Privacy Policy

Help

Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to the website Open Arts Forum, located at openartsforum.com, and operated by Open Arts Press, LLC, a Maryland limited liability company (“we”, “us”, “our”).

By using this site, you consent to the collection, use, and storage of your information as described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following information about you:

  • Your name or username
  • Your email address
  • Your IP address and general location
  • Browser/device type and usage patterns (non-personally identifiable)
  • Any other personal data you provide voluntarily (e.g., profile fields, contact form submissions)

2. How We Collect Information

We collect data in the following situations:

  • You register as a forum member
  • You fill out our contact form
  • You browse the site (cookies, analytics, server logs)
  • You interact with posts, threads, or other members

3. How We Use Your Information

We may use your personal data for the following purposes:

  • To register your account and allow you to post
  • To send you notifications about account activity or site updates
  • To administer the site and protect against abuse or misuse
  • To comply with legal obligations
  • To improve our content, layout, or performance (non-personal data)

Your IP address is recorded when you take actions on the forum. It is never made public.

4. Data Sharing & Third-Party Processors

We do not sell your personal information. However, we may share limited data with trusted third-party processors to help us operate the site. These include:

  • Our web hosting provider (KnownHost)
  • Email/spam filtering tools
  • Content Delivery Networks (e.g., Cloudflare)
  • Analytics tools (e.g., server logs, AWStats, or self-hosted metrics)

We take reasonable precautions to ensure that these services maintain GDPR-/CPRA-aligned standards of privacy and security.

5. Cookies

This site uses cookies to:

  • Maintain your login session
  • Remember user preferences
  • Track basic usage statistics (anonymously)

You may block cookies in your browser settings, but doing so may affect site functionality.

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Request deletion of your account and associated data
  • Withdraw consent for optional communications

To exercise these rights, please contact us via our contact form.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as your account is active or as needed to comply with legal obligations. Upon request, your account and associated data can be permanently deleted.

8. Legal Jurisdiction

This policy is governed by the laws of the State of Maryland, USA. Any disputes shall be resolved in the appropriate courts located within Maryland.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Material changes will be noted on this page. Continued use of the site signifies your acceptance of any updated terms.

10. Contact

If you have questions or concerns about this policy or your data, please reach out via our contact form.

Effective date: June 9, 2025