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Terms of Service
Effective Date: June 10, 2026  ·  Last Updated: June 10, 2026

By using this service ("the service," "we," "us," or "our"), you agree to these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree, do not use the service.

These Terms incorporate our Privacy Policy by reference. By agreeing to these Terms, you also agree to our Privacy Policy.

1. Eligibility

You must be at least 13 years old to use the service. Users in certain jurisdictions may be required to meet a higher minimum age under applicable law. We do not knowingly allow users under the applicable minimum age.

2. Guest Access

Users who access the service without creating an account ("guests") are also bound by these Terms in full. Guest access may be more limited than registered account access. We may collect limited information from guest users as described in our Privacy Policy.

3. Accounts

Accounts are created using Google authentication. We may store account-related information including email address, display name, unique user ID, and friend list information. You are responsible for all activity occurring through your account.

4. User Conduct

Users agree not to:

  • Use hate speech, slurs, discriminatory language, extremist content, or offensive material
  • Harass, threaten, abuse, or intentionally target other users
  • Cheat, exploit bugs, manipulate systems, or gain unfair advantages
  • Use bots, automation tools, scripts, unauthorized software, or account farming systems
  • Spam or disrupt gameplay, matchmaking, communication systems, or user experience
  • Share illegal, harmful, malicious, deceptive, or dangerous content
  • Attempt to bypass moderation systems, bans, restrictions, filters, or enforcement mechanisms
  • Create, upload, or use offensive, hateful, discriminatory, extremist, or inappropriate profile content including profile pictures, custom avatars, drawings, symbols, or visual content

Users are responsible for all content they create, upload, display, or share. We may use automated systems and/or human review for moderation, safety, and enforcement.

5. Chat and Messaging

The service includes public lobby chat and friend messaging. Users are responsible for content they submit including messages and links. We are not responsible for user-generated content or external links shared through the service.

6. User Content

Users retain ownership of content they create or submit. By submitting content including messages, avatars, profile information, reports, images, or other user-generated content, users grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable license to host, store, process, display, reproduce, and modify such content solely for operating, maintaining, improving, securing, and moderating the service.

Users represent they have the necessary rights to all submitted content.

7. Feedback

If you submit feedback, bug reports, suggestions, or ideas about the service, you grant us the right to use such submissions freely for any purpose without compensation, attribution, or obligation to you.

8. Progression, Virtual Items, and In-Game Content

XP, levels, achievements, badges, and any other in-game progression or virtual items:

  • Have no monetary value and cannot be exchanged for real money or real-world goods
  • Are not transferable between accounts or to other users
  • Are licensed to you, not owned by you
  • May be modified, reset, removed, or discontinued at any time at our discretion without notice or compensation

9. Moderation and Enforcement

We reserve the right to:

  • Investigate user behavior
  • Review messages, reports, account activity, and user-generated content when necessary
  • Remove content
  • Restrict access
  • Suspend or permanently ban accounts
  • Terminate accounts for violations, abuse prevention, operational reasons, cheating, fraud, or security concerns
  • Refuse service to any user to the extent permitted by law

Violations may result in warnings, restrictions, enforcement actions, account termination, or permanent removal at our discretion.

10. Blacklisting, Restrictions, and Bans

Accounts that violate these Terms may be subject to warnings, temporary restrictions, temporary suspensions, permanent bans, device-based restrictions, or IP-based restrictions.

We may use account identifiers, authentication information, device identifiers, network information, IP addresses, or related signals to enforce restrictions and prevent abuse, cheating, fraud, or ban evasion where permitted by law.

Restrictions may take effect immediately and may occur during active sessions without prior logout or refresh. Attempts to evade bans or enforcement actions may result in additional restrictions.

11. Appeals

Users subject to moderation actions may be permitted to submit appeals through designated appeal systems. We will endeavor to review good-faith appeals submitted through proper channels within a reasonable timeframe, though submitting an appeal does not guarantee review, response, reinstatement, or reversal. We reserve the right to approve, deny, restrict, or limit appeals at our discretion. Users may be restricted from submitting excessive, duplicate, automated, or abusive appeals.

12. Intellectual Property

Crossword puzzle content included in the service is licensed from independent creators under separate agreements and remains the intellectual property of those creators. All game systems, software, code, UI, artwork, branding, matchmaking systems, progression systems, and mechanics are owned by us or appropriately licensed.

