Data Privacy Policy

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 Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share data when you access our website, mobile applications, APIs, and related services (collectively, the "Services").

By using our Services, you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use immediately.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information to deliver, improve, and personalize our knowledge platform. Data falls into the following categories:

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Details: Name, email address, password, and optional profile information when you register or log in.
• Contributions: Articles, edits, comments, citations, and media you submit as a verified contributor or editor.
• Communications: Messages sent to our support, editorial, or legal teams.
• Preferences: Reading lists, watchlists, notification settings, and language preferences.

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

• Usage Data: Search queries, pages viewed, time spent, click patterns, and interaction with knowledge graphs.
• Device & Browser Data: IP address, device type, operating system, browser version, and approximate location.
• AI & Analytics Data: Anonymous, aggregated interaction patterns used to train and improve our AI recommendation and verification systems.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected data for the following purposes:

• Providing, maintaining, and securing our Services
• Personalizing content recommendations and search results
• Verifying contributor credentials and maintaining editorial integrity
• Improving AI accuracy, knowledge graphs, and platform performance
• Communicating updates, security alerts, and policy changes
• Complying with legal obligations and enforcing our Terms of Service

4. Information Sharing & Disclosure

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

• Service Providers: Trusted third parties who assist with hosting, analytics, payment processing, and AI infrastructure, bound by strict confidentiality agreements.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, subpoena, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Aevum, our users, or the public.
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, with notice to affected users.
• Public Contributions: Content you publish to the encyclopedia becomes public and may be viewed, shared, or cited by anyone worldwide.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard technical and organizational measures to protect your data, including:

• End-to-end TLS encryption for data in transit
• AES-256 encryption for data at rest
• Role-based access controls and multi-factor authentication for internal systems
• Regular security audits, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessments

While we strive to protect your information, no system is completely secure. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

6. Your Rights & Choices

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

• Access & Portability: Request a copy of your personal data in a machine-readable format.
• Correction: Update or modify inaccurate information.
• Deletion: Request erasure of your data, subject to legal retention requirements.
• Opt-Out: Disable personalized recommendations, analytics tracking, or AI model training via your account dashboard or cookie preferences.
• Restriction & Objection: Limit processing or object to lawful processing activities.

To exercise these rights, contact our Data Protection Officer at privacy@aevumencyclopedia.com. We will respond within 30 days.

7. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Maintain session state and authentication
• Remember language, theme, and reading preferences
• Analyze traffic patterns and improve platform performance
• Deliver personalized content (opt-in)

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings or our in-platform consent manager. Disabling essential cookies may limit platform functionality.

8. Children's Privacy

Aevum Encyclopedia is not directed to individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn that we have inadvertently collected data from a minor, we will take prompt steps to delete it. Parents or guardians who believe this has occurred should contact us immediately.

9. International Data Transfers

Our services are globally accessible, and data may be processed in countries outside your region. When transfers occur, we ensure adequate safeguards are in place, including Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and compliance with applicable data protection regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, and LGPD.

10. Policy Updates

We may update this policy to reflect changes in technology, regulation, or our business practices. Material changes will be communicated via email, platform notification, or prominent banner at least 30 days before they take effect. Continued use of our Services after such notice constitutes acceptance.