Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 5, 2026

This Privacy Policy describes how ICU Playground (“we”, “us”, or “our”) collects, uses, stores, and shares information when you use our website and online tools related to ICU MessageFormat, ICU syntax, plural rules, validation, and internationalization (i18n) / localization (l10n) workflows (the “Service”). By using the Service, you agree to this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Service.

1. Who we are

ICU Playground is an independent informational and developer-tooling website. For privacy-related requests, contact us via the details on our Contact page.

2. Information we collect

We aim to collect the minimum information needed to operate the Service.

  • Information you provide voluntarily. If you email us or use a contact method we offer, we receive the contents of your message and any contact details you include (such as your email address).
  • Technical and usage data. Our hosting providers and infrastructure may automatically log data such as IP address, approximate location derived from IP, browser type, device type, referring URLs, pages viewed, and timestamps. This helps us maintain security, diagnose errors, and understand aggregate usage.
  • Local storage on your device. We may store preferences (for example, light/dark theme) in your browser using localStorage or similar technologies. This data stays on your device unless you clear it.
  • Content you enter in tools. The ICU playground, validator, converters, and related features are designed to run primarily in your browser. We do not intentionally collect or store the ICU strings, JSON, ARB files, or variables you type for permanent processing on our servers unless a feature explicitly states otherwise.

3. Cookies and similar technologies

We and our partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies where necessary for the site to function, to remember preferences, to measure traffic, and—if enabled—to support advertising and personalized ads.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Blocking some cookies may limit certain features. For more about Google’s advertising cookies, see How Google uses information from sites or apps that use our services.

4. Advertising (including Google AdSense)

We may display third-party advertisements on the Service (for example through Google AdSense or similar programs). Ad partners may use cookies or similar technologies to show ads based on your visits to this and other websites, to measure ad performance, and to reduce repetitive ads.

Where required, we will obtain consent for non-essential cookies and personalized advertising in line with applicable law. You can manage ad personalization through your Google Ads Settings and industry opt-out tools where available.

5. How we use information

  • To provide, maintain, and improve the Service and ICU-related tools.
  • To respond to inquiries and provide support.
  • To monitor security, prevent abuse, and enforce our terms.
  • To analyze aggregate usage trends and site performance.
  • To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights.
  • To serve and measure advertising, if enabled.

6. Legal bases (EEA, UK, and similar regions)

Where GDPR or similar laws apply, we rely on one or more of the following bases:

  • Legitimate interests (security, analytics, product improvement), balanced against your rights.
  • Consent for optional cookies, marketing, or personalized ads where required.
  • Contract where processing is necessary to provide a feature you request.
  • Legal obligation where the law requires us to process data.

7. Sharing of information

We may share information with:

  • Service providers that host the site, provide analytics, email delivery, security, or advertising technology, subject to appropriate safeguards.
  • Authorities if required by law, regulation, legal process, or to protect safety and rights.
  • Business transfers in connection with a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, with notice where required.

We do not sell your personal information for money in the traditional sense. Where “sale” or “sharing” is defined broadly under U.S. state laws (such as for targeted advertising), we provide choices as required.

8. International transfers

If you access the Service from outside the country where our servers or vendors are located, your information may be transferred across borders. We use appropriate safeguards where required (such as standard contractual clauses).

9. Data retention

We retain information only as long as needed for the purposes above, unless a longer period is required by law. Server logs and analytics may be retained for a limited period. Emails you send us may be kept until your request is resolved or as needed for our records.

10. Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect information. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure; use the Service at your own risk for highly sensitive data.

11. Children’s privacy

The Service is not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected such data, contact us and we will take steps to delete it.

12. Your rights and choices

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to:

  • Access, correct, or delete personal information we hold.
  • Object to or restrict certain processing.
  • Withdraw consent where processing is consent-based.
  • Data portability where applicable.
  • Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.
  • Opt out of “sale” or “sharing” of personal information for targeted advertising (U.S. state laws), where applicable.

To exercise rights, contact us via the Contact page. We may need to verify your request.

13. California residents (CCPA/CPRA summary)

California residents may have additional rights under the CCPA/CPRA, including to know categories of personal information collected, to request deletion or correction, and to opt out of certain sharing for cross-context behavioral advertising. We do not discriminate for exercising these rights. Contact us to submit a request.

14. Third-party links

The Service may link to third-party sites (for example documentation for ICU, Unicode, or frameworks). Their privacy practices are governed by their own policies.

15. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will revise the “Last updated” date and, where appropriate, provide additional notice. Continued use after changes means you accept the updated policy.

16. Contact

Questions about this Privacy Policy? Visit Contact or email us at the address listed there.