Privacy Policy

Information Collection and Use

PlayBench Index collects and processes various types of information to provide and improve our device ranking and comparison services. We collect information you provide directly when creating an account, subscribing to our services, or contacting our support team. This includes your name, email address, payment information, and any preferences you set for device comparisons or regional settings.

We automatically collect technical data when you interact with our platform, including device information, IP addresses, browser types, operating system details, and usage patterns. This data helps us optimize our benchmarking algorithms and ensure accurate regional pricing information. We also collect performance metrics when you use our comparison tools to enhance the accuracy of our recommendations.

Benchmark Data Processing

Our core service involves processing extensive device performance data, thermal profiles, and gaming benchmarks. When you use our comparison tools, we log your search queries, filter preferences, and devices you compare to provide personalized recommendations. This data is analyzed in aggregate to identify trending devices and improve our ranking algorithms.

We collect anonymous telemetry data from devices tested in our laboratory facilities. This includes frame rate measurements, temperature readings, battery consumption patterns, and input latency metrics. All benchmark data is stored securely and used exclusively for generating our public rankings and research purposes.

Third-Party Integrations and Data Sharing

We integrate with authorized retailers and affiliate networks to provide real-time pricing information. When you click through to a retailer from our platform, we may share limited data including device model, region, and a unique session identifier to track referrals and maintain accurate availability information.

Our API partners receive aggregated benchmark data and device rankings through secure channels. We never share personally identifiable information with API partners without explicit consent. Third-party analytics services process anonymized usage data to help us understand user behavior and improve our platform functionality.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

PlayBench Index uses cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to enhance user experience and analyze platform performance. Essential cookies are required for core functionality including session management, secure authentication, and shopping cart persistence. These cookies cannot be disabled without affecting basic site operations.

Analytics cookies help us understand how users navigate our comparison tools, which benchmarks are most valuable, and how to optimize our interface. Marketing cookies track your interactions with our content and advertisements across different platforms to provide relevant device recommendations. You can manage your cookie preferences through our consent banner or browser settings.

User Account Management

Registered users can access advanced features including custom comparison matrices, saved device lists, and personalized recommendations based on your gaming preferences. Your account information is encrypted and stored securely on our servers with restricted access protocols.

You maintain full control over your account data and can update your profile, change email preferences, or delete your account at any time through your account settings dashboard. Upon account deletion, we retain certain data for legal compliance and fraud prevention purposes for up to 90 days before permanent removal.

Data Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security protocols to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our infrastructure includes encrypted data transmission using TLS 1.3, secure database storage with AES-256 encryption, regular security audits, and multi-factor authentication for administrative access.

Despite our security measures, no system is completely impenetrable. We maintain incident response procedures and will notify affected users within 72 hours of discovering any data breach that may compromise personal information. We regularly update our security protocols to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

Payment Processing and Financial Information

All payment transactions are processed through certified PCI-DSS compliant payment processors. We do not store complete credit card numbers or sensitive payment credentials on our servers. Payment information is tokenized and encrypted during transmission and storage.

We retain transaction records including purchase dates, subscription types, and payment amounts for accounting purposes and fraud prevention. Refund requests and billing disputes are handled according to our Terms of Service with appropriate documentation retained for tax compliance.

Marketing Communications and Preferences

With your consent, we send promotional emails about new device rankings, benchmark updates, exclusive comparison tools, and special offers from our affiliate partners. Each marketing communication includes clear unsubscribe options, and you can manage your email preferences through your account settings.

We may send transactional emails related to your account activity, service updates, security alerts, and important policy changes regardless of your marketing preferences. These communications are essential for maintaining your account and cannot be opted out of while you remain a registered user.

Regional Data Processing and Transfers

PlayBench Index operates globally and may transfer your data across international borders to provide consistent service delivery. We maintain data processing agreements with all international partners and ensure adequate protection mechanisms comply with GDPR, CCPA, and other applicable privacy regulations.

For users in the European Economic Area, we implement Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission for data transfers outside the EEA. We also designate data protection officers in regions where required by law and maintain transparent records of all international data processing activities.

Children's Privacy Protection

Our services are not directed to individuals under 16 years of age, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we discover that a child has provided personal information without parental consent, we will promptly delete such information from our systems.

Parents or guardians who believe their child has provided information to PlayBench Index should contact our privacy team immediately. We will investigate such reports and take appropriate action to remove any unauthorized data while ensuring compliance with COPPA and similar international regulations.

Data Retention and Deletion

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Active account data is retained indefinitely while your account remains active. Upon account closure, most personal information is deleted within 90 days.

Certain data may be retained longer for legitimate business purposes including fraud prevention, legal compliance, and financial auditing. Anonymized benchmark data and aggregated statistics may be retained indefinitely for research and algorithm improvement purposes. You can request detailed information about data retention periods for specific data categories.

Your Privacy Rights and Choices

You have the right to access, correct, download, or delete your personal information at any time. You can exercise these rights through your account dashboard or by contacting our privacy team. We will respond to verified requests within 30 days and provide clear instructions for completing your requested action.

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have additional rights including the right to object to processing, restrict certain data uses, or lodge complaints with supervisory authorities. We respect these rights and maintain procedures to handle requests efficiently while verifying the identity of requesters to prevent unauthorized access.

Automated Decision Making and Profiling

Our platform uses automated algorithms to generate device rankings, performance scores, and personalized recommendations. These systems analyze benchmark data, pricing information, and user preferences to provide relevant suggestions. You can request human review of automated decisions that significantly affect your account or service access.

We create user profiles based on your interaction history, comparison preferences, and device interests to enhance service quality. This profiling does not include sensitive personal data and is used exclusively for service improvement purposes. You can opt out of personalized recommendations while maintaining access to our standard comparison tools.

Business Transfers and Corporate Changes

In the event of a merger, acquisition, bankruptcy, or sale of assets, your personal information may be transferred to the acquiring entity. We will notify affected users via email and prominent website notice at least 30 days before any ownership change becomes effective, providing options to delete your account if you disagree with the transfer.

The acquiring entity will be required to honor all privacy commitments made in this policy. If the new owner intends to use your information in materially different ways, they must obtain your explicit consent and provide clear notice of the changes before implementing new practices.

Updates to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect changes in our practices, technologies, legal requirements, or business operations. Material changes will be communicated via email to registered users and through prominent notice on our website at least 14 days before taking effect.

Continued use of our services after policy changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated terms. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page indicates when changes were last made.

Contact Information and Privacy Inquiries

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your privacy rights, or need to report a data security concern, please contact our Privacy Team through the contact form on our website. We are committed to addressing your concerns promptly and transparently.

For users in jurisdictions requiring designated privacy contacts, our Data Protection Officer can be reached through the same channels. We maintain detailed records of all privacy inquiries and responses to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and continuous improvement of our privacy practices.