1. Who we are
Accounting Empire is a free browser-based game operated by Socket Digital Limited ("Socket", "we", "us", "our"). Socket Digital Limited is a company registered in England and Wales (company number 14567554, VAT number 431703036), with registered office at Unit 14 Greenway Farm, Bath Road, Wick, Bristol, England, BS30 5RL.
For questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at: legal@usesocket.com
2. What data we collect
When you create an account to play Accounting Empire, we collect:
- Email address — used to verify your account and for essential communications.
- Gamer handle (username) — your chosen display name, shown publicly on the leaderboard if you qualify.
- Game scores and activity — your scores, session data, and game interactions.
- Referral data — if you joined via a referral link, we record who referred you.
- Technical data — IP address, browser type, and device information collected automatically when you access the game.
3. How we use your data
We use your data to:
- Create and manage your game account.
- Verify your email address and authenticate your identity.
- Display your gamer handle on the public leaderboard (if applicable).
- Maintain the integrity of the leaderboard and prevent cheating.
- Send you essential account communications (e.g. password resets).
- Improve the game and diagnose technical issues.
4. Legal basis for processing (UK GDPR)
We process your personal data on the following legal bases:
- Contract performance — processing necessary to provide your game account and operate the service.
- Legitimate interests — maintaining leaderboard integrity, preventing abuse, and improving the game.
- Consent — where you have opted in to any optional communications.
5. Public leaderboard
If you achieve a qualifying score, your gamer handle will be displayed on the public leaderboard, which is visible to all users without requiring a login. Your email address is never displayed publicly.
You may request removal of your handle from the leaderboard at any time by contacting us (see Section 9).
6. Data sharing
We do not sell your personal data. We may share it only in the following circumstances:
- Service providers — trusted third parties who help us operate the game (e.g. hosting, analytics), bound by data processing agreements.
- Legal obligations — where required by law or to protect our legal rights.
- Business transfer — in the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred to the new entity.
7. Data retention
We retain your account data for as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, we will delete your personal data within 30 days, except where we are legally required to retain it for longer.
8. Cookies and tracking
Accounting Empire uses essential cookies to operate your session and authenticate your account. We may also use analytics tools to understand how the game is used. You can manage cookie preferences in your browser settings.
9. Your rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you.
- Rectify inaccurate data.
- Erase your data ("right to be forgotten").
- Restrict or object to processing.
- Data portability.
To exercise any of these rights, email us at legal@usesocket.com. We will respond within 30 days.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.
10. Children
Accounting Empire is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently done so, please contact us and we will delete the data promptly.
11. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify registered users of material changes by email or by a prominent notice in the game. Continued use of the game after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.