Benchboom ("we," "us," "our") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and what rights you have when using the Benchboom website, mobile application, or related services (collectively, the "Service").

By accessing or using the Service, you agree to this Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Service.

1. Information We Collect

We collect only the information necessary to operate the Service, maintain fair play, and improve your experience.

a. Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

• Username, email address, and password (encrypted).
• Optional profile details (image, tier, achievements).
• Email verification status (required for commenting).

b. Activity Data

To operate the platform, we record:

• Votes, posts, and comments you make.
• Points earned or spent within the virtual economy.
• Leaderboard standings and tier progress.
• Device and browser information for performance and fraud detection.

c. Analytics

We use basic analytics tools to understand how users interact with the Service (for example, which features are most used). These analytics are anonymized whenever possible.

We also use Google Analytics to help us understand how users engage with the Service. Google Analytics collects information such as which pages users visit, how long they stay, and how they interact with features. This information is aggregated and anonymized whenever possible. Google may use the data it collects to contextualize and personalize ads within its own advertising network. You can learn more about how Google uses information at https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites, and you can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, available at https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.

d. Communications

If you contact us for support or updates, we may retain those messages to respond or improve our services.

We do not collect sensitive personal data (e.g., financial, health, or government ID information).

2. How We Use Information

We use collected information to:

• Operate and maintain the Service (including leaderboards, scoring, and moderation).
• Verify user identity for account security and anti-abuse measures.
• Improve site performance, fix bugs, and develop new features.
• Communicate with you about your account, including service updates, feature changes, important announcements, security alerts, and other information relevant to your use of the platform. These messages are transactional and not promotional. You may not opt out of them without deleting your account.
• Enforce our Terms of Service and maintain the integrity of the community.

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties.

3. Sharing of Information

We may share limited information only in the following situations:

• Service Providers: With trusted partners who assist in hosting, analytics, or email delivery, bound by confidentiality agreements.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, subpoena, or valid government request.
• Business Transfer: If Benchboom is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, information may be transferred under similar privacy protections.

Otherwise, your information stays within Benchboom.

4. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to operate the Service. You can request deletion of your account at any time (see Section 7). Some non-personal data (like anonymized statistics) may remain for analytics and operational integrity.

5. Cookies and Tracking

We use minimal cookies and local storage to:

• Keep you logged in between sessions.
• Remember basic preferences (like theme or view settings).
• Track aggregated usage analytics.

You can disable cookies in your browser, but some features may stop working properly.

6. Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your information, including encryption of passwords and secure data transmission. However, no online service can guarantee absolute security, and you use the Service at your own risk.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights to:

• Access or request a copy of the data we hold about you.
• Request correction or deletion of your account information.
• Withdraw consent to certain data uses (such as email notifications).

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@benchboom.com.

8. Children's Privacy

Benchboom is intended for general audiences and does not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected such information in error, contact us to delete it.

9. International Users

If you use Benchboom from outside the United States, your information may be processed in the U.S. or other jurisdictions where privacy laws may differ. By using the Service, you consent to such transfers.

10. Future Updates and Monetization

If Benchboom introduces premium features, subscriptions, or advertising partnerships, we may collect limited payment or billing data through secure third-party processors. We will update this Policy and notify users in advance of any material changes.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last Updated" date indicates the latest revision. Continued use of the Service after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

12. Contact Us

For privacy inquiries, please contact:

Email: privacy@benchboom.com