Privacy Policy
Last updated: January 1, 2026
This policy describes the information we collect and how it's used in the Brackets application ("the Service"). We value user privacy and aim for transparency. To support the service and keep the core game free, we may display advertisements.
1. Information We Collect
We collect the minimal amount of information necessary to operate and improve the game:
- Game Data: This includes the bracket question, options submitted by players, and detailed voting results. This data is essential for the game to function.
- Anonymous User ID & Nickname: When you use the service, we assign you a temporary, anonymous user ID. The nickname you provide for a game session is stored with this ID to operate the bracket.
- Usage and Analytics Data: We may collect non-identifiable data about how you interact with our Service to analyze performance and improve the user experience.
2. How We Use Your Information
Your information is used to provide and improve the Brackets service:
- To operate and maintain the game, including creating brackets, tracking votes, and determining a winner.
- To associate your submitted options and votes with your anonymous identity for the duration of a game.
- To analyze aggregated, non-identifiable usage data to improve application performance and develop new features.
- To use anonymized game data (questions and options) to improve our AI models for features like question suggestions.
- For Sponsored Brackets: To compile aggregated and anonymized data reports for brand partners. These reports contain insights like which options won most frequently but never include any personal or identifiable user information.
3. Data Storage, Security, and Retention
All game and user data is stored in a Google Cloud Firestore database, protected by security rules to prevent unauthorized access. Active game session data is stored for the duration of the game. We may retain an anonymized, aggregated version of game data indefinitely for statistical analysis and service improvement.
4. Cookies and Advertising
Our partners, like Google AdSense, use cookies to serve ads based on a user's prior visits to our website or other websites. Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to our users based on their visit to our sites and/or other sites on the Internet.
This site uses Google’s Consent Management Platform to manage user consent for advertising cookies in required regions like the EEA and UK. You can change your consent choices at any time.
5. Third-Party Services & Opting Out
We rely on Google Cloud, Firebase, and Google AI. For advertising, we use Google AdSense. Users may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Ads Settings. (Alternatively, you can direct users to opt out of a third-party vendor's use of cookies for personalized advertising by visiting www.aboutads.info.)
6. California & European Privacy Rights (CCPA/GDPR)
Our service uses Google AdSense to serve ads. Google may use information (not including your name, address, email address, or telephone number) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies, click here.
7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at hello@brackets.games.