Last updated: July 2026
PhysicsForum.org respects your privacy. This page explains in plain language what data we collect, why we collect it, and how we use it. If anything below is unclear, please contact us.
1. Information We Collect
- Account information. When you register, we store your username, email address, and a salted hash of your password. We never see your plain-text password.
- Profile data. Any optional information you choose to add to your profile — location, institute, biography, profile picture.
- Activity data. Posts, comments, upvotes, badges earned, and notification preferences.
- Technical data. IP address, browser type, device type, referrer, and pages visited — used for security, analytics, and abuse prevention.
- Payment data. If you upgrade to Pro, payment is processed by Razorpay/Stripe. We store only the transaction reference; we never see or store your card number.
2. How We Use Your Information
- To operate PhysicsForum.org — sign you in, deliver replies, render your profile.
- To send important account notifications (security alerts, password resets).
- To send weekly newsletters, only if you opt in. You can opt out from your Settings page at any time.
- To prevent spam, harassment, and abuse.
- To improve the site through anonymised analytics.
3. Information We Do Not Sell
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We do not run third-party behavioural advertising. We do not share your data with data brokers.
4. Cookies
We use cookies for three purposes: keeping you signed in, remembering your preferences (theme, language), and measuring site performance in aggregate. See our Cookie Policy for details.
5. Your Rights
You can, at any time:
- Request a copy of every piece of data we hold about you.
- Correct any information that is inaccurate.
- Delete your account and all associated personal data.
- Withdraw consent for any optional processing (newsletters, analytics).
To exercise any of these rights, contact privacy@physicsforum.org. We respond within 30 days.
6. Data Retention
Account data is retained while your account is active. If you delete your account, personal data is removed within 30 days. Public posts you authored may remain but will be displayed with an anonymised author.
7. Children
PhysicsForum is not directed at children under 13 and we do not knowingly collect data from them. If you believe a child under 13 has registered, please contact us and we will remove the account.
8. Changes to this Policy
We may update this policy occasionally. Material changes will be announced on the homepage at least 14 days before taking effect.