Site policy
Legal ROM Usage Policy
LEGAL ROM USAGE POLICY
Last updated: [Insert date]
This Legal ROM Usage Policy explains how ROMConsole handles local game files, private player libraries, public catalogue content, metadata, file hashes, saves, and user responsibility.
By using ROMConsole, you agree to this policy.
1. ROMConsole Does Not Provide ROMs
ROMConsole is not a ROM download service, ROM hosting service, BIOS provider, file-sharing service, piracy platform, public ROM archive, or copyrighted game distribution service.
ROMConsole does not provide, sell, upload, host, store, stream, link to, or distribute ROM files, BIOS files, commercial games, copyrighted game files, copyrighted artwork, copyrighted music, copyrighted screenshots, copyrighted logos, copyrighted characters, or third-party protected content.
ROMConsole does not grant any user permission to use third-party copyrighted games, ROM files, BIOS files, artwork, logos, screenshots, music, trademarks, characters, or other protected material.
All games, trademarks, platform names, logos, artwork, characters, music, screenshots, software, and copyrighted works remain the property of their respective owners.
2. Local ROM Files Opened From the Player’s Own Device
ROMConsole may allow a player to open a compatible local file from their own device.
When a player opens a local ROM or game file, the file is selected by the player from their own computer, phone, tablet, or other device.
For local play, the selected file is read locally by the player’s browser for the purpose of opening it in the browser-based player.
A locally selected ROM file is not uploaded to the ROMConsole server.
A locally selected ROM file is not stored on the ROMConsole server.
A locally selected ROM file is not cached on the ROMConsole server.
A locally selected ROM file is not streamed from the ROMConsole server.
A locally selected ROM file is not made public.
A locally selected ROM file is not made available for other users to download.
A locally selected ROM file remains on the player’s own device.
3. Metadata and File Hashes
ROMConsole may store account and gameplay-related records connected to a locally selected file.
These records may include:
* display title;
* original filename;
* file extension;
* file size;
* platform or console type;
* SHA-256 file hash or similar technical identifier;
* private library reference;
* save data;
* autosave data;
* manual save records;
* achievement progress;
* play statistics;
* leaderboard records;
* account activity connected to gameplay.
These records are not ROM files.
These records are not copies of the game.
These records do not contain the ROM file itself.
These records do not allow ROMConsole to recreate, download, reverse-engineer, stream, publish, or distribute the original file.
The file hash is used as a technical identifier to recognise when the same local file is selected again. This helps ROMConsole match the player’s own save data, prevent duplicate private library entries, restore compatible saves, track statistics, and support account features.
A hash is not a replacement copy of the game file. It cannot be used by ROMConsole to reconstruct the original ROM file.
4. Private Local Use Is Not Public Distribution
Private local play is different from public distribution.
When a player opens a local file from their own device, ROMConsole does not receive or host the file. Other users cannot download that file from ROMConsole.
Because the local file remains on the player’s own device, the site owner cannot remove the player’s private local file from that device.
However, the site owner can review and remove public or hosted material controlled by the website, including public catalogue entries, hosted files, artwork, screenshots, public descriptions, public profile content, forum posts, messages, or other hosted/public content.
5. Player Responsibility
Players are responsible for ensuring that any file they open through ROMConsole is lawful for them to use.
Players should only open files that they:
* personally created;
* own the rights to use;
* have permission to use;
* have a valid licence to use;
* are legally allowed to use under applicable law;
* are lawful homebrew, open-source, public-domain, or properly licensed files.
Players must not use ROMConsole to open, upload, publish, distribute, promote, share, or make available unlawful copies of copyrighted games, ROM files, BIOS files, software, artwork, music, screenshots, logos, characters, or other protected content.
ROMConsole cannot independently verify the legal status of every private local file selected from a player’s own device. Responsibility for a privately selected local file remains with the player who selected it.
6. BIOS Files and System Files
ROMConsole does not provide BIOS files, firmware files, system files, console operating files, encryption keys, decryption keys, or other protected system components.
Users must not upload, publish, distribute, request, or share BIOS files or protected system files through ROMConsole unless they have the legal right to do so.
If a compatible emulator core or system requires additional files, the user is responsible for ensuring that any such files are lawfully obtained and lawfully used.
7. Public Catalogue Content
ROMConsole may include an admin-managed public catalogue or hosted game feature.
Public catalogue content must only include lawful material, such as:
* original games created by the site owner;
* homebrew games;
* public-domain games;
* open-source games;
* games where redistribution is expressly permitted;
* games where the site owner has written permission from the rights holder;
* content that is otherwise legally authorised for public hosting and distribution.
