Privacy Policy
Last updated: July 18, 2026
FormWords is a free utility that runs in your browser. We built it to feel lightweight for you, and lightweight with data. This policy explains what we collect, why, and how you can control it.
1. Overview
When you use FormWords, most of the work happens locally in your browser. Your letters are unscrambled client-side against a word list. We do not send the letters you type to a server to be stored, and we do not tie them to your identity.
2. Information we collect
a) Letters you enter
The words and letters you type into the unscrambler are processed locally in your browser to generate results. We do not store these inputs on our servers, sell them, or associate them with an account, because we have no accounts.
b) Information you provide
If you contact us through the contact form, we collect the name, email, subject, and message you provide so we can reply. We store that in our support system.
c) Automatically collected
Like most websites, our hosting provider logs basic technical information: IP address, browser type, device type, pages viewed, and timestamps. We use aggregated, anonymized analytics to understand which features are used and to fix bugs.
3. Cookies and similar technologies
We use cookies and local storage for essential functions: remembering your language or display preferences, keeping the site secure, and measuring audience size. Advertising partners may also set cookies to show relevant ads and to measure ad performance.
- Necessary cookies for site operation.
- Preference cookies for settings you choose.
- Analytics cookies to understand aggregate usage.
- Advertising cookies set by Google and ad partners.
Consent management
When you first visit FormWords you see a cookie banner at the bottom. Your choice is stored locally in your browser as fw_cookie_consent with a timestamp. We do not send that marker to our servers. Accepting allows personalized ads and analytics cookies; declining keeps the unscrambler fully usable but disables personalized advertising. You can change your choice anytime via the “Manage cookies” link in the footer, which clears the stored choice and shows the banner again.
For visitors in the European Economic Area, United Kingdom, and Switzerland, Google requires a certified Consent Management Platform for personalized ads. FormWords currently uses a simple consent prompt that blocks ad loading until you accept. When you apply for Google AdSense at scale, we recommend enabling Google Funding Choices or another Google-certified CMP via your AdSense account to fully meet Google’s EU User Consent Policy.
4. Advertising
FormWords may display ads served by Google AdSense and other third-party ad networks. These partners may use cookies, web beacons, or similar technologies to collect information about your visits to FormWords and other sites to provide you with relevant advertisements.
Google’s use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads based on your prior visits to FormWords or other websites. You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings or aboutads.info.
You can also control cookies from your browser settings. Blocking cookies may affect how some parts of the site behave.
5. Third-party disclosure
We do not sell your personal information. We share information only with service providers who help us operate the site (hosting, analytics, email delivery, advertising) and only as needed to provide the service. If required by law, we may disclose information to comply with a legal obligation.
6. Third-party links
Our site may contain links to external sites, such as dictionary sources or advertisers. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those external sites. Review their policies separately.
7. Data retention
Contact messages are retained for up to 24 months to allow us to follow up on conversations. Analytics data is kept in aggregated form. Server logs are automatically rotated and deleted after a short retention period.
8. Security
We use HTTPS and industry-standard hosting safeguards. No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security, but we take reasonable measures to protect your information.
9. Children’s privacy
FormWords is not directed to children under 13 and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided information, contact us and we will promptly delete it.
10. Your rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights under GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy laws:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Request correction or deletion
- Object to or limit certain processing
- Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal info - we do not sell your data
- California residents may request disclosure of categories collected and purposes
To exercise rights, email privacy@formwords.com with the subject “Privacy Request”.
11. International transfers
FormWords is operated from the United States. If you access the site from outside the US, your information may be processed in the US where laws may differ from your jurisdiction.
12. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. We will update the “Last updated” date and, if changes are material, provide a more prominent notice.
13. Contact
Questions about privacy? Reach us at privacy@formwords.com or through our contact page.
