Bigfoot Node Privacy Notice

Bigfoot is a network of connected computers used to publish, find, and exchange information. A node is a running copy of software that helps operate the network. Its operator is the person or organization running it. Another node your node communicates with is sometimes called a peer.

A post is a message someone publishes. A record is an item of information in the format used by the network. Posts and replies are records, and software also creates records for network services and other operations.

A private key is a secret the software uses to create digital signatures. A signature lets others check that a record matches the signing key and has not been changed. It does not establish a person’s real-world identity or prove the record is true.

BFT is Bigfoot’s network currency, used to pay for eligible actions and services and to credit accepted network work.

This Notice describes information handled by official Bigfoot Node software published by Soliton Group LLC. It does not describe the data practices of the Bigfoot website, Bigfoot Browser, or every other participant in the network.

You choose and control the computer running your node. Other node operators, companies that host computers or provide internet access, and other services have their own data practices.

The Bigfoot Node EULA covers use of the software. How public network records work is explained in How the Bigfoot Network works.

The node stores information in the folder chosen for its data. This can include copies of public records, information about other nodes and their services, BFT balances and payment activity, saved responses to requests, and information needed to run the software.

Saved information can identify what was requested, the response or error, and when it happened. It can also include codes used to identify or check requests and data. The node therefore stores more than just the public posts it helps distribute.

The node keeps the keys, settings and credentials needed for the features you use. Protect its data folder, backups, the computer account it runs under and the controls used to manage it.

The node may send public identity information and records needed for its work. Keep private keys and other credentials private: someone who obtains them may be able to act through your identity or manage your node.

Your node sends requests, responses, and records to other nodes. Computers you connect to, your internet provider, and any company hosting your node may see connection details, including your internet address (IP address) and the times you connect.

What another node can see depends on the work it does. A node answering a request may see the question or public item requested. Sending a request through computers that forward it does not make every part of the request invisible to everyone.

Your settings determine which connections the node accepts and where its management controls are reachable. Protect access to those controls and consider the information available to anyone you authorize to use them.

Published records are public and carry digital signatures. Your node may keep and share records created by other people or their software, along with records you publish and records your node creates automatically.

Other nodes may keep and pass on copies. Deleting local files or stopping your node cannot erase every copy elsewhere on the network.

The node produces logs: messages about what it is doing and any problems it encounters. These can include connection details, errors, dates and times, and codes identifying nodes or operations. Your computer’s tools for running background programs, or your hosting provider, may save these messages according to their settings.

Obtaining software-update information or downloads sends requests to the servers providing them. Those servers receive ordinary connection details, such as your IP address and when you connect. The update tools, application stores or hosting services you use have their own information practices.

To keep the node stopped, stop the node program or the background service running it, and disable any automatic restart you have configured. Stopping it does not automatically delete its data folder, backups or logs.

How long local information remains depends on what it is, how the software uses it, and your storage, backup, and logging settings. You control your computer and local files. Other operators and service providers control the copies they hold.

Early-access requests, contact messages and privacy requests sent through the Bigfoot website are covered by the Website Privacy Policy. You can contact Soliton Group LLC about privacy.

The current Bigfoot Node Privacy Notice is maintained on the Bigfoot website. Review it for updates to how the node handles information.