Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 2026

PuzzleUnlock ("we", "us", or "our") operates puzzleunlock.com. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you use our website.

Information We Collect

We do not require you to create an account or provide personal information to use PuzzleUnlock. We collect limited information automatically: usage data including pages visited, time spent, browser type, and device type collected through Google Analytics; ad data collected by Google AdSense to serve relevant advertisements; and email address only if you voluntarily sign up for updates.

How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to operate and improve the website and puzzle solvers, to serve relevant advertisements through Google AdSense, to analyze usage patterns and fix technical issues, and to send product updates if you joined our mailing list (you can unsubscribe anytime).

AI Processing and Photo Scan

Some PuzzleUnlock features use third-party AI services, including Claude AI by Anthropic, to process puzzle clues, word lists, grids, screenshots, and uploaded puzzle images. These features include our AI-powered crossword solver, Connections grouping analysis, cryptic crossword decoder, and photo scan tools that read puzzle grids from photographs.

Puzzle inputs and uploaded images submitted to AI-powered features are transmitted to Anthropic for processing to generate solver results. These submissions should contain only puzzle-related content. Users should not upload personal, confidential, financial, medical, or sensitive information. Uploaded images are processed to generate results and are not stored permanently by PuzzleUnlock.

Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies for Google AdSense (serves personalized ads based on your browsing history — you can opt out at adssettings.google.com) and for dictionary caching (we store the word list in your browser cache to make solvers load faster on return visits — this contains no personal information). You can disable cookies in your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect ad personalization but will not affect the puzzle solvers.

Google AdSense

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements. Google uses cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our website and other sites on the internet. You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings at adssettings.google.com.

Third-Party Services

Third-party services used by PuzzleUnlock include: Anthropic (Claude AI) for AI-powered solver features and photo scanning — see Anthropic Privacy Policy at anthropic.com/privacy; Google AdSense for advertising — see Google Privacy Policy at policies.google.com/privacy; Google Analytics for usage analytics; and Cloudflare for website hosting and security — see Cloudflare Privacy Policy at cloudflare.com/privacypolicy.

Data Retention

We do not store personal data on our servers beyond what Google Analytics and AdSense collect on our behalf. Puzzle inputs submitted to AI features are processed by Anthropic and are not stored permanently by PuzzleUnlock. If you joined our email list, your email is stored until you unsubscribe.

Your Rights

Depending on your location you may have rights to access, correct, or delete your personal data. To exercise these rights or ask questions about your data, contact us at [email protected].

Children's Privacy

PuzzleUnlock is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at [email protected] and we will delete it.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated policy on this page with a revised date. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at [email protected].