Last updated: April 2026
1. Data we collect
When you register, we collect your username, email address, and a hashed password. We do not store your password in plain text.
When you use the site, we collect the content you post (forum posts, blog posts, reviews, screenshots, pictures) and basic access logs (IP address, request timestamps).
2. How we use your data
- Your email is used for account recovery and important account notifications only. We will never send marketing emails.
- Your IP address is used for rate limiting and abuse prevention.
- Content you post is displayed publicly on the site as intended.
3. Data sharing
We do not sell, trade, or share your personal data (email, IP address, account details) with third parties. Your email is never displayed publicly — only admins can see it for account support purposes.
We use Google AdSense to display advertisements. Google may collect non-personal data (such as cookie identifiers and general browsing activity) through its ad-serving technology. We do not provide Google with your email, username, or other account information. See Section 8 for details.
4. Cookies
We use a single session cookie to keep you logged in. This cookie is essential for site functionality and contains no tracking data.
Google AdSense and its partners may set additional cookies on your device for the purpose of serving and measuring advertisements. These are third-party cookies not controlled by AethCore. You may opt out of personalized advertising cookies via Google Ads Settings or manage cookies through your browser settings.
5. Data storage
Your data is stored on servers we operate. Uploaded images are stored in our object storage. We take reasonable measures to protect your data but cannot guarantee absolute security.
6. Your rights
You may request deletion of your account and associated data by contacting a site administrator. Profile information can be updated at any time through the settings page.
7. Lawful basis for processing
- Account data (username, email, password hash): processed under "contractual necessity" — we need this data to provide you with an account and the services you signed up for.
- Content you post (forum posts, blogs, reviews): processed under "contractual necessity" — you chose to publish this content on a public platform.
- Access logs (IP address, timestamps): processed under "legitimate interest" — necessary for security, rate limiting, and abuse prevention.
- Advertising cookies (Google AdSense): processed under "consent" — we ask for your consent before loading advertising cookies via the cookie consent banner.
8. Age requirement
You must be at least 16 years old to create an account on AethCore. By registering, you confirm that you meet this age requirement.
9. Data export
You may request a copy of your data at any time through the Settings page. The export includes your profile information, blog posts, comments, forum posts, game reviews, and news articles.
10. Changes
We may update this policy. Changes will be noted by updating the "Last updated" date above.
11. Advertising
We use Google AdSense to display advertisements on this site. Google, as a third-party vendor, uses cookies (including the DoubleClick cookie) to serve ads based on your visits to this site and other websites on the Internet.
Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads based on your visit to this site and/or other sites. You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings.
For more information about how Google collects and uses data, see Google's Privacy Policy.