The public catalogue must not be used to publish, host, distribute, or promote copyrighted ROM files, commercial game files, BIOS files, protected artwork, copyrighted screenshots, music, logos, characters, or third-party assets unless the site owner has the required rights or permission.
The site owner is responsible for verifying the legal status of all public catalogue and hosted content.
8. Site Owner and Administrator Responsibility
If you install, operate, administer, or manage a ROMConsole website, you are responsible for how the website is configured and used.
You are responsible for:
* public catalogue content;
* hosted game files;
* uploaded media;
* artwork and cover images;
* public descriptions;
* user moderation;
* copyright complaint handling;
* server storage;
* backups;
* legal notices;
* public content review;
* compliance with applicable law.
ROMConsole provides technical functionality. It does not automatically make third-party ROMs, BIOS files, commercial games, artwork, screenshots, logos, characters, music, or copyrighted content lawful to use.
Administrators must not use ROMConsole to operate a piracy service, illegal ROM archive, unauthorised game download site, or infringing file-sharing platform.
9. Artwork, Covers, Screenshots, Titles, and Logos
Game artwork, box art, covers, screenshots, logos, characters, music, descriptions, and trademarks may be protected by copyright, trademark, or other rights.
Users and site owners must not upload, publish, scrape, import, display, or distribute protected artwork, covers, screenshots, logos, music, characters, or descriptions unless they have the legal right to do so.
Where artwork lookup, catalogue artwork, or cover display features are used, the site owner is responsible for ensuring that the content is lawful, licensed, permitted, or otherwise authorised.
10. No Circumvention or Piracy Support
ROMConsole must not be used to bypass copyright protection, distribute decryption keys, provide piracy instructions, share illegal download links, advertise ROM download sources, promote unauthorised game archives, or help users obtain copyrighted games illegally.
Users must not use ROMConsole community features, profiles, messages, forums, wall posts, comments, or public pages to request, advertise, trade, link to, or distribute unauthorised ROMs, BIOS files, copyrighted game files, or piracy resources.
11. Save Data and Account Records
ROMConsole may store save data, autosave data, manual save data, achievement progress, player statistics, leaderboard records, reward progress, and account records.
These records are used to support account and gameplay features. They are not proof of legal ownership of any game file.
Having save data, achievements, leaderboard records, or a private library entry does not mean ROMConsole has verified that the player owns the related game or has legal permission to use it.
12. Local Library Entries
A private library entry is a reference to a file selected by the player from their own device.
A private library entry does not mean that ROMConsole has stored the game file.
A private library entry does not make the game available to other users.
A private library entry does not prove ownership of the game.
A private library entry may help the player reopen the same local file again, match compatible save data, and track account features.
13. Guest Local Play
If guest local play is enabled, guests may be allowed to open a local file from their own device.
Guest local play does not upload the ROM file to the server.
Guest local play does not store the ROM file on the server.
Guest local play does not make the ROM file public.
Guests do not receive the same account features as registered players unless the site owner enables specific features.
Guest limits, account requirements, and feature restrictions may be applied by the site owner.
14. Copyright Complaints
ROMConsole respects copyright owners and rights holders.
If you believe that public or hosted material on this website infringes your rights, please submit a copyright complaint using the website’s DMCA / Copyright Complaint Policy or contact the site owner.
The site owner can review and remove public or hosted material controlled by the website.
This may include:
* public catalogue entries;
* hosted files;
* artwork;
* cover images;
* screenshots;
* public descriptions;
* public profile content;
* forum posts;
* messages;
* uploaded media;
* public links;
* other public or hosted material.
The site owner cannot remove a private local ROM file from a player’s own device because local files are not uploaded to or stored by the ROMConsole server.
15. Repeat Infringement and Abuse
The site owner may suspend, restrict, or terminate accounts that repeatedly upload, publish, promote, request, share, or distribute infringing material.
The site owner may also remove public content, disable public catalogue entries, block uploads, moderate posts, restrict messaging, or take other action where needed to protect rights holders, users, and the website.
16. No Affiliation
ROMConsole is not affiliated with Nintendo, Sega, Sony, Microsoft, Atari, game publishers, console manufacturers, rights holders, copyright owners, or trademark owners unless explicitly stated.
References to consoles, platforms, file types, emulator compatibility, or technical systems are for compatibility and descriptive purposes only. They do not imply endorsement, sponsorship, authorisation, approval, or affiliation.
17. Policy Updates
This Legal ROM Usage Policy may be updated from time to time.
Continued use of the website after the updated policy is posted means you accept the updated policy.
