1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Techdle ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies, local storage, and similar tracking technologies on our website. It is designed to help you understand what technologies we use, why we use them, and how you can control them.

This policy should be read together with our Privacy Policyand Terms of Service, which provide additional information about how we collect, use, and protect your data.

2. What Are Cookies & Web Storage

Cookies are small text files that websites place on your computer or mobile device when you visit them. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to the site owner.

Local Storage & IndexedDB are modern web storage APIs that allow websites to store data persistently in your browser. Unlike cookies, data stored in localStorage and IndexedDB is not automatically sent to the server with every HTTP request.

Throughout this policy, references to "cookies" include all equivalent browser storage technologies unless stated otherwise.

3. Types of Storage We Use

Techdle uses only the following categories of storage, all of which are strictly necessary for the Game to function:

3.1 Local Storage (Essential)

• Game Progress — Your current puzzle state, guesses, hints used, and completion status for the daily puzzle
• Game Statistics — Your win/loss record, streak history, and guess distribution for calculating and displaying your personal stats
• User Preferences — Your selected theme (light/dark), high-contrast mode setting, and other UI preferences

Purpose: These items are essential to provide the core gameplay experience and remember your preferences between sessions. No personal data from localStorage is transmitted to our servers unless you sign in with Google.

3.2 Firebase Authentication Tokens (Essential)

• Auth Session Tokens — If you sign in with Google, Firebase stores authentication tokens in IndexedDB/localStorage to maintain your session
• Anonymous UID — If you play without signing in, Firebase may assign an anonymous user identifier to track your session locally

Purpose: These tokens are strictly necessary for authentication and synchronization of game data across devices. They are set and managed by the Firebase Authentication SDK.

4. No Tracking or Analytics Technologies

Techdle does not use any of the following:

• Tracking cookies of any kind
• Analytics scripts (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude)
• Advertising or marketing cookies
• Social media pixels or tracking buttons
• Third-party behavioral tracking services
• Fingerprinting technologies
• Cross-site tracking mechanisms

We do not sell, trade, or share your data for advertising or marketing purposes. We do not build profiles of our users for targeted advertising.

5. Third-Party Services

The following third-party services may store data in your browser as part of their normal operation. We do not control their data practices:

5.1 Firebase (Google Inc.)

• Stores authentication tokens and session data via IndexedDB and localStorage
• Does not set traditional cookies for authentication purposes
• See Google's Privacy Policy and Google's Cookie Policy

5.2 Vercel Inc.

• May set essential cookies required for CDN functionality, edge network routing, and site performance
• These are strictly functional and do not track users across sites
• See Vercel's Privacy Policy

6. Consent & Your Choices

6.1 Implied Consent

Because Techdle uses only strictly necessary storage technologies that are essential for the core functionality of the Game, we do not require explicit cookie consent. However, by continuing to use the Game, you acknowledge and accept our use of these technologies as described in this policy.

6.2 How to Control Your Data

You have full control over local storage data in your browser:

• Clear Site Data — Use your browser's settings to clear all data stored by techdle.com. This will reset game progress, preferences, and authentication.
• Sign Out — Signing out of your account will clear your Firebase authentication session token.
• Private/Incognito Mode — Using the Game in private browsing mode will cause all storage to be cleared when you close the browser window.
• Disable Local Storage — You may disable localStorage entirely in your browser settings. Warning: This will prevent the Game from functioning, as we rely on local storage for core gameplay.

6.3 Browser-Level Controls

Most web browsers allow you to manage storage settings through their preferences or settings menus. The following links provide instructions for common browsers:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Safari
• Microsoft Edge

7. Data Retention

Data stored in localStorage and IndexedDB persists in your browser until you manually clear it or until our application code explicitly removes it. We do not set expiration dates on local storage data. The retention periods for data stored on our servers are as follows:

• Game Progress & Stats (Cloud) — Retained for as long as your account is active. Deleted upon account deletion request or after 12 months of account inactivity.
• Authentication Tokens — Managed by Firebase. Tokens may be refreshed periodically. Revoked when you sign out or upon account deletion.
• Anonymous UIDs — Retained for the duration of your session and up to 30 days of inactivity, after which a new anonymous ID may be assigned.

8. Do Not Track (DNT)

Some browsers transmit "Do Not Track" (DNT) signals. As Techdle does not engage in cross-site tracking, analytics, or advertising, we do not respond to DNT signals. However, we respect your privacy and do not track your browsing activity across other websites regardless of DNT settings.

9. International Users

If you are accessing the Game from outside the Republic of the Philippines, please be aware that your data may be processed and stored in the Philippines or other locations where our infrastructure providers operate. By using the Game, you consent to the transfer of your data to these locations.

For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom, or other jurisdictions with comprehensive data protection laws, we note that the storage technologies we use are strictly necessary for the provision of the Game and are therefore exempt from consent requirements under applicable ePrivacy regulations.

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, operational requirements, or legal obligations. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date.

We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically. Your continued use of the Game after changes to this policy constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Cookie Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Email: johnlemargonzales@gmail.com