Privacy Policy

Effective Date: June 1, 2025

1. INTRODUCTION
globalkeyquest.com ("we," "us," "our") operates ARG treasure hunt games and the website globalkeyquest.com ("Service"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Service.
By using our Service, you consent to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy.
2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT
2.1 Information You Provide Directly
Account Registration:

• Full name

• Email address

• Password (encrypted)

• Phone number (optional, for game interactions)

• Mailing address (Collector's Edition only)

Game Participation:

• Puzzle solutions and progress

• Communication preferences

• Support requests and correspondence

• Payment information (processed by third-party providers)

Optional Information:

• Profile information for community features

• Feedback and survey responses

• Social media handles (if shared)

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically
Website Usage:

• IP address and location data

• Browser type and version

• Device information

• Pages visited and time spent

• Referral sources

• Cookies and tracking technologies

Game Interactions:

• SSH terminal session logs

• Phone call metadata (via Twilio)

• SMS interaction records

• Puzzle completion timestamps

• Hint system usage

2.3 Information from Third Parties
Payment Processors:

• Transaction details and payment status

• Billing information (not stored by us)

Communication Services:

• Twilio phone/SMS interaction data

• Email delivery status

• Technical performance metrics

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION
3.1 Game Operations

• Deliver game content and experiences

• Process puzzle solutions and track progress

• Provide SSH terminal access

• Send game-related communications

• Deliver physical artifacts (Collector's Edition)

3.2 Communication

• Send account notifications and updates

• Provide customer support

• Deliver hint system messages

• Share game announcements

• Process support requests

3.3 Service Improvement

• Analyze game performance and user experience

• Identify and fix technical issues

• Develop new features and content

• Conduct research and analytics

3.4 Legal and Security

• Comply with legal obligations

• Protect against fraud and abuse

• Enforce our Terms of Use

• Maintain system security

4. INFORMATION SHARING AND DISCLOSURE
4.1 We DO NOT Sell Your Personal Information
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
4.2 Service Providers
We share information with trusted third parties who assist in operating our Service:
Twilio (Phone/SMS Services):

• Phone numbers for game interactions

• SMS delivery and response tracking

• Call metadata and duration

Google Cloud Platform (Hosting):

• SSH terminal access logs

• Website performance data

• Security monitoring information

Payment Processors:

• Transaction processing data

• Billing information (not stored by us)

• Payment verification

Shipping Partners (Collector's Edition):

• Name and mailing address

• Package tracking information

4.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose information when required by law:

• Legal process or court orders

• Government investigations

• Protection of rights and safety

• Compliance with regulations

4.4 Business Transfers
In case of merger, acquisition, or sale, your information may be transferred to the new entity with continued privacy protection.
5. DATA RETENTION
5.1 Account Information

• Retained while your account is active

• Deleted within 30 days of account closure

• Some information may be retained for legal compliance

5.2 Game Data

• Progress and solutions retained for game duration

• Leaderboards and achievements may be retained longer

• Technical logs retained for security purposes

5.3 Communication Records

• Support correspondence retained for 2 years

• Phone/SMS metadata retained per Twilio's policies

• Marketing communications until you unsubscribe

6. DATA SECURITY
6.1 Security Measures

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest

• Secure SSH protocols for terminal access

• Regular security audits and monitoring

• Access controls and authentication systems

6.2 Payment Security

• PCI DSS compliant payment processing

• No credit card information stored on our servers

• Secure third-party payment processors

6.3 Communication Security

• Encrypted email communications

• Secure phone/SMS via Twilio infrastructure

• Protected SSH terminal sessions

7. YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS
7.1 Access and Control

• View and update your account information

• Download your game progress data

• Request deletion of your account

• Opt out of marketing communications

7.2 Communication Preferences

• Unsubscribe from marketing emails

• Opt out of SMS notifications

• Adjust game communication settings

• Control community forum visibility

7.3 Data Portability

• Request a copy of your data

• Export game progress and achievements

• Transfer data to other services (where applicable)

8. COOKIES AND TRACKING
8.1 Cookies We Use

• Essential cookies: Required for website functionality

• Performance cookies: Analytics and site improvement

• Functional cookies: Remember your preferences

• Marketing cookies: Personalized content (with consent)

8.2 Cookie Management

• Control cookies through browser settings

• Opt out of analytics tracking

• Manage marketing cookie preferences

• Third-party cookie policies apply

9. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS
9.1 Global Operations

• Data may be processed in various countries

• Adequate protection measures in place

• Compliance with applicable data protection laws

9.2 European Union Users

• GDPR compliance for EU residents

• Legal basis for processing disclosed

• Data Protection Officer available for contact

10. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY
10.1 Age Restrictions

• Service intended for users 18 and older

• Parental consent required for minors

• No knowing collection of children's data under 13

10.2 Parental Rights

• Parents may review child's information

• Request deletion of child's data

• Control child's communication preferences

11. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES
11.1 External Links

• Our Service may contain links to third-party websites

• We are not responsible for their privacy practices

• Review third-party privacy policies before use

11.2 Social Media

• Social sharing features may collect information

• Third-party social media policies apply

• Control sharing through privacy settings

12. CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS
12.1 CCPA Rights
California residents have the right to:

• Know what personal information is collected

• Delete personal information

• Opt out of sale (we don't sell information)

• Non-discrimination for exercising rights

12.2 Shine the Light Law

• Request information about data sharing for marketing

• Annual disclosure of third-party sharing

• Contact us for disclosure requests

13. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY
13.1 Updates

• We may update this Privacy Policy periodically

• Material changes will be communicated via email

• Continued use constitutes acceptance of changes

13.2 Notification

• Email notification for significant changes

• Website banner for policy updates

• Effective date clearly displayed

14. CONTACT INFORMATION
14.1 Privacy Questions
For privacy-related questions or requests:

• Email: privacy@globalkeyquest.com

• Website: globalkeyquest.com/privacy

• Mail: [Your business address]

14.2 Data Protection Officer
For EU residents:

• Email: dpo@globalkeyquest.com

• Response time: 30 days maximum

14.3 Regulatory Complaints
You have the right to file complaints with:

• Local data protection authorities

• Federal Trade Commission (US)

• Information Commissioner's Office (UK)

15. SPECIFIC GAME PRIVACY CONSIDERATIONS
15.1 SSH Terminal Access

• Session logs may be retained for security

• Commands and interactions recorded

• No personal files or data accessed

15.2 Phone/SMS Interactions

• Metadata collected for game functionality

• Content may be logged for support purposes

• Standard carrier privacy policies apply

15.3 Physical Location Data

• GPS coordinates provided for game locations

• Your actual location not tracked

• Location visits are voluntary

15.4 Collector's Edition Shipping

• Shipping addresses used only for delivery

• Package tracking information shared with carriers

• Physical items become your property

EFFECTIVE DATE: This Privacy Policy is effective as of June 1, 2025.
CONTACT US: If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at privacy@globalkeyquest.com.
YOUR CONSENT: By using Global Key Quest Service, you consent to the collection and use of information as described in this Privacy Policy.