PRIVACY POLICY Last Updated: December 2025 1. INTRODUCTION This Privacy Policy explains how arctic.tf ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses, and protects information when you use our website, game servers, and related services. We operate servers for Source engine games including Team Fortress 2, Left 4 Dead 2, and related game modifications. We operate under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 2. DATA CONTROLLER arctic.tf Contact: contact@arctic.tf Discord: https://discord.gg/wVfbNvqRKA Steam: https://steamcommunity.com/groups/arctic-tf 3. INFORMATION WE COLLECT Website Data When you visit our website, our web servers automatically collect standard access logs, including: - Your IP address - Date and time of your visit - Pages you visited - Browser type and version - Operating system - Referring website (if any) Game Server Data When you connect to and play on our servers, we may collect and process the following: Account and Identity Data - Steam ID and associated account identifiers - In-game display name - Administrative privilege flags (if applicable) Technical and Connection Data - IP address - Operating system type - Connection method and client settings - Server connection timestamps and session duration - Maps played and server information Location Data - Approximate geographic location derived from IP address (country, region, city) Gameplay Data - Server logs recording in-game events and actions - SourceTV demo recordings of gameplay sessions - Chat messages and in-game communications We do not intentionally collect data from individuals under the age of 16. Our services are not directed at children. 4. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION We process your information for the following purposes: - Server Operation: To operate, maintain, and improve our game servers and website. - Security and Enforcement: To detect and prevent cheating, abuse, and violations of our server rules; to enforce bans and other administrative actions; to maintain website security. - Analytics: To analyze usage patterns and server performance for operational improvements; to understand general website usage patterns. - Community Administration: To manage our community, respond to reports, and address player disputes. - Technical Maintenance: To diagnose technical problems. - Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations. 5. LEGAL BASIS FOR PROCESSING We process your personal data on the following legal grounds: - Legitimate Interests (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR): We have a legitimate interest in operating secure game servers, preventing cheating and abuse, maintaining server stability, and improving our services. We have balanced these interests against your rights and determined that our processing does not override your fundamental rights and freedoms. - Compliance with Legal Obligations (Article 6(1)(c) GDPR): Where we are required to retain certain data to comply with legal requirements. 6. COOKIES Our website does not use tracking cookies or analytics services. 7. DATA RETENTION We retain personal data for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law. Retention periods vary depending on the type of data and the purposes for which it is processed. Factors influencing retention include operational requirements, security considerations, and legal obligations. Gameplay recordings and logs may be retained indefinitely for archival, historical, and community purposes unless deletion is specifically requested and granted. 8. DATA SHARING AND TRANSFERS We do not sell your personal data. We may share data in the following circumstances: - Service Providers: With third-party providers who assist in operating our services, including hosting and infrastructure providers. Our primary database is hosted in Germany. Demo recordings may be stored using cloud storage services within the European Union. - Legal Requirements: Where required by law, legal process, or to protect our rights and the safety of our users. - Community Tools: Certain data such as Steam IDs and associated ban records may be shared with community ban list services or other server operators for the purpose of preventing abuse across gaming communities. All data processing occurs within the European Economic Area. If any transfer outside the EEA becomes necessary, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place. Publicly Visible Information Certain information is made publicly available through our website, including ban lists and server statistics. This may include your Steam display name, Steam ID, gameplay statistics, and enforcement history. This data allows the community to track performance and ensures transparency in our administrative actions. 9. YOUR RIGHTS Under the GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal data: - Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you. - Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate personal data. - Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data, subject to our legitimate interests and legal obligations. - Restriction: Request that we limit our processing of your data in certain circumstances. - Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests. - Portability: Request your data in a structured, machine-readable format. To exercise these rights, contact us at contact@arctic.tf. We will respond to requests within one month. We may need to verify your identity before processing requests. Please note that certain requests, particularly for erasure, may be subject to our legitimate interests in maintaining server security, enforcing bans, and preserving the integrity of our community. We will assess each request on a case-by-case basis and provide reasoning if we are unable to fully comply. 10. DATA SECURITY We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. 11. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES AND LINKS Our services integrate with third-party platforms, including Valve's Steam platform. Your use of such platforms is subject to their respective privacy policies, which we encourage you to review. Our website contains links to external services. These sites have their own privacy policies, and we are not responsible for their practices. 12. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy. 13. CONTACT For questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact us at: Email: contact@arctic.tf Discord: https://discord.gg/wVfbNvqRKA Steam: https://steamcommunity.com/groups/arctic-tf arctic.tf