Editing Vrienden Universe:Privacy policy

= Privacy policy =

This Privacy Policy describes how information is handled on the
Vrienden Universe Wiki (vriendenuniverse.org/wiki).

The wiki is a reference and documentation platform operated as an
independent MediaWiki installation.

== Scope ==
This policy applies exclusively to content, services, and functionality
provided through the Vrienden Universe Wiki.

It does not apply to external websites, third-party links, or services
referenced from within wiki pages.

By accessing or using the wiki, you agree to the handling of information
as described in this policy.

== General Principles ==
The Vrienden Universe Wiki is designed to operate with minimal collection
of personal data.

Information is collected only to the extent necessary for:
* Technical operation
* Security and abuse prevention
* Basic functionality of MediaWiki

The wiki does not engage in commercial data collection, advertising,
profiling, or behavioral tracking.

== Automatically Collected Data ==
When accessing the wiki, limited technical information is automatically
processed as part of standard web server operation. This may include:

* IP address
* Date and time of access
* Requested pages and resources
* Browser and operating system identifiers
* Referring URLs

This data is generated automatically by server software and is used
solely for operational, diagnostic, and security purposes.

== User Accounts ==
Account creation on the wiki is optional.

If an account is created, the system stores:
* A chosen username
* Authentication credentials in encrypted or hashed form
* User preferences and edit history

No requirement exists to provide real names or identifying information.

== Editing and Contributions ==
All edits made to the wiki are publicly visible and permanently recorded
as part of the wiki’s revision history.

For technical reasons, edits are associated with either:
* A registered username, or
* An IP address, if editing without an account

This association is a fundamental feature of MediaWiki and cannot be
disabled without compromising the integrity of the revision system.

== Cookies ==
The wiki uses cookies required for MediaWiki functionality.

These cookies may be used to:
* Maintain login sessions
* Store user preferences
* Support site navigation and usability

No third-party advertising or tracking cookies are used.

Disabling cookies may limit or prevent certain features from functioning
correctly.

== Data Usage ==
Collected information is used exclusively to:
* Provide and maintain wiki functionality
* Prevent vandalism, spam, and abuse
* Ensure technical stability and security
* Investigate misuse or disruption of the service

Information is not used for marketing, analytics profiling, or commercial
purposes.

== Data Sharing ==
The wiki does not sell, rent, or trade user information.

Information may be accessed or disclosed only under the following
conditions:
* When required by applicable law
* To protect the technical integrity of the wiki
* To respond to security incidents or abuse

No routine sharing with third parties occurs.

== Data Retention ==
Technical logs are retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill
operational and security purposes and may be periodically deleted or
rotated.

User-generated content, including edits and page histories, is retained
as part of the wiki’s permanent record.

== External Services ==
The wiki relies on standard infrastructure services such as hosting,
domain resolution, and server software.

These services may process technical data strictly necessary for
delivering content but do not receive access to wiki user accounts or
editorial data beyond what is required for normal operation.

The wiki does not integrate external analytics platforms, advertising
networks, or social media plugins.

== Security ==
Reasonable technical measures are applied to protect the wiki against
unauthorized access, data loss, and abuse.

However, no system can be guaranteed to be completely secure, and use
of the wiki is at the user’s own risk.

== Children ==
The wiki is not specifically directed at children.

No intentional collection of personal information from children is
performed.

== Policy Changes ==
This Privacy Policy may be updated to reflect changes in technical
operation, legal requirements, or administrative practices.

Updates take effect upon publication on this page.

Continued use of the wiki after changes constitutes acceptance of the
updated policy.

== Interpretation ==
This Privacy Policy is intended to describe technical and operational
handling of information within the context of an independent wiki.

It does not constitute a contractual guarantee and should be interpreted
in accordance with applicable law.