Privacy Policy

1) Information we collect

We collect information in the following ways:

A. Information you provide

• Optional account information: If you choose to provide a name and/or email address, we collect only what you provide.
• Commenting as a guest: You can comment using the blog comment section without providing any information.
• Comment account (optional): If you want the ability to edit your comments and/or use your account again in the future, you may provide an email address and create a password.
• Account security: We encrypt passwords provided for account access, so we do not view users' plaintext passwords.
• Account-related messages: If you contact us (including for privacy requests), we may collect the information included in your message.

B. Information collected automatically

When you use the Site, we may automatically collect certain information, such as:

• Device and usage data (e.g., pages viewed, clicks, approximate location derived from IP address, browser type, and approximate device information)
• Technical identifiers used for security, anti-abuse, and analytics (e.g., IP address, user agent)

C. Downloads of 3D models

If you download files, we may record standard server logs related to the download (for example, to keep the Site secure and to understand usage). We do not require you to provide personal information in order to download.

2) How we use information

We use information for purposes including:

• Operating and maintaining the Site
• Security and abuse prevention, including investigating and addressing violations of our Terms of Use
• Account functionality, including supporting anonymous use and, if you provide an email/name, managing your account and comment-related features
• Analytics and improving the Site, including understanding how visitors use the blog and download models
• Responding to privacy requests and user inquiries
• Moderation and enforcement, including handling user-reported issues and addressing offensive, abusive, or policy-violating behavior

We do not run advertisements on the Site.

3) Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use the Site, such as which pages are viewed and how users navigate.

Google Analytics may use cookies and similar technologies to collect information about your activity on the Site and to generate analytics reports. You can manage or opt out of certain tracking tools via your browser settings and/or Google's tools.

Because we currently do not use a cookie banner tool, you may not see a consent prompt. When we implement cookie/consent controls in the future, the Site will provide you with relevant choices for analytics-related cookies where required.

4) Account data and privacy choices

You may use the Site without providing personal information by commenting as a guest (if you choose to comment).

If you voluntarily provide your name and/or email address (for example, for an optional comment-editing account), we use it only to support account-related functions and to communicate with you if necessary (for example, responding to account or request-related messages).

We do not require a real name or email address that would disclose your identity.

5) Comments, moderation, and removed/archived content

The Site may allow user comments. You can comment as a guest without providing any information.

If you choose to provide an email address and create a password, you may use that account to edit your comments and/or use your account again in the future.

We may remove or archive comments if we believe they violate our Terms of Use, are offensive, abusive, or otherwise inappropriate. We may also keep limited records associated with comments when needed to enforce our policies, protect safety and security, respond to reports, and comply with applicable laws.

6) Sharing of information

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share information in limited circumstances, such as:

• Service providers that help us operate the Site (for example, hosting providers and analytics providers)
• When required for security, legal compliance, or enforcement of our Terms of Use
• With trusted vendors supporting our operations, with appropriate safeguards

We may also share information if doing so is necessary to protect rights, safety, or security, or to respond to lawful requests.

Affiliate links / future marketing: At present, the Site does not use advertisements. We may use affiliate links in the future. If affiliate links are used, clicks may involve third parties and you will be subject to those third parties' privacy practices.

7) International users and data transfers

Your information may be processed in the United States and in other countries where our service providers operate. These transfers are used to operate the Site and provide analytics and hosting services.

8) Children's privacy

We do not knowingly collect personal information from users under age 13.

If you believe a child has provided us personal information, please contact us so we can take appropriate action.

9) Data retention

We retain personal information for as long as reasonably necessary to:

• Provide the Site's features
• Maintain security and prevent abuse
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce policies

Inactive user accounts are deleted, along with their complete account data, after 1 year of inactivity. We may keep comment data (including identifying information associated with comments) when required to do so by applicable local laws.

10) Your rights and choices

Depending on where you live, you may have rights regarding your personal information, such as:

• Request access to information we hold
• Request correction or deletion
• Object to certain processing (where applicable)
• Withdraw consent (where applicable)

To make a request, email contact@theambientform.com.

11) Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. No system is 100% secure, but we work to protect your data.

12) Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the Effective date at the top.

13) Contact us

For privacy questions or requests, contact: contact@theambientform.com