1. Introduction

Mind-Sprout ("we", "our", or "us") operates the website mind-sprout.net. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you use our free word search and Sudoku puzzle generator.

Data Controller: Mind-Sprout
Contact: print.design2212@gmail.com

2. What Data We Collect

2.1 No Personal Accounts

We do NOT require registration, accounts, or login. We do NOT collect your name, email address, or any personally identifiable information directly.

2.2 Automatically Collected Data

When you visit our website, the following information is automatically collected:

IP Address: Your device's IP address (anonymized after 7 days)
Browser Information: Browser type, version, and language settings
Device Information: Operating system, screen resolution
Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, puzzles created
Referrer URL: The website you came from

2.3 Cookies and Tracking

We use the following types of cookies:

Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality (e.g., cookie consent preference)
Analytics Cookies: Used with Vercel Analytics (only if you consent) to understand which puzzles are most popular

3. How We Use Your Data

We use collected data for the following purposes:

To provide and maintain the website functionality
To understand which puzzles and features are most popular
To improve user experience and website performance
To detect and prevent technical issues or abuse
To comply with legal obligations

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we process your data based on:

Legitimate Interest (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR): To operate and improve our website
Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR): For analytics cookies (you can withdraw consent anytime)
Legal Obligation (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR): To comply with legal requirements

5. Third-Party Services

5.1 Vercel Analytics

We use Vercel Analytics (provided by Vercel Inc., USA) for privacy-friendly website analytics.

Data collected: Page views, referrers, browser info (no personal identifiers)
Data location: USA (Vercel infrastructure)
Data transfer: EU Standard Contractual Clauses apply
Privacy Policy: Vercel Privacy Policy

5.2 Hosting Provider

Our website is hosted on Vercel's global infrastructure. Server logs may be kept for security purposes.

6. Data Retention

Analytics Data: Retained for 90 days, then permanently deleted
Server Logs: Retained for 7 days for security purposes
Cookie Consent: Stored locally in your browser until you clear it
Puzzles Created: NOT stored on our servers (generated client-side only)

7. Your Rights Under GDPR

If you are in the European Union, you have the following rights:

Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data
Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation of how we use your data
Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for analytics cookies anytime

To exercise your rights, contact us at: print.design2212@gmail.com

8. Children's Privacy (COPPA)

Our website is designed for general audiences including children. We do NOT knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

No Registration Required: Children can use our puzzles without providing any personal information.

If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately at print.design2212@gmail.com and we will delete it promptly.

9. International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and processed in the United States (where Vercel's servers are located). We ensure adequate protection through:

EU Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
Vercel's GDPR-compliant Data Processing Agreement
Appropriate technical and organizational security measures

10. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data:

HTTPS encryption for all data transmission
Secure hosting infrastructure (Vercel)
Regular security updates and monitoring
Limited data collection (privacy by design)
No storage of puzzle content on our servers

11. Your Choices

Cookie Settings: You can change your cookie preferences anytime by clearing your browser cookies and revisiting our site
Browser Settings: Configure your browser to block or delete cookies
Do Not Track: We respect Do Not Track (DNT) signals
Opt-Out: Reject analytics cookies to prevent tracking

12. Supervisory Authority (EU)

If you are located in the European Union and believe your data protection rights have been violated, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority.

Find your local authority: European Data Protection Board

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Modified" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

14. Contact Us

For any questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your rights, please contact us:

Mind-Sprout

Email: print.design2212@gmail.com

Last Updated: February 3, 2026