Introduction

A.R.C Foundation Studios US ("A.R.C", "we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information when you visit the Stardust Universe website, participate in community forums, download or use our games, or interact with our online services (collectively, the "Services"). By using the Services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

1. Data Controller and Contact Information

A.R.C Foundation Studios US is the controller responsible for personal information processed in connection with the Services. You may contact us at privacy@arcfoundationstudios.com or by mail at 2100 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information in the following categories:

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account details such as name, username, email address, profile biography, and avatar.
• Communications you send to us, including support requests, survey responses, or feedback.
• Payment information processed by our third-party payment partners when you purchase subscriptions or virtual goods.
• Content you post in forums, chat, or user-generated content features.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Log data such as IP address, browser type, device identifiers, operating system, and access timestamps.
• Usage data including pages viewed, features used, in-app interactions, and referring/exit pages.
• Approximate location information derived from IP address.
• Cookies, beacons, and similar technologies that remember your preferences and track engagement.

2.3 Information from Third Parties

• Authentication providers (e.g., social sign-on) that supply account identifiers and profile information with your permission.
• Analytics partners that help us measure audience demographics and engagement trends.
• Payment processors that confirm transaction status (no full payment card data is stored on our servers).

3. How We Use Information

We use personal information to:

• Provide, operate, and maintain the Services, including account management and community moderation.
• Process transactions, deliver digital goods, and manage subscriptions.
• Personalize content, in-game experiences, and recommendations.
• Communicate with you about updates, security alerts, support messages, and promotional offers.
• Analyze usage trends to improve performance, fix bugs, and develop new features.
• Enforce our Terms of Service, prevent fraud, and protect the integrity of the Services.
• Comply with legal obligations and respond to lawful requests from public authorities.

We process personal information under the following legal bases: contract performance, legitimate interests (such as improving the Services and securing our platforms), legal compliance, and your consent where required.

4. Sharing of Information

We may share personal information in these circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted vendors that perform services on our behalf (hosting, analytics, customer support, payment processing). These partners access information only to perform tasks for us and are bound by confidentiality obligations.
• Community Visibility: Content you post publicly (forums, profiles, leaderboards) will be visible to other users.
• Business Transfers: In connection with mergers, acquisitions, financing, or sale of assets, provided the acquiring entity agrees to respect this Privacy Policy.
• Legal Compliance: When required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of A.R.C, our users, or others.

We do not sell personal information to third parties for monetary consideration.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to remember your preferences, authenticate sessions, and analyze traffic patterns. You may adjust cookie settings through your browser or device controls. Disabling cookies may limit certain features of the Services. Where required by law, we obtain your consent before using non-essential cookies.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Criteria used to determine retention periods include the nature of the information, the context of collection, and legal or contractual requirements. When information is no longer needed, we will delete or anonymize it.

7. Security

We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information against accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorized disclosure, or access. However, no security measures are perfect, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. Please use complex passwords and enable available security features to help protect your account.

8. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, restrict, or object to certain processing of your personal information. You may also have the right to data portability and to withdraw consent. To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@arcfoundationstudios.com. We may request additional information to verify your identity. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

Email Communications

You may opt out of marketing emails by following the unsubscribe instructions within the message. We may still send transactional or service-related communications.

Cookies and Analytics

You can manage analytics and advertising cookies using browser controls or opt-out mechanisms offered by our analytics partners.

9. Children’s Privacy

The Services are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your jurisdiction). If we learn that a child has provided personal information without parental consent, we will take steps to delete it.

10. International Data Transfers

We operate in the United States and may transfer personal information to countries that may have different data protection laws than your country of residence. Where required, we implement appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses to protect personal information during transfers.

11. Third-Party Links

The Services may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes to our practices or legal requirements. When we make material changes, we will provide notice through the Services or by email and update the "Last Updated" date above. Your continued use of the Services after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at privacy@arcfoundationstudios.com or by mail at A.R.C Foundation Studios US, 2100 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA.