RS-485:Privacy policy: Difference between revisions

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== Definitions ==
== Definitions ==
* '''Visitor''': Anyone who reads wiki pages without logging in.
* '''Visitor''': Anyone who reads wiki pages without logging in.
* '''Contributor''': Any registered or unregistered user who edits, uploads, or creates content.
* '''Contributor''': Any user (registered or unregistered) who creates or modifies content. Unregistered contributors are identified by IP address.
* '''Registered User''': Anyone with an active account (username + email).
* '''Registered User''': Anyone with an active account (username + email).
* '''Administrator''': Trusted user with access to certain site tools and logs.
* '''Administrator''': Trusted user with access to certain site tools and logs.
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=== Technical Data (Automatically Collected) ===
=== Technical Data (Automatically Collected) ===
For every visit, standard web server logs record:
For every visit, standard web server logs may record:
* IP address (anonymized after 30 days)
* IP address (retained for a limited period for security purposes and may be anonymized after approximately 30 days)
* Browser user agent
* Browser user agent
* Referring URL
* Referring URL
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We use collected information for the following legitimate purposes:
We use collected information for the following legitimate purposes:


| Purpose | Data Used |
{| class="wikitable"
|---------|------------|
! Purpose !! Data Used
| Maintaining the wiki | Contributions, account info |
|-
| Attribution (who wrote what) | Username or IP, timestamp |
| Maintaining the wiki || Contributions, account info
| Preventing spam and vandalism | IP addresses, user agent, edit patterns |
|-
| Sending password reset emails | Email address |
| Attribution (who wrote what) || Username or IP, timestamp
| Notifying you of changes (watchlist) | Email address (opt-in) |
|-
| Improving site performance | Technical logs |
| Preventing spam and vandalism || IP addresses, user agent, edit patterns
| Complying with legal requests (DMCA, court orders) | As required by law |
|-
| Sending password reset emails || Email address
|-
| Notifying you of changes (watchlist) || Email address (opt-in)
|-
| Improving site performance || Technical logs
|-
| Complying with legal requests (e.g., court orders) || As required by law
|}


== Sharing of Information ==
== Sharing of Information ==
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=== Publicly Visible Information ===
=== Publicly Visible Information ===
* All page edits, file uploads, and talk page messages are visible to anyone on the internet.
* All page edits, file uploads, and talk page messages are visible to anyone on the internet.
* Page history stores your username or IP address forever (by design — wiki principle of attribution).
* Page history stores your username or IP address indefinitely as part of the wiki's attribution system.


=== Third-Party Sharing ===
=== Third-Party Sharing ===
We do NOT share personal information with third parties except in the following rare cases:
We do NOT share personal information with third parties except in the following cases:
* **Legal requirement**: Valid court order, subpoena, or law enforcement request (we will notify affected users unless prohibited).
* '''Legal requirement''': Valid court order, subpoena, or law enforcement request (we may notify affected users unless prohibited).
* **Emergency**: To prevent death or serious physical harm.
* '''Emergency''': To prevent serious harm where reasonably necessary.
* **Spam/abuse prevention**: IP addresses may be shared with public anti-spam databases (e.g., StopForumSpam) only for repeat vandalism.
* '''Spam/abuse prevention''': IP addresses may be shared with anti-spam services for abuse mitigation.


=== Service Providers ===
=== Service Providers ===
RS-485.COM may use:
RS-485.COM may use:
* Web hosting provider (has access to server logs under strict confidentiality)
* Web hosting provider (may have access to server logs under confidentiality obligations)
* Email sending service (for password resets — no marketing)
* Email service (for password resets and account-related communication)


All providers are GDPR/CCPA-compliant where applicable.
Providers are selected with consideration for applicable data protection regulations (such as GDPR and CCPA where relevant).


== Data Retention ==
== Data Retention ==
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=== Contributions ===
=== Contributions ===
* Retained permanently in page history (transparency and attribution).
* Retained permanently in page history (transparency and attribution).
* Deletion is limited to revision deletion or suppression (administrator tools, used only for legal or privacy emergencies).
* Removal is limited and performed only in exceptional cases (e.g., legal or privacy concerns).


=== Account Information ===
=== Account Information ===
* Retained as long as your account exists.
* Retained as long as your account exists.
* You may request account closure and anonymization of your email (contact administrators). Username cannot be fully deleted due to attribution requirements.
* You may request account closure and removal of your email. Username remains for attribution purposes.


=== Technical Logs ===
=== Technical Logs ===
* Raw IP logs are kept for 30 days, then anonymized (last octet removed).
* Stored for a limited period for security and operational purposes.
* Aggregate analytics (no IPs) retained indefinitely.
* May be anonymized or aggregated after initial retention.


=== Email Addresses ===
=== Email Addresses ===
* Stored until account is closed or you request removal.
* Stored until account closure or removal request.
* Never used for marketing or newsletters.
* Used only for account-related communication.


