The Forge is currently under construction. Data is synchronized with the hub every 30 minutes. Help report issues!

Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: August 26, 2025
Last Updated: August 26, 2025

1. Introduction

At The Forge, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use our website and services.

Quick Summary:

  • We only collect information needed to provide our services
  • We don't sell your personal data to third parties
  • You have control over your data and can request deletion
  • We use industry-standard security measures to protect your information

Who We Are:

  • Service: The Forge (Single Player Tarkov modding platform)
  • Website: https://forge.sp-tarkov.com
  • Contact: [email protected]

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

Account Registration:

  • Email address (required)
  • Username/display name
  • Password (encrypted)
  • Profile information (optional bio, avatar, location)

Content Submissions:

  • Mod files and associated metadata
  • Forum posts and comments
  • File descriptions and documentation
  • Images and screenshots

Communications:

  • Private messages through our in-site messaging system
  • Support ticket messages
  • Contact form submissions
  • Email correspondence with our team

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

Website Usage Data:

  • Pages visited and time spent
  • Click patterns and navigation paths
  • Search queries within our site
  • Download history and file interactions

Technical Information:

  • IP address and general location
  • Browser type and version
  • Operating system
  • Device type (desktop/mobile)
  • Screen resolution and display settings

Performance Data:

  • Page load times
  • Error messages and crash reports
  • Feature usage statistics

2.3 Third-Party Authentication

When you log in using external services, we receive:

Discord:

  • Username and discriminator
  • Avatar image
  • Email address (if provided)

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Core Service Functions

  • Account Management: Creating and maintaining your user account
  • Content Delivery: Hosting and distributing your mod submissions
  • Community Features: Enabling forums, comments, and user interactions
  • File Management: Tracking downloads, ratings, and user preferences

3.2 Communication

  • Service Updates: Notifying you about important changes or maintenance
  • Community Management: Sending moderation notices or policy updates
  • Support Services: Responding to your help requests and technical issues
  • Private Messaging: Facilitating user-to-user communication through our messaging system
  • Marketing: Newsletter and promotional emails (with your consent)

3.3 Platform Improvement

  • Analytics: Understanding how users interact with our platform
  • Performance Optimization: Improving site speed and reliability
  • Feature Development: Planning new features based on usage patterns
  • Security: Detecting and preventing abuse, spam, and security threats

3.4 Legal Compliance

  • Terms Enforcement: Investigating violations of our Terms of Service
  • Legal Obligations: Complying with applicable laws and regulations
  • Safety: Protecting users from harmful or illegal content

We process your personal data based on:

Legitimate Interests (Art. 6(1)(f)):

  • Providing and improving our services
  • Ensuring platform security and preventing abuse
  • Analyzing usage patterns for service optimization

Contract Performance (Art. 6(1)(b)):

  • Creating and managing your account
  • Delivering services you've requested
  • Processing your content submissions

Consent (Art. 6(1)(a)):

  • Marketing communications
  • Optional data collection (analytics cookies)
  • Third-party service integrations

Legal Compliance (Art. 6(1)(c)):

  • Responding to lawful requests from authorities
  • Complying with data protection regulations

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 Public Information

The following information is publicly visible by design:

  • Username and profile information
  • Submitted mods and associated metadata
  • Forum posts and comments
  • File ratings and reviews
  • Public activity history

Private Information:

  • Private messages remain confidential between sender and recipient
  • Message content is not shared with third parties except as required by law
  • Staff may access messages only for Terms of Service enforcement or legal compliance

5.2 Third-Party Services

Analytics Services:

  • Google Analytics: Anonymized usage statistics
  • Error tracking services: Technical error reports

Content Delivery:

  • CDN providers: For faster file downloads
  • Cloud storage: For reliable file hosting

Communication Tools:

  • Email services: For transactional and marketing emails

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law:

  • Court orders or legal process
  • Government investigations
  • Protection of rights and safety
  • Terms of Service enforcement

5.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale:

  • User data may be transferred to the new entity
  • Users will be notified of any ownership changes
  • Privacy protections will be maintained

6. Data Retention

6.1 Account Data

  • Active accounts: Retained while account exists
  • Deleted accounts: Personal data removed within 30 days
  • Legal holds: May retain data longer if required by law

