Who we are
VNC.com is a community and education site operated by RealVNC Limited. RealVNC Limited is the data controller for personal data about community members. This means it decides why and how that data is used. Partners that provide site hosting, email delivery, security, and similar services act as processors under our instructions.
This policy covers VNC.com accounts, profiles, posts, and normal use of the site. A third-party website or service linked from VNC.com has its own privacy terms.
Data we collect
When you register, we collect your username, email address, and a password hash. We do not store your plain-text password. You may choose to add a display name. We also store content you submit, including posts and replies.
Our systems create technical logs when you visit or use the site. These can include an IP address, browser and device information, requested pages, dates and times, login events, and security signals. Optional analytics data is collected only when you consent to analytics cookies. Please see the Cookie Policy.
Why and how we use data
| Purpose | Examples | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Run the community | Create accounts, publish profiles and posts, send service messages | Contract |
| Keep the service safe | Prevent abuse, investigate incidents, secure accounts | Legitimate interests |
| Moderate content | Review reports, apply community rules, handle appeals | Contract and legitimate interests |
| Understand site use | Optional audience analytics | Consent |
Our legitimate interests are operating a useful, secure, and well-moderated technical community. We consider the effect on members before relying on this basis. Transactional email, such as account verification and password reset messages, is sent through our hosting provider’s email relay, operated by MailChannels, which processes this data in Canada and the United States.
Who receives data
Public profile details and posts are visible to site visitors. We share other data only with service providers that need it to deliver VNC.com, when required by law, or when needed to protect the rights and safety of members, the public, or the service. Processors must protect the data and may use it only to provide their contracted service.
How long we keep data
We keep account data while your account exists. After a valid account deletion request, we delete account data within 30 days, except for limited records we must keep for legal, security, fraud-prevention, or dispute purposes. Public posts may be anonymized rather than removed where retaining the discussion preserves useful context. Security logs are kept only as long as reasonably needed for investigation and service protection.
Your rights
Depending on the law that applies, your rights may include access, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, and objection. You may object to processing based on legitimate interests and withdraw consent for optional cookies at any time. Withdrawing consent does not affect earlier lawful processing.
To make a data-subject request, email privacy@vnc.com. We may need to confirm your identity before acting. If you are unhappy with our response, you can complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Security and policy changes
We use access controls and password hashing to reduce privacy risk. No internet service can guarantee absolute security, so members should use a unique password and keep account recovery details current. We may update this policy when the service or law changes. We will post the revised version here and highlight material changes where appropriate.