NIKOLA Chess Engine

1. Introduction

STARGA, Inc. ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use the NIKOLA Chess Engine software, website, and related services (collectively, the "Service"). Please read this policy carefully to understand our practices regarding your personal data.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

Contact information (email address) when you contact us for support
Account information if you register for optional online services
Feedback and correspondence when you communicate with us
Chess game data and analysis you choose to share or submit

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

Device information (hardware model, operating system, GPU specifications)
Usage data (engine configuration, search parameters, performance metrics)
Log data (access times, features used, error reports)
Network information when connecting to data services (IP address, connection type)

2.3 Chess Data

When using the Service, we may collect anonymized chess position data, move sequences, and evaluation results for the purpose of improving our neural network training and engine performance. This data is aggregated and does not identify individual users.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

To provide, maintain, and improve the Service
To develop new features and functionality
To train and enhance our neural network evaluation (NNUE) models
To respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
To send technical notices, updates, and security alerts
To detect, prevent, and address technical issues and security threats
To analyze usage patterns and optimize performance
To comply with legal obligations

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

Service Providers: With third-party vendors who perform services on our behalf (hosting, analytics, customer support)
Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority
Protection of Rights: To protect the rights, property, or safety of STARGA, Inc., our users, or others
Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
With Consent: With your explicit consent for any other purpose

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including to satisfy legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Anonymized and aggregated data may be retained indefinitely for research and improvement purposes. When personal data is no longer required, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include encryption, access controls, secure data centers, and regular security assessments. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data
Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
Objection: Object to processing of your data for certain purposes
Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

To exercise these rights, please contact us at info@star.ga. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience. Cookies are small data files stored on your device. You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some functionality of the website.

Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality
Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website
Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

9. Third-Party Links

The Service may contain links to third-party websites and services, including GitHub, Lichess, and other chess platforms. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

10. Children's Privacy

The Service is not directed to children under the age of 13. 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 data, please contact us immediately. If we become aware that we have collected personal data from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence, including the United States. These countries may have different data protection laws. When we transfer data internationally, we implement appropriate safeguards to protect your information, including standard contractual clauses and other legal mechanisms.

12. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to delete your information, and the right to opt-out of the sale of your information. We do not sell personal information. To exercise your California privacy rights, contact us at info@star.ga.

13. European Privacy Rights

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or Switzerland, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our legal bases for processing include consent, contractual necessity, and legitimate interests. You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the Service after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.

15. Contact Us

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

STARGA, Inc.
Email: info@star.ga
Data Protection Officer: privacy@star.ga