Privacy & Cookie Policy

    Last updated: February 4, 2026

    At Best Minecraft Server List ("we", "us", or "our"), we are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy & Cookie Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website BestMinecraftServerList.net, submit servers, vote, or use our services.

    1. Information We Collect

    We collect minimal data necessary to operate a community-driven Minecraft server directory:

    • Account Data: When you create an account � username, email, hashed password (using bcrypt).
    • Server Submissions: IP address, port, name, description, tags, banner/screenshots (uploaded by owners).
    • Interaction Data: Votes, comments, reports, favorites, view history.
    • Technical & Usage Data: IP address (anonymized where possible), browser type/version, device info, OS, referral source, pages visited, timestamps.
    • Cookies & Similar Tech: See dedicated Cookie section below.

    2. How We Use Your Information

    We process your data only for legitimate purposes:

    • Operate, maintain, and improve the server list and ranking system
    • Process server claims, submissions, votes, and moderation
    • Prevent spam, abuse, DDoS attempts, vote manipulation
    • Send important account/service emails (e.g., password reset, verification)
    • Generate anonymized analytics to understand popular game modes
    • Comply with legal obligations

    3. Data Sharing & Third Parties

    We do not sell your personal data. We may share anonymized or aggregated data. Limited sharing occurs with:

    • Hosting/cloud providers (for storage & uptime)
    • Analytics tools (Google Analytics � IP anonymized)
    • Email services (for transactional emails)
    • Legal authorities when required by law

    4. Data Security

    We use industry-standard safeguards: encryption in transit (TLS 1.3), at-rest encryption, secure hashing for passwords, rate limiting, and regular security audits. However, no internet transmission or storage is 100% secure � we cannot guarantee absolute security.

    5. Cookie Policy

    We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze usage, and ensure site functionality. This section complies with GDPR, ePrivacy Directive, CCPA/CPRA, and similar laws.

    5.1 What Are Cookies?

    Cookies are small text files stored on your device. They help the site remember preferences, stay logged in, and understand usage patterns.

    5.2 Cookie Categories & Purposes

    CategoryPurposeExamplesDuration
    EssentialEnable core functionality (login, voting, navigation)Session auth, CSRF tokensSession or 1 year
    PreferencesRemember settings (dark mode, filters)Theme preferenceUp to 1 year
    AnalyticsUnderstand site usage, improve rankings & UXGoogle Analytics (anonymized IP)Up to 2 years
    MarketingPromote relevant server ads (optional)Ad network pixels (rarely used)Up to 90 days

    5.3 Managing Cookies

    You can manage preferences via our cookie banner (accept/reject granularly). Most browsers allow blocking/deleting cookies in settings. Note: disabling essential cookies may break site features like voting or login.

    For Google Analytics opt-out: visit Google Analytics Opt-out.

    6. Your Privacy Rights

    Depending on your location (GDPR, CCPA, etc.), you may have rights to:

    • Access, correct, or delete your data
    • Object to or restrict processing
    • Data portability
    • Withdraw consent (where applicable)
    • Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

    Contact us at the email below to exercise rights.

    7. Children's Privacy

    Our services are not directed to children under 13 (or 16 in some jurisdictions). We do not knowingly collect data from children. If we become aware of such data, we will delete it.

    8. International Transfers

    Data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your jurisdiction (e.g., US-based cloud providers). We use appropriate safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses) to protect transfers.

    9. Changes to This Policy

    We may update this policy. Changes will be posted here with an updated date. Significant changes may be notified via email or site notice.

    10. Contact Us

    For questions, rights requests, or concerns: use our Contact Form or email [email protected].