ProtoLang.net

ProtoLang: Legal

Legal, Privacy & Architecture

Effective Date: January 2026

ProtoLang is a research project developed and maintained by Mark Michael Thoms. This document outlines the terms of service, the privacy-by-design architecture, and the intellectual property rights associated with the ProtoLang ecosystem.

1. Privacy & Data Sovereignty

The privacy policy is governed by the underlying architecture:

  • Limited Data Collection: Personal information is not collected, stored, or sold without explicit consent. Tracking cookies or third-party analytics may be used solely to improve the quality of the service.
  • ProtoLang Cloud Execution Server: By default, the IDE uses the official ProtoLang Cloud execution server to process code. Users may optionally configure custom execution described servers in Section 7.
  • API Request Logging (ProtoLang Cloud Only): When using the ProtoLang Cloud execution server, all code execution requests, including the code and execution state, are logged for security monitoring, abuse prevention, debugging, and service improvement. These logs are:
    • Retained for 30 days and automatically purged thereafter
    • Used solely for operational security and service improvement
    • Not shared with third parties or used for any purpose beyond service operation
    • Accessible only by the service administrator
  • No Long-Term Persistence: User code and execution state are not stored in permanent databases or file systems beyond the 30-day log retention period. After 30 days, all traces of your code are permanently deleted.
  • Client-Side State: The browser is the sole custodian of the program state. Clearing the local cache permanently removes all data from the device.

2. Security & Resource Constraints

To ensure high availability and protect the infrastructure, the following constraints are enforced:

  • Sandboxing: Every execution is isolated in a restricted C-runtime environment.
  • Rate Limiting: To prevent API abuse, a request limit is enforced per IP address.
  • Compute Limits: Compute-heavy processes are automatically terminated by the system.
  • Monitoring & Abuse Prevention: Request logs are monitored for patterns of abuse, including injection attempts, rate limit violations, and attempts to bypass security constraints. Repeated violations may result in service restrictions.

3. Intellectual Property

  • The Language: The ProtoLang specification and syntax are an provided open resource for educational purposes.
  • User Code: Users retain 100% ownership of any code written in the ProtoLang IDE. Logic is not scraped, scanned, claimed, or utilized by the service.
  • The Engine: The underlying C-runtime, interpreter architecture, and web implementation are the proprietary intellectual property of Mark Michael Thoms.

4. Terms of Service & Acceptable Use

By using the ProtoLang IDE, the user agrees not to:

  • Attempt to bypass the sandbox environment or execution limits.
  • Utilize the compute API for automated stress-testing, malicious activities, or any illegal purposes.
  • Interfere with the experience of other users through network-level attacks.
  • Use the service to generate or execute code intended to infringe upon the rights of others.

5. General Provisions

  • Governing Law: These terms are governed by the laws of Canada. Any legal proceedings shall be conducted in the jurisdiction of Alberta.
  • Modifications: The developer reserves the right to modify these terms or the service at any time without prior notice. Continued use of the service constitutes agreement to the updated terms.
  • Service Availability: Access to ProtoLang may be suspended or terminated at any time for maintenance, updates, or at the developer's discretion.

6. Disclaimer of Liability

ProtoLang is provided "as-is" without any warranties of any kind, express or implied. The developer is not liable for any logic errors, data loss in the browser, service interruptions, or any damages arising from the use of this software.

7. Third-Party and Self-Hosted Servers

Users may configure the IDE to execute code on custom servers. When using custom servers:

  • No Control or Visibility: ProtoLang.net has no control over or visibility into custom server behavior, security practices, or data handling.
  • Independent Policies: Request logging, data retention, and security policies are determined solely by the custom server operator.
  • User Responsibility: Users assume all responsibility for data transmitted to custom endpoints, including but not limited to:
    • Security of the connection and endpoint
    • Privacy and confidentiality of code and execution state
    • Compliance with applicable laws and regulations
    • Service availability and reliability
  • No Liability: The developer is not liable for any data loss, security breaches, service interruptions, or damages of any kind related to custom servers.
  • Official Server Recommended: For the most secure and reliable experience, users are encouraged to use the official ProtoLang Cloud execution server.

8. Contact Information

For legal inquiries, terms of service questions, privacy concerns, or to report violations of acceptable use:

Mark Thoms
[email protected]