Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 8, 2026

Overview

MadLoader ("we", "our", or "us") is a free, community-driven mod library for PC games. This policy explains what information we collect when you use our website (madloader.net) and the MadLoader desktop application, how we use it, and what rights you have over it.

We keep data collection to the bare minimum necessary to operate the service. We do not require accounts and we do not sell data.

Information we collect

We collect only the data necessary to operate the service:

  • Download statistics. When you download the MadLoader installer or a mod, we record a download count tied to your IP address solely to count unique downloads. We do not link this to any user identity.
  • View & launch counts. The app reports mod-view and mod-launch counts to our API so the library can surface popular mods.
  • Hardware ID (desktop application only). The MadLoader desktop application collects a hardware identifier generated from your device. This is used solely to produce accurate unique-user statistics and is not shared with third parties or used to identify you personally.
  • IP address (desktop application). The app sends your IP address to our API alongside the hardware ID to assist in unique-user statistics and abuse prevention. It is not stored in plain form beyond our standard log retention window.
  • IP address (website). Our website collects your IP address to count unique visitors and page views. It is also captured in standard server logs alongside request timestamps, HTTP method, path, response code, and approximate country. Logs are retained for 30 days and then deleted.

We do not collect names, email addresses, passwords, payment information, or any other personally identifying information beyond what is described above.

Cookies & local storage

The website stores a single key (ml-theme) in your browser's localStorage to remember your dark/light mode preference. In addition, Google AdSense may set cookies on your device for the purpose of serving and personalising advertisements. Please refer to Google's privacy policy for details on how those cookies are used.

How we use the information

  • Display download, view, and launch counts on mod listings.
  • Count unique users and visitors using Hardware ID and IP address.
  • Identify and fix technical errors or abuse of the download API.
  • Understand overall traffic trends to plan server capacity.

We do not use the data for profiling or any commercial purpose beyond keeping the service running. Advertising on the website is handled by Google AdSense as described below.

Third-party services

  • Google AdSense. We use Google AdSense to display advertisements on our website. Google AdSense may use cookies and your IP address to serve ads based on your prior visits to this site or other sites. You can opt out of personalised advertising by visiting Google's Ads Settings. Google's use of advertising cookies is governed by their Privacy Policy.
  • Umami. We use Umami, a privacy-focused analytics platform, to collect anonymous website traffic statistics. Umami does not use cookies and does not collect personally identifiable information. Learn more at umami.is/privacy.
  • Google Analytics. We use Google Analytics to better understand how visitors interact with our website. Google Analytics may collect your IP address and use cookies to track sessions and behaviour across visits. You can opt out via the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on. Google's data practices are governed by their Privacy Policy.
  • VirusTotal. Some pages link to VirusTotal scan results for transparency. Clicking those links is subject to Google's Privacy Policy.
  • TailwindCSS CDN. Stylesheet assets are loaded from cdn.tailwindcss.com. Their CDN provider may log standard HTTP request data.

Data retention & deletion

Aggregated unique-user and usage counters are kept indefinitely as they do not contain personally identifying information in isolation. Server logs that include IP addresses are deleted after 30 days. Hardware IDs collected by the desktop application are used only for statistical counting and are not retained in a form linked to any individual.

Because we don't store accounts or personal information, there is nothing tied to you individually to delete. If you believe we hold data about you, contact us and we'll investigate.

Children's privacy

MadLoader is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect any data from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has used this service, please contact us.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy occasionally. When we do, the "Last updated" date at the top of this page will change. Continued use of the site after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact

For any privacy questions, reach us through our Discord server or the contact page.