Niteforge Studios is an independent digital media initiative operating in the Philippines. For the purposes of this document, Niteforge Studios may be referred to as "we," "us," or "the initiative."
01 Information Collection and Data Minimization
Niteforge Studios adheres to the principle of "privacy by design." We prioritize a low-data environment to protect our users.
- No Account System: We do not provide user accounts. We do not collect, store, or process usernames or passwords.
- No Comment System: We do not host on-site comments. Consequently, we do not store personal opinions, associated IP addresses, or metadata related to public discourse on our platform.
-
Contact Form and Voluntary Communication: The primary instance in which we collect personally identifiable information is through our "Contact Us" page or direct email inquiries. When you contact us, we collect:
- Name: Used to identify you during correspondence.
- Email Address: Used to provide a response to your inquiry.
- Message Content: Includes information you voluntarily provide regarding your query, feedback, or business proposal.
02 Children's Privacy
Niteforge Studios does not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from anyone under the age of 16. If you are under 16, please do not attempt to send any personal information about yourself to us via our contact forms or email addresses.
In the event that we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under age 16 without verification of parental consent, we will delete that information immediately. If you believe that a child under 16 may have provided us with personal information, please contact us at privacy@niteforgestudios.com.
03 Technical Data and Cookies
When you navigate the Platform, certain information is collected automatically through standard web technologies:
- Log Data: Our servers automatically record "Log Data," which may include your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring pages, and timestamps. This is used strictly for security monitoring and platform optimization.
- Cookies and Tracking: We utilize cookies to analyze traffic and ensure the functional integrity of our advertising and affiliate programs. You may manage or revoke cookie consent through your browser settings or our on-site consent banner.
Do Not Track (DNT)
Some web browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want your online activities tracked. At this time, there is no universally accepted standard for how to interpret DNT signals. Because we utilize third-party advertising services, our Platform may not currently respond to or honor DNT signals from your browser.
04 Third-Party Integrations and Advertising
To maintain our editorial independence, we utilize third-party services that maintain their own privacy protocols:
- Advertising and CCPA Compliance: We partner with third-party advertising networks. Under the CCPA, the use of cookies for interest-based advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of personal information. You have the right to opt-out of such tracking via your browser's "Do Not Track" settings or specific opt-out tools.
- Affiliate Disclosure: Our content may contain affiliate links. Clicking these links places a tracking cookie on your device to ensure we receive a commission for referrals. This tracking is managed by third-party affiliate networks and does not result in the collection of personal identifiers.
- Discord Community: Our community discourse is hosted on Discord. While we moderate these spaces, Discord is a third-party controller. Data provided within Discord is subject to Discord’s Privacy Policy.
05 International Data Transfers
As Niteforge Studios utilizes global third-party services for advertising, analytics, and community management, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in countries other than your country of residence.
These countries, including but not limited to the United States and Singapore, may have data protection laws that differ from those in your home jurisdiction. We rely on appropriate legal mechanisms for these transfers, including the Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and data processing agreements established by our third-party partners.
06 Global Privacy Rights
We recognize and respect the privacy rights of users globally, specifically under the EU/UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and the Philippines Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA).
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights:
- Right to Information and Transparency: The right to be informed about how your data is processed.
- Right of Access and Portability: The right to request a copy of the minimal data we may hold, such as contact form submissions.
- Right to Erasure: Also known as the Right to be Forgotten, this allows you to request the deletion of your data.
- Right to Object or Opt-Out: The right to object to processing for marketing or advertising purposes.
- Right to Rectification: The right to request the correction of inaccurate personal data.
- Right to Lodge a Complaint: You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority. Residents of the Philippines may contact the National Privacy Commission.
Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR/DPA)
Under the GDPR and DPA, our legal basis for processing data is our Legitimate Interest in providing news content, responding to user inquiries, maintaining platform security, and generating revenue through transparent advertising and affiliate partnerships.
07 Data Retention and Security
We implement commercially reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect the data we process against unauthorized access or disclosure.
Retention Policy
As part of our commitment to data minimization, Niteforge Studios conducts a standard clearing of email correspondence every 12 months. Data will be deleted unless specific criteria apply:
- Unresolved Inquiry or Support Ticket.
- Contractual Necessity for active business relationships.
- Legal Obligation (tax or regulatory compliance).
- Legal Defense for establishment or exercise of claims.
08 Contact and Data Protection
For inquiries regarding your data, or to exercise your rights under the GDPR, CCPA, or DPA, please contact our Privacy and Legal department:
09 Amendments
Niteforge Studios reserves the right to modify this Policy at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to this page. Your continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.