Terms of Service & Privacy Policy

Last updated: November 14, 2024

1. Introduction

The Tactics Ladder ("we", "our", "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparent data practices. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

2. Data We Collect

We collect and process the following data:

• Account Information:
  • Email address
  • Username
  • Password (stored securely using encryption)
  • Account creation date
  • Last login date
• Training Statistics:
  • Puzzles attempted and solved
  • Success rates and streaks
  • Problem-solving patterns and mistakes
  • Time spent on puzzles
  • Progress through different difficulty levels
• Community Content:
  • Notes and comments you add to puzzles
  • Votes on other users' notes

3. How We Use Your Data

Your data is used for:

• Account management and authentication
• Tracking your learning progress
• Providing personalized puzzle recommendations
• Generating anonymous usage statistics
• Improving our training system
• Displaying community notes and feedback to other users

4. Community Notes and Public Content

When you add notes or comments to puzzles:

• These notes are visible to all users of the platform
• Your username will be displayed alongside your notes
• Notes can be upvoted or downvoted by other users
• We reserve the right to remove any inappropriate content, including:
  • Offensive or discriminatory language
  • Spam or misleading content
  • External links or advertising
  • Content that violates our community guidelines
• Repeated violations may result in account suspension

5. Your Data Rights (GDPR)

Under GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccurate personal data
• Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
• Export your data in a machine-readable format
• Object to certain data processing
• Withdraw consent at any time

6. Data Storage and Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your data:

• Passwords are securely hashed
• Data is encrypted during transmission
• Regular security assessments are performed
• Access to personal data is strictly limited

7. Copyright and Puzzle Usage

The chess puzzles in our collection:

• Are originally sourced from the Lichess Puzzle Database (lichess.org), which is licensed under CC0
• Have been specifically curated and organized for The Tactics Ladder's progressive learning system
• While individual puzzles remain under CC0 license, our specific collection, organization, and progression system is proprietary
• Any use of our curated collection must:
  • Acknowledge Lichess as the original source of the puzzles
  • Not replicate our specific collection structure and progression system
  • Comply with Lichess's terms of service and licensing

8. Cookies and Tracking

We use essential cookies for:

• Session management
• Authentication
• Remembering your preferences

We do not use tracking cookies or third-party analytics.

9. Data Retention and Your Progress

Your chess training data is integral to your learning progress. We retain data as follows:

• Active Accounts:
  • All training statistics, including solved puzzles, success rates, and progress tracking
  • Performance history and skill development metrics
  • Spaced repetition schedules and learning patterns
  • Community notes and contributions
  • These data points are essential for maintaining your progress and providing a personalized learning experience
• Account Deletion:
  • To request account deletion, please email saychess1@gmail.com with the subject "Account Deletion Request"
  • Upon verification, your account and all associated data will be permanently deleted
  • This deletion is irreversible and will result in the loss of:
    • All progress tracking and achievements
    • Puzzle solving history and statistics
    • Personalized learning patterns
    • Rating and skill level progress
  • Community notes you've created will be anonymized rather than deleted to maintain the integrity of community discussions
  • We recommend downloading your data before requesting deletion if you wish to preserve your progress

10. Contact Information

For any questions about your data, account, or to exercise your rights under GDPR, please contact:

saychess1@gmail.com

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy occasionally. Users will be notified of significant changes via email or site notification. The latest version will always be available on our website.