This Privacy Policy explains how PikaChampions ("PikaChampions", "we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and protects information when you visit pikachampions.com (the "Site"). PikaChampions is a free, fan-made team-building tool and strategy resource for the game Pokemon Champions. By using the Site, you agree to the practices described below.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information you provide

• Account information (optional): If you choose to sign in, we use Google Firebase Authentication. Depending on the sign-in method you select, we receive your email address and/or a Google account identifier so we can save your teams to the cloud and let you access them across devices. You can use the entire team builder without an account.
• Community submissions: If you submit a team code to the community feature, we store the team code, the team name, the archetype, and any optional description or creator credit you enter.

1.2 Information stored in your browser

Most of what the tool "remembers" never leaves your device. Saved teams and your match-history log are stored in your browser's localStorage. This data stays on your device unless you are signed in and explicitly choose to sync. Clearing your browser data removes it.

1.3 Information collected automatically

• Usage and device data: Like most websites, our analytics and advertising providers may automatically receive standard information such as your approximate (city-level) location, device and browser type, pages viewed, and referring page.
• Cookies and similar technologies: See sections 2 and 3 below.

2. Cookies and Similar Technologies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We and our third-party partners use cookies and similar technologies (such as localStorage and device identifiers) to remember your preferences, measure traffic, and serve and measure advertising. You can control or delete cookies through your browser settings; disabling cookies may affect some features.

3. Advertising

This Site is supported by advertising served through Google AdSense. The following disclosures are required by Google's advertising policies:

• Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to this Site and other websites.
• Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to you based on your visit to this Site and/or other sites on the Internet.
• You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings.
• You can also opt out of a third-party vendor's use of cookies for personalized advertising at aboutads.info/choices (US) or youronlinechoices.eu (EU).
• For more detail on how Google uses information from sites that use its services, see How Google uses information from sites or apps that use our services.

If you are located in the European Economic Area, the UK, or Switzerland, Google may ask for your consent for personalized advertising and measurement through a consent message before ads are personalized.

4. Analytics

We use Google Analytics for Firebase to understand how visitors use the Site (for example, which guides are most read) so we can improve it. Analytics may set cookies and collect aggregated, non-identifying usage data. You can learn more at Google's Privacy Policy.

5. How We Use Information

• To provide and operate the team builder, guides, and community features.
• To save and sync your teams when you are signed in.
• To measure and improve Site performance and content.
• To display and measure advertising.
• To detect, prevent, and address abuse, fraud, or technical issues.

6. How Information Is Shared

We do not sell your personal information. We share data only with the service providers that make the Site work, namely:

• Google Firebase (Authentication, Firestore database, Analytics, hosting infrastructure) — for sign-in and saved/community teams.
• Google AdSense — for advertising, as described in section 3.

We may also disclose information if required by law or to protect the rights, safety, or property of our users or the public.

7. Data Retention

Browser-stored data (saved teams, match log) remains until you clear it. Account and synced data is retained while your account is active. Community team submissions remain visible until removed. You may request deletion of account or submitted data at any time (see section 9).

8. International Data Transfers

Our providers (primarily Google) may process and store data on servers located outside your country, including in the United States. Where required, these transfers rely on appropriate safeguards.

9. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on where you live (for example under the EU/UK GDPR or the California CCPA/CPRA), you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or port your personal data, to opt out of personalized advertising, and to object to or restrict certain processing. To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected]. You can opt out of personalized ads immediately using the links in section 3.

10. Children's Privacy

The Site is not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your jurisdiction), and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, contact us and we will delete it.

11. Security

We rely on Google's infrastructure and reasonable measures to protect data. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be reflected by updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

13. Contact Us

Questions about this Privacy Policy? Email us at [email protected] or visit our Contact page.