== Security ==
== Security ==


=== Account Security ===
=== Account Security ===
* Passwords are hashed (never stored in plain text).
* Passwords are securely hashed (never stored in plain text).
* You are responsible for using a strong, unique password.
* Users are responsible for maintaining password confidentiality.
* Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if supported by your wiki engine.
* Two-factor authentication (2FA) may be available depending on system capabilities.


=== Site Security ===
=== Site Security ===
* HTTPS (TLS) encryption for all connections.
* HTTPS (TLS) encryption for all connections.
* Regular security updates to wiki software.
* Regular updates to software components.
* Administrator access restricted and logged.
* Administrative access is restricted and logged.


=== Limitations ===
=== Limitations ===
No system is 100% secure. Do NOT post:
No system is completely secure. Do NOT post:
* Passwords, API keys, or credentials
* Passwords, API keys, or credentials
* Personal contact information (phone, address, real name if you prefer pseudonymity)
* Personal contact information (phone, address)
* Trade secrets or confidential employer information
* Confidential or proprietary information


== Your Rights (GDPR, CCPA, and similar laws) ==
== Your Rights ==
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights such as:


* **Access**: Request a copy of your personal data we hold.
* '''Access''': Request a copy of your personal data
* **Correction**: Fix inaccurate account information.
* '''Correction''': Update inaccurate information
* **Deletion**: Request removal of your account and associated email (contributions remain under pseudonym).
* '''Deletion''': Request removal of account-related personal data (excluding public contributions)
* **Restriction**: Temporarily prevent processing of your data.
* '''Restriction''': Limit certain processing
* **Portability**: Receive your data in a machine-readable format.
* '''Portability''': Receive your data in a structured format
* **Object**: Object to specific processing (e.g., public attribution — not possible on a wiki).
* '''Objection''': Object to certain processing activities (note: attribution is inherent to wiki functionality)


To exercise these rights, contact administrators via the site's discussion page or email (address provided in [[Contact]]).
To exercise these rights, contact administrators via the [[Contact]] page.


== Children's Privacy ==
== Children's Privacy ==
RS-485.COM is a technical resource for engineers and hobbyists. It is not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe a child has provided personal data, contact us for removal.
RS-485.COM is not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors. If such data is identified, it will be removed upon request.


== Third-Party Links ==
== Third-Party Links ==
Our wiki pages may contain links to external sites (datasheets, forums, vendors). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Always check their policies before providing personal information.
This site may contain links to external resources. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.


== Changes to This Policy ==
== Changes to This Policy ==
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Significant changes (e.g., new data collection, sharing practices) will be announced:
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Significant changes may be announced via:
* On the site's main page
* Site notice or banner
* Via a notice on the wiki (banner for 30 days)
* Main page announcement
* By email to registered users (if the change affects their rights)
* Email notification (if applicable)


The "Last updated" date at the bottom of this page will always reflect the latest version.
The "Last updated" date reflects the current version.


== Enforcement ==
== Enforcement ==
Violations of this Privacy Policy (e.g., deliberate doxxing, posting private information of others) may result in:
Violations of this policy (e.g., posting private information of others) may result in:
* Temporary or permanent account ban
* Content removal
* Removal of offending content (revision deletion)
* Account suspension or ban
* Reporting to relevant authorities if required by law
* Further action where required by law


== Contact ==
== Contact ==
For privacy-related questions, data requests, or concerns:
For privacy-related questions or requests:
* Use the site's [[Project:Discussion]] page (public)
* [[Project:Discussion]] page
* Contact administrators via Special:EmailUser (if enabled)
* Direct contact via [[Contact]]
* Or send a physical letter to the address listed on the [[Contact]] page
 
For urgent security or legal matters, use the contact methods described on the [[Contact]] page.


== Acknowledgment ==
== Acknowledgment ==
By using RS-485.COM, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not register or edit — you may still read the wiki as a visitor.
By using RS-485.COM, you acknowledge and agree to this Privacy Policy.


----
----
''Last updated: 2026-04-30''
''Last updated: 2026-04-30''
''This policy applies to RS-485.COM and its subdomains. It does not apply to third-party services or external links.''
''Applies to RS-485.COM and its subdomains only.''

Latest revision as of 16:33, 30 April 2026

Privacy Policy[edit source]

Introduction[edit source]

This Privacy Policy explains how RS-485.COM ("we", "us", or "the site") collects, uses, stores, and protects information provided by contributors, registered users, and visitors. By accessing or using this site, you agree to the practices described below.

RS-485.COM is committed to transparency and data minimization. This wiki is a technical resource, not a commercial service. We do not sell, rent, or trade personal data.

Definitions[edit source]

  • Visitor: Anyone who reads wiki pages without logging in.
  • Contributor: Any user (registered or unregistered) who creates or modifies content. Unregistered contributors are identified by IP address.
  • Registered User: Anyone with an active account (username + email).
  • Administrator: Trusted user with access to certain site tools and logs.

