Terms of Use for NerdType

Last Updated: 16/07/2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using NerdType ("the Site"), you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use the Site.

2. Intellectual Property Rights

2.1 Trademark Rights

The name "NerdType" and any associated logos or branding elements are my exclusive property and are protected by applicable trademark laws. These trademark elements may not be used, copied, or imitated without my express prior written permission.

2.2 Website Content

The visual design, layout, and non-code content on this Site are my property and are protected by copyright laws.

2.3 Source Code

The source code for NerdType is available under the MIT License. The full text of this license can be found in the GitHub repository at https://github.com/merkksgit/nerd-type/blob/main/LICENSE. Under this license, you are free to:

  • Use the code for any purpose
  • Change the code
  • Share the code with others
  • Distribute modified versions of the code

The MIT License requires that the original copyright notice and permission notice be included in all copies or substantial portions of the software. This license does not extend to the NerdType name, logo, or brand identity, which remain my exclusive property as described in section 2.1.

3. Site Access and Usage

  • The Site is provided for personal use.
  • No account creation is required to use the Site.
  • You are responsible for ensuring your access to the Site is legal in your jurisdiction.
  • The Site is hosted on GitHub Pages, and your use of the Site is also subject to GitHub's Terms of Service where applicable.
  • The Site's source code is available as an open source project under the MIT License. Any use, modification, or distribution of the code must comply with that license.

4. User Conduct

You agree not to use the Site to:

  • Violate any applicable laws or regulations
  • Infringe upon the rights of others
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Site
  • Use automated scripts, bots, or other technological means to access the Site
  • Interfere with or disrupt the operation of the Site
  • Harass, abuse, or harm another person
  • Submit false, misleading, or artificially inflated game scores
  • Use inappropriate or offensive usernames on the global leaderboards
  • Attempt to manipulate or exploit the scoring system

5. Site Content

All content provided on the Site, including typing challenges, text samples, and game elements, is curated by the Site owner. The Site does not allow for user-generated or uploaded content, except for usernames displayed on the global leaderboards.

6. Data Collection and Privacy

6.1 Analytics Data
  • This Site uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous usage data, including page views, visit duration, browser information, and geographic location.
  • The data collected through Google Analytics helps improve the Site and understand user behavior.
  • You can learn more about how Google Analytics collects and processes data by visiting Google's Privacy & Terms site.
  • You may opt-out of Google Analytics tracking by using browser add-ons or adjusting your browser settings to block tracking cookies.
6.2 Game Performance Data

When you complete typing games on NerdType, we automatically collect and store the following data:

  • Game Performance: Your typing speed (WPM), accuracy percentage, and calculated scores
  • Game Settings: Game mode (Classic, Custom, Zen), language/word list selections, and difficulty settings
  • Timestamps: Date and time when games are completed
  • Email: Used only for logging in
  • Username: The display name you choose for the leaderboards
6.3 What We Do NOT Collect

We do not collect or store:

  • Personal information such as real names, or contact details
  • IP addresses or precise location data
  • Device information or browser fingerprinting data
  • Any information that could personally identify you
  • Keystrokes or typing patterns beyond basic performance metrics
6.4 Data Storage and Security
  • Game performance data is stored securely on Google Firebase servers
  • Data transmission is encrypted using industry-standard protocols
  • We implement reasonable security measures to protect your data
  • No data is sold, rented, or shared with third parties for commercial purposes
  • As the Site is hosted on GitHub Pages, GitHub's privacy policies may also apply to certain aspects of your interaction with the Site's infrastructure

7. Global Leaderboards and Public Display

7.1 Public Nature of Scores

By playing NerdType and submitting scores, you understand and agree that:

