The short version: This website stores nothing that identifies you unless you agree. If you accept, we use Google Analytics to understand how the site is used — that's it. No advertising, no cross-site tracking, and we never sell your data.
1. Who we are
Awkward Turtle Apps is a small independent game studio based in the Netherlands ("we", "us"). This policy covers the website awkwardturtleapps.com. Our mobile games have their own privacy policies — see Turtle Hurdle and WordStress.
2. Analytics — and how consent works
We use Google Analytics 4 (provided by Google Ireland Limited) to measure how our website is used, so we can improve it.
By default, nothing is stored. When you first arrive, Google Analytics runs in a cookieless mode (Google Consent Mode): it sets no cookies and sends only anonymous signals that don't identify you. We show a small banner asking whether you're happy for us to use analytics cookies.
- If you click Accept, we set the analytics cookies listed below to measure your visit.
- If you click Decline (or ignore the banner), no analytics cookies are ever set.
You can change your mind at any time using the “Cookie settings” link in the site footer.
Separately, we use GoatCounter, a privacy-friendly analytics service that measures visits without cookies and without collecting any personal data. Because it stores nothing on your device and cannot identify you, it runs for every visitor and does not require consent. It records only aggregate figures such as page paths, referrers, browser type, and country.
3. What we measure (only if you accept)
When analytics are enabled, we collect aggregate, non-identifying data such as:
- Which pages and language versions you view
- Where you arrived from (e.g. a search engine or social link)
- Clicks on our App Store and Google Play links
- Opening an FAQ, switching language, or clicking an email/support link
- General technical details like device type, browser, and approximate country
We do not collect your name, email, or precise location, and Google Analytics does not store your IP address. We use no advertising or remarketing cookies and do no cross-site tracking.
4. Cookies & local storage
| Name | Set by | Purpose | Stored for |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes one visitor from another | Up to 2 years |
_ga_6VGNDBZ44G | Google Analytics | Keeps track of your session | Up to 2 years |
ata-consent | This website (local storage, not a cookie) | Remembers your Accept/Decline choice so we don't ask again | Until you clear it |
The two _ga cookies are only created after you click Accept. The ata-consent value is stored either way, purely to remember your choice — it holds no personal information. Our other analytics tool, GoatCounter, sets no cookies and stores nothing on your device.
5. Where your data goes & how long we keep it
Analytics data is processed by Google on our behalf and may be processed outside the European Union. Google is certified under the EU–US Data Privacy Framework, which provides a legal basis for those transfers. We use Google Analytics' default retention setting, so the user- and event-level data is kept for 2 months and then deleted. GoatCounter is a privacy-focused, EU-based service that stores only anonymous, aggregate statistics on our behalf. We do not sell or share your data for advertising.
6. Legal basis
We set analytics cookies only with your consent, as required by the EU ePrivacy rules (implemented in the Netherlands via the Telecommunicatiewet) and the GDPR (Article 6(1)(a)). You can withdraw your consent at any time via “Cookie settings”, with no effect on the lawfulness of processing before you did so.
7. Your rights
Under the GDPR you have the right to access, correct, delete, restrict, or object to the processing of your personal data, and to data portability. To exercise these rights, email us at the address below. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Dutch data protection authority, the Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens.
You can also opt out of Google Analytics in any browser using Google's opt-out add-on, or by clearing cookies and choosing Decline.
8. Children
This website is not directed at children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect their personal data.
9. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. When we do, we'll revise the “Last updated” date at the top of this page.
10. Contact
Questions about this policy or your data? Email us at [email protected].