This Privacy Policy explains how GameSelect.NET ("GameSelectHQ", "we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and shares information when you use gameselect.net (the "Service").
1. Information We Collect
Account information. When you register, we collect your email address, username, and a securely hashed password. If you sign in through a third-party provider (such as Steam), we receive the identifiers and profile details that provider shares with us.
Usage and activity data. We record actions you take on the Service that are necessary for it to function, including servers you list or manage, votes you cast, servers you favorite, and notifications generated for your account. We also log basic technical data such as IP address, browser type, and timestamps for security and abuse-prevention purposes (for example, enforcing one vote per server per day).
Locally stored data. Some features, such as "Recently viewed servers," are stored only in your browser's local storage and are never transmitted to or read by our servers. Clearing your browser data or using a private window removes this information.
Server and payment data. If you purchase a server Promotion, we record the transaction details necessary to provide the service (server, tier, duration, and price). We do not store full payment card numbers on our own infrastructure.
2. How We Use Information
We use the information above to:
- Operate, maintain, and secure the Service;
- Authenticate you and remember your preferences;
- Enforce fair-use rules such as one-vote-per-day and minimum account age before voting;
- Send you transactional notifications you are entitled to receive (e.g., a favorited server coming back online, a promotion nearing expiry, or your server crossing a vote milestone), both in-app and by email where you have a verified email address and mail delivery is enabled;
- Detect, investigate, and prevent fraud, abuse, or violations of our Terms of Service;
- Improve the Service based on aggregate, non-identifying usage patterns.
We do not sell your personal information.
3. Cookies and Local Storage
We use session cookies to keep you signed in and to protect against cross-site request forgery. We use browser local storage for optional, non-essential convenience features (such as remembering recently viewed servers) that never leave your device. We do not use third-party advertising or tracking cookies.
4. How We Share Information
We share information only in the following cases:
- Service providers that help us operate the Service (for example, hosting, email delivery once configured, and payment processing), bound by confidentiality obligations;
- Our MasterServer network, which receives the minimum data needed to place a promoted server in supported in-game browsers (server address, name, and tier) — it does not receive your account email or password;
- Legal compliance, if required to comply with a legal obligation, protect our rights, or investigate suspected abuse or fraud;
- Business transfers, if GameSelectHQ is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, subject to this Policy continuing to apply to your information.
5. Data Retention
We retain account and activity data for as long as your account is active, and for a reasonable period afterward to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Aggregated historical statistics (such as server uptime history) may be retained in de-identified form after an account or server listing is deleted.
6. Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the right to access, correct, export, or delete the personal information we hold about you, and to object to or restrict certain processing. To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We will respond within a reasonable time and may need to verify your identity before acting on a request.
7. Security
We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including password hashing and access controls. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
8. Children's Privacy
The Service is not directed to children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under that age. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, contact us so we can delete it.
9. International Users
Your information may be processed in countries other than your own. By using the Service, you consent to this transfer and processing in accordance with this Policy.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be reflected by updating the "Last updated" date above. Continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.
11. Contact
Questions about this Privacy Policy can be sent to [email protected].