1. Introduction

The Cricket Standard ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website thecricketstandard.com (the "Service").

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access the Service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Register for an account
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Contact us through our contact forms
• Participate in surveys or promotions
• Comment on articles or engage with our content

This information may include:

• Name and email address
• Username and password
• Profile information and preferences
• Communication preferences

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

We automatically collect certain information when you visit our Service:

• IP address and location data
• Browser type and version
• Device information and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on our Service
• Referring website information
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. Consent and Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: When you explicitly consent to data processing, such as subscribing to our newsletter or accepting analytics cookies
• Legitimate Interest: For website analytics, security, and improving our services (with appropriate safeguards)
• Contract Performance: To provide our services and fulfill our obligations to you
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. You can manage your cookie preferences through our cookie consent banner or by contacting us directly.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, operate, and maintain our Service
• Improve, personalize, and expand our Service
• Understand and analyze how you use our Service
• Develop new products, services, features, and functionality
• Communicate with you, including for customer service and support
• Send you marketing and promotional communications (with your consent)
• Process transactions and send related information
• Find and prevent fraud and abuse
• Comply with legal obligations

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties without your consent, except in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our Service
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred
• Consent: We may share information with your explicit consent

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our Service:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the Service to function properly
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our Service
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our Service.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication measures
• Secure data storage and backup procedures

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Rights (GDPR Compliance)

If you are a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA), you have certain data protection rights:

• Right to Access: Request copies of your personal data
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate personal data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request restriction of processing of your personal data
• Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your personal data
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your personal data
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@thecricketstandard.com.

9. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When we no longer need your personal information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

10. Third-Party Services

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

We may use third-party services such as:

• Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with our website. This service may collect information such as your IP address, browser type, pages visited, and time spent on our site. You can opt-out of Google Analytics tracking through our cookie consent banner or by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
• Vercel Analytics: We use Vercel Analytics to monitor website performance and user interactions. This service collects anonymous usage data to help us improve our website's functionality and user experience.
• Email Service Providers: For newsletter subscriptions and communications, we may use third-party email service providers that process your email address and communication preferences.
• Content Delivery Networks: We use CDNs to deliver content faster and improve website performance. These services may collect basic connection information.
• Social Media Platforms: Our website includes social media sharing buttons and embedded content. These platforms may collect information about your interactions with their services.

All third-party services have their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review their privacy practices before providing any personal information.

11. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

12. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure that such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and implement appropriate safeguards to protect your personal information.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us: