VirtualCanines

Privacy Policy

Last updated: February 2026

VirtualCanines ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use the VirtualCanines website and game platform (the "Service").

1. Data Controller

VirtualCanines
Email: virtualcaninesgame@outlook.com

VirtualCanines is the data controller responsible for your personal data.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of data:

Account Information

  • Email address
  • Username
  • Encrypted password

Gameplay Information

  • In-game progress and statistics
  • Virtual dogs and ownership records
  • Virtual currency balances
  • In-game activity logs

Technical Information

  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Device type
  • Session and security-related cookies
  • Advertising identifiers and cookie data (where consent is provided)

3. Advertising (Google AdSense)

We use Google AdSense, a third-party advertising service provided by Google.

Google AdSense may:

  • Use cookies and similar technologies.
  • Collect information about your device and browsing behaviour.
  • Use data to display personalised or non-personalised advertisements.

Google may process data such as:

  • IP address
  • Browser information
  • Device identifiers
  • Pages viewed

Personalised advertising cookies will only be activated where you have provided consent through our cookie consent mechanism.

You can learn more about how Google uses data here: https://policies.google.com/technologies/ads

You can manage advertising settings through your Google account: https://adssettings.google.com

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Create and manage your account
  • Provide gameplay features
  • Maintain game progression
  • Display advertisements (where applicable)
  • Secure and protect the Service
  • Prevent abuse, fraud, and exploitation
  • Respond to support requests

5. Lawful Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we rely on the following lawful bases:

Contract

Processing necessary to provide the Service, including:

  • Account creation
  • Game data storage
  • Core functionality

Legitimate Interests

Processing necessary to:

  • Maintain platform security
  • Detect and prevent abuse
  • Improve service stability

Consent

Processing related to:

  • Personalised advertising cookies
  • Non-essential advertising technologies

You may withdraw consent at any time via our cookie settings tool.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal data:

  • While your account remains active.
  • For a limited period after account deletion (e.g., up to 90 days) before permanent removal.
  • Longer where required to comply with legal obligations.

Advertising-related cookie data retention is determined by Google’s policies.

7. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data.
  • Correct inaccurate data.
  • Request deletion of your data.
  • Restrict processing.
  • Object to certain processing.
  • Request data portability.
  • Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent).

To exercise your rights, contact us at virtualcaninesgame@outlook.com.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
https://ico.org.uk

8. Cookies

We use the following types of cookies:

Essential Cookies

Required for:

  • Login sessions
  • Security (including CSRF protection)
  • Core functionality

These cookies do not require consent.

Advertising Cookies

Used by Google AdSense to:

  • Display advertisements
  • Measure ad performance
  • Personalise advertising (where consent is given)

Advertising cookies are only activated after you provide consent via our cookie banner.

You may manage or withdraw your consent at any time.

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data.

However, no online service can guarantee absolute security.

10. International Data Transfers

Google may process data outside the United Kingdom.

Where personal data is transferred internationally, appropriate safeguards are used in accordance with UK GDPR.

11. Children’s Data

The Service is intended for users aged 13 and over.

We do not knowingly serve personalised advertising to children under 16.

If we become aware that personal data has been collected from a child under 13 without appropriate consent, we will delete that information.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.

Where significant changes are made, we may notify users within the Service.

Continued use of the Service after updates take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.