Last Updated: June 3, 2026
This Privacy Policy describes how Pundown (“Pundown,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, and shares information about you when you access or use the Pundown website, application, and related services (collectively, the “Service”). By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
Operator note: Pundown is currently operated as an unincorporated project. Upon formation of a legal entity, this Policy will be updated to identify that entity as the data controller responsible for your information.
1. Who We Are
Pundown is a daily online word-game in which users submit original puns based on a daily prompt and vote on submissions by other users. For the purposes of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), Pundown acts as the “data controller” of the personal data described in this Policy. You can contact us at any time at support@pundown.com.
2. Information We Collect
We collect the following limited categories of information:
2.1 Information You Provide to Us
- Email address: used to create and secure your account, authenticate logins, and communicate with you about the Service.
- Username: a public display name you choose. Your username is visible to other users on leaderboards and alongside your submissions.
- Age certification: a confirmation (via checkbox) that you are at least 16 years of age. We do not collect your date of birth.
- Location details: the city, state/territory, and country you provide, which are used to display region-based leaderboards.
- User content: the puns and other content you submit, and your voting activity.
2.2 Information We Collect Automatically
- IP address: collected automatically when you use the Service. We use it for security, fraud and abuse prevention, approximate location, and to operate region-based features.
- Usage and device data: via Google Analytics, including pages visited, interactions, browser type, device information, and similar diagnostic data.
3. Cookies and Analytics
We use strictly necessary cookies to operate the Service (for example, to keep you logged in). We also use Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google, to understand how users interact with the Service. Google Analytics uses cookies and may collect your IP address and usage data. This information helps us improve the Service.
Where required by law (including in the EU/EEA and UK), we will request your consent before setting non-essential cookies such as analytics cookies. You can withdraw consent or manage your cookie preferences at any time through the cookie controls provided on the Service or through your browser settings. You can learn more about Google’s practices at https://policies.google.com/privacy and opt out of Google Analytics via the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
4. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide, operate, maintain, and improve the Service;
- Create and secure your account and authenticate you;
- Display your username, submissions, and region on leaderboards and within the Service;
- Operate voting, scoring, and ranking features;
- Communicate with you about the Service, including transactional and administrative messages (such as security alerts and updates to our terms);
- Prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents, and enforce our Terms and Conditions;
- Send you marketing or promotional communications, only where you have opted in or where otherwise permitted by law. You can opt out of marketing communications at any time using the unsubscribe link in those messages or by contacting us; and
- Comply with our legal obligations and resolve disputes.
5. Legal Bases for Processing (EU/EEA and UK Users)
If you are located in the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom, we process your personal data on the following legal bases under the GDPR:
- Performance of a contract — to provide the Service you request (e.g., your account, submissions, and voting).
- Legitimate interests — to secure the Service, prevent abuse, and improve our features, where these interests are not overridden by your rights.
- Consent — for non-essential cookies and analytics, and for marketing communications where required. You may withdraw consent at any time.
- Legal obligation — to comply with applicable laws.
6. How We Share Information
We do not sell your personal information. We share information only in the following circumstances:
- Service providers: with vendors who perform services on our behalf, such as hosting, analytics (Google Analytics), and email delivery. These providers may access information only as needed to perform their functions and are obligated to protect it.
- Public content: your username, submitted puns, region, and rankings are displayed publicly within the Service.
- Legal and safety: when we believe disclosure is necessary to comply with the law, enforce our terms, or protect the rights, safety, and security of Pundown, our users, or others.
- Business transfers: in connection with a merger, acquisition, financing, or sale of assets, in which case information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
7. International Data Transfers
Pundown is based in the United States, and the information we collect is processed and stored in the United States and other countries where we or our service providers operate. If you access the Service from outside the United States, you understand that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States. Where we transfer personal data of EU/EEA or UK users out of those regions, we rely on appropriate safeguards, such as the European Commission’s Standard Contractual Clauses, where required by law.
8. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service, comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When information is no longer needed, we will delete or anonymize it. Note that puns and other content you submit are licensed to us as described in our Terms and Conditions and may be retained and displayed even after your account is closed.
9. Your Privacy Rights
9.1 EU/EEA and UK Users (GDPR)
Subject to applicable law, you have the right to: access your personal data; correct inaccurate data; request erasure; restrict or object to processing; data portability; and withdraw consent at any time. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
9.2 California Users (CCPA/CPRA)
If you are a California resident, you have the right to: know the categories and specific pieces of personal information we collect; request deletion of your personal information; correct inaccurate information; and opt out of the “sale” or “sharing” of personal information. We do not sell your personal information. You also have the right not to be discriminated against for exercising these rights.
9.3 How to Exercise Your Rights
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at support@pundown.com. We may need to verify your identity before responding. You may also use an authorized agent where permitted by law.
10. Children’s Privacy
The Service is not directed to, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from, anyone under the age of 16. By using the Service, you certify that you are at least 16 years old. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a person under 16, we will delete that information promptly. If you believe a person under 16 has provided us with personal information, please contact us at support@pundown.com.
11. Data Security
We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures designed to protect your information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will revise the “Last Updated” date above and, where appropriate, provide additional notice (such as by email or a notice within the Service). Your continued use of the Service after the changes take effect constitutes your acceptance of the revised Policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:
Pundown
Email: support@pundown.com