Overview
Budo Network ("Budo Network", "we", "our", or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the information you provide while using our services.
This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, when it may be shared, and the choices available to you.
This Privacy Policy applies to all Budo Network services, including but not limited to:
- IRC Network
- Web Chat
- Official Website
- Discord Bridges
- Minecraft Bridges
- Voice Communication Services
- Bots and Automation
- Community Applications
- Future online services operated by Budo Network
By using any Budo Network service, you agree to this Privacy Policy.
Information We Collect
Depending on how you use our services, we may collect the following information.
Connection Information
When connecting to our IRC servers or web services, we may collect:
- IP address
- Hostname (if available)
- Connection time
- Disconnection time
- Server used
- Client software information
- Browser information (for web users)
- Device type
- Operating system
- General diagnostic information
Account Information
If you register a nickname or use network services, we may store:
- Registered nickname
- Authentication records
- Email address (if voluntarily provided)
- Account preferences
- Recovery information
Passwords are never stored in plain text.
Public Communications
Messages sent in public IRC channels, bridged channels, or public community spaces may be visible to other users and may be logged for moderation, troubleshooting, historical playback, or community features.
Examples include:
- Public channel messages
- Join/Part events
- Nickname changes
- Channel topic changes
- Public bot commands
IRC is a public communication protocol and should not be considered private. Public conversations may be visible to network operators, channel operators, and users connected to the same channels.
Bridge Services
Some channels are connected with external services such as:
- Discord
- Minecraft
- Web Chat
- Other approved community platforms
Messages sent within bridged channels may appear simultaneously across those connected platforms.
Please avoid sharing confidential or sensitive information in bridged channels.
Website Information
When visiting our websites, we may automatically collect:
- IP address
- Browser type
- Pages visited
- Referring website
- Date and time of access
- Session information
- Error reports
This information helps us maintain security and improve our services.
Cookies
Our websites may use cookies or similar technologies to:
- Remember preferences
- Maintain login sessions
- Improve performance
- Enhance security
- Analyze website usage
Most browsers allow you to disable cookies; however, doing so may affect some features.
How We Use Information
We use collected information to:
- Operate the Network
- Authenticate registered users
- Prevent abuse and spam
- Detect malicious activity
- Maintain server security
- Improve performance
- Provide technical support
- Investigate network issues
- Enforce our Terms of Service
- Develop new features
We do not sell your personal information.
Information Sharing
We may share information only when necessary:
- To comply with applicable law or legal process.
- To protect the security of Budo Network and its users.
- To investigate abuse, fraud, or cyberattacks.
- With trusted service providers assisting in operating the Network under appropriate confidentiality obligations.
We do not sell or rent personal information to advertisers or third parties.
Public Nature of IRC
Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is inherently a public communication protocol.
Users should understand that:
- Public messages are visible to everyone in the channel.
- Nicknames and host information may be visible.
- IRC traffic may pass through multiple servers.
- Public discussions should never be considered confidential.
Users are responsible for the information they choose to share publicly.
Data Retention
We retain information only as long as reasonably necessary for:
- Network operation
- Abuse prevention
- Security investigations
- Technical troubleshooting
- Legal obligations
Examples include:
- Connection logs
- Authentication records
- Moderation logs
- Server diagnostics
Retention periods may vary depending on operational and legal requirements.
Security
We implement reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to help protect the information we store, including:
- Encrypted authentication where applicable
- Firewall protection
- Access controls
- Server monitoring
- Security updates
- Abuse detection systems
While we strive to protect your information, no Internet service can guarantee absolute security.
Third-Party Services
Budo Network may integrate with third-party services, including:
- Discord
- Minecraft
- Live streaming services
- External authentication providers
- Community websites
Those services operate under their own privacy policies, and we encourage users to review them before use.
Children's Privacy
Our services are not intended for children under the age of 13 or the minimum digital consent age required by local law.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
If you believe a child has provided personal information, please contact us so appropriate action can be taken.
Your Rights
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights to:
- Request access to personal information we hold about you.
- Request correction of inaccurate information.
- Request deletion of certain personal information where legally permitted.
- Object to certain processing activities.
- Withdraw consent where consent is the legal basis for processing.
Some information may need to be retained for legal, security, or operational reasons.
Abuse Investigations
To maintain a safe community, Budo Network may review connection logs, authentication records, public channel activity, and relevant technical information when investigating:
- Spam
- Flooding
- Harassment
- Network attacks
- Abuse of services
- Violations of our Terms of Service
Private communications are not routinely monitored but may be reviewed when necessary to investigate abuse, respond to lawful requests, or protect the Network and its users.
International Users
Because Budo Network is a global community, your information may be processed on servers located in different countries.
By using our services, you acknowledge that your information may be transferred internationally in accordance with applicable laws.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
The latest version will always be available on the official Budo Network website.
Your continued use of the Network after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us through:
- #help on the Budo Network IRC
- The official Budo Network website
- A Network Administrator or Operator
Our Commitment
Budo Network is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and transparent online community. We collect only the information reasonably necessary to operate and secure our services, and we strive to handle that information responsibly while respecting the privacy of our users.