HOTASHelper.com™

Work in progress

Privacy Policy

Effective: February 18, 2026

HOTAS Helper™ ("we", "us", "the app") is committed to transparency about how we collect and use your data. This policy explains what information we gather, how it is stored, and your rights regarding that information.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Account Data (Discord OAuth)

When you log in via Discord, we receive and store the following from your Discord profile through Supabase Authentication:

  • Discord user ID
  • Discord username and display name
  • Discord avatar URL

We request only the identify OAuth scope. We do not request access to your email address, friend list, or messages.

1.2 Uploaded Content

When you upload a Star Citizen binding file, we store:

  • The full XML content of the binding file
  • The original file name
  • Detected device information (joystick product strings)
  • Game version metadata extracted from the file

Only one binding file is stored per user per game. Uploading a new file replaces the previous one.

1.3 User Preferences

If you are logged in, we store your device-to-stick selections and custom layout preferences (camera angles, card positions) so your setup is preserved between visits.

1.4 Bug Reports and Feature Requests

When you submit a bug report or feature request, we collect:

  • The text you enter (title, description, steps to reproduce, etc.)
  • Your Discord username, display name, and Discord ID
  • Diagnostic data automatically captured at submission time (app version, current page, browser information, and optionally a screenshot of the current view)
  • Your preference on whether we may contact you via Discord DM for follow-up (ok_to_dm)

Bug reports and feature requests are also posted to a private Discord channel for the development team.

1.5 Visitor Analytics

We collect anonymous and, for logged-in users, pseudonymous analytics to understand how the app is used:

  • Pages visited and timestamps
  • Browser user-agent string
  • HTTP referrer
  • A per-session identifier in session storage (resets when you close the tab)
  • A persistent visitor identifier in local storage (to distinguish returning visitors; you can clear it anytime)
  • If logged in: your Discord ID and username

1.6 Unknown Device Tracking

When a binding file contains a device we don't yet recognize, we record the device's product string and how many times it has been seen. This helps us add support for new hardware. No user identity is linked to this data.

2. How We Use Your Data

  • To provide and improve the HOTAS Helper™ service
  • To save and restore your binding configurations between sessions
  • To investigate and respond to bug reports
  • To identify popular hardware and prioritize device support
  • To understand usage patterns and improve the user experience

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes.

3. Third-Party Services

Your data is processed by the following third-party services:

4. Cookies and Local Storage

HOTAS Helper™ uses session storage (not cookies) for the visitor session identifier, which is cleared when you close your browser tab. Supabase Authentication uses strictly necessary cookies to maintain your login session — these are exempt from consent requirements as they are essential for the service to function.

We do not use any third-party advertising or tracking cookies.

5. Data Retention

  • Binding files: Stored until you upload a replacement or request deletion.
  • Bug reports / feature requests: Retained indefinitely for development reference. Soft-deleted reports are retained with a deletion reason.
  • Visitor analytics: Retained for internal analysis. Session identifiers are not linked to persistent user profiles for anonymous visitors.
  • Account data: Retained as long as your account exists.

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access — Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Rectification — Request correction of inaccurate data.
  • Erasure — Request deletion of your data. We will remove your binding files, layout preferences, and device selections. Bug reports may be anonymized rather than deleted if they contain development-relevant information.
  • Portability — Request your data in a machine-readable format.

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), these rights are provided under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). To exercise any of these rights, contact us via the Discord server or at the contact information below.

7. Children's Privacy

HOTAS Helper™ is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will promptly delete it.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact

For privacy-related questions or data requests, reach us through the HOTAS Helper Discord server or submit a request via the in-app bug report tool.

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