Privacy Policy - Volume Shader BM

1. Introduction

Volume Shader BM ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our GPU benchmarking software and related services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

Account Information: Email address, username, and password when creating an account
Profile Information: Optional information such as name, location, and hardware preferences
Communications: Messages you send to us through support channels or feedback forms
Survey Data: Responses to voluntary surveys about Volume Shader BM usage

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

System Information: Hardware specifications, operating system, driver versions
Performance Data: Benchmark results, GPU utilization, temperature readings, power consumption
Usage Analytics: Software usage patterns, feature utilization, crash reports
Technical Data: IP address, device identifiers, browser information, log files

2.3 Optional Data Collection

Volume Shader BM includes optional telemetry features that can be enabled or disabled:

Benchmark Results Sharing: Anonymous performance results for database improvement
Error Reporting: Crash dumps and error logs to improve software stability
Usage Statistics: Aggregated usage patterns to enhance user experience

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Primary Uses

Providing and improving Volume Shader BM benchmarking services
Processing and displaying benchmark results and comparisons
Maintaining and optimizing software performance and stability
Providing customer support and responding to inquiries
Communicating updates, new features, and important notices

3.2 Analytics and Improvements

Analyzing usage patterns to improve software functionality
Developing new features and benchmarking capabilities
Creating anonymized performance databases for hardware comparison
Ensuring compatibility with new hardware and drivers

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 We Do Not Sell Personal Information

Volume Shader BM does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for commercial purposes.

4.2 Limited Sharing

We may share information in the following circumstances:

Service Providers: Trusted third parties who assist in operating our services
Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation
Business Transfers: In connection with mergers, acquisitions, or asset sales
Safety and Security: To protect users' safety and prevent fraudulent activity

4.3 Anonymous Data Sharing

We may share aggregated, anonymized benchmark data with:

Hardware manufacturers for product development insights
Research institutions for academic studies
Industry analysts for market research
The general public through performance databases and reports

5. Data Security

5.1 Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

Encryption of data in transit using TLS/SSL protocols
Encryption of sensitive data at rest
Access controls and authentication systems
Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
Secure software development practices

5.2 Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to provide services and comply with legal obligations:

Account Data: Retained while your account is active or as needed for services
Benchmark Results: Stored indefinitely for comparison purposes (anonymized after 2 years)
Usage Logs: Retained for 12 months for operational purposes
Communications: Retained for 3 years for support and legal compliance

6. Your Privacy Rights

6.1 Access and Control

You have the right to:

Access your personal information and benchmark data
Update or correct your account information
Delete your account and associated data
Export your benchmark results and data
Opt-out of optional data collection features

6.2 Data Portability

Volume Shader BM provides data export features allowing you to download:

Complete benchmark result history
Account information and preferences
Performance comparison data
Hardware configuration records

6.3 Communication Preferences

You can control communications by:

Adjusting email notification settings in your account
Unsubscribing from marketing communications
Disabling in-app notifications and updates

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

7.1 Cookie Usage

Volume Shader BM uses cookies and similar technologies for:

Essential Cookies: Required for basic website and software functionality
Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
Analytics Cookies: Help us understand usage patterns and improve services

7.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through:

Browser settings to block or delete cookies
Volume Shader BM privacy settings
Third-party opt-out tools for analytics services

8. Children's Privacy

Volume Shader BM is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will delete that information promptly.

9. International Data Transfers

Volume Shader BM operates globally and may transfer your information to countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information during international transfers, including:

Standard contractual clauses approved by regulatory authorities
Adequacy decisions for countries with equivalent privacy protections
Certification schemes such as Privacy Shield (where applicable)

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by:

Posting the updated policy on our website
Sending email notifications to registered users
Displaying in-app notifications about policy changes
Updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy

11. Regional Privacy Rights

11.1 European Union (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Union, you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including:

Right to object to processing of your personal data
Right to restrict processing in certain circumstances
Right to data portability
Right to withdraw consent at any time
Right to lodge a complaint with supervisory authorities

11.2 California (CCPA)

California residents have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

Right to know what personal information is collected and how it's used
Right to delete personal information
Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

12. Effective Date

This Privacy Policy is effective as of August 15, 2025, and applies to all information collected by Volume Shader BM from that date forward.