check out my dumb art account @tetrabeedron :))

Happy Halloween!!!🎃 👻 ✨

I'll fix this later if I really wanna make that visual novel (´,,•ω•,,)

AFAIK right now, the update clarifies terms that have already existed. it's not changing as much as it is clarity-rewriting. i'm still looking through the legalese (law student, i'm learning as I go) and I will be checking in again later, but don't despair.

the privacy policy update Ao3 asks you to agree to is vague, but already required. in the same way your IP address is required when submitting content, personal information is provided when a complaint is submitted about you--to email you. and address the complaint.

in the same way that any investigation from a department of law requires a business to provide information, Ao3 is asking you to agree that, in the occurrence of a legal investigation, your personal information (IP address included) will be given if legally required.

NOW, this means:

An investigation has to occur (uncommon);

The investigation involves you, due to a complaint or a suspicion of criminal involvement (situational);

The investigation specifically requires your personal information to be resolved (very rare);

Ao3 deems your information necessary, and divulges it in accordance with law (a clear layer of common sense between you and reckless investigation)

so. what can you do to avoid this occuring?

Don't do crime;

Don't harrass people;

Don't put your real name/age/address/SSN online;

Clearly warn your works in tags and notes;

and follow the general rules of online safety

there. we're not over project 2025, we're not over the safety of ao3 being threatened via law, but your personal information will not be divulged without Very Clear Proceeding Steps visible to literally everyone around you that scream "WE'RE LOOKING AT INDIVIDUALS". the government simply does not have time to target every single person online. this is something every online service has to provide--in the case of a personal investigation.