RS-485:Privacy policy

Privacy Policy

Introduction

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

• Visitor: Anyone who reads wiki pages without logging in.
• Contributor: Any registered or unregistered user who edits, uploads, or creates content.
• Registered User: Anyone with an active account (username + email).
• Administrator: Trusted user with access to certain site tools and logs.

Information We Collect

User Contributions (Public)

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

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)

For every visit, standard web server logs record:

• IP address (anonymized after 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

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

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 (DMCA, court orders) | As required by law |

Sharing of Information

Publicly Visible Information

• 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).

Third-Party Sharing

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

• **Legal requirement**: Valid court order, subpoena, or law enforcement request (we will notify affected users unless prohibited).
• **Emergency**: To prevent death or serious physical harm.
• **Spam/abuse prevention**: IP addresses may be shared with public anti-spam databases (e.g., StopForumSpam) only for repeat vandalism.

Service Providers

RS-485.COM may use:

• Web hosting provider (has access to server logs under strict confidentiality)
• Email sending service (for password resets — no marketing)

All providers are GDPR/CCPA-compliant where applicable.

Data Retention

Contributions

• 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).

Account Information

• 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.

Technical Logs

• Raw IP logs are kept for 30 days, then anonymized (last octet removed).
• Aggregate analytics (no IPs) retained indefinitely.

Email Addresses

• Stored until account is closed or you request removal.
• Never used for marketing or newsletters.

Security

Account Security

• Passwords are hashed (never stored in plain text).
• You are responsible for using a strong, unique password.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if supported by your wiki engine.

Site Security

• HTTPS (TLS) encryption for all connections.
• Regular security updates to wiki software.
• Administrator access restricted and logged.

Limitations

No system is 100% secure. Do NOT post:

• Passwords, API keys, or credentials
• Personal contact information (phone, address, real name if you prefer pseudonymity)
• Trade secrets or confidential employer information

Your Rights (GDPR, CCPA, and similar laws)

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

• **Access**: Request a copy of your personal data we hold.
• **Correction**: Fix inaccurate account information.
• **Deletion**: Request removal of your account and associated email (contributions remain under pseudonym).
• **Restriction**: Temporarily prevent processing of your data.
• **Portability**: Receive your data in a machine-readable format.
• **Object**: Object to specific processing (e.g., public attribution — not possible on a wiki).

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

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.

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.

Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Significant changes (e.g., new data collection, sharing practices) will be announced:

• On the site's main page
• Via a notice on the wiki (banner for 30 days)
• By email to registered users (if the change affects their rights)

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

Enforcement

Violations of this Privacy Policy (e.g., deliberate doxxing, posting private information of others) may result in:

• Temporary or permanent account ban
• Removal of offending content (revision deletion)
• Reporting to relevant authorities if required by law

Contact

For privacy-related questions, data requests, or concerns:

• Use the site's Project:Discussion page (public)
• Contact administrators via Special:EmailUser (if enabled)
• 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

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.

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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.