Privacy Policy

Last updated: 29 March 2026

Polar Rescue is a free word guessing game. We only collect analytics data if you choose to accept cookies. We do not collect any personal information to play the game.

1. Who We Are

Polar Rescue is a free online word guessing game available at save-the-polar-bear.replit.app. For the purposes of UK data protection law, we are the data controller for any personal data processed in connection with your use of this website.

To contact us about your data or privacy, please use our contact form. We will respond from noreply@polar-rescue.co.uk.

2. What Data We Collect

We collect very limited data. Specifically:

Analytics data (with your consent only) — We use Google Analytics 4 to understand how people use the game. This includes pages visited, time spent, general location (country/region), device type, and browser type. This data is anonymised and aggregated.
Cookie preferences — We store your cookie consent choice locally in your browser using localStorage. This does not leave your device.
Game statistics — Your game stats (bears saved, games played) are stored locally in your browser only. We do not receive or store these on our servers.

We do not collect your name, email address, or any other personal details simply by using the game.

3. Cookies We Use

We use cookies only if you choose to accept them. Below is a full list of cookies that may be placed on your device:

Cookie Name	Provider	Purpose	Duration
_ga	Google Analytics	Distinguishes unique users for analytics reporting	2 years
_ga_G-1YRF377THR	Google Analytics	Maintains session state for this specific property	2 years
pr_consent	Polar Rescue	Stores your cookie consent choice (accepted/declined)	Until you clear your browser data

If you decline cookies, no analytics cookies are placed. You can change your preference at any time by resetting your cookie preferences.

4. Legal Basis for Processing (UK GDPR)

Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), we rely on the following lawful bases to process your data:

Consent (Article 6(1)(a)) — We only place analytics cookies and process analytics data after you have given your explicit consent via our cookie consent banner.
Legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f)) — Storing your cookie preference choice in your browser, so you are not repeatedly asked.

5. How We Use Your Data

Where you have consented to analytics, we use the data to:

Understand which parts of the game are most popular
Monitor website performance and uptime
Identify technical issues or errors
Improve the gameplay experience

We do not use your data for advertising, profiling, or selling to third parties.

6. Third Parties

Where you have consented to cookies, we share anonymised analytics data with:

Google LLC — Google Analytics 4, operating under Google's standard contractual clauses for UK data transfers. For more information, see Google's Privacy Policy.

We do not sell, rent, or otherwise share your personal data with any other third party.

7. International Data Transfers

Google Analytics may transfer data to servers in the United States and other countries. Google LLC participates in and complies with applicable data transfer frameworks including standard contractual clauses approved by the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for transfers from the UK.

8. Data Retention

Analytics data processed by Google Analytics is retained for up to 14 months by default, after which it is automatically deleted from Google's systems. You can also request deletion of your data at any time (see Your Rights below).

9. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

Right to access — Request a copy of any personal data we hold about you.
Right to rectification — Request correction of inaccurate personal data.
Right to erasure — Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten").
Right to restrict processing — Request that we limit how we use your data.
Right to data portability — Request a copy of your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
Right to object — Object to processing based on legitimate interests.
Right to withdraw consent — Withdraw your cookie consent at any time by resetting your cookie preferences. Withdrawal does not affect the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us via our contact form. We will respond within one calendar month.

10. Complaints

If you are unhappy with how we handle your personal data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK's supervisory authority:

Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Website: ico.org.uk
Helpline: 0303 123 1113

We would, however, appreciate the chance to address your concerns before you contact the ICO, so please reach out to us first via our contact form.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated date at the top. We encourage you to review this page periodically. Continued use of the game after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact

For any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please use our contact form. We aim to respond within 5 working days. Formal data subject requests will be handled within one calendar month as required by UK GDPR.