Privacy & Data Protection

badge1. Who we are and why this page exists

HotSwingers is a private, adults-only (18+) community for couples and individuals who share the swinging lifestyle. The nature of this site makes discretion and data security our absolute priority.

This page explains what information we collect when you create a profile and use the site, what we use it for, who we share it with (in short: nobody) and what rights you have under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) and applicable Romanian law.

person2. What data we collect

We collect only what the community needs to function:

• check_circleAccount data: username (nickname), password (stored only as a hash, never in clear text), email address and, optionally, phone number.
• check_circleProfile data: profile type, partner nicknames, date of birth (to confirm you are 18+), city, country and the physical attributes you declare.
• check_circleUploaded content: the photos, videos and texts you choose to publish in your profile and albums.
• check_circleMessages: private conversations with other members, needed to deliver your messages and to investigate reported abuse.
• check_circleTechnical data: IP address and browser type at registration and at each sign-in — used strictly for security (preventing duplicate accounts, fraud and unauthorised access).

photo_library3. How we protect your photos and videos

We know photos and videos are the most sensitive data you entrust to us. Therefore:

• check_circleNothing is public. Photos and videos can be seen only by signed-in members with a valid profile. Content pages are excluded from search-engine indexing (Google, Bing, etc.).
• check_circleYou decide who sees them. Each album has access rights you grant member by member; you can revoke access at any time.
• check_circleAutomatic watermark. Photos displayed on the site carry the HotSwingers mark, to discourage copying and redistribution.
• check_circleNo metadata. Hidden information in photo files (EXIF data: GPS location, phone model, date) is removed on upload.
• check_circleNo third-party access. Files are never passed to any other company, advertising platform or external analytics service.
• check_circleZero tolerance for abuse. Downloading, capturing or publishing other members' photos outside the site leads to permanent account deletion and IP blocking, and we cooperate with the authorities when requested.

verified_user4. Profile verification

So that all members are real, new profiles are verified manually by administrators before becoming active. In some cases we may ask for a short validation by video call, SMS or email.

These checks are not recorded or kept: their only purpose is to confirm that the person in the profile exists and matches the photos. After validation the profile receives a "verified" badge.

key5. Passwords, sign-in and security

• check_circleYour password is stored only as a cryptographic hash; not even administrators can see it. We recommend a unique password of at least 8 characters.
• check_circleSign-in is protected against repeated attempts (temporary lock after several wrong passwords) and against CSRF attacks.
• check_circleEvery sign-in is logged (date, IP, browser) so that you and we can detect unauthorised access.
• check_circleThe "keep me signed in" option uses a signed cookie that is automatically invalidated when you change your password.
• check_circleCommunication with the site takes place over a secure connection (HTTPS).

settings6. How we use the data

We use the data exclusively to:

• check_circlecreate and display your profile to other members, according to your settings;
• check_circledeliver private messages and the notifications you have enabled;
• check_circleorganise the parties and events you sign up for;
• check_circleprevent fraud, duplicate accounts and abusive behaviour;
• check_circlecomply with legal obligations.
• check_circleWe do not sell, rent or pass on your data to third parties for marketing purposes. We use no external advertising networks and build no commercial profiles from your activity.

info7. Cookies

We use only strictly necessary cookies: the session cookie (to keep you signed in during your visit), the optional "keep me signed in" cookie and the cookie that remembers your language (RO/EN). We use no third-party tracking or advertising cookies.

schedule8. How long we keep the data

• check_circleProfile data and uploaded content: for as long as your account is active.
• check_circleWhen the account is deleted, the profile, photos, videos and messages are removed; for a limited period we keep only the minimum information needed to prevent duplicate accounts and abuse (for example, a marker that the email address has been used).
• check_circleTechnical logs (IP, sign-ins) are kept for a limited period, strictly for security.

shield9. Your rights (GDPR)

At any time you have the right to:

• check_circleaccess the data we hold about you;
• check_circlecorrect it directly from your account;
• check_circledelete it ("right to be forgotten") — from your account or by sending us a request;
• check_circlerestrict or object to a processing;
• check_circlewithdraw the consent given at registration;
• check_circlelodge a complaint with the Romanian supervisory authority (ANSPDCP, dataprotection.ro) or your local data-protection authority.

group10. Your responsibility

Discretion works both ways. By using the site you undertake not to copy, save or distribute other members' photos, videos or data, and not to reveal the identity of people you meet here. Respect for others' privacy is the condition of belonging to this community.

mail11. Contact

For any question about your data or to exercise your rights, write to contact@hotswingers.ro or use the contact form on the site. We reply within 30 days at most.

This policy may be updated; important changes will be announced on the site.