Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Aethera.

Aethera is a private AI storyworld studio designed for writers, roleplayers, worldbuilders, and anyone who wants a place to create.

Privacy has always been one of Aethera's core principles. Your worlds, stories, and creative work are personal, and we believe you deserve to understand exactly how your information is handled.

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, why we collect it, how it's used, and the choices available to you. By using Aethera, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Choose to Provide

• Account information: Email address, username, display name, and password when you create an account
• Profile information: Nickname, avatar, and preferences you choose to provide
• Story content: Stories, characters, world entries, notes, and other creative content you create
• Chat messages: Messages you exchange with the AI Game Master and any in-game content
• Support requests: Information you provide when you contact us for help

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device information: Device type, operating system, browser type, and unique device identifiers
• Usage information: Features you use, actions you take, and time spent on the Service
• Error logs: IP address, access times, pages viewed, referring URLs, and diagnostic information when something goes wrong
• Cookies: Information collected through cookies and similar technologies (see the Cookies section below)

2.3 Information from Third Parties

If you choose to link your account with third-party services (such as Google or Apple), we may receive information from those services in accordance with their privacy policies and your privacy settings.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the Service
• Process and store your stories, characters, and creative content
• Generate AI responses and narrative content tailored to your stories
• Personalize your experience and remember your preferences
• Communicate with you about updates, features, and support
• Monitor and analyze usage patterns and trends
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues and security threats
• Comply with legal obligations

4. AI Processing

AI is the heart of Aethera.

To generate responses, maintain continuity, and remember story context, certain information must be processed during your sessions. Depending on the features you use, this may include:

• Messages
• Story context
• Character information
• World entries
• Memories
• Campaign history

Your session content is processed only to provide the experience you requested.

We do not use your personal stories or private campaigns to train AI models without your explicit permission.

We may use third-party AI services to power certain features. These providers are bound by data processing agreements.

5. Bring Your Own AI Provider (BYOA)

One of Aethera's core features allows you to connect your own AI providers using your own API keys.

When you use a personal API key:

• Aethera sends your requests to the provider you selected, using your key.
• Your API keys are stored encrypted, are never shared with anyone else, and can be removed at any time.
• Your usage is subject to that provider's privacy policy and terms.
• Aethera does not use your prompts to train AI models.
• We do not claim ownership of your creative work (see our Terms of Service).

Examples of supported providers include Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, DeepSeek, and xAI.

6. When We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information.

We only share information when it's necessary to operate Aethera or when required by law:

• Service Providers: With third-party vendors who perform services on our behalf (hosting, analytics, customer support)
• AI Processing: With AI service providers to generate content (subject to data processing agreements)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, legal process, or government request
• Safety and Rights: To protect the safety, rights, or property of Aethera, our users, or the public
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share information

7. Data Storage and Security

7.1 Data Storage

Your data is stored on secure servers. We use industry-standard cloud infrastructure providers with robust security measures in place.

7.2 Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication mechanisms
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls and monitoring

However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7.3 Your Data

Whenever possible, we believe your work should remain yours. That's why Aethera includes export features, allowing you to keep copies of your stories and worldbuilding outside the platform.

8. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you services. Specifically:

• Account Data: Retained until you delete your account
• Story Content: Retained until you delete it or your account
• Deleted Content: Recoverable for 30 days, then permanently deleted
• Usage Logs: Typically retained for 90 days
• Legal Compliance: Some data may be retained longer if required by law

9. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data
• Export: Request a portable copy of your data
• Opt-Out: Opt out of certain data uses or marketing communications
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

To exercise these rights, please contact us at aetheraink@gmail.com or use the Data Controls section in your account settings.

10. Transparency

One of Aethera's core principles is transparency. Whenever practical, Aethera explains how AI features work instead of hiding them.

This includes features such as:

• Token usage
• Prompt caching
• AI provider selection
• Memory usage
• Story context

We believe understanding how the system works helps you make informed decisions about your own creative work.

11. Cookies

We use a small number of cookies and similar technologies to keep Aethera working properly. These help with things like:

• Keeping you signed in
• Remembering your preferences
• Improving reliability
• Understanding general usage trends

We don't use cookies to sell your information.

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling cookies may affect your ability to use certain features of the Service.

12. Children's Privacy

The Service 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. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

13. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. These countries may have different data protection laws. When we transfer your information, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with applicable law.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. For significant changes, we may also send you a notification via email or through the Service. Your continued use of the Service after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

15. Additional Rights for Specific Regions

15.1 European Economic Area (GDPR)

If you are in the EEA, you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority.

15.2 California (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information is collected and the right to opt out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information.

15.3 Other Jurisdictions

Residents of other jurisdictions may have additional rights under local law. Please contact us to learn more about your specific rights.

16. Questions?

If something in this policy doesn't make sense, we'd rather explain it than hide behind legal language.

Email: aetheraink@gmail.com

17. Our Philosophy

Aethera wasn't created to collect data. It was created to help people create.

Every decision about privacy follows a simple question:

"Does this help the user, or only us?"

If it only benefits us, we try not to do it.