1. Scope and who to contact
This Privacy Policy applies to the FernPixels website at fernpixels.com (the “Site”). FernPixels is an independent editorial site that helps people discover free-to-play online video games. We do not host the featured games, create player accounts, process payments or operate a gaming wallet.
For privacy questions, requests or complaints, contact our privacy contact at privacy@fernpixels.com. Please do not send passwords, government identifiers or sensitive game-account information.
2. Information we collect
Information you provide
If you email us, we receive the information you choose to include, such as your email address, name, message and any related correspondence. If we later offer a newsletter or submission form, we will explain the collection at the point where you provide information and ask for any consent that is required.
Information generated when you use the Site
The current Site stores your cookie preference in your browser's local storage. That record contains whether optional analytics are allowed and the date the choice was saved. It stays on your device unless you clear browser data. The current build does not set advertising cookies, build behavioural advertising profiles or sell personal information.
Like most web hosting services, our hosting provider may create standard security and access logs containing an IP address, browser type, requested URL, date and time, referrer, and error information. We use such logs only where reasonably necessary to deliver, secure and troubleshoot the Site.
Information we do not seek
- payment-card, bank or cryptocurrency wallet details;
- game account passwords or authentication codes;
- government identifiers, health data or other sensitive information;
- precise location data; or
- information for gambling, prize or withdrawal activity.
3. How we use information
We may use the limited information described above to:
- respond to questions, correction requests and editorial feedback;
- operate the Site and remember privacy preferences;
- diagnose technical problems, prevent misuse and maintain security;
- understand aggregated Site performance if optional analytics are introduced and you consent;
- protect our legal rights and comply with lawful requirements; and
- keep an appropriate record of correspondence and resolved complaints.
We do not use personal information for automated decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects. We do not sell or rent personal information.
4. Collection and use principles
We aim to handle personal information consistently with New Zealand's Privacy Act 2020 and its information privacy principles. In particular, we collect information only for a lawful purpose connected with the Site, limit collection to what is reasonably necessary, and use it for the purpose for which it was collected unless another use is authorised by law or by you.
Where a service is optional, you may choose not to provide information. That choice may mean we cannot respond to a message or provide that optional service, but it will not prevent ordinary browsing of the Site.
6. Retention and security
We retain personal information only for as long as it is reasonably needed for the purpose for which it was collected, to resolve a dispute, maintain security or meet a legal obligation. Routine correspondence is periodically reviewed and deleted when no longer required. Hosting security logs are retained according to the operational schedule of the relevant hosting provider.
We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards appropriate to the limited information we hold. No internet transmission or storage system can be guaranteed completely secure. If a privacy breach is likely to cause serious harm, we will follow applicable notification obligations.
7. Your privacy rights
Subject to the Privacy Act 2020, you may ask whether we hold personal information about you, request access to it, or ask us to correct it. If we do not make a requested correction, you may ask us to attach a statement of correction where the law provides.
Email privacy@fernpixels.com with “Privacy request” in the subject line. Tell us enough to identify the relevant information; we may need to verify that the request relates to you. We will respond within the timeframe required by applicable law.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may raise a concern with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.
8. Children's privacy
FernPixels is a general-audience editorial site, not a service designed to collect information from children. We encourage parents and guardians to review a featured game's age rating, online interaction and publisher privacy settings before a child plays. If you believe a child has sent us personal information unnecessarily, contact us so we can review and delete it where appropriate.
9. External links and game services
Game cards link to publisher or platform websites. Those third parties determine how they collect and use information, including account, telemetry and purchase data. Review their privacy notices before creating an account or downloading a game. A link from FernPixels does not make us responsible for a third party's privacy or security practices.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy when the Site, our providers or legal requirements change. We will publish the updated version here and change the effective date. If a change materially affects how previously collected personal information is used, we will provide an appropriate notice or seek consent where required.
Questions? Email privacy@fernpixels.com.