Data Privacy & User Rights

1. Overview

Aevum Encyclopedia ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Data Privacy & User Rights Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your data when you access or contribute to our platform.

By using Aevum Encyclopedia, you agree to the practices described in this policy. This document complies with applicable data protection regulations, including the GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, and other regional privacy frameworks.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information to provide, maintain, and improve our services. This includes:

• Account Information: Name, email address, username, and optional profile details when you register or create an account.
• Usage Data: Pages visited, search queries, reading history, feature interactions, and time spent on the platform.
• Contributions: Articles, edits, media uploads, comments, and discussion forum posts you submit.
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, operating system, and approximate location.
• Communication Data: Messages sent through support channels, feedback forms, or direct emails.

3. How We Use Your Data

We process your information for the following legitimate purposes:

• Delivering, securing, and personalizing the encyclopedia experience.
• Verifying identities and managing contributor privileges.
• Responding to support requests and communicating important service updates.
• Improving AI models, search algorithms, and knowledge graph accuracy.
• Detecting fraud, spam, and malicious activity to maintain platform integrity.
• Complying with legal obligations and enforcing our Terms of Service.

4. Data Sharing & Disclosures

We do not sell your personal information. We may share data only in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: Trusted third parties hosting our infrastructure, processing analytics, or delivering email communications (bound by strict data processing agreements).
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government request, or to protect the rights, safety, and property of Aevum Encyclopedia and its users.
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, with prior notice and continued confidentiality obligations.
• With Your Consent: Explicitly when you authorize specific sharing actions.

5. Your Data Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access & Portability: Request a copy of your data in a machine-readable format.
• Correction: Update or rectify inaccurate information in your account or contributions.
• Deletion (Right to be Forgotten): Request removal of your personal data, subject to legal retention requirements.
• Restriction & Objection: Limit processing or object to specific uses, including profiling and direct messaging.
• Withdraw Consent: Revoke previously granted permissions at any time via your account settings.

To exercise these rights, contact our Data Protection Officer using the details in Section 11. We will respond within 30 days, as required by applicable law.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard technical and organizational measures to safeguard your information:

• End-to-end TLS encryption for data in transit.
• AES-256 encryption for sensitive data at rest.
• Role-based access controls, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits.
• Automated anomaly detection and incident response protocols.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Account data is retained while your account remains active. Upon deletion, personal identifiers are removed or anonymized within 90 days. Anonymous usage statistics may be retained indefinitely for service improvement.

8. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to ensure platform functionality, analyze traffic, and personalize content. Categories include:

• Essential: Required for authentication, security, and session management.
• Analytics: Help us understand usage patterns and optimize performance.
• Personalization: Remember reading preferences, language settings, and theme choices.

You can manage or disable non-essential cookies through your browser settings or our Cookie Preference Center. Disabling essential cookies may limit platform functionality.

9. Children’s Privacy

Aevum Encyclopedia is not directed to individuals under the age of 13 (or 16 in applicable EU jurisdictions). We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors. If we become aware of such collection, we will take prompt steps to delete the information. Parents or guardians who believe their child has provided data should contact us immediately.

10. Policy Changes

We may update this policy to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. Material changes will be communicated via email or platform notification at least 30 days before they take effect. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page will be revised accordingly.

11. Contact Us

For questions, data rights requests, or privacy concerns, please contact our Data Protection Officer:

• Email: privacy@aevumencyclopedia.com
• Mail: Aevum Encyclopedia Inc., Privacy Compliance Dept., 100 Knowledge Drive, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
• Response Time: Within 15 business days

You may also lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority if you believe your rights have been violated.