Users receive a limited, revocable, non-transferable, non-exclusive license to access and use the service for personal, non-commercial purposes only.

Users may not:

  • Copy, scrape, extract, or systematically collect content or data
  • Redistribute, reproduce, or republish game content
  • Sell or commercially exploit any part of the service
  • Reverse engineer, decompile, or reproduce systems or content at scale

Advertisements, where displayed, appear only in non-gameplay areas of the service including menus, lobbies, and interface screens. Advertisements will not appear during active crossword gameplay.

13. Copyright Complaints

If you believe content available through the service infringes intellectual property rights, contact us at [Contact Email] with: identification of the allegedly infringing content, your contact information, and proof of ownership or authority to act. We reserve the right to remove content while investigating complaints.

14. Service Availability

The service is provided "as is" and "as available." We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation. We may modify, suspend, discontinue, or remove portions of the service at any time, including permanently shutting down the service. Where reasonably practicable, we will provide advance notice of significant changes or discontinuation.

15. Force Majeure

We will not be liable for any failure or delay in performance resulting from causes beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, labor disputes, government actions, power failures, internet outages, third-party service failures, or other events outside our reasonable control. In such circumstances, our obligations under these Terms will be suspended for the duration of the event.

16. Disclaimer of Warranties

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, we expressly disclaim all warranties of any kind, whether express, implied, or statutory, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, and non-infringement. We make no warranty that the service will meet your requirements, be available on an uninterrupted or error-free basis, or be free of viruses or other harmful components.

17. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, we are not liable for user-generated content, user behavior, data loss, service interruptions, third-party failures, or any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the service, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

18. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless this service and its operators, affiliates, licensors, service providers, and successors from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or relating to: your use of the service, your violation of these Terms, your violation of any third-party rights, or any content you submit or share through the service.

19. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Any dispute arising from these Terms or use of the service shall first be attempted to be resolved informally by contacting us at [Contact Email]. If informal resolution fails, disputes shall be resolved in the appropriate state or federal courts located in California, and you consent to personal jurisdiction in such courts.

You agree that any claim must be brought in your individual capacity and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class or representative action.

20. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. We will indicate the date of the most recent update at the top of this page. Continued use of the service constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

21. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid under applicable law, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

22. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and us regarding the service and supersede all prior agreements, understandings, or representations.

23. Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of our right to enforce that provision in the future.

24. Puzzle Makers and Content Creators

Crossword puzzles available through the service are created by independent human puzzle makers. These creators retain all intellectual property rights to their puzzles, which are included in the service through licensing agreements. A directory of contributing puzzle makers can be found on the Puzzle Makers page.

We are grateful to our puzzle makers for contributing original, human-crafted content to the service. Puzzle content is not AI-generated.

25. Credits and Attributions

Icons, artwork, visual assets, sound effects, and music used in the service were created by human artists, designers, and composers. The service's user interface and experience were designed by a human designer. A full list of credits and attributions — including icon libraries, artwork, audio, and other third-party resources — is available on the Credits & Attributions page.

26. Accessibility

We are committed to making the service accessible and usable by as many people as possible. We aim to follow recognized web accessibility standards where practicable. For a full description of our accessibility practices, known limitations, and how to contact us with accessibility feedback, please see our Accessibility Statement.

27. Contact

For questions about these Terms: [Contact Email]

Privacy Policy
Effective Date: June 10, 2026  ·  Last Updated: June 10, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how we ("we," "us," or "our") collect, use, and protect information when you use the service. By using the service, you agree to this policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Account Information (signed-in users)

  • Email address (via Google authentication)
  • Display name
  • Unique user ID
  • Friend list data

1.2 Profile and Progression Information

  • Custom pixel avatars and profile images created or uploaded by you
  • Game statistics, XP, level, achievements, badges, and progression data
  • Showcased badges and publicly visible profile settings

1.3 Guest Information

Users who access the service without creating an account ("guests") may have the following collected to enable gameplay and moderation:

  • IP address and network-related information
  • Device identifiers or device tokens

1.4 Usage Information

  • Gameplay activity and session data
  • Public lobby chat messages
  • Friend direct messages
  • Reports and moderation submissions
  • Device identifiers or device tokens
  • IP addresses and network-related information
  • Browser type, session information, and connection metadata

1.5 Analytics Information

We use analytics tools (such as Firebase Analytics) to understand how the service is used. This may include usage events, interaction data, device information, and technical information.

