Version 2026-09-07-basic

Basic membership.

Your account

Basic membership is free. It includes Gustav, the Atlas and Field Notes member news. Research, editorial workspaces, Tour Desks and High Council access require a separate invitation or permission.

Berlin Footnote stores your chosen name, generated account handle, email, preferred language, password hash, membership and verification status, accepted terms version, login dates and security events needed to run your account. Your password is never stored as readable text. A necessary session cookie keeps you signed in.

Your recordings

You can try the recorder before joining. A recording stays in your browser until you choose to send it. Saving to Gustav requires a verified account and confirmation that you are at least 18, that the recording contains your own voice, and that Berlin Footnote may privately receive and review it. The title and recording are visible to you and authorized administrators. Sending does not give permission to publish your voice.

Recordings are kept for up to 30 days in the active service, or until you delete them from My recordings. Account closure removes your access immediately and queues associated recordings for deletion. Host Europe may retain deleted data in infrastructure backups. We are awaiting confirmation of the maximum retention period. These backups are not accessible through your account or Gustav’s inbox.

Email and security

We send account confirmation, password recovery and necessary account messages. Joining does not subscribe you to marketing. Confirmation links expire after 48 hours. We limit requests using email and network address hashes to reduce automated signups and unwanted email.

Your choices

You can edit your account details or request account closure in your profile. Do not upload unlawful or abusive material or recordings of other people. If you need help with your data or account, contact Berlin Footnote through the imprint. The privacy notice covers the wider website.