Headlines ("we", "us") operates the website at
headlinesthegame.com and the Headlines mobile app.
This policy explains what information we collect when you play, how it is used, and the
third-party services involved. By using Headlines you agree to this policy.
Information we collect
Anonymous account. When you open Headlines we create an anonymous account for you (via Firebase Anonymous Authentication). It is identified by a random ID and is not tied to your name, email, or any personal profile.
Gameplay data. The headlines you submit, the AI scores you receive, and the votes you cast are stored so the game can show your results, your stats, and the community leaderboard. Submitted headlines are public to other players, shown next to a randomly generated pen name rather than your identity.
Basic technical data. Like most websites, our hosting and security providers automatically process standard technical information such as your IP address and browser type to deliver and protect the service.
We do not ask for or collect your name, email address, or payment information to play. If you email us, we will have whatever you choose to send.
How we use information
We use the information above only to run the game: to score your headline, enforce one entry per day, display results and leaderboards, keep your progress, and prevent abuse.
Cookies and local storage
We use cookies and browser local storage to keep you signed in to your anonymous account and to remember your game state. Our advertising partners also use cookies, as described below. You can control or delete cookies through your browser settings; disabling them may affect how the game works.
Advertising
We use Google AdSense to display ads on the website. Third-party vendors, including Google,
use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to this and other websites.
Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to you based on your visits to Headlines and/or other sites on the Internet.
You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings.
You can opt out of a third-party vendor's use of cookies for personalized advertising at www.aboutads.info/choices.
Google Firebase — hosting, anonymous authentication, and database storage for gameplay data.
Google AdSense — advertising, as described above.
Anthropic — the text of the headline you submit is sent to Anthropic's Claude AI to generate your score and feedback. Do not include personal or sensitive information in a headline.
Each provider processes data under its own privacy policy.
Children's privacy
Headlines is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them.
Data retention and your choices
Gameplay data is retained to keep the leaderboard and your stats working. If you would like your anonymous gameplay data removed, contact us at the address below and we will do our best to honor the request.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be reflected by the "last updated" date above.