Cookie Policy

Last updated: January 15, 2025

1. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better user experience, and give website owners useful information about how their site is being used. Cookies can be "persistent" (remaining on your device until they expire or are deleted) or "session" cookies (deleted when you close your browser).

2. How We Use Cookies and Local Storage

Free Sudoku Game primarily uses your browser's local storage (a technology similar to cookies) to save essential game data on your device. This allows us to provide a seamless experience without requiring you to create an account or sign in. Specifically, we use local storage to:

Save your current game progress so you can pick up where you left off
Store your game statistics, including wins, completion times, and streaks
Remember your theme preferences (light mode, dark mode, AMOLED, or earth theme)
Maintain your preferred difficulty settings and game options
Store your language preference for multilingual support

3. Types of Data Stored

The data stored locally on your device is limited to what is necessary for the game to function properly. This includes:

Game state data — The current puzzle grid, your entries, pencil marks, and timer value
Statistics data — Number of games played, won, best times, and average completion times per difficulty level
Preference data — Visual theme, difficulty level, language, and UI settings
Progress data — Historical game results for the progress tracking dashboard

None of this data is transmitted to our servers. It remains entirely on your device and is not shared with any third parties.

4. Third-Party Cookies

Our Website uses several third-party services that may set their own cookies on your device:

Google AdSense — We display advertisements through Google AdSense, which may use cookies to serve ads based on your interests and prior visits to our site and other websites. You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google's Ad Settings.
Google Analytics — We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with our Website. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect anonymous usage data such as page views, session duration, and general geographic location. This data helps us improve the Website. You can learn more about Google Analytics' data practices at Google's Privacy & Terms page.
Vercel Analytics — We use Vercel Analytics and Speed Insights to monitor website performance and loading times. These services collect anonymous performance metrics to help us optimize the user experience.
ConsentManager — We use ConsentManager to manage cookie consent preferences in compliance with GDPR and other privacy regulations. This service may set a cookie to remember your consent choices.

5. Managing and Deleting Cookies

You have full control over the cookies and local storage data on your device. Here are your options:

Browser settings — Most browsers allow you to view and delete cookies and local storage data through their settings or preferences menu. Look for options under "Privacy" or "Site Data."
Consent preferences — You can update your cookie consent preferences at any time through the consent banner on our Website.
Ad personalization — To opt out of personalized ads, visit Google's Ad Settings or aboutads.info.

Please note that clearing local storage will reset your game progress, statistics, and preferences. You will not lose access to the Website, but you will start fresh as a new user.

6. Your Rights (GDPR & CCPA)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have certain rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the right to access, rectify, or delete your personal data. If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Since we store data locally on your device and do not maintain user accounts or server-side databases of personal information, you can exercise these rights by simply clearing your browser's local storage. If you have any concerns, please contact us.

7. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies and local storage.