1. Overview

This privacy policy outlines how FastGH3 (hereinafter referred to as "the software") collects, uses, and protects information that may be generated or shared as a result of using the software. The software respects your privacy, and no personally identifiable information (PII) is collected, stored, or shared, except for specific cases outlined below, which are strictly for error diagnosis and feature functionality.

2. Data Collection

The software does not collect or transmit user data to third parties. Only diagnostic logs are collected to assist in debugging and improving the software. Logs may include:

• Program logs containing printed errors.
• Software version information (build date, version number, git branch).
• Name/path of the user's temporary directory.
• Paths of user input files (.chart or MIDI sequences, rhythm game data).
• One of the user input files may be included (such as .chart or MIDI files).
• System language when localization information is printed as part of native error reporting.
• Paths to external software used by the mod (such as FFmpeg, 7-Zip, WinRAR) for performance improvements over the mod's stock utilities or for compatibility with a wider range of formats.

These logs are handled by the integral part of the software known as the "launcher" and not by the game executable itself. The data collected is strictly used for diagnostics and error resolution.

3. Portable Functionality

The software modifies the original game executable to no longer require administrative privileges to start playing. This allows the mod to run portably from any location without relying on having a fixed installation path. However, certain optional features, such as file association or URL protocol, mentioned below, may add registry keys for usability, which also require admin privileges.

4. Optional File Association and URL Protocol

The installer and an optional script file may add registry keys to:

• Enable file association, allowing input files to be opened directly by the software when a file is clicked on.
• Support the "fastgh3://" custom URL protocol, which opens the launcher when opening a public direct file link to a song ZIP. The file is then downloaded and processed by the software so it is instantly playable.

These features are optional and can be skipped if using the portable version. The software will function properly without these registry modifications.

5. Use of User Input Files

The software allows users to select and play songs from input files (.chart or MIDI sequences). These files, their directories, and related files (e.g., audio, videos, album covers) are not modified by the software. Only files within the installation directory or specific system locations (such as AppData/Local/Aspyr/FastGH3, AppData/Local/Temp) will be modified to store settings or temporary data.

6. Google Drive Integration

For support with Chorus Encore (a curator website for rhythm game songs hosted on Google Drive) or Google Drive itself, an online script is usable that enables downloading and playing songs directly from Drive. This process:

• Requires user authorization to access Google Drive due to anonymous API restrictions.
• Creates a temporary zipped copy of the song in the user's Drive.
• Publicizes the temp ZIP for anonymous download by the launcher, and opens the created ZIP using the above URL protocol.

An exception to this is if the target songs to download are stored in ZIPs on Drive instead of in raw folders, a Google account won't be required to download them. The script's code is public and open source, ensuring transparency. If the user decides not to utilize this feature directly but stills want the end result, they will have to manually download the song's folder as a ZIP using Drive or use Chorus Encore's own download mechanism as alternatives.

7. Temporary File Usage

Some files may be temporarily stored in the user's temp directory during processes such as file extraction. Future versions aim to handle such operations entirely in memory, eliminating the need for temporary files.

8. Limitations on Proprietary Game Executable

The game executable and associated libraries (e.g., DLLs, middleware like Bink and FMOD) are proprietary and restricted to operating within their installation directory and AppData folder. They:

• Do not modify system-related files or settings.
• Do not connect to the internet, except for patched online multiplayer functionality.
• Have deprecated connections to in-game advertising or other external services rendered non-functional by the mod.

9. Modding and Plugin Support

The mod supports plugins and script-based mods for customizing the game executable. Prepackaged plugins (e.g., core.dll, FastGH3.dll, modifiers.dll) are essential for core features and do not modify system files. All plugins and mods, whether included or user-created, are open source. The proprietary game executable remains closed source unless fully reverse-engineered in the future.

10. Security of Data

All logs and files uploaded to the developer's server for diagnostic purposes are protected and will not be shared publicly unless deemed necessary (e.g., for addressing critical issues via internet posts or GitHub issues). The developer is committed to maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of all user data submitted through error logs.

10. Code Transparency

All the code made for this project, with the exception of (upcoming) Online, is open source, publicized, and decompileable. Users can examine its functionality or use debuggers to verify its behavior.

12. Changes to This Policy

The developer reserves the right to update this policy. Any significant changes will be communicated through software updates or announcements. Continued use of the software following the changes signifies your acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding this privacy policy, please contact the developer at [email protected].