OUR PRIVACY COMMITMENT: The Warhall is committed to protecting your privacy within the practical constraints of our technical setup. This policy explains what data we collect, how it's handled, and what control you have over it.
TECHNICAL FOUNDATION: The Warhall operates using the Discourse platform hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS). Your data is subject to the capabilities and limitations of these standard platforms.
1. Information We Collect
Account Information:
- Username and email address (required for registration)
- Password (encrypted and stored securely)
- Optional profile information you choose to provide
Your Content:
- Posts, comments, and discussions you contribute
- Private messages sent through the platform
- Any files or images you upload
Automatic Technical Data:
- IP address and general location information
- Browser type and device information
- When you access the platform and which pages you visit
- Basic usage patterns (provided by Discourse analytics)
2. How Your Data is Stored and Protected
DATA LOCATION: Your information is stored on AWS servers in the United States. It may be backed up to other AWS locations for reliability purposes.
Security Measures:
- HTTPS encryption for all data transmission
- Secure password hashing (industry standard)
- Regular automated backups
- Standard AWS security infrastructure
- Limited administrator access to user data
SECURITY REALITY: While we use industry-standard security practices, no online platform can guarantee complete security. You use the platform at your own risk.
3. How We Use Your Information
- Operating and maintaining the platform
- Enabling discussions and user interactions
- Preventing spam and abuse
- Improving platform functionality
- Communicating with you about platform matters
- Complying with legal requirements when necessary
4. Information Sharing
We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may share information only in these limited circumstances:
- Legal Requirements: When compelled by law, court orders, or legal process
- Platform Security: To investigate abuse or protect platform integrity
- Service Providers: AWS and other essential service providers bound by confidentiality
- Emergency Situations: To prevent imminent harm to persons or property
Chatham House Rule:
In keeping with our community standards, we do not voluntarily disclose user identities in connection with their contributions, except when legally required or for platform security purposes.
5. Your Data Control Options
While Your Account is Active:
- Edit Profile: Update your account information anytime
- Delete Posts: Remove your own posts and comments
- Download Data: Request a copy of your data using Discourse's built-in export feature
- Delete Account: Permanently close your account through platform settings
After Account Termination:
- Your posts remain visible to preserve discussion continuity
- Personal account information may be anonymized or deleted
- Some data may be retained for platform security and legal compliance
TECHNICAL LIMITATIONS: Data control options are limited to what the Discourse platform provides. Some requests may require manual processing and reasonable time to complete.
6. Cookies and Tracking
The platform uses cookies for:
- Essential Functions: Keeping you logged in and maintaining your session
- Preferences: Remembering your settings and customizations
- Basic Analytics: Understanding general usage patterns (via Discourse)
You can disable cookies in your browser, but this may limit platform functionality. We do not use cookies for advertising or cross-site tracking.
7. International Users and Data Rights
For All Users:
- Request information about what data we have about you
- Ask us to correct inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your account and associated data
- Download your data in a portable format
Additional Rights (EU, California, and other jurisdictions):
- Object to certain data processing activities
- Restrict how we process your data
- Lodge complaints with data protection authorities
PRACTICAL LIMITATIONS: We will honor these rights to the extent technically and practically feasible within our platform setup. Some requests may take additional time or may not be possible due to technical constraints.
8. Third-Party Services
The Warhall relies on these third-party services, each with their own privacy practices:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS): Server hosting and data storage
- Discourse: Platform software and associated services
- Email Service Providers: For sending platform notifications
By using The Warhall, you acknowledge that your data will be processed by these services according to their own privacy policies.
9. Children's Privacy
The Warhall is intended only for users 18 years or older. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18. If we discover that a minor has provided information, we will delete it promptly.
10. Privacy Policy Updates
We may update this policy occasionally. When we make material changes, we will:
- Post the updated policy on the platform
- Notify active users through platform announcements
- Update the "Last Modified" date below
Continued use of the platform after changes means you accept the updated policy.
11. Contact Us About Privacy
For privacy questions, data requests, or concerns, contact us at:
privacy@warhall.us
What to Expect:
- We'll respond to privacy inquiries within 10 business days
- Data requests may take additional time depending on complexity
- Some requests may require identity verification
12. Privacy Realities and Limitations
HONEST DISCLOSURE: Users should understand that:
- Complete online privacy is not technically possible
- Government agencies may access data through legal processes
- Technical failures or security breaches could expose information
- Our privacy protections are limited by our technical capabilities
- Other users' actions (screenshots, sharing) are beyond our control
USER RESPONSIBILITY: Your privacy ultimately depends on your own choices about what information to share and how to interact on the platform. Exercise appropriate caution with sensitive information.
Effective Date: May 28, 2025
Last Modified: May 28, 2025
Version: 1.0