Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how SportNerd ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and protects information when you use our website, mobile application, or any related services (collectively, the "Service"). It forms part of, and should be read alongside, our Terms of Use. By using the Service, you agree to the practices described here.

SportNerd is built to be privacy-first: much of what you do — your predictions, the teams you follow, your language choice — is stored on your own device and never automatically sent to us.

We keep collection to the minimum needed to run the Service.

Account information (only if you sign in):

• Your email address, used to create and secure your account.
• A password (stored only as a secure, one-way hash — never in plain text).
• A display handle and avatar you choose.

Stored on your device (in your browser):

• Your "Beat the Model" predictions and fan picks.
• Match alerts and the competitions or teams you follow.
• Your chosen live-chat handle, language preference, and reactions.
• A session token that keeps you signed in.

This device data lives in your browser's local storage (IndexedDB). We do not use tracking cookies or browser storage to build an advertising profile of you. Clearing your browser data, or signing out, removes this information from your device.

Content you choose to share:

• Messages you post in live fan chat rooms.
• Predictions, comments, and other content you submit to the Service.

Technical information:

• Standard server logs (such as IP address, browser type, and request times) that are generated automatically when any website is accessed, used to operate and secure the Service.

We use the information above to:

• Provide and maintain the Service, including scores, brackets, and predictions.
• Create and secure your account and keep you signed in.
• Show your predictions, follows, and record back to you.
• Enable live fan chat and display your chosen handle alongside your messages.
• Detect, prevent, and address abuse, fraud, or technical problems.
• Comply with our legal obligations.

We do not sell your personal information, and we do not use it to serve third-party behavioural advertising.

We use on-device storage (IndexedDB) to remember your session, preferences, and activity, as described above. We do not use third-party advertising or cross-site tracking cookies. Any strictly necessary cookies used by our hosting provider serve only to deliver the Service securely.

The Service is not directed to children under 13 (or the age of digital consent in your country). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children below that age. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.

We share personal information only in limited circumstances:

• With service providers (such as hosting and infrastructure partners) who process data on our behalf under appropriate safeguards.
• When required by law, regulation, legal process, or a valid governmental request.
• To protect the rights, property, or safety of SportNerd, our users, or the public.
• In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, subject to this Policy.

Content you post publicly (e.g. live chat messages) is visible to other users.

We retain account information for as long as your account is active, and for a reasonable period afterward to meet legal, security, or operational needs. On-device data remains on your device until you clear it or sign out. You may request deletion of your account at any time (see "Your Rights").

Depending on your jurisdiction — including under South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and similar laws — you may have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you.
• Correct information that is inaccurate or out of date.
• Request deletion of your account and associated personal information.
• Object to or restrict certain processing.

You can clear most on-device data yourself by signing out or clearing your browser storage. For account-level requests, contact us at the address below and we will respond within a reasonable time.

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your information, including hashing passwords and securing data in transit. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, however, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

The Service may display sports data, news, or links from third-party providers. Those providers operate under their own privacy policies, and we are not responsible for their practices. We encourage you to review the privacy policy of any third-party service you visit.

The Service is operated from, and governed by the laws of, the Republic of South Africa. If you access the Service from elsewhere, you understand your information may be processed in South Africa or other countries whose data-protection laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction.

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the revised version on the Service and update the "Effective Date" above. Your continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us at:

hi@sportnerd.app