Privacy Policy
AcrossWord collects only the information we need to run the puzzle, manage accounts, review submissions, respond to feedback, process subscriptions, and improve the game.
Who We Are
AcrossWord is operated by AcrossWord Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales. AcrossWord Ltd is the controller for the information described here.
You can contact us at contact@acrossword.com.
Information We Collect
- Account information, such as email address and account identifiers when you register or sign in.
- Game information, such as puzzle progress, completions, checks, hints, reveals, streaks, scores, and selected mode.
- Feedback information, such as your message, page, puzzle, optional screenshot, and device details needed to investigate bugs.
- Puzzle submissions, including setter name, solution, clues, starts, lengths, and review status.
- Subscription information, where subscriptions are available, so we can manage subscriber features and account access.
- Marketing preference information, if you choose to receive AcrossWord news, updates, challenges, feature announcements, or promotional offers.
- Analytics information when you allow analytics, including an anonymous or pseudonymous play identifier, device type, browser, operating system, viewport, time zone, language, and gameplay events.
How We Use It
- To provide the game, accounts, saved progress, member features, and puzzle results.
- To review player-submitted puzzles and moderate site content.
- To diagnose bugs, answer feedback, and improve the puzzle experience.
- To understand broad gameplay patterns, device support, time zones, and completion behaviour where analytics is allowed.
- To send AcrossWord news, puzzle updates, challenges, feature announcements, and promotional offers when you have opted in.
- To process subscriptions and manage access to paid features.
- To protect the service from abuse and keep administrative records.
Legal Bases
We use account, progress, subscription, and submission data to provide the service you request. We use feedback, moderation, security, fraud prevention, and product improvement data where we have a legitimate interest. Analytics and optional marketing updates are based on your consent.
You can change analytics consent from Cookie Settings, and marketing emails will include an unsubscribe option.
Cookies And Analytics
AcrossWord uses cookies and similar technologies to operate the site and improve the player experience.
Essential cookies are used for functions such as account sign-in, security, and saving preferences. Analytics cookies are only used when you have provided consent.
For more information, please see our Cookie Policy.
Where Data Is Stored
AcrossWord uses Supabase for database and authentication services, Netlify for hosting and server functions, and Paddle as merchant of record for paid subscriptions. Paddle processes checkout, payment, tax, invoicing, and subscription billing information.
Some of our service providers may process information outside the United Kingdom or your country of residence. Where this happens, we take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect personal information.
How Long We Keep It
We keep account data while your account exists and for a reasonable period afterwards where required for security, legal, or administrative purposes.
Gameplay records may be retained to provide game history, statistics, streaks, and service analytics. Feedback submissions are generally retained for up to 24 months. Analytics information is generally retained for up to 26 months. Puzzle submissions may be retained as part of the editorial and moderation record.
We delete or anonymise information when it is no longer needed.
Security
We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to help protect personal information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration, or disclosure.
No method of transmitting or storing information online can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Your Choices And Rights
You can ask to access, correct, delete, restrict, or object to the use of your personal information. You can also withdraw analytics consent at any time.
To make a request, contact contact@acrossword.com.
If you are located in the United Kingdom, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you believe your information has been handled unlawfully. Information about the ICO is available at www.ico.org.uk.
If you are located elsewhere, you may also have the right to contact your local data protection authority.
Children
AcrossWord is intended for a general audience.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children in violation of applicable laws. If you believe a child has provided information that should be removed, please contact us and we will investigate and take appropriate action.
If AcrossWord introduces features designed specifically for younger players in the future, this Privacy Policy may be updated to explain how those features operate and how children's information is protected.
Changes To This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the date shown at the top of this page.
Contact Us
AcrossWord Ltd