Information We Collect[edit source]

User Contributions (Public)[edit source]

Any text, images, files, or metadata you upload or edit on RS-485.COM. This includes:

  • Page edits and summaries
  • Uploaded files (diagrams, schematics, datasheets)
  • Discussion/talk page comments

Note: All contributions are publicly visible and permanently archived in page history (including your username or IP address).

Account Information[edit source]

When you register, we collect:

  • Username (publicly visible)
  • Email address (private — used only for password reset, notifications, and administrative contact)
  • Optional profile fields (e.g., "real name", "affiliation") — if provided, these become public

Technical Data (Automatically Collected)[edit source]

For every visit, standard web server logs may record:

  • IP address (retained for a limited period for security purposes and may be anonymized after approximately 30 days)
  • Browser user agent
  • Referring URL
  • Timestamp and accessed pages
  • Wiki action (view, edit, upload, login)

This data is used exclusively for:

  • Security (detecting abuse, spam, brute-force attempts)
  • Performance analysis (slow pages, error rates)
  • Basic traffic statistics

Cookies[edit source]

RS-485.COM uses essential cookies for:

  • Login sessions (keeping you logged in)
  • Preferences (editor settings, diff view mode)
  • CSRF protection (security)

No tracking, advertising, or third-party cookies are used. You can disable cookies in your browser, but login and editing will become difficult or impossible.

How We Use Information[edit source]

We use collected information for the following legitimate purposes:

Purpose Data Used
Maintaining the wiki Contributions, account info
Attribution (who wrote what) Username or IP, timestamp
Preventing spam and vandalism IP addresses, user agent, edit patterns
Sending password reset emails Email address
Notifying you of changes (watchlist) Email address (opt-in)
Improving site performance Technical logs
Complying with legal requests (e.g., court orders) As required by law

Sharing of Information[edit source]

Publicly Visible Information[edit source]

  • All page edits, file uploads, and talk page messages are visible to anyone on the internet.
  • Page history stores your username or IP address indefinitely as part of the wiki's attribution system.

Third-Party Sharing[edit source]

We do NOT share personal information with third parties except in the following cases:

  • Legal requirement: Valid court order, subpoena, or law enforcement request (we may notify affected users unless prohibited).
  • Emergency: To prevent serious harm where reasonably necessary.
  • Spam/abuse prevention: IP addresses may be shared with anti-spam services for abuse mitigation.

Service Providers[edit source]

RS-485.COM may use:

  • Web hosting provider (may have access to server logs under confidentiality obligations)
  • Email service (for password resets and account-related communication)

Providers are selected with consideration for applicable data protection regulations (such as GDPR and CCPA where relevant).

Data Retention[edit source]

Contributions[edit source]

  • Retained permanently in page history (transparency and attribution).
  • Removal is limited and performed only in exceptional cases (e.g., legal or privacy concerns).

Account Information[edit source]

  • Retained as long as your account exists.
  • You may request account closure and removal of your email. Username remains for attribution purposes.

Technical Logs[edit source]

  • Stored for a limited period for security and operational purposes.
  • May be anonymized or aggregated after initial retention.

Email Addresses[edit source]

  • Stored until account closure or removal request.
  • Used only for account-related communication.

Security[edit source]

Account Security[edit source]

  • Passwords are securely hashed (never stored in plain text).
  • Users are responsible for maintaining password confidentiality.
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA) may be available depending on system capabilities.

Site Security[edit source]

  • HTTPS (TLS) encryption for all connections.
  • Regular updates to software components.
  • Administrative access is restricted and logged.

Limitations[edit source]

No system is completely secure. Do NOT post:

  • Passwords, API keys, or credentials
  • Personal contact information (phone, address)
  • Confidential or proprietary information

Your Rights[edit source]

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights such as:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data
  • Correction: Update inaccurate information
  • Deletion: Request removal of account-related personal data (excluding public contributions)
  • Restriction: Limit certain processing
  • Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
  • Objection: Object to certain processing activities (note: attribution is inherent to wiki functionality)

To exercise these rights, contact administrators via the Contact page.

Children's Privacy[edit source]

RS-485.COM is not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors. If such data is identified, it will be removed upon request.

Third-Party Links[edit source]

This site may contain links to external resources. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

Changes to This Policy[edit source]

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Significant changes may be announced via:

  • Site notice or banner
  • Main page announcement
  • Email notification (if applicable)

The "Last updated" date reflects the current version.

Enforcement[edit source]

Violations of this policy (e.g., posting private information of others) may result in:

  • Content removal
  • Account suspension or ban
  • Further action where required by law

Contact[edit source]

For privacy-related questions or requests:

Acknowledgment[edit source]

By using RS-485.COM, you acknowledge and agree to this Privacy Policy.


Last updated: 2026-04-30 Applies to RS-485.COM and its subdomains only.