1.6 Client-Side Storage

We use cookies, local storage, and similar browser-based technologies to store:

  • Session and authentication data
  • Device tokens used for moderation and abuse prevention
  • Challenge progress and gameplay preferences
  • Technical settings required for core functionality

2. How We Use Information

We use information to:

  • Operate and maintain the service
  • Enable multiplayer gameplay and communication features
  • Manage accounts and authentication
  • Provide friend and messaging systems
  • Display leaderboards and public profile information
  • Moderate content and enforce rules
  • Investigate abuse, cheating, fraud, or ban evasion
  • Improve performance and gameplay experience
  • Prevent abuse, unauthorized access, and security issues
  • Enforce restrictions, bans, and moderation actions

3. Publicly Visible Information

Certain information is visible to other users by design, including:

  • Display name and player tag
  • Public profile information including custom avatars, level, and XP
  • Game statistics and leaderboard rankings
  • Achievements and badges you choose to display

You should not include sensitive personal information in your display name, avatar, or any publicly visible profile field.

4. Chat, Messaging, and Privacy Expectations

This service includes public chat and private messaging features. Users should not expect full privacy in chat or messaging systems.

  • Public chat messages may be temporary and may be deleted when a lobby ends
  • Friend messages may be stored to provide messaging functionality
  • Messages may be retained and reviewed when necessary for moderation, safety, enforcement, abuse prevention, or legal compliance
  • We may access and review messages when investigating reports or enforcing rules
  • Direct messages are not end-to-end encrypted
  • Users should avoid sharing sensitive personal information through chat or messaging systems

5. Reports, Enforcement, and Moderation Data

When investigating reports, enforcing rules, or operating moderation systems, we may collect, store, or process:

  • Recent chat messages and communication history relevant to reports
  • Account identifiers
  • Device identifiers or device tokens
  • IP addresses and network-related information
  • Report details and moderation submissions
  • Enforcement history including warnings, restrictions, bans, and appeals

This information is used solely for moderation, safety, abuse prevention, security, enforcement, and operation of the service.

6. Data Retention

We retain information only as long as reasonably necessary to operate, secure, and maintain the service. This may include:

  • Account and profile data (retained while account is active)
  • Messaging data (retained for service functionality)
  • Chat data (temporary or permanent depending on context)
  • Reports and moderation records
  • Ban and enforcement records
  • Appeal submissions and appeal history

Some information may be retained after account deletion when necessary for security, abuse prevention, ban evasion prevention, moderation enforcement, or legal obligations.

7. Account Deletion

Users may request deletion of their account. When an account is deleted:

  • Account profile information is removed
  • Access to the service is removed
  • Limited information may be retained when necessary for security, abuse prevention, ban evasion prevention, moderation enforcement, or legal compliance

8. Data Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect information. However, no system is completely secure and we cannot guarantee absolute security. You use the service at your own risk.

9. Third-Party Services

We use third-party services including:

  • Google Firebase Authentication
  • Firebase Realtime Database (data stored on US-based Google Cloud infrastructure)
  • Firebase Analytics
  • Cloud infrastructure providers

These services may process information as part of providing the service. Data processed through these services may be stored and processed in the United States or other countries where Google Cloud operates.

10. International Use and Data Transfers

The service is available worldwide. By using the service, you understand that your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States or other countries, which may have different data protection laws than your country of residence. We take appropriate steps to ensure information is handled in accordance with this policy.

11. Your Rights

11.1 All Users

You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information by contacting us at [Contact Email].

11.2 California Residents (CCPA)

California residents have the following rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

  • The right to know what personal information we collect, use, disclose, or sell
  • The right to request deletion of your personal information
  • The right to opt out of the sale of personal information

We do not sell personal information. To exercise your rights, contact us at [Contact Email]. We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.

11.3 European Economic Area, UK, and Swiss Residents (GDPR)

If you are located in the EEA, UK, or Switzerland, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

  • Right of access — request a copy of your personal data
  • Right to rectification — request correction of inaccurate data
  • Right to erasure — request deletion of your personal data
  • Right to restriction — request we limit how we use your data
  • Right to data portability — receive your data in a portable format
  • Right to object — object to processing based on legitimate interests

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [Contact Email]. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

Our legal bases for processing personal data include: performance of a contract (providing the service), legitimate interests (security, abuse prevention, moderation), compliance with legal obligations, and consent where applicable.