  • Scores are publicly visible on our global leaderboards
  • Your chosen username will appear alongside your scores on public leaderboards
  • There is no option to make scores private or hidden once submitted
  • Users can opt out of data collection through the Settings panel. When data collection is disabled, guest users' game data remains local on their device. Logged-in users' game data is still collected normally but is not shared to global leaderboards
  • Historical scores may remain visible indefinitely for ranking purposes
  • Leaderboard data is accessible to all Site visitors without restriction
7.2 Local Storage
  • For guest users, game data (achievements, local preferences) are stored locally on your device and are not transmitted to servers. For logged-in users, this data is synchronized to servers to maintain account functionality across devices
  • I do not guarantee the persistence of local storage data across browser sessions, device changes, or browser data clearing
  • You acknowledge that for guest users, clearing your browser data or changing devices may result in the loss of local score history and achievement data. Logged-in users' data is preserved on servers

8. Username Policy and Content Standards

  • Family-Friendly Requirement: Usernames must be appropriate for all ages and family-friendly
  • Prohibited Content: Usernames containing offensive language, hate speech, discriminatory content, or promotional material are not allowed
  • Automatic Moderation: We reserve the right to automatically change inappropriate usernames to "Anonymous"
  • Complete Removal: Scores associated with severely inappropriate usernames may be completely removed from the leaderboard
  • Character Restrictions: Usernames are limited to 2-10 characters and may only contain letters, numbers, spaces, underscores, and hyphens

9. Fair Play and Anti-Cheating Policy

9.1 Prohibited Activities

The following activities are strictly prohibited and may result in score removal or access restrictions:

  • Automated Tools: Using any software, scripts, bots, or automated tools to generate scores
  • Data Manipulation: Attempting to directly modify stored game data or database entries
9.2 Score Validation
  • All scores are automatically validated against reasonable performance limits
  • Scores exceeding 300 WPM or 50,000 points may be automatically rejected
  • We reserve the right to review and remove suspicious scores at any time
  • Technical measures are in place to prevent common cheating methods
9.3 Reporting and Enforcement
  • Suspected cheating or inappropriate behavior can be reported via our contact information
  • Violations may result in permanent removal of scores from leaderboards
  • We reserve the right to take appropriate action to maintain fair competition

10. Data Retention

  • Active Scores: Scores may be retained indefinitely for leaderboard purposes
  • Historical Data: Top scores and significant achievements are preserved for ranking integrity
  • Periodic Cleanup: We may periodically remove very old or low-ranking scores to maintain database performance
  • Top Score Protection: High-ranking scores are given priority for long-term retention

11. Third-Party Services

  • Google Services: The Site uses Google Analytics for usage tracking and Google Forms for the contact page
  • Firebase Database: Game scores are stored using Google Firebase services
  • GitHub Pages: The Site is hosted on GitHub Pages infrastructure
  • Third-Party Policies: Your use of these features subjects you to the respective terms and privacy policies of these providers
  • External Links: Links to external sites are provided for convenience and are not under our control

12. Free Service

NerdType is provided as a free service with no premium features or paid subscriptions. The Site does not currently display advertisements. However, I reserve the right to introduce monetization features in the future, with appropriate updates to these Terms.

13. Limitation of Liability

  • The Site is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind
  • While I strive to ensure NerdType functions properly, I disclaim any liability for direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from its use
  • I am not responsible for data loss, including loss of game scores or achievement progress
  • Leaderboards and game services may be temporarily unavailable during maintenance or technical issues
  • I do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of leaderboard data

14. Modifications to Terms

  • I reserve the right to modify these Terms of Use at any time
  • Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the Site
  • Significant changes affecting data collection or user rights will be prominently displayed
  • Your continued use of the Site after any changes indicates your acceptance of the modified terms
  • Users are encouraged to review these terms periodically

15. Violations of Terms

While I cannot technically prevent access to this publicly hosted Site, I reserve the right to take any legally available actions in response to violations of these Terms, including but not limited to contacting appropriate authorities if the conduct is potentially illegal. You agree that your continued use of the Site constitutes acceptance of these Terms.

16. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Finland, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

17. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms, need to report violations, or wish to make data-related requests, please contact me at:

For reporting inappropriate usernames or suspicious scores, please include specific details such as the username and approximate score values.

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