Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 19, 2026

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Topic Wars (“we”, “us”, “our”, or the “Service”) collects, uses, and protects your information when you visit or use TopicWars.com (the “Site”).

By accessing or using the Site, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, you should not use the Service.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information in three main ways:

2.1 Information you provide directly

  • Account information: When you register, you may provide a username, email address, password, and optional profile details (bio, avatar, social links, etc.).
  • Content you submit: Posts, debates, versus matchups, polls, how-tos, reviews, comments, messages, and other content or feedback you create or upload.
  • Communication with us: If you contact us (for example, via email or a contact form), we collect the information you provide in that communication.
  • Payout details (if applicable): If you participate in any earnings or rewards programs, we may collect information necessary to process payouts (e.g., PayPal email or other payment details you provide).

2.2 Information collected automatically

When you use the Service, we may automatically collect certain information, such as:

  • IP address and approximate location (based on IP).
  • Browser type, device type, operating system.
  • Pages viewed, links clicked, time spent, and other usage data.
  • Referring URLs or campaigns (for example, if you clicked from another site or ad).

2.3 Cookies and similar technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies (such as local storage) to:

  • Keep you logged in and maintain your session.
  • Remember your preferences (for example, sorting options or viewing settings).
  • Analyze usage of the Site to improve performance and features.

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the Service.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for purposes including:

  • Providing, maintaining, and improving the Service.
  • Creating and managing your account.
  • Displaying your content (posts, debates, polls, comments, etc.) to other users.
  • Customizing your experience, such as recommended or “For You” content.
  • Communicating with you about your account, activity, or changes to the Service.
  • Processing earnings, rewards, or payouts when applicable.
  • Monitoring for abuse, spam, fraud, or violations of our Terms.
  • Complying with legal obligations and enforcing our Terms of Service.

4. Legal Bases for Processing (EEA/UK Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA) or the United Kingdom (UK), we process your personal data under one or more of the following legal bases:

  • Contract: To provide the Service you requested (e.g., your account and content).
  • Legitimate interests: To maintain and improve the Service, prevent abuse, and analyze usage, provided that these interests are not overridden by your rights and interests.
  • Consent: Where required for certain cookies, marketing, or optional features.
  • Legal obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations.

5. How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following situations:

  • Service providers: With trusted third parties who help us operate the Service (for example, hosting providers, analytics tools, or payment processors). They are only allowed to use your information as necessary to provide services to us.
  • Other users: Your public profile, posts, debates, comments, and other content you choose to make public may be visible to other users and visitors of the Site.
  • Legal and safety: If required by law or if we believe in good faith that such disclosure is reasonably necessary to comply with legal processes, enforce our Terms, protect our rights or property, or the safety of users or the public.
  • Business transfers: If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, asset sale, or similar transaction, your information may be transferred as part of that deal, subject to ongoing protection consistent with this Privacy Policy.

6. Analytics, Ads & Third-Party Links

We may use analytics tools (such as privacy-conscious analytics or third-party services) to understand how the Site is used and to help improve it.

We may display third-party ads, affiliate links, or sponsored content. Those third parties may use cookies, tracking pixels, or similar technologies to measure performance and personalize ads. Their use of your data is governed by their own privacy policies, not ours.

The Site may also contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party sites. You should review their policies before providing any information.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as reasonably necessary to:

  • Provide and maintain the Service.
  • Honor your account settings and preferences.
  • Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements.
  • Comply with legal obligations or accounting requirements.

If you delete your account, we may retain certain limited information for legal, security, or backup purposes, and to preserve the integrity of public discussions (for example, anonymizing or pseudonymizing content instead of removing entire threads).

8. Data Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. However, no system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security of your information.

You are responsible for protecting your account credentials. If you believe your account has been compromised, please contact us immediately.

9. Your Rights & Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, which can include:

  • Accessing the personal information we hold about you.
  • Requesting corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
  • Requesting deletion of certain information (subject to legal limitations).
  • Objecting to or restricting certain types of processing.
  • Withdrawing consent where processing is based on your consent.
  • Requesting a copy of your data in a portable format, where applicable.

To exercise these rights, you can contact us using the details in the “Contact Us” section below. We may need to verify your identity before responding to your request.

10. Children’s Privacy

The Service is not intended for children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe that a child has provided us with personal information in violation of this Policy, please contact us so we can take appropriate action.

11. International Users

Topic Wars may be operated from servers located in one or more countries. By using the Service, you understand that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in jurisdictions that may have data protection laws different from those in your country of residence.

We will take appropriate measures to protect your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable law.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. In some cases, we may provide additional notice (such as a banner, email, or in-app message).

Your continued use of the Service after the changes become effective means you accept the updated Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the changes, you should stop using the Service.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, you can contact us at:

Email: support@topicwars.com

Not legal advice: This Privacy Policy is provided for general informational and operational purposes. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, you should consult a qualified attorney or privacy professional.