This Privacy Policy explains how Pix Empire ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses, and protects your information when you use pix-empire.com. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data responsibly.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the minimum information necessary to operate the Game:

• Guest users: An anonymous Firebase UID is automatically assigned. No personal information is collected.
• Registered users: Email address and chosen username, stored securely via Firebase Authentication.
• Gameplay data: Pixel placements (coordinates, color, timestamp), coin balance, pixel count, unlocked avatars, and leaderboard position.
• Technical data: IP address (processed by our WebSocket server for rate limiting), browser type, and connection metadata.

2. How We Use Your Information

• To operate and maintain the Game (pixel placement, leaderboard, avatar system).
• To authenticate you and protect against abuse (rate limiting, cooldown enforcement).
• To process payments for optional premium features (handled by Lemon Squeezy — we do not store payment card data).
• To generate timelapse recordings of the shared canvas for community sharing.
• To communicate important service updates (only to registered email addresses).

3. Firebase and Third-Party Services

Pix Empire uses the following third-party services:

• Firebase (Google): Authentication, Realtime Database, and Storage. Data may be stored on Google servers in the EU. Firebase's Privacy Policy applies: firebase.google.com/support/privacy
• Lemon Squeezy: Payment processing for premium features. We do not receive or store your payment card information. Lemon Squeezy's Privacy Policy applies.
• DiceBear: Avatar image generation via public API (api.dicebear.com). No personal data is sent — only a random seed string.
• Redis (ioredis): Used server-side for cooldown enforcement and deduplication. No personal data is stored long-term.

4. Data Retention

• Guest accounts and their associated gameplay data may be deleted after 90 days of inactivity.
• Registered accounts and their data are retained until you request deletion.
• Pixel placement delta files are retained for board reconstruction and timelapse purposes.

5. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Request deletion of your account and associated data.
• Correct inaccurate information in your account.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at support@pix-empire.com.

6. Cookies and Local Storage

Pix Empire uses browser localStorage to store your cooldown timer and last-placed pixel timestamp locally on your device. This data never leaves your browser and is not transmitted to our servers. We do not use advertising cookies or tracking pixels.

7. Children's Privacy

Pix Empire is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, contact us and we will delete it promptly.

8. Security

We implement reasonable technical measures to protect your data, including Firebase security rules, server-side token verification, and encrypted connections (HTTPS/WSS). However, no internet transmission is 100% secure.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date will reflect any changes. Continued use of the Game after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

10. Contact

For privacy-related questions or data requests: support@pix-empire.com

Pix Empire is operated by Viktor, an independent developer based in North Macedonia.