12. Advertising

The service may display advertisements in non-gameplay areas, including menus, lobbies, and interface screens. Advertisements are not displayed during active crossword gameplay.

Advertising providers may use cookies or similar technologies to deliver or personalize advertisements. These providers operate under their own privacy policies and may collect information about your device and usage across other services. We do not sell your personal information to advertising partners. We will update this policy if our advertising practices materially change.

13. Children's Privacy

This service is not intended for users under age 13 (or the applicable minimum age in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided personal information, contact us at [Contact Email] and we will take steps to remove it.

The service includes public chat features. Users — including minors between the ages of 13 and 17 — should not share personal information through public chat or direct messages. Parents and guardians of minor users are encouraged to review this policy and supervise their child's use of communication features.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy at any time. We will indicate the date of the most recent update at the top of this page. Continued use of the service constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

15. AI Disclosure and Technology

We believe in transparency about how this service was built:

  • Software and code — The service's codebase was developed with significant assistance from AI coding tools. The underlying logic, systems, and software are AI-assisted.
  • UI/UX design — The user interface and experience were designed by a human designer. The design was then implemented with the assistance of AI coding tools.
  • Crossword puzzles — All crossword puzzles in the service are created by real, independent human puzzle makers. Puzzle content is not AI-generated. See our Puzzle Makers page for more information.
  • Icons and artwork — Visual assets, icons, and artwork used in the service were created by human artists and designers. See our Credits & Attributions page for full details.
  • Sound effects and music — Audio used in the service, including sound effects and music, is created by human artists and composers. See our Credits & Attributions page for full details.

AI tools are used for code generation and development assistance only. They are not used to generate puzzle content, artwork, audio, or design decisions.

16. Puzzle Makers and Content Credits

Puzzle content is contributed by independent human creators under licensing agreements. We do not collect or share puzzle maker personal information beyond what is voluntarily provided for public attribution on the Puzzle Makers page. Attribution information displayed publicly is provided with the creator's knowledge and consent.

17. Contact

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights: [Contact Email]

Accessibility Statement
Last Updated: June 10, 2026

We are committed to making this service accessible and usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. This statement explains our accessibility goals, current practices, known limitations, and how to reach us with feedback.

1. Our Commitment

We aim to design and build the service so that it can be used by as wide an audience as possible, regardless of ability or the technology they use to access it. We treat accessibility as an ongoing effort, not a checkbox.

2. Standards We Aim For

We work toward conformance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA as published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These guidelines explain how to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological disabilities.

3. Accessibility Features

  • Color contrast ratios designed to meet or exceed WCAG AA minimums for text legibility
  • Dark and light theme support to accommodate visual preferences
  • Responsive layout that adapts to different screen sizes and zoom levels
  • Semantic HTML used throughout to support screen readers and assistive technology
  • ARIA labels and roles applied to interactive elements where applicable
  • Focus indicators maintained for keyboard navigation
  • Text alternatives provided for meaningful non-text content
  • No content that flashes more than three times per second

4. Known Limitations

While we work toward full accessibility, some areas of the service have known limitations:

  • The interactive crossword grid is a complex custom component that may present challenges for screen reader users. We are actively working to improve keyboard and assistive technology support for the grid.
  • Some real-time multiplayer features (such as live score updates and chat) may not announce changes automatically to all assistive technologies.
  • The pixel avatar creator tool has limited screen reader support at this time.
  • Some third-party embedded content or services may not fully meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards under their own implementations.

We are actively working to address these limitations. If you encounter a barrier not listed here, please let us know.

5. Assistive Technology Compatibility

The service is designed to be compatible with common assistive technologies, including:

  • Screen readers (such as NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, and TalkBack)
  • Keyboard-only navigation
  • Browser zoom up to 200% without loss of content or functionality
  • High-contrast display modes

We test primarily on Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. If you experience issues with a specific browser or assistive technology, please contact us.

6. Feedback and Contact

We welcome accessibility feedback. If you experience difficulty accessing any part of the service, please contact us at [Contact Email] and include:

  • A description of the barrier or issue you encountered
  • The page or feature where you encountered it
  • The browser and assistive technology you were using (if applicable)

We aim to respond to accessibility feedback within a reasonable timeframe and will work to address valid barriers as quickly as practicable.

7. Ongoing Improvement

Accessibility is an ongoing process. We conduct periodic reviews of the service and aim to address barriers as we identify them. We will update this statement as our accessibility practices and known limitations change.