Privacy Policy

Mobile messaging privacy

We do not share, sell, rent, or provide your mobile phone number, SMS opt-in data, or messaging consent to third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

PicBits uses this information only to provide the one-time verification code or the recurring Daily Puzzle Alerts that you specifically request. Consent to Daily Puzzle Alerts is optional, is collected separately, and is not a condition of creating a profile, playing PicBits, or making any purchase.

Information we collect

PicBits may collect the mobile number you provide, your username, phone-verification status, game attempts and scores, daily-text preferences and consent timestamps, and basic technical information needed to operate and protect the service.

You can play free puzzles without creating an account. A secure browser cookie and browser storage keep your guest attempt, including revealed cells, guesses, timing, and completion. If you sign in, that original progress moves to your profile so it can be saved under your username without restarting the puzzle. We retain an ownership marker to prevent the same guest attempt from being claimed again.

How we use information

When you request a code, we use your mobile number to send one automated account-verification SMS. That one-time verification text does not enroll you in recurring messages. We also use information to save progress, operate leaderboards, prevent score manipulation, and provide customer support. Only when you separately select the optional Daily Puzzle Alerts checkbox do we send the recurring alerts you requested.

PicBits+ payments

When you subscribe, Stripe processes your payment and billing details. PicBits stores the Stripe customer and subscription identifiers associated with your profile, subscription status, plan, and paid access dates so we can unlock your membership. PicBits does not receive or store your full card number. Your phone number and SMS consent are not sent to Stripe by this integration.

Traffic analytics

PicBits uses privacy-friendly first-party traffic measurement to understand visits and improve the game. It stores a random browser identifier in local storage and records a one-way version of that identifier with the visit date, page, platform type, and referral domain or campaign source. This traffic record does not include your name, phone number, full referring URL, or message-consent information.

PicBits may also use Google Analytics or a similar analytics provider. If enabled, that provider may process basic device, browser, and interaction information under its own privacy terms. PicBits does not send mobile phone numbers or SMS consent data to analytics providers.

Advertising

PicBits is designed to support website advertising and in-app advertising in the future. If advertising is enabled, an advertising provider such as Google AdSense or Google AdMob may process device, advertising, and interaction information to deliver, limit, measure, and prevent fraud involving ads. Consent and privacy controls will be presented where required.

Mobile phone numbers and messaging opt-in or consent data are never shared with advertising providers or other third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

PicBits Daily Puzzle Alerts

If you opt in, PicBits sends one recurring SMS message per day when the new puzzle is ready. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to unsubscribe or HELP for help. You may also turn daily texts off from your PicBits profile.

Mobile information and consent

Mobile information, SMS opt-in data, and messaging consent are not shared with third parties or affiliates for their marketing or promotional purposes.

Service providers such as Twilio and our hosting providers may process limited information only as necessary to deliver, secure, and operate PicBits on our behalf. They may not use mobile information or messaging consent for their own marketing or promotional purposes.

Retention and security

We retain information only as reasonably needed to provide PicBits, preserve consent and opt-out records, prevent abuse, and meet legal obligations. After account deletion, PicBits may retain a one-way hashed marker that a verified number already played a specific puzzle so deletion cannot reset an attempt. We use reasonable safeguards, but no online service can guarantee absolute security.

Children's privacy

PicBits is a general-audience game and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. A parent or guardian who believes a child provided personal information may request its deletion through the account-deletion process below.

Your choices

You can decline daily texts without affecting your ability to create or use a PicBits profile. You can withdraw SMS consent at any time by replying STOP or disabling Daily puzzle text in your profile.

You can permanently delete your profile and associated data from PicBits account settings. See Delete Your Account for the complete process and deletion details.

Contact PicBits

For privacy or account questions, email greg@picbits.io. You can also call (910) 242-3998.