# Virtual Citizens Band (VCB) Privacy Statement Effective date: August 25, 2026 Virtual Citizens Band (VCB) provides proximity-based voice communication and related radio features for American Truck Simulator. This statement explains what information VCB processes, why it is used, and the controls available to you. ## Information VCB processes VCB may process the following information when you use it: - Live microphone audio while Push-to-Talk is active, or while you deliberately run the local microphone test. - Your configured driver name and, when you choose to link it, your Steam identity. - Your VCB session, radio channel, radio state, and approximate in-game truck position used to determine which drivers are in radio range. - Technical connection information such as IP address, connection times, client version, authentication results, packet or sequence information, and relay errors. - Local preferences including audio-device identifiers, hotkeys, volume, faceplate, backlight, overlay placement, and notification settings. ## How VCB uses this information VCB uses this information only to provide and maintain its radio functions, including: - Routing live voice to eligible drivers on the same channel and within configured range. - Displaying driver names, connection status, radio activity, and drivers in range. - Authenticating clients, preventing malformed or replayed traffic, enforcing compatible versions, and diagnosing connection failures. - Remembering your local configuration between sessions. ## Voice audio VCB transmits microphone audio only while Push-to-Talk is active. The local microphone test plays processed audio back to your selected output and does not intentionally send it to the relay unless Push-to-Talk is also active. VCB does not intentionally record radio conversations or save voice audio to disk. Live audio is processed in memory and relayed to eligible recipients. Other participants may use independent recording software outside VCB; VCB cannot control or detect that activity. ## Local storage VCB stores configuration and operational state under `C:\ProgramData\VCB`. Installed application files are stored under `C:\Program Files\VCB` and the American Truck Simulator plugin directory. Local settings remain until you change them or remove them. Uninstallation and backup behavior is described by the installer and uninstaller. Sensitive configuration values, including access credentials and identity tokens, should not be shared. VCB diagnostics attempt to redact access keys, identity tokens, driver names, and audio endpoint identifiers where supported. Always review a diagnostic package before sending it to another person. ## Relay processing and sharing VCB sends radio traffic and connection data to the relay configured for your installation. The relay operator can receive technical connection information and the data necessary to route live voice. Voice and associated radio data are shared with eligible VCB participants as required for communication. VCB does not sell personal information or use it for advertising. VCB does not intentionally send information to unrelated third parties. A relay operator, hosting provider, network provider, or other participant may process information independently under their own practices. ## Logs and retention The VCB client and relay may keep limited technical logs for operation, security, and troubleshooting. Relay log size and backup count are controlled by the relay configuration. Retention therefore depends on the relay operator’s configuration and backup practices. Voice content is not intentionally included in VCB logs. ## Security VCB includes client authentication, packet validation, replay protection, version enforcement, and installer file-integrity checks. No system can guarantee absolute security. Use only a relay and installer supplied by a trusted operator, protect access credentials, and keep VCB updated. ## Your choices You may: - Disable VCB or power off its radio. - Choose when to transmit using Push-to-Talk. - Change your driver name, linked identity, audio devices, hotkeys, and interface preferences. - Decline installation or uninstall VCB. - Stop using a relay by removing or changing its configuration. - Create diagnostics only when you deliberately run the diagnostics tool. Disabling or uninstalling VCB stops future VCB processing on that computer, but it does not automatically delete logs or backups held by a relay operator or copies previously shared with others. ## Children VCB is an add-on for American Truck Simulator and is not designed to collect information from children. A parent or guardian should supervise installation and voice communication where appropriate. ## Changes to this statement This statement may be updated when VCB’s features or data practices change. A new effective date will identify the updated version. Material privacy changes should be presented with the corresponding software update. ## Questions For privacy questions, contact the VCB distributor or relay operator from whom you received the installer. Because VCB may be privately distributed, that operator is the appropriate contact for relay-specific logging, retention, access, or deletion questions. ## External community and support links VCB Companion can open the official Discord invitation and voluntary PayPal or Cash App support pages in the user's default browser. VCB does not receive or store Discord credentials, payment credentials, payment-card information, or donation transaction details. Those external services apply their own privacy policies and terms.