Privacy Policy for FreezeHost

Last Updated: [Insert Date]

Welcome to FreezeHost (“we,” “us,” or “our”), a free Minecraft hosting service dedicated to providing accessible and reliable gameplay experiences. Your privacy is critically important to us. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our services, including our website ([insert URL]), forums, control panel, and game servers (collectively, the “Services”). By accessing or using FreezeHost, you agree to the terms of this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information to provide, improve, and secure our Services. This includes:

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Account Registration: When creating an account, we collect your email address, username, and password.
• Server Configuration: Details about your Minecraft server(s), including server name, version, plugins, and settings.
• Communications: Information shared when contacting support (e.g., emails, forum messages, or Discord interactions).
• Payment Information: While FreezeHost is free, optional paid upgrades may require payment details (e.g., credit card information processed securely via third-party providers like PayPal or Stripe).

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Usage Data: IP addresses, browser type, device information, timestamps, and pages visited.
• Server Logs: Data related to server performance, player activity, and error reports.
• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies (small text files stored on your device) to enhance functionality, analyze trends, and personalize your experience. These may include:
  • Session Cookies: For login authentication and session management.
  • Analytics Cookies: To track service usage (e.g., Google Analytics).
  • Preference Cookies: To remember your settings.

1.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive data from partners (e.g., Discord for forum integrations) or payment processors, governed by their respective privacy policies.

2. How We Use Your Information

Your data enables us to:

• Deliver Services: Create and manage your account, host servers, and provide customer support.
• Improve Services: Analyze usage patterns to optimize performance and develop new features.
• Communicate: Send service-related announcements (e.g., maintenance alerts) or promotional offers (with consent).
• Ensure Security: Detect and prevent fraud, hacking, or unauthorized access.
• Comply with Legal Obligations: Respond to lawful requests from authorities.

3. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your data. However, we may share it in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: Trusted third parties (e.g., hosting providers, payment processors) who assist in operating our Services under strict confidentiality agreements.
• Legal Compliance: To comply with court orders, laws, or government requests.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user data may be transferred as part of the transaction.
• Aggregated/Anonymized Data: Non-identifiable data may be shared for analytics, marketing, or research purposes.

4. Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary:

• Account Data: Until you delete your account or request deletion.
• Server Logs: Up to 30 days, unless required for security investigations.
• Payment Records: As mandated by financial regulations (typically 7 years).

5. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your jurisdiction (e.g., GDPR for EU users, CCPA for California residents), you may:

• Access or Correct Data: Review or update account details via the control panel.
• Request Deletion: Contact us to erase your data, subject to legal obligations.
• Opt Out of Marketing: Unsubscribe via email links or account settings.
• Disable Cookies: Adjust browser settings, though this may limit functionality.

6. Security Measures

We employ industry-standard safeguards, including:

• Encryption: SSL/TLS for data transmission.
• Access Controls: Restricted staff access to sensitive data.
• Regular Audits: Vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.

Despite these measures, no system is 100% secure. Report suspicious activity immediately.

7. Children’s Privacy

FreezeHost does not knowingly collect data from children under 13. If we learn a minor has provided information without parental consent, we will promptly delete it. Parents/guardians may contact us to review or remove such data.

8. Third-Party Services

Our Services may link to external sites (e.g., forums, payment gateways). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their policies before interacting.

9. International Data Transfers

Data may be processed in countries outside your residence. We ensure transfers comply with applicable laws (e.g., GDPR’s Standard Contractual Clauses).

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Material changes will be notified via email or website banners. Continued use after updates constitutes acceptance.

11. Contact Us

For questions, data requests, or concerns, reach us at:

• Email: privacy@freezehost.com
• Mailing Address: [Insert Physical Address]

We aim to respond within 30 days.

Effective Date: [Insert Date]

Thank you for trusting FreezeHost with your Minecraft adventures!

This policy is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Adaptations must credit FreezeHost.