Seeking advice on chess sites.

[DuckHook]

My grandson and I would like to play Internet chess with each other during this time of physical isolation. I'm therefore looking for advice from forum members about which chess platforms are safest.

The problem is not lack of platforms—a web search returns an eye‑popping number of sites—but concern over the privacy/security of those platforms. We would like to keep things web‑based because we don't want to deal with the complexities of P‑to‑P apps, poking holes in our firewalls, etc. Unfortunately, the Terms of Use with most sites imply or state outright their collection and use/abuse of our personal data. My grandson is a young lad and I do not want to be party to any collection of his data (nor mine).

So far, chess.org seems to be the least intrusive. However, I know practically nothing about the various sites out there and would appreciate any and all recommendations/advice.

[3nd]

i use SparkChess , which privacy policy looks pretty basic for any website.
don't think you'll find any site that doesn't collect some personal data.

[DuckHook]

i use SparkChess , which privacy policy looks pretty basic for any website.

Thanks!

don't think you'll find any site that doesn't collect some personal data.

True, unfortunately. I just want to keep it to a minimum. At some point, we also have to resign ourselves to taking them at their word, trusting their security savvy, etc. Once info is out, it can't be clawed back.

I can set up email anonymization and the like, but my grandson can't.

[EuclideanCoffee]

You probably should use lichess.

https://lichess.org/about

lichess.org is a free/libre, open-source chess server powered by volunteers and donations.

[DuckHook]

…lichess.org is a free/libre, open-source chess server powered by volunteers and donations.

Exactly what I am looking for. Many thanks.

DH

[3nd]

ooh thanks that lichess actually works nicer than sparkchess​ , graphics not as good ,but at least i get to win now and again lol

[DuckHook]

re: lichess

FYI, upon perusing their terms of service, this might be an impediment:

To sign up for a Lichess account, you need to be 16 or over. If you’re under 16, you can only use Lichess with kid mode permanently enabled (configurable here) or with parental/guardian supervision and consent.

I'll try to figure out some arrangement with grandson's parents, but it's meant to be a site for adults/young‑adults. However, for adults, it is an excellent site.

[EuclideanCoffee]

Legally websites cannot track login information, user registration records, etc. for children under the age of 13 commonly in the USA. And I think other parts of the world that age range changes based on laws. This would disqualify your grandson likely from using the social aspects. Does it disqualify him from being able to use "play with a friend" feature? He may be able to join private chess sessions. Internet is tricky.

[DuckHook]

…He may be able to join private chess sessions. Internet is tricky.

Ain't that the truth?

As always, thanks for the tips. I will continue to look into this one.