# Privacy Statement — ChessArbor
Last updated: March 2025
ChessArbor ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This statement explains what information we collect, why we collect it, and how we use it.
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Website & Donations
We do not collect any personal information on our website beyond what is strictly necessary to process donations.
If you choose to support ChessArbor through a donation platform (e.g., Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon, or similar), the payment processor may collect information such as:
- Name — To display on donor lists (if you opt in) or for transaction records
- Email address — For donation receipts and optional updates
- Payment details — Handled entirely by the payment processor; we do not store credit card numbers or bank information
We receive only the information the donation platform shares with us (typically name and email, if you consent). We use this solely to:
- Send thank-you messages or receipts
- Provide donor recognition (only if you explicitly opt in)
We do not sell, rent, or share donor information with third parties for marketing purposes.
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The ChessArbor App — What We Collect and Why
ChessArbor is a desktop application that runs on your computer. Almost all data stays on your device.
1. Data Stored Locally on Your Device (We Never Receive It)
The app stores the following on your computer to provide its features. We do not collect, receive, or have access to any of this data — it stays entirely on your device:
| Data | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| Repertoires (PGN files, names, side) | To load and train your opening lines |
| Training state (mastery, streaks, intervals, due dates) | To track progress and schedule spaced repetition |
| Imported games (from Chess.com, Lichess, or PGN files) | To prioritize lines you reach in real games |
| Chess.com / Lichess usernames | To fetch your games for adaptive weighting (used only by the app on your machine) |
| Ratings (bullet, blitz, rapid, etc.) | To tailor opening explorer queries and display your rating |
| Settings (preferences, engine path, piece set, etc.) | To remember your choices between sessions |
| Position comments (notes on positions in the Tree tab) | To save your annotations |
| Import state (last archive date, last fetched game) | To avoid re-downloading games you already have |
We never collect repertoires, imported games, or usernames. They exist only on your computer.
2. Third-Party Services the App Uses
When you use certain features, the app may contact external services:
| Service | When Used | Data Sent | Purpose |
|---------|-----------|-----------|---------|
| Chess.com API | When you import games from Chess.com | Your Chess.com username (you provide it) | Fetch your public game history |
| Lichess API | When you import games from Lichess | Your Lichess username (you provide it) | Fetch your public game history |
| Lichess Opening Explorer | When you load master/human stats in the Tree tab | Board position (FEN) only — no account info | Show move popularity and win rates |
These services have their own privacy policies. We do not control what they log.
3. Opt-In Telemetry (Anonymous Usage Data)
If you enable telemetry in Settings, the app may send anonymous usage data to help us improve the product. This is opt-in only and can be turned off at any time.
What we collect (when opted in):
- Anonymous ID — A random identifier (not tied to your name, email, or usernames)
- App version — To understand which versions are in use
- Session summaries — Session start/end times, duration
- Tab usage — Time spent in Home, Train, Tree, Database, Settings (aggregate only)
- Training metrics — Counts of lines trained, correct vs. missed, time control
- Ratings snapshot — E.g., blitz: 1500, rapid: 1520 (no usernames)
- Milestone events — First training line, first tree view, first import (one-time per user)
- Error codes — Generic codes like `import_failed` (no stack traces, file paths, or personal data)
What we do NOT collect (ever):
- Your repertoire content (PGN, moves, lines) — we never receive it
- Your imported games — we never receive them
- Your Chess.com or Lichess usernames — we never receive them
- Your name, email, or any identifying information
- File paths or system information
Telemetry is uploaded to a Google Apps Script endpoint and stored for product analytics. We use it to improve features, fix bugs, and understand how the app is used. We do not sell telemetry data.
4. Feedback You Send Us
If you contact us via email (Support@chessarbor.com) or Discord, we receive whatever you choose to share. We use this to respond to you and improve the product. We do not share your correspondence with third parties for marketing.
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Your Rights and Choices
- Donations: You can donate anonymously on most platforms. Check the platform’s settings.
- Telemetry: Disable it in Settings → Telemetry at any time. Pending events are cleared on successful upload; disabling stops future collection.
- Local data: Use Clear all user data in Settings to remove repertoires, games, settings, and telemetry from your device.
- Chess.com / Lichess: Do not enter usernames if you prefer not to use game import. The app works fully without them.
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## Data Retention
- Website/donations: We retain donor information only as long as needed for receipts and recognition, or as required by law.
- Telemetry: Stored for product improvement; we do not set a fixed retention period but do not use it beyond analytics.
- Local app data: Stays on your device until you delete it or use "Clear all user data."
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Changes to This Statement
We may update this privacy statement from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top reflects the most recent version. Continued use of ChessArbor after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated statement.
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Contact
Questions about this privacy statement or our data practices?
Email: Support@chessarbor.com