Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 29, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains what information football.fm ("we", "us", "the Platform") collects, how we use it, and your rights regarding your data. By using the Platform, you agree to the practices described below.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Account Information (via Telegram)

When you sign in through Telegram, we receive and store:

• Telegram user ID — a unique numeric identifier assigned by Telegram.
• Display name — your first name and last name as set in Telegram.
• Username — your Telegram @username, if you have one.
• Profile photo URL — if provided by Telegram's authentication.

We do not receive or store your phone number, Telegram messages, contacts, or any data from your Telegram chats.

1.2 Usage Data

We automatically collect information about how you interact with the Platform:

• Pages and features visited.
• Predictions made (match selections, timestamps, outcomes).
• Game activity (scores, sessions, character selections).
• XP earned, level progression, and leaderboard positions.

1.3 Device and Technical Data

• Browser type and version.
• Operating system.
• Screen resolution and viewport size.
• Language preference.
• IP address (for security and rate limiting; not stored long-term).
• Referral source (how you arrived at the Platform).

2. How We Use Your Information

Purpose	Data Used
Provide the service (scores, predictions, game, leaderboard)	Account info, usage data
Maintain your profile and progression	Telegram ID, usage data
Display leaderboards and rankings	Display name, XP, prediction accuracy
Improve the Platform and fix bugs	Usage data, device info
Prevent abuse and enforce Terms of Service	IP address, usage patterns
Communicate updates via Telegram bot	Telegram ID

3. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share data with:

• Hosting and infrastructure providers: Servers that store and deliver the Platform (e.g., VPS providers). They process data on our behalf under appropriate agreements.
• Google (Google Analytics 4): To count visits and see which pages are useful. See section 5 for what it collects and how to opt out.
• Legal requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or to protect our rights, safety, or property.

We do not share your data with sports data API providers. Data flows one way — from them to us (match scores and statistics).

4. Data Storage and Security

• Your data is stored on secure servers with restricted access.
• We use HTTPS encryption for all data transmission.
• Database access is limited to authorized personnel and automated systems.
• We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information.

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Cookies, Analytics and Local Storage

To count visits and see which pages are useful, we use Google Analytics 4. It sets this site’s own cookies _ga and _ga_* (kept for up to 2 years) and sends Google visit data without your name or contact details: the page, the referrer, the device type and an approximate country. Google signals and ad personalisation are turned off. You can opt out with a content blocker or the Google Analytics Opt-out browser add-on.

Apart from that, the Platform uses functional browser storage to save:

• Language preference — your selected interface language (EN, RU, ES, PT, DE, FR, IT, TR, JA, AR).
• Session state — to keep you signed in across page loads.

We do not use third-party tracking cookies, advertising cookies, or cross-site tracking pixels. No data is shared with advertising networks, and the advertising features of Google Analytics are turned off.

6. Data Retention

• Account data: Retained as long as your account is active. Deleted upon account deletion request.
• Usage and game data: Retained as long as your account is active for leaderboard and progression purposes.
• Technical logs (IP addresses): Retained for up to 30 days for security purposes, then deleted.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access — Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Correction — Request correction of inaccurate data. (Note: your display name and username are synced from Telegram; update them there to change them here.)
• Deletion — Request deletion of your account and all associated data, including game progress, predictions, and leaderboard entries.
• Data portability — Request your data in a machine-readable format.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us via Telegram (@football_fmbot). We will respond within 30 days.

8. Children's Privacy

football.fm is not intended for anyone under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18. If we become aware that we have collected data from a minor, we will delete the account and associated data promptly.

9. International Users

The Platform is accessible globally. By using football.fm, you consent to the transfer and processing of your data on servers that may be located in a different jurisdiction than your country of residence.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated through the Platform or our Telegram channels. The "Last updated" date at the top reflects the most recent revision.

11. Contact

For privacy-related questions, data requests, or concerns, reach us via Telegram (@football_fmbot).