SFGD:Privacy policy

Effective Date: December 27, 2025

Welcome to Strider’s Fan Game Domain (SFGD). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you visit our website, create an account, or interact with our community features focused on fan games, ROM hacks, indie titles, and development tools. We are committed to protecting your privacy in compliance with applicable federal laws, such as the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines on data security, as well as Missouri state laws governing consumer protection (e.g., the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act).

By using SFGD, you consent to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the site. This policy works alongside our Terms of Service (TOS), which you can find [insert TOS link]. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13, in line with COPPA—if you're under 13, do not use SFGD. Since we have no age verification system, we rely on users to self-certify they meet the age requirement in the TOS.

Information We Collect

To provide a safe and collaborative space for sharing fan content, we collect limited information necessary for site operations. This minimizes privacy risks while enabling features like account management and moderation. Here's what we collect and why (this specificity helps users understand exactly what's at stake, as required for informed consent under laws like CCPA):

• Personal Information You Provide: When you register an account or contact us, you provide your username, email address, and password. We collect this to create and manage your account, verify your identity for security, and facilitate community interactions such as posting content or collaborations.
• Automatically Collected Information: As you use the site, we collect your IP address through server logs. This helps us detect abuse (e.g., spamming or harassment), ensure security, and comply with legal requests.
• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use Google Analytics to track site activity, such as page views, session duration, and referral sources. This involves cookies (small text files stored on your device) and similar technologies to remember preferences, authenticate sessions, and analyze aggregated usage patterns. Google Analytics may collect data like browser type, device information, and approximate location (derived from IP). You can manage cookies via your browser settings or opt out of Google Analytics via their tools (e.g., browser add-on at https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout). Disabling cookies may limit site functionality. (Note: We don't use other trackers, keeping data collection minimal.)
• User-Generated Content: Any posts, uploads, or collaborations you submit become part of the public or community-visible site, including metadata like timestamps. This is hosted on our platform.

We do not collect sensitive information like financial data, health details, precise geolocation, or birthdates. If you voluntarily include such info in content, it's your responsibility—we discourage it.

How We Use Your Information

We use your data responsibly and only for purposes tied to SFGD's non-commercial, creative community focus. This limited use helps comply with privacy laws by avoiding unnecessary processing:

• To operate and maintain the site, including account creation, content moderation, and responding to reports (e.g., IP disputes via DMCA).
• To communicate with you, such as sending account verification emails, notifications about your content, or periodic updates about the site (e.g., new features or TOS changes).
• To enhance security, prevent fraud, and enforce our rules (e.g., using IP addresses to block bots or spammers).
• For internal analytics via Google Analytics to improve the site (e.g., identifying popular pages to optimize performance).
• To comply with legal obligations, such as responding to subpoenas or COPPA requirements.

We don't use your data for advertising, profiling, or any commercial purposes beyond site maintenance.

Sharing Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. Sharing is extremely limited to protect your privacy:

• Service Providers: With trusted third parties essential for operations, such as DreamHost (our hosting provider) for site storage and access, and Google (for Analytics) to process usage data. These providers are contractually bound to protect your data and use it only for the services they provide to us. For example, Google Analytics data is shared in aggregated form and governed by their privacy policy.
• Legal Requirements: If required by law, such as in response to a court order, government request, or to protect our rights, property, or safety (e.g., in IP disputes or security threats).
• Business Transfers: In the unlikely event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred to the new entity.
• Aggregated/Anonymous Data: We may share non-personal, aggregated statistics (e.g., total site visits) for reporting or improvement purposes.

This approach aligns with FTC guidelines, ensuring we only share what's necessary and with safeguards.

Data Security

We implement reasonable measures to protect your information, tailored to our platform:

• Encryption for data in transit (e.g., HTTPS).
• Secure storage for passwords (hashed to prevent easy access).
• Protections against spam, bots, and common vulnerabilities.
• Regular audits to identify and address potential risks.

However, no system is 100% secure—we cannot guarantee absolute protection against unauthorized access or breaches. If a breach occurs affecting personal information, we'll notify affected users as required by law.

Your Rights and Choices

You have control over your data, empowering you under laws like CCPA (for California residents) and general consumer rights:

• Access and Update: Log in to view or edit your account info (e.g., email or password).
• Deletion: Request account deletion or data removal by emailing strider@fg-domain.com—we'll process it within a reasonable time (e.g., 30-45 days), except where legally required to retain it (e.g., for ongoing disputes or records).
• Opt-Out of Emails: For periodic site emails, you can unsubscribe via links in the emails or by contacting us, in compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act.
• Analytics Opt-Out: As noted, use Google's opt-out tools for Analytics.
• Do Not Track: We do not currently respond to browser "Do Not Track" signals, as there's no universal standard, but we respect other opt-outs.
• California Residents (CCPA Rights): You may request disclosure of data collected, categories shared, deletion, or opt-out of any "sales" (though we don't sell data). Requests are free twice per year.
• Children’s Privacy: We strictly comply with COPPA by barring under-13s and not collecting their data. No parental consent process is in place, as we don't target children.

To exercise any rights, contact strider@fg-domain.com with details. We'll verify your identity (e.g., via email) and respond within 45 days (extendable under CCPA).

Donations and Merchandise

SFGD accepts donations via Ko-Fi and will offer print-on-demand merchandise through third-party providers. We do not collect or process financial information directly—all transactions occur on those external sites. You're subject to their privacy policies during transactions. We may receive anonymized confirmation of donations (e.g., for thank-yous) but no payment details.

International Users

SFGD is hosted in the U.S. and accessible internationally, so your data may be transferred to and stored in the U.S., where privacy laws may differ from your country (e.g., less stringent than GDPR in the EU). By using the site, you consent to this transfer and processing under U.S. laws. If you're in the EU, note that we don't specifically target EU users, but you can exercise rights similar to CCPA via contact.

Data Retention

We retain personal information (e.g., account details) as long as your account is active or as necessary to provide services, comply with legal obligations (e.g., federal record-keeping standards for audits or disputes), or enforce our TOS. For example, IP logs may be kept for security purposes (typically 1-2 years). Inactive accounts may be deleted after extended periods. Upon deletion requests, we'll remove data promptly where possible.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in practices, technologies, or laws. We'll post updates here with a new effective date and notify you via email or site notice for material changes (e.g., new data uses). Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

Contact Us

For questions, concerns, rights requests, or reports, contact Strider at strider@fg-domain.com.