Privacy policy

Privacy policy Last updated: 27 August 2026 At GChess, respect for users’ privacy and the protection of their personal information matter to us. This privacy policy explains what information may be collected when you use the website, services, online games, courses, memberships, and other GChess features, how we use that information, and what rights you have in relation to it. Using GChess services means you have read and accepted this privacy policy. 1. Information we may collect Depending on how you use GChess, we may collect or process the following information: 1-1. Account information When you create an account we may receive information such as: Your first and last name; Username; Mobile phone number; Email address; Password, stored securely and not visible to other users; Profile photo, if you choose to upload one; Other information you optionally add to your profile. 2. Information about how you use the services While you use GChess, information about how you use the services may be recorded, including: The date and time you sign in and use the site; Pages and sections you visit; Activity related to your account; Records of online games; Moves played in chess games; Game results; Time used in games; Internal ratings and rankings; Information about tournaments and chess activity; Learning progress in courses or educational content; Use of the library and other learning features. This information can be used to provide the services, improve the experience, develop features, and keep the playing environment healthy and secure. 3. Technical information For the site to work, stay secure, and improve, we may collect limited technical information, including: IP address; Browser type and version; Device type and operating system; Information about when and how you connect; Error and technical-problem reports; Session information and account security data. This information is used mainly to keep the service secure, prevent abuse, fix errors, and improve performance. 4. Payment information If you buy a membership, subscription, course, or other paid service, payment may be processed by authorized payment providers. GChess does not necessarily store sensitive banking data such as a card PIN or confidential payment details. That processing follows the payment provider’s own systems. We may store information such as the following so orders can be managed: Order number or identifier; Amount paid; Payment status; Time of the transaction; Information needed to follow up a transaction. 5. How we use information GChess may use user information to: Create and manage accounts; Provide online chess services; Run and manage games and tournaments; Show results and game records; Provide courses and educational content; Manage memberships and subscriptions; Process and follow up payments; Answer requests and messages; Send necessary notices about an account or the services; Improve the quality and performance of the site; Find and fix technical errors; Keep the services secure; Prevent cheating, abuse, and breaches of the site rules; Analyze and develop educational and chess features. 6. Online games and public game information Online play means that some information about a user’s chess activity may be visible to other users. That information can include: Username; Profile photo, if it is public; Game results; Moves; Game time; Visible game history; Internal rating or score; Information about taking part in tournaments. Users should understand that games and information published publicly in the playing environment may be seen by other users. 7. Communication between users Where features such as chat, messaging, comments, or other communication tools exist, content a user posts there may be seen by other users or by system administrators. Users are responsible for content they publish in public or communication areas of the site. Where necessary, to keep the service secure, enforce the rules, or handle reports, GChess may review public content or communications related to the services. 8. Security and cheating prevention To keep online play healthy and fair, GChess may review users’ information and activity patterns. That review can be done to: Prevent cheating; Prevent abuse of the system; Keep tournaments fair; Detect unusual behavior; Review user reports; Protect accounts and the site infrastructure. If suspicious activity or a breach of the rules is found, GChess may, under the site rules, take steps such as a temporary restriction, an account review, or other necessary measures. 9. Sharing information with third parties GChess does not sell users’ personal information. Where necessary, some information may be shared with service providers who work with us to run GChess, for example: Hosting and infrastructure providers; Payment providers; SMS or email providers; Security and technical services; Performance and error-analysis services. Those parties only receive access to the extent needed to provide the relevant service. 10. Disclosure where the law requires it Where valid laws, an order from a competent authority, or a legal duty requires it, necessary information may be provided to the competent authorities within the applicable rules. Necessary legal steps may also be taken to protect the rights, security, and assets of GChess, its users, and other people. 11. Cookies and similar technologies GChess may use cookies and similar technologies so the site works better. Cookies may be used to: Keep you signed in; Improve the experience; Store some settings; Increase security; Analyze site performance; Identify technical problems. You can usually manage cookies in your browser. Turning some cookies off may stop parts of the site from working correctly. 12. How long we keep information User information is kept for as long as it is needed to provide the services, manage the account, meet legal duties, resolve disputes, keep the service secure, or for other legitimate purposes. How long information is kept can depend on the type of information and on legal requirements. After an account is deleted or deactivated, some information may still be kept for a limited time where the law, security, or technical needs require it. 13. Information security GChess tries, with appropriate technical and organizational measures, to protect user information against unauthorized access, disclosure, change, or loss. No method of sending information over the internet or of electronic storage can be treated as completely risk-free. Users are also responsible for keeping their sign-in details, including their password, confidential. A user must not: Give their password to anyone else; Enter their sign-in details in an unsafe environment; Use someone else’s account without permission. 14. The user’s responsibility for account information Each user is responsible for protecting their own sign-in details. If a user thinks someone else has accessed their account, they should change the password as soon as possible and tell GChess support. If suspicious activity is seen, GChess may take protective steps to keep the account secure. 15. Information a user publishes publicly Users should be careful about what they publish in public parts of the site. Information a user publishes publicly, such as some profile details, comments, or visible activity, may be seen by other users. Users are advised not to publish sensitive or unnecessary personal information in public areas. 16. Privacy of people under the legal age GChess takes special care to protect the information of younger users. If services are used by someone under the legal age, some services may require compliance with the law or supervision by a parent or legal guardian. If we receive a valid request saying that a person’s personal information was collected or processed contrary to legal requirements, the matter will be reviewed and the necessary steps will be taken. 17. Users’ rights Within the site’s features and the applicable law, users can: View their account information; Edit some profile information; Ask for incorrect information to be corrected; Ask for an account to be deleted or deactivated; Ask how their information is processed. Some requests may not be carried out fully or immediately because of legal, security, technical, or record-keeping requirements. 18. Deleting or deactivating an account A user can ask for their account to be deleted or deactivated through the site’s features or by contacting support. Deleting an account does not necessarily mean that every copy is removed at once from backups, legal records, or information needed for security and dispute handling. Information recorded publicly in connection with site activity, such as some game records or tournament results, may remain where that is needed to keep the service records intact. 19. Third-party services and links GChess may include links or connections to third-party websites, services, or products. GChess is not responsible for the privacy policies or information practices of websites and services outside its control. Users should read those privacy policies before using those services. 20. Changes to this policy This privacy policy may be updated as the services, legal requirements, or technical needs of GChess change. The new version will be published on this page, and the date of the latest update will appear at the top of the page. Continuing to use the services after a change can mean acceptance of the new version, within the applicable law. 21. Contact us If you have a question, request, or concern about this privacy policy, how information is used, or your account, you can reach us through the contact section or the official GChess contact details. Website: GChess Website address: gchess.org Support email: gchessorg@gmail.com General email: gchessorg@gmail.com Confirmation and acceptance By creating an account, using the services, or continuing to use GChess, the user confirms that they have read this privacy policy and agree to it within the applicable laws and regulations.