Cookie Policy

1. Overview

Good news: TrueElo does not use cookies. This page explains our approach to browser storage and why we don't need cookies.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device by websites you visit. They are commonly used for:

• Tracking users across websites (advertising)
• Session management (login state)
• Remembering preferences
• Analytics and usage metrics

Cookies are automatically sent to the server with every request, which enables tracking and identification.

3. Why TrueElo Doesn't Use Cookies

TrueElo is designed to minimize cookie usage:

• Optional authentication: Cookies only used if you choose to sign in
• No advertising: We don't serve ads or track for marketing
• No tracking cookies: No cross-site tracking or profiling
• Privacy by design: Anonymous users require no cookies at all

4. Local Browser Storage

Instead of cookies, TrueElo uses local browser storage that is fundamentally more private:

• Data is never sent to servers automatically
• No cross-site tracking is possible
• Data stays on your device
• You have full control to view and delete it

5. What We Store Locally

TrueElo stores the following data locally in your browser (never sent to servers):

• Cache: Improves performance (expires periodically)
• Settings: Remembers your preferences (until you clear it)
• Saved content: Any data you choose to save (until you clear it)

See our Privacy Policy for more information.

6. Authentication Cookies (Optional)

If you choose to sign in for cloud sync, Firebase Authentication may use strictly necessary cookies for:

• Session management: Maintaining your signed-in state
• Security: Protecting against cross-site request forgery
• Authentication tokens: Secure communication with cloud services

These are first-party, secure cookies that are only set when you sign in. They are automatically removed when you sign out. Anonymous users receive no cookies.

7. Third-Party Services

TrueElo connects to third-party services for functionality:

• Firebase for authentication (if signed in) and shared caching
• Chess database services for game statistics

We do not embed advertising networks or social media widgets that use tracking cookies.

8. Managing Your Local Data

You can clear all TrueElo data from your browser at any time:

Note: Clearing site data will delete your settings and saved content. Use export features first if you want to keep your data.

9. EU Cookie Law / GDPR

The EU "Cookie Law" (ePrivacy Directive) and GDPR require consent for cookies that track users or are not strictly necessary. TrueElo:

• Uses no cookies for anonymous users
• Only uses strictly necessary authentication cookies (if you sign in)
• Performs no tracking or profiling
• Uses local storage that stays on your device

Authentication cookies are considered strictly necessary and do not require consent banners. We provide this policy for full transparency about our storage practices.

10. Future Changes

If we ever need to use cookies in the future, we will:

• Update this policy with full details
• Implement appropriate consent mechanisms
• Clearly explain what cookies are used and why
• Provide opt-out options where required by law

11. Contact

For questions about this Cookie Policy, please contact us.