique device identifiers
• Usage Data: Games played, time spent, features used, achievement progress
• Performance Data: Frame rates, latency, connection quality, error reports
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address for matchmaking and regional tournaments
• Cookies and Tracking: Session cookies, preference cookies, analytics cookies

2.3 Information from Third Parties

• Social Media: Profile information when you link Discord, Twitch, or other gaming accounts
• Game Publishers: In-game statistics and achievements from integrated titles
• Anti-Cheat Services: Fair play verification data from our anti-cheat partners
• Payment Processors: Transaction confirmations and fraud prevention data

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: Provide access to tournaments, matchmaking, and gaming features
• Account Management: Maintain your account, process transactions, distribute prizes
• Matchmaking: Use skill ratings and preferences to create balanced matches
• Communication: Send tournament updates, prize notifications, and important announcements
• Improvement: Analyze usage patterns to enhance platform features and user experience
• Security: Detect and prevent cheating, fraud, and unauthorized access
• Legal Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements, respond to legal requests
• Marketing: Send promotional content (with your consent and opt-out options)

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following situations:

4.1 With Your Consent

We share information when you explicitly agree, such as when you join a public team or participate in streamed tournaments.

4.2 Service Providers

We work with trusted third parties including:

• Cloud hosting providers (AWS, Google Cloud)
• Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal)
• Anti-cheat services (EasyAntiCheat, BattlEye)
• Analytics providers (Google Analytics, Mixpanel)
• Communication platforms (SendGrid, Twilio)

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information to comply with legal obligations, court orders, or government requests, or to protect our rights and safety.

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit, AES-256 encryption for sensitive data at rest
• Access Controls: Role-based access, multi-factor authentication for staff
• Regular Audits: Security assessments and penetration testing
• Incident Response: 24/7 monitoring and rapid response procedures
• PCI Compliance: Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard compliance

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Privacy Rights

6.1 Access and Portability

You can request a copy of your personal data in a portable format.

6.2 Correction

You can update or correct inaccurate information through your account settings or by contacting support.

6.3 Deletion

You can request deletion of your account and associated data, subject to legal retention requirements.

6.4 Opt-Out

You can opt out of marketing communications and certain data processing activities.

6.5 Restriction

You can request that we limit processing of your data in certain circumstances.

7. International Data Transfers

Gaming Network operates globally. Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers, including Standard Contractual Clauses and adequacy decisions.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 13 (or 16 in certain jurisdictions). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children below these ages. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately at [email protected].

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use various tracking technologies to enhance your experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand usage patterns
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
• Marketing Cookies: Deliver relevant advertisements (with consent)

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

10. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites, games, or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes via email or platform notification. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights, contact us at: