Is SquidServers Safe?

Is SquidServers Safe?

To answer that, we first have to explain what we actually are and what we aren’t.

1. We are NOT a Hosting Provider

When you use a service like Apex, Minehut, or Aternos, you are paying them to run your server on their hardware in a giant data center.

SquidServers is different. We don’t have racks of servers running your game. Instead, your server runs on your own computer (or your own VPS).

2. How the SquidServers App Works

SquidServers is built using the Electron framework, which allows us to give you a clean and easy-to-use GUI/Dashboard to manage and create your Minecraft servers.

Here is how the SquidServers App handles your data and connections:

Official Software

Note

Our app doesn’t use custom or modified server files. We use the official .jar files and installers for Vanilla, Paper, Forge, etc. For modpacks, we download them directly from Modrinth using our built-in Modrinth browser.

Local Storage

Note

Every server you create is stored in its own folder within the “Default Directory” (or a custom location you choose).

Backups

Important

All manual and automatic backups stay on your computer. Your world files and data are never shared with or uploaded to any SquidServers cloud or external servers.

The Tunnel (Playit.gg)

Third-Party Disclosure

SquidServers uses a third-party service named Playit.gg to create a secure tunnel and expose your server to the internet. If you enable tunneling, your Minecraft server traffic is routed through Playit.gg’s infrastructure. By using this feature, you acknowledge and agree to Playit.gg’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Once your server is ready, the app uses Playit.gg to create a secure tunnel using the “Minecraft Java” tunnel type.

• Hostname verification: This tunnel protects your home network by using hostname verification. This blocks random port scanners from finding your IP.
• Filtered traffic: Because it is a filtered tunnel, it will not accept other types of traffic (like HTTP requests). If someone tries to send non-Minecraft data to your tunnel, it gets blocked before it ever reaches your PC.

Caution

While Playit.gg is used for tunneling, your server is still exposed to the internet. Always use a whitelist and strong authentication measures.

Tip

This is safer than port forwarding directly from your public IP address.

3. Your Privacy and Data

Our practices regarding data collection are governed by our Privacy Policy.

Data Collection

• Application Usage Data: Anonymous statistics about how you use the application, such as which features you access and how often you use them.
• Performance Metrics: Technical data about application performance, including error logs and crash reports to help us identify and fix issues.
• System Information: Basic information about your operating system and Java version to ensure compatibility and provide appropriate support.
• Server Launch Data: When you launch a server, we collect anonymous data about the server configuration (RAM allocation, server type, hosting mode, Minecraft version) to improve our server setup process.

Note

We do not collect any personally identifiable information. All data collection is anonymous and used solely for improving the application.

User Rights and Controls

You have control over your data. You can disable the collection of anonymous usage statistics and telemetry at any time within the Application Settings.

Third-Party Integrations

When using certain features, your data interacts with third-party services:

• Modrinth API: Requests to browse and download modpacks go directly to Modrinth’s servers.
• Playit.gg: Tunneling requests are processed by Playit.gg. This is a third-party tunnel service that handles the routing of your Minecraft server traffic.

Caution

These services are governed by their own respective privacy policies, EULA, and terms of service. SquidServers is not responsible for the practices of these third-party providers.

Local Data Privacy

Your Minecraft server files, world data, and configurations remain local to your device. We do not access, transmit, or store your world files on any external SquidServers cloud.

Age Requirements

In compliance with COPPA, this application is not intended for children under 13. Users between 13 and 17 must have parental consent before using the application.

Data Deletion Rights

If you believe we have collected personally identifiable information beyond what is stated in this policy, you may contact us at support@squidservers.com to request deletion of any such collected data.

Data Access and Correction Rights

You have the right to access and, if necessary, correct any personal information we may hold about you. To initiate such a request, please contact us at support@squidservers.com.

4. Safety Guarantees

Our End User License Agreement (EULA) provides the legal framework for why SquidServers is safe to download and use.

• Malware Guarantee: Under Section 8.1, we warrant that the Licensed Application is free of spyware, trojan horses, viruses, or any other malware at the time of your download.
• Personal & Educational Use: SquidServers is designed for personal, educational, and non-commercial use. While we provide the tools, you are responsible for ensuring your server complies with the Mojang Studios Minecraft EULA, especially regarding commercial or public content.
• Third-Party Compliance: When you use our built-in tools for Modrinth or Playit.gg, you are also protected by their respective Terms of Service. Our EULA ensures that we comply with these third-party agreements to keep the integrations stable and safe.
• Liability & Backups: To keep your data safe, we provide backup functions within the app. Per Section 7.2, we encourage you to use these regularly to avoid any accidental data loss, as your world data stays entirely under your control.
• Minecraft Compliance: SquidServers is not affiliated with Mojang Studios or Microsoft. We strictly follow the Minecraft EULA and ensure our app acts only as a facilitator for the official server software you choose to run.

Important

We are not a hosting provider. Your server runs locally on your own hardware, and we do not have access to your server files or gameplay data.

5. Transparency & Community Support

SquidServers is a community-focused project. Because we are not a commercial hosting company, our goal is to provide a reliable tool for users to enjoy Minecraft with their friends.

If you ever have doubts about a specific feature or how your data is being handled, you can reach out to us directly at support@squidservers.com.

Our support staff is available here in Discord at <#1395830617266061343> to answer questions and investigate technical issues.

6. Third-Party Content Disclaimer

While SquidServers ensures the application itself is safe, we are not responsible for any third-party software, mods, or plugins you choose to run.

• User Responsibility: If you download mods or server files from unofficial or untrusted sources, you do so at your own risk.
• Malware & Vulnerabilities: We do not scan or verify the contents of the mods you install. It is up to you to ensure that the third-party content you run does not contain malware or security vulnerabilities.
• Compatibility: Issues caused by mod conflicts or outdated software are handled by the respective mod developers, not SquidServers.

7. Windows App Security & Warnings

When you download and run the SquidServers Windows app, you may see a Windows protected your PC blue warning screen or a warning from your browser. This is normal and expected for our project.

Why does this happen?

This warning appears because our application is unsigned. Microsoft’s SmartScreen filter flags any application that has not been digitally signed with a Code Signing Certificate from a verified authority.

Why isn’t the app signed?

Digital certificates are essentially a “tax” on independent developers. To remove this warning, we would need to purchase an EV (Extended Validation) Code Signing Certificate.

• The Cost: These certificates typically cost between $300 and $600 USD per year.
• Our Stance: SquidServers is a 100% free-to-use project. We do not charge for our tools, and we do not have a corporate budget to cover these recurring annual fees.

Note

You can still run the app by clicking “More info” and then “Run anyway” on the SmartScreen warning.