Privacy Policy for MetalCountdown.com

Last updated: October 2025

At MetalCountdown.com, your privacy matters to us.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data when you visit our website or use our services.


1. Who we are

MetalCountdown.com is an independent online platform that provides countdown tools and music-related content for metal fans worldwide.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact us at:
[email protected]


2. Data we collect

We collect and process the following types of personal data:


a) Information you provide directly

  • When creating an account: username, email address, and password
  • When updating your profile: optional information such as avatar, preferences, or bio
  • When contacting us: name, email, and any details you include in your message


b) Information collected automatically

When you visit our website, we automatically collect limited technical data such as:

  • IP address (anonymized where possible)
  • Browser type and version
  • Operating system
  • Time and duration of visit
  • Pages viewed and interactions


c) Cookies and similar technologies

We use cookies to make our website function properly, remember your preferences, and analyze usage.
Some cookies may be stored even if you are not logged in.

For detailed information, please see our Cookie Policy.


3. Member accounts and database storage

If you register for a user account on MetalCountdown.com, we securely store certain personal information in our internal database.
This includes:

  • Your username and email address
  • A hashed (encrypted) version of your password
  • Account settings and preferences
  • Optional profile information you choose to share
  • Timestamps for account creation, last login, and activity

We use this information to:

  • Authenticate your login and maintain your session
  • Manage user profiles and settings
  • Prevent abuse and maintain security
  • Improve our community and user features

Your account data is stored securely in our managed database located within the European Economic Area (EEA).
Only authorized administrators have access to this data, and all passwords are encrypted using industry-standard hashing algorithms.


4. How we use your data

We use your data to:

  • Provide and operate our website and features
  • Manage registered user accounts
  • Maintain performance, security, and functionality
  • Analyze traffic and usage trends (via Google Analytics or similar tools)
  • Display embedded media (e.g., YouTube videos)
  • Communicate with you when you contact us
  • Fulfill legal obligations

We do not sell or rent your personal data to any third parties.


5. Legal basis for processing

We process personal data based on:

  • Consent — for analytics, cookies, and embedded media that require your approval
  • Contract — to provide registered users access to their accounts and features
  • Legitimate interest — to maintain security and prevent misuse
  • Legal obligation — when required by law or regulatory authorities


6. Data retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes described above:

  • Account data: stored as long as your account remains active
  • Analytics data: up to 24 months (in anonymized form)
  • Contact requests: up to 12 months after your last communication

If you delete your account, your personal data is permanently removed from our database within 30 days, except for data required by law or for system integrity.


7. Data sharing

We may share limited data with trusted third parties who help us operate the site:

  • Google Analytics — to collect anonymized visitor statistics
  • Hosting provider — for server and database management
  • Security and monitoring tools — to protect against spam and misuse

All partners are GDPR-compliant and process data only on our behalf, under strict data protection agreements.


7.1 Embedded YouTube videos

Some pages on MetalCountdown.com include embedded videos from YouTube, operated by Google Ireland Limited.
When you view or interact with a YouTube video on our site, certain technical data (such as your IP address, browser details, and possible cookies) may be transmitted to YouTube.

We use YouTube’s privacy-enhanced mode whenever possible, which limits data collection until you start playback.
However, once you click “play”, YouTube may collect information in accordance with its own privacy policy.

For more details, please read Google’s privacy policy:
🔗 https://policies.google.com/privacy


8. Data storage and security

Your personal data is securely stored within the European Economic Area (EEA).
We use HTTPS encryption, password hashing, and limited administrative access to protect your data from unauthorized access or disclosure.


9. Your rights under GDPR

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Request deletion (“right to be forgotten”)
  • Withdraw consent at any time
  • Restrict or object to certain processing
  • Receive a copy of your data (data portability)


To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected]
We will respond within 30 days as required by GDPR.


10. Children’s privacy

MetalCountdown.com is not intended for users under the age of 16.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors.
If you believe that a child has provided data to us, please contact us immediately.


11. Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
All updates will be posted on this page with the revised date.
We encourage you to review it periodically to stay informed about how we protect your data.


12. Contact

If you have questions, requests, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or how we process your data, contact us at:
[email protected]