Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Susumu Fukasawa (hereinafter referred to as "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and manages personal information for the web application "GrassRootsBBS" (hereinafter referred to as "the Service"). We recognize the importance of the personal information entrusted to us by our users and consider its proper handling and protection to be a significant responsibility.

2. Information We Collect and How We Use It

The Service collects the following information and uses it within the scope necessary to achieve the respective purposes of use.

• IP Address
  • To prevent and respond to fraudulent use of the service (e.g., vandalism, spam, impersonation).
  • To monitor server load and for security measures.
• Email Address
  • For user identity verification, account management, and responding to inquiries.
  • To send important notifications, such as system failures or service updates.
• Content of Posts (BBS, Chat, Telegrams, etc.)
  • To provide the service (e.g., information exchange and communication between users).
  • To monitor content and respond to violations of the terms of service based on reports.

3. Use of Cookies, etc.

The Service uses cookies and local storage to improve user convenience. This data is used to maintain login status and save terminal display settings (e.g., font, color scheme). Users can disable cookies through their browser settings, but doing so may prevent some features of the Service from functioning correctly.

4. Sharing of Personal Information with Third Parties

We will not provide personal information to third parties without the user's prior consent, except where permitted by law. However, we may provide information to the extent necessary in the following cases:

• When required by law (e.g., in response to an inquiry from a law enforcement agency).
• When it is necessary for the protection of a person's life, body, or property and it is difficult to obtain the consent of the individual.
• When it is necessary to disclose information to prevent fraudulent use by a user who has violated the terms of service (e.g., providing the minimum necessary information to authorities or related parties for legal action against fraudulent activities).

5. Handling of Posted Information (Public Information)

Information that you post or transmit within the Service, such as on bulletin boards, in chat rooms, or via telegrams (including text, images, and nicknames), will be made public to other users. If you unintentionally post your own or another person's personal information (e.g., name, address, phone number, email address, financial information), that information will also be made public and accessible to an unspecified number of users. We strongly recommend and caution users not to post or write highly confidential or personally identifiable information.

6. Security Measures for Personal Information

To prevent the loss, destruction, alteration, and leakage of collected personal information, we implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures, including:

• Encryption of communications (SSL/TLS).
• Secure storage of passwords through hashing.
• Measures against unauthorized access (e.g., firewalls, IP address-based access restrictions).

7. Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may amend this Privacy Policy due to changes in laws, social conditions, or operational needs of the Service. When we make changes, we will notify users of the content and effective date of the changes through appropriate means, such as by posting on the Service's website or top page. The revised Privacy Policy will become effective from the notified date.

8. Contact Information

For requests regarding the disclosure, correction, or suspension of use of personal information, or for any questions regarding this policy, please contact us at the following:

You can also contact us via our contact form.