18. Contact
For questions about this Legal ROM Usage Policy, contact:
Website owner: [Insert owner/company name]
Website: [Insert website URL]
Legal contact email: [Insert legal email]
Support email: [Insert support email]
Jurisdiction: [Insert country/jurisdiction]
Last updated: [Insert date]
This Legal ROM Usage Policy explains how ROMConsole handles local game files, private player libraries, public catalogue content, metadata, file hashes, saves, and user responsibility.
By using ROMConsole, you agree to this policy.
1. ROMConsole Does Not Provide ROMs
ROMConsole is not a ROM download service, ROM hosting service, BIOS provider, file-sharing service, piracy platform, public ROM archive, or copyrighted game distribution service.
ROMConsole does not provide, sell, upload, host, store, stream, link to, or distribute ROM files, BIOS files, commercial games, copyrighted game files, copyrighted artwork, copyrighted music, copyrighted screenshots, copyrighted logos, copyrighted characters, or third-party protected content.
ROMConsole does not grant any user permission to use third-party copyrighted games, ROM files, BIOS files, artwork, logos, screenshots, music, trademarks, characters, or other protected material.
All games, trademarks, platform names, logos, artwork, characters, music, screenshots, software, and copyrighted works remain the property of their respective owners.
2. Local ROM Files Opened From the Player’s Own Device
ROMConsole may allow a player to open a compatible local file from their own device.
When a player opens a local ROM or game file, the file is selected by the player from their own computer, phone, tablet, or other device.
For local play, the selected file is read locally by the player’s browser for the purpose of opening it in the browser-based player.
A locally selected ROM file is not uploaded to the ROMConsole server.
A locally selected ROM file is not stored on the ROMConsole server.
A locally selected ROM file is not cached on the ROMConsole server.
A locally selected ROM file is not streamed from the ROMConsole server.
A locally selected ROM file is not made public.
A locally selected ROM file is not made available for other users to download.
A locally selected ROM file remains on the player’s own device.
3. Metadata and File Hashes
ROMConsole may store account and gameplay-related records connected to a locally selected file.
These records may include:
* display title;
* original filename;
* file extension;
* file size;
* platform or console type;
* SHA-256 file hash or similar technical identifier;
* private library reference;
* save data;
* autosave data;
* manual save records;
* achievement progress;
* play statistics;
* leaderboard records;
* account activity connected to gameplay.
These records are not ROM files.
These records are not copies of the game.
These records do not contain the ROM file itself.
These records do not allow ROMConsole to recreate, download, reverse-engineer, stream, publish, or distribute the original file.
The file hash is used as a technical identifier to recognise when the same local file is selected again. This helps ROMConsole match the player’s own save data, prevent duplicate private library entries, restore compatible saves, track statistics, and support account features.
A hash is not a replacement copy of the game file. It cannot be used by ROMConsole to reconstruct the original ROM file.
4. Private Local Use Is Not Public Distribution
Private local play is different from public distribution.
When a player opens a local file from their own device, ROMConsole does not receive or host the file. Other users cannot download that file from ROMConsole.
Because the local file remains on the player’s own device, the site owner cannot remove the player’s private local file from that device.
However, the site owner can review and remove public or hosted material controlled by the website, including public catalogue entries, hosted files, artwork, screenshots, public descriptions, public profile content, forum posts, messages, or other hosted/public content.
5. Player Responsibility
Players are responsible for ensuring that any file they open through ROMConsole is lawful for them to use.
Players should only open files that they:
* personally created;
* own the rights to use;
* have permission to use;
* have a valid licence to use;
* are legally allowed to use under applicable law;
* are lawful homebrew, open-source, public-domain, or properly licensed files.
Players must not use ROMConsole to open, upload, publish, distribute, promote, share, or make available unlawful copies of copyrighted games, ROM files, BIOS files, software, artwork, music, screenshots, logos, characters, or other protected content.
ROMConsole cannot independently verify the legal status of every private local file selected from a player’s own device. Responsibility for a privately selected local file remains with the player who selected it.
6. BIOS Files and System Files
ROMConsole does not provide BIOS files, firmware files, system files, console operating files, encryption keys, decryption keys, or other protected system components.
Users must not upload, publish, distribute, request, or share BIOS files or protected system files through ROMConsole unless they have the legal right to do so.
If a compatible emulator core or system requires additional files, the user is responsible for ensuring that any such files are lawfully obtained and lawfully used.
7. Public Catalogue Content
ROMConsole may include an admin-managed public catalogue or hosted game feature.
Public catalogue content must only include lawful material, such as:
* original games created by the site owner;
* homebrew games;
* public-domain games;
* open-source games;
* games where redistribution is expressly permitted;
* games where the site owner has written permission from the rights holder;
* content that is otherwise legally authorised for public hosting and distribution.
The public catalogue must not be used to publish, host, distribute, or promote copyrighted ROM files, commercial game files, BIOS files, protected artwork, copyrighted screenshots, music, logos, characters, or third-party assets unless the site owner has the required rights or permission.
