Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

• Username: Your chosen display name
• Email Address: For account verification and communication
• Password: Stored securely using encryption
• Registration Date: When you created your account

Usage Information

We automatically collect certain information when you use our site:

• IP Address: For security and analytics purposes
• Browser Type: To optimize site performance
• Pages Visited: To understand how you use our site
• Time and Date of Visits: For analytics and troubleshooting
• Referring Website: How you found us

Content You Submit

• Forum posts and comments
• Schematic uploads and descriptions
• Ratings and reviews
• Contact form submissions
• Bug reports and feedback

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide Services: Enable you to use all features of the site
• Account Management: Create and maintain your account
• Communication: Send important updates and respond to inquiries
• Security: Protect against fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access
• Improvements: Analyze usage to enhance our site and services
• Moderation: Review uploads to ensure quality and appropriateness
• Legal Compliance: Meet legal obligations and enforce our terms

3. Data Security

We take your security seriously and implement multiple measures:

• Password Encryption: All passwords are encrypted using industry-standard hashing
• Secure Connections: HTTPS encryption for all data transmission
• Regular Backups: Your data is backed up regularly to prevent loss
• Access Controls: Limited staff access to personal information
• Security Monitoring: Continuous monitoring for suspicious activity
• Updates: Regular security patches and updates

While we use reasonable security measures, no system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

4. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Session Management: Keep you logged in as you navigate the site
• Preferences: Remember your settings and preferences
• Analytics: Understand how visitors use our site
• Security: Prevent fraud and abuse

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but some features may not work properly if you disable them.

5. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information only in these situations:

• Public Content: Posts, comments, and uploads you choose to make public
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect rights and safety
• Service Providers: Trusted third parties who help us operate (with strict confidentiality agreements)
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to share information

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your information:

• Access: View the personal information we have about you
• Correction: Update or correct your account information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Export: Download a copy of your data
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from promotional emails
• Object: Object to certain processing of your information

To exercise these rights, please contact us or manage your settings in your account.

7. Children's Privacy

Our service is intended for general audiences. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13 without parental consent. If you believe a child has provided us information without consent, please contact us immediately.

8. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as:

• Your account is active
• Needed to provide you services
• Required by law or for legitimate business purposes

When you delete your account, we remove your personal information within 30 days, though some information may remain in backups for a limited time.

9. Third-Party Links

Our site may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of other sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. When we make changes:

• We'll update the "Last Updated" date at the top
• Significant changes will be announced on the site
• Continued use after changes means you accept the updated policy

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your information:

• Use our contact form
• Report privacy concerns through the contact page
• We'll respond to privacy inquiries within 48 hours

12. International Users

This site is operated and hosted in the United Kingdom. If you're accessing from another country, your information may be transferred to and stored in the UK, where privacy laws may differ from your country.