Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Aevum Encyclopedia ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your data when you access our website, mobile applications, or contribute to our encyclopedia platform (collectively, the "Services").

By using our Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. This policy applies alongside our Terms of Service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Name, email address, password, and profile details when you register or create an account.
• Content Contributions: Articles, edits, comments, media uploads, and metadata you submit to the encyclopedia.
• Communications: Messages sent through support channels, feedback forms, or newsletter sign-ups.
• Payment Data: Billing information if you subscribe to premium tiers (processed securely by our payment partners; we do not store full card details).

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Usage Data: Pages viewed, search queries, time spent, click patterns, and feature interactions.
• Device & Network Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers, and approximate location.
• Cookies & Tracking Technologies: We use essential, analytical, and preference cookies to maintain sessions, improve functionality, and understand platform usage. See our Cookie Policy for details.

3. How We Use Information

We use collected information to:

• Operate, maintain, and personalize the Services
• Verify identity, prevent fraud, and enforce our community guidelines
• Deliver and improve AI-powered search, knowledge graphs, and recommendations
• Communicate about updates, security alerts, and policy changes
• Conduct anonymized analytics and research to enhance platform usability
• Comply with legal obligations and protect rights, property, or safety

4. Data Sharing & Disclosure

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

• Service Providers: Trusted third parties who assist with hosting, analytics, customer support, and payment processing, under strict data processing agreements.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, subpoena, court order, or to protect against legal liability, fraud, or imminent harm.
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, with notice provided to affected users.
• Public Contributions: Content you voluntarily publish to the encyclopedia is public by nature. Usernames and edit histories may be visible to other users.

5. Data Security & Retention

5.1 Security Measures

We implement industry-standard technical and organizational safeguards, including AES-256 encryption in transit and at rest, role-based access controls, regular security audits, and intrusion detection systems. While no system is completely infallible, we continuously improve our defenses.

5.2 Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Account data is retained until explicitly deleted or deactivated for extended periods. Anonymous/anonymized data may be retained indefinitely for research and platform improvement.

6. Your Rights & Choices

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

• Access, correct, or update your personal information
• Request deletion or restriction of processing
• Export your data in a portable, machine-readable format
• Opt out of marketing communications or AI training datasets
• Withdraw consent where processing is consent-based
• Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority (GDPR) or exercise CCPA/CPRA rights

To exercise these rights, contact us via the details in Section 10. We will respond within 30 days, or longer if your request is complex.

7. Children's Privacy

Aevum Encyclopedia is not directed to children under 13 (or 16 in the European Economic Area). We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors without verified parental consent. If we discover such data, we will promptly delete it. Parents who believe their child has provided information should contact us immediately.

8. International Data Transfers

Our services are globally accessible, and data may be processed in countries outside your region, including the United States and European Union. We ensure adequate safeguards through Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), Privacy Shield successors, or equivalent mechanisms to comply with international data protection standards.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in technology, regulation, or business practices. Material changes will be notified via email or a prominent site notice. Continued use after effective date constitutes acceptance. Review the "Last Updated" timestamp at the top of this page.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your data, please reach out:

• Email: privacy@aevumencyclopedia.com
• Mail: Aevum Encyclopedia Data Protection Office, 100 Knowledge Way, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
• Privacy Portal: Submit a data request

For European users, our Data Protection Officer is available at dpo@aevumencyclopedia.com.