RetroNode - Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Welcome to the RetroNode IRC Network! We are a group of private individuals who operate this network in our free time. Since your privacy is important to us, we want to be transparent about how we handle your data.

This privacy policy applies to all services provided by RetroNode IRC Network, including the IRC network, website, and webchat.

1. Privacy Notice for the RetroNode IRC Network

The IRC protocol is not designed to protect privacy. Messages sent over the network are visible in plain text and can be accessed by server operators. Depending on the port used, the connection may be either encrypted or unencrypted. Please ensure that you select the appropriate port for your connection needs.

Note: The security of data transmission over the IRC protocol may be limited, as the protocol does not inherently provide strong data protection. Messages could be intercepted or logged by third parties, over which we have no control.

2. Data We Collect

We may collect the following data to enable your use of the network, the website, and the webchat for logging into the network:

Nickname: Your chosen name on the network.
Email address and password: When you register your nickname, we store this data to manage and recover your account.
IP address/hostname: For establishing and maintaining the connection.
Software information: Name and version of the software you use to connect.
Role: Information about your role in the network.
Interaction data: Messages or requests you send to the team, as well as data about our interactions with you.

3. Purpose of Data Usage

This data may be used for the following purposes:

To improve and debug RetroNode IRC Network services, including the website and webchat.
To manage your relationship with the network.
Account management and password recovery.
To protect our administrators, users, and the network from abuse.
To contact you in relation to any matters concerning the network and its operators.
To respond to support requests through available channels.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

The necessary basis for data processing is aligned with the legal requirements of the countries where our servers are located. Generally, processing is based on the “legitimate interest” of the network to provide services to you and other users. This legitimate interest is carefully balanced to ensure it does not override the rights and freedoms of affected users.

In certain countries, the legal basis of “legal obligation” may also apply when specific national laws require it. In rare cases, “public task” may be the basis if regional regulations stipulate it.

Please be aware that other users may independently choose to log messages exchanged on the network. Information you share could therefore be recorded by third parties, over which we have no control.

5. Data Retention and Deletion

The retention period for your data varies from server to server, as each server is managed by a private operator, and retention is governed by the relevant legal requirements of each country. If you have questions about the specific retention period, please contact the administrator of the server to which you are connected. Data collected to monitor and mitigate abuse may be stored as long as necessary for that purpose.

Abuse-related data: This data may be retained as long as it is required for abuse prevention and resolution and includes:
Network bans (target, issuer, reason, duration, timestamp, known aliases).
Connections affected by network bans (nickname, username, hostname, IP address, timestamp of occurrence).
Account registrations for network policy violations (email address, nickname, username, hostname, IP address, timestamp, known aliases).
Project registrations, sponsorships, and channel management: This data is retained as long as necessary to manage the project or partnership.
Other data collected for general purposes is regularly reviewed and deleted if it is no longer required for the original purpose.

Note: We strive to delete your data as completely as possible when no longer needed, but due to technical limitations and distributed server management, complete deletion cannot be guaranteed.

6. International Data Processing

Depending on the server’s location, your data may be processed in different countries. We implement appropriate security measures to ensure the protection of your data in compliance with the relevant data protection regulations. These measures are designed to safeguard your rights and freedoms regardless of the location of data processing.

7. Data Processing by Our Hosting Providers

The hosting providers of our servers, including those hosting our website and webchat, may also collect and store data, including IP addresses, connection information, and possibly other data for network management and security. This data collection is conducted by the hosts in accordance with applicable legal requirements and their respective data protection policies, over which we have no control. Please refer directly to the respective hosting provider’s privacy policies for further information.

8. Use of the Network, Website, and Webchat at Your Own Risk

The use of this network, including the website and webchat, is at your own risk and implies acceptance of this privacy policy. If you have any uncertainties or concerns about security, we recommend not connecting to the network or using the website or webchat. Feel free to contact us in advance to address any questions.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

This privacy policy may change at any time. Please review it periodically to stay informed. The current version can be found on this website.

10. Contact

If you have questions or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us.

11. Disclaimer

There is no guarantee of completeness or accuracy of this privacy policy. It is provided for general informational purposes and is prepared to the best of our knowledge and belief. For specific privacy questions or legal uncertainties, we recommend consulting a specialist attorney or data protection authority.