6.2 Content Data

  • Published mods: Retained indefinitely for community benefit
  • Forum posts: Retained to maintain discussion continuity
  • Private messages: Retained to maintain discussion continuity for both parties
  • Deleted conversations: Permanently removed within 30 days of deletion

6.3 Technical Data

  • Server logs: Retained for 90 days for security and debugging
  • Analytics data: Aggregated data retained indefinitely
  • Backup systems: Data may persist in backups for up to 1 year

7. Data Security

7.1 Technical Safeguards

  • Encryption: Data encrypted in transit (TLS/SSL)
  • Access Controls: Limited staff access on need-to-know basis
  • Authentication: Strong password requirements and optional 2FA
  • Regular Updates: Security patches applied promptly

7.2 Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach:

  • Immediate Action: Contain and investigate the incident
  • Regulatory Notification: Report to authorities within 72 hours (if required)
  • User Notification: Inform affected users without undue delay
  • Remediation: Implement measures to prevent future incidents

8. Your Privacy Rights

8.1 Access and Portability

  • Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data
  • Data Portability: Download your data in a structured format
  • Account Dashboard: View and manage your information online

8.2 Correction and Deletion

  • Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or outdated information
  • Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
  • Message Management: Delete individual messages or entire conversations
  • Account Settings: Update your profile and preferences directly

8.3 Control and Objection

  • Right to Object: Opt out of data processing for legitimate interests
  • Marketing Opt-out: Unsubscribe from promotional communications
  • Consent Withdrawal: Revoke consent for optional data processing

8.4 Processing Restrictions

  • Right to Restriction: Limit how we process your data
  • Data Disputes: Temporarily halt processing during investigations
  • Legal Proceedings: Restrict processing for legal claims

9. Cookies and Tracking

9.1 Cookie Types

Essential Cookies (Always Active):

  • Authentication and session management
  • Security and fraud prevention
  • Core website functionality

9.2 Cookie Management

  • Browser Controls: Adjust settings in your browser

9.3 Do Not Track

We respect Do Not Track signals where technically feasible, but note that this may limit some website functionality.

10. International Data Transfers

Primary Storage: Data is primarily stored in Beauharnois, Canada.

Cross-Border Transfers:

  • Some third-party services may process data outside Canada
  • We ensure adequate protections through standard contractual clauses

User Rights: You maintain all privacy rights regardless of data location

11. Children's Privacy

The Forge requires users to be at least 18 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18.

If we discover underage users:

  • Account will be immediately suspended
  • Personal data will be deleted
  • Parents/guardians will be notified if possible

Reporting: If you believe a child under 18 is using our services, please contact us immediately.

12. Changes to This Policy

12.1 Update Process

  • Regular Review: Policy reviewed annually or as needed
  • Legal Changes: Updates for new regulations or court decisions
  • Service Changes: Modifications when we add new features

12.2 Notification Methods

  • Email Notice: Sent to all registered users for significant changes

12.3 Your Options

  • Continue Using: Acceptance of updated policy
  • Object to Changes: Contact us to discuss concerns
  • Account Deletion: You may delete your account if you disagree

13. Contact Information

13.1 General Privacy Questions

Email: [email protected]
Response Time: Within 5 business days

13.2 Data Protection Officer

Name: Refringe
Email: [email protected]

13.3 Data Subject Requests

For GDPR/CCPA requests:

13.4 Security Issues

For data security concerns:

13.5 Complaints

Supervisory Authority (Canada):

  • Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
  • Website: https://www.priv.gc.ca/
  • Phone: 1-800-282-1376

EU/EEA Residents:

  • Contact your local data protection authority
  • List available at: https://edpb.europa.eu/about-edpb/about-edpb/members_en

Privacy Summary

What we collect: Information needed to provide our modding platform services
How we use it: Account management, content delivery, platform improvement
Who we share with: Only necessary service providers and as required by law
Your rights: Access, correct, delete, and control your personal data
Our commitment: Industry-standard security and transparent practices

Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

This policy is governed by Canadian privacy laws including PIPEDA, and complies with GDPR for EU users.

This Privacy Policy works together with our Terms of Service, Community Standards, Content Guidelines, and DMCA Copyright Notice to govern your use of The Forge.

Last updated: August 26, 2025