Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to The Freak Circus (thefreakcircus.pro). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we collect, use, and safeguard your information. This Privacy Policy explains our practices regarding data collection and usage when you access our website and play our visual novel game.

By using The Freak Circus, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

The Freak Circus is designed to be played without requiring user registration or personal accounts. However, we may collect information you voluntarily provide when you:

• Contact us via email for support, feedback, or inquiries
• Report bugs or technical issues
• Participate in surveys or feedback forms (if offered)
• Subscribe to newsletters or updates (if available)

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website or play the game, we may automatically collect certain technical information, including:

• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device type, screen resolution
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, gameplay duration, choices made in-game (stored locally)
• Log Data: IP address, access times, referring URLs, error logs
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: Session cookies, analytics cookies, preference settings

2.3 Game Progress and Save Data

Your game progress, choices, and save data are stored locally in your browser using local storage or cookies. This data remains on your device and is not transmitted to our servers unless you explicitly choose to sync or backup your progress (if such features are implemented in the future).

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

3.1 Game Functionality

• Provide and maintain the game experience
• Save your game progress and preferences locally
• Enable game features such as choice tracking and multiple endings
• Ensure compatibility across different devices and browsers

3.2 Website Operations

• Operate, maintain, and improve our website
• Monitor and analyze usage patterns and trends
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues or security threats
• Optimize website performance and user experience

3.3 Communication

• Respond to your inquiries, support requests, or feedback
• Send important updates about the game or website (if you opt in)
• Notify you of new content, features, or updates

3.4 Analytics and Improvement

• Understand how users interact with the game and website
• Identify popular story routes and player preferences
• Improve game design, narrative, and user interface
• Develop new features and content based on user behavior

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences and track usage.

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality and game operation
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings, language preferences, and game progress
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website and game
• Performance Cookies: Collect information about website performance and user experience

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect game functionality, including the ability to save your progress.

5. Third-Party Services

The Freak Circus may be hosted on or integrated with third-party platforms and services, including:

5.1 Itch.io

Our game is available on Itch.io, a third-party game distribution platform. When you access the game through Itch.io, their privacy policy and terms of service apply. We do not control Itch.io's data practices and are not responsible for their privacy policies.

5.2 Analytics Services

We may use third-party analytics services (such as Google Analytics) to understand website traffic and user behavior. These services may collect information about your device, browsing behavior, and interactions with our website.

5.3 Hosting and Infrastructure

Our website and game may be hosted on third-party servers and content delivery networks (CDNs) to ensure fast, reliable access. These providers may have access to technical data necessary for hosting and delivery.

We carefully select third-party services that maintain strong privacy and security standards. However, we are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party services. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share information only in the following limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our website, hosting, analytics, or customer support
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation
• Protection of Rights: To protect our rights, property, safety, or the rights of others
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (users will be notified)
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share your information

Any third parties with whom we share data are required to maintain confidentiality and use the information only for specified purposes.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data transmission using HTTPS/SSL protocols
• Secure hosting infrastructure with regular security updates
• Access controls and authentication for administrative systems
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Incident response procedures for potential data breaches

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Data Retention

We retain information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law.

• Game Progress: Stored locally on your device indefinitely until you clear browser data
• Analytics Data: Typically retained for 12-24 months for analysis and improvement
• Communication Records: Retained for as long as necessary to provide support and resolve issues
• Log Data: Automatically deleted after a reasonable period (typically 30-90 days)

You can delete your locally stored game data at any time by clearing your browser's cookies and local storage.

9. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

9.1 General Rights

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
• Objection: Object to certain processing of your information
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured, machine-readable format

9.2 GDPR Rights (European Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.

9.3 CCPA Rights (California Users)

If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information is collected and the right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (note: we do not sell personal information).

To exercise your rights, please contact us at privacy@thefreakcircus.pro. We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by applicable law.

10. Children's Privacy

If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected information from a person under 18, we will take immediate steps to delete that information from our systems.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at privacy@thefreakcircus.pro.

11. International Data Transfers

The Freak Circus may be accessed by users worldwide. Your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in countries other than your country of residence, which may have different data protection laws.

By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries outside your country of residence. We take appropriate measures to ensure your information receives adequate protection in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy.

Significant changes will be communicated through a prominent notice on our website or via email (if you have provided your email address). We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

Your continued use of The Freak Circus after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Us

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

We will respond to your inquiry as promptly as possible, typically within 30 days.