The site owner is responsible for verifying the legal status of all public catalogue and hosted content.
8. Site Owner and Administrator Responsibility
If you install, operate, administer, or manage a ROMConsole website, you are responsible for how the website is configured and used.
You are responsible for:
* public catalogue content;
* hosted game files;
* uploaded media;
* artwork and cover images;
* public descriptions;
* user moderation;
* copyright complaint handling;
* server storage;
* backups;
* legal notices;
* public content review;
* compliance with applicable law.
ROMConsole provides technical functionality. It does not automatically make third-party ROMs, BIOS files, commercial games, artwork, screenshots, logos, characters, music, or copyrighted content lawful to use.
Administrators must not use ROMConsole to operate a piracy service, illegal ROM archive, unauthorised game download site, or infringing file-sharing platform.
9. Artwork, Covers, Screenshots, Titles, and Logos
Game artwork, box art, covers, screenshots, logos, characters, music, descriptions, and trademarks may be protected by copyright, trademark, or other rights.
Users and site owners must not upload, publish, scrape, import, display, or distribute protected artwork, covers, screenshots, logos, music, characters, or descriptions unless they have the legal right to do so.
Where artwork lookup, catalogue artwork, or cover display features are used, the site owner is responsible for ensuring that the content is lawful, licensed, permitted, or otherwise authorised.
10. No Circumvention or Piracy Support
ROMConsole must not be used to bypass copyright protection, distribute decryption keys, provide piracy instructions, share illegal download links, advertise ROM download sources, promote unauthorised game archives, or help users obtain copyrighted games illegally.
Users must not use ROMConsole community features, profiles, messages, forums, wall posts, comments, or public pages to request, advertise, trade, link to, or distribute unauthorised ROMs, BIOS files, copyrighted game files, or piracy resources.
11. Save Data and Account Records
ROMConsole may store save data, autosave data, manual save data, achievement progress, player statistics, leaderboard records, reward progress, and account records.
These records are used to support account and gameplay features. They are not proof of legal ownership of any game file.
Having save data, achievements, leaderboard records, or a private library entry does not mean ROMConsole has verified that the player owns the related game or has legal permission to use it.
12. Local Library Entries
A private library entry is a reference to a file selected by the player from their own device.
A private library entry does not mean that ROMConsole has stored the game file.
A private library entry does not make the game available to other users.
A private library entry does not prove ownership of the game.
A private library entry may help the player reopen the same local file again, match compatible save data, and track account features.
13. Guest Local Play
If guest local play is enabled, guests may be allowed to open a local file from their own device.
Guest local play does not upload the ROM file to the server.
Guest local play does not store the ROM file on the server.
Guest local play does not make the ROM file public.
Guests do not receive the same account features as registered players unless the site owner enables specific features.
Guest limits, account requirements, and feature restrictions may be applied by the site owner.
14. Copyright Complaints
ROMConsole respects copyright owners and rights holders.
If you believe that public or hosted material on this website infringes your rights, please submit a copyright complaint using the website’s DMCA / Copyright Complaint Policy or contact the site owner.
The site owner can review and remove public or hosted material controlled by the website.
This may include:
* public catalogue entries;
* hosted files;
* artwork;
* cover images;
* screenshots;
* public descriptions;
* public profile content;
* forum posts;
* messages;
* uploaded media;
* public links;
* other public or hosted material.
The site owner cannot remove a private local ROM file from a player’s own device because local files are not uploaded to or stored by the ROMConsole server.
15. Repeat Infringement and Abuse
The site owner may suspend, restrict, or terminate accounts that repeatedly upload, publish, promote, request, share, or distribute infringing material.
The site owner may also remove public content, disable public catalogue entries, block uploads, moderate posts, restrict messaging, or take other action where needed to protect rights holders, users, and the website.
16. No Affiliation
ROMConsole is not affiliated with Nintendo, Sega, Sony, Microsoft, Atari, game publishers, console manufacturers, rights holders, copyright owners, or trademark owners unless explicitly stated.
References to consoles, platforms, file types, emulator compatibility, or technical systems are for compatibility and descriptive purposes only. They do not imply endorsement, sponsorship, authorisation, approval, or affiliation.
17. Policy Updates
This Legal ROM Usage Policy may be updated from time to time.
Continued use of the website after the updated policy is posted means you accept the updated policy.
18. Contact
For questions about this Legal ROM Usage Policy, contact:
Website owner: [Insert owner/company name]
Website: [Insert website URL]
Legal contact email: [Insert legal email]
Support email: [Insert support email]
Jurisdiction: [Insert country/jurisdiction]