Privacy Policy

Prime95 values your privacy and is committed to protecting the information collected through the Prime95 software, PrimeNet, GIMPS participation, and related services.

This Privacy Policy explains what information may be collected, how it is used, when it may be shared, and the choices available to you. By using Prime95 or participating in GIMPS, you acknowledge the practices described in this Policy.

Prime95 is a free application developed by George Woltman for the Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search (GIMPS). It allows users to perform Mersenne prime calculations, receive assignments from PrimeNet,

Information We Collect

The information collected depends on whether you use Prime95 for GIMPS participation, stress testing, or website services.

Personal Information

We collect limited personal information when you voluntarily provide it:

Account Information: If you create a PrimeNet account, we may collect your username, email address, password credentials, team information, and account preferences.

Contact Information: If you contact us for support, submit feedback, or report a bug, we may collect your name, email address, and the contents of your message.

Creating a PrimeNet account is optional. Users who do not wish to be publicly identified may participate using the available anonymous user option.

Computer and Software Information

When Prime95 connects to PrimeNet, it may transmit technical information required to manage assignments and verify results, including:

• Prime95 version and build number;
• Operating system;
• Processor type, features, and performance;
• Available memory and configured resources;
• Computer name or identifier;
• Unique computer GUID;
• Work preferences and assignment status;
• Calculation progress and completion times;
• Reliability and performance statistics;
• Error or diagnostic information; and
• Network connection information, including IP address.

This information helps PrimeNet assign appropriate work, monitor progress, verify calculations, and maintain project statistics.

Calculation and Research Data

When participating in GIMPS, Prime95 may submit:

• Assignment identifiers;
• Tested exponents;
• Factors and residues;
• PRP, Lucas-Lehmer, P-1, ECM, and other test results;
• Proof files or verification data;
• Calculation errors and status updates; and
• Work completion and performance information.

Research results may be retained as part of the GIMPS mathematical database. Selected statistics, standings, discoveries, and derived research data may be displayed publicly without publishing personally identifiable information.

Stress-Testing Information

If you select “Just Stress Testing,” Prime95 performs calculations locally without requesting GIMPS assignments.

Stress-test settings, results, temporary files, and error logs are generally stored on your computer. They are not submitted to PrimeNet unless you manually send them, enable another network-related feature, or use the application for GIMPS participation.

Website and Cookie Information

When you visit the website, standard technical information may be collected, including:

• IP address;
• Browser and device type;
• Operating system;
• Pages visited;
• Referring page;
• Access date and time;
• Login activity; and
• Download or website interaction information.

Cookies may be used to maintain login sessions, remember preferences, provide website functionality, measure performance, and protect accounts from unauthorized access. You may manage cookies through your browser settings, although disabling them may affect certain features.

How We Use Your Information

Collected information may be used to:

Manage GIMPS Participation: Assign mathematical work, receive progress updates, process results, and coordinate calculations through PrimeNet.

Verify Research: Validate submitted results, detect calculation errors, confirm discoveries, and maintain the integrity of research records.

Maintain Accounts: Authenticate users, manage computers, display account statistics, and provide access to work and performance information.

Improve Prime95: Analyze errors, improve compatibility, fix bugs, optimize performance, and develop software enhancements.

Provide Support: Respond to questions, investigate technical issues, and assist with Prime95 or PrimeNet configuration.

Maintain Security: Detect abuse, unauthorized access, fraudulent results, spam, and other harmful activity.

Meet Legal Obligations: Comply with applicable laws, enforce the GIMPS Terms and Conditions, and administer eligible research discovery awards.

Public Statistics and Research Records

GIMPS is a collaborative research project. Certain non-personal information may be included in public statistics, standings, charts, research records, or discovery announcements.

Public information may include:

• Username or selected display name;
• Team affiliation;
• Completed work totals;
• Performance rankings;
• Factors or mathematical results;
• Discovery information; and
• Aggregated project statistics.

Email addresses, passwords, and other personally identifiable account details are not included in public statistics. Users may select an anonymous identifier when available.

Information Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or release email addresses or other personal information for commercial purposes.

Information may be disclosed:

• To service providers that support hosting, email, security, and technical operations;
• When required by applicable law, court order, or valid legal process;
• To investigate fraud, abuse, security incidents, or invalid research submissions;
• To verify and announce a qualifying mathematical discovery;
• To process a research award with the participant’s involvement; or
• With your consent or at your direction.

Service providers may process only the information reasonably necessary to perform their assigned functions.

Third-Party Services

Prime95 may connect with or link to services such as forums, software repositories, analytics tools, or external websites.

When you use a third-party service, information is handled according to that service’s privacy policy. You should review the applicable terms before creating an account or submitting information.

The Mersenne Forum may require a separate account and may maintain its own user posts, profile information, and technical logs.

Data Storage and Retention

Local Data

Prime95 stores configuration files, work assignments, calculation progress, temporary files, results, and logs on your computer. These files remain until they are completed, replaced, or deleted by you or the application.

PrimeNet Data

Account details, computer records, assignments, submitted results, and research information may be retained for as long as necessary to operate GIMPS, validate calculations, maintain historical research records, resolve disputes, and satisfy legal obligations.

Mathematical results and related research records may be retained permanently because they form part of the project’s scientific history.

Data Security

Reasonable administrative and technical safeguards are used to protect personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or loss.

You are responsible for protecting your PrimeNet username and password, maintaining the security of your computer, and reviewing files before submitting logs or diagnostic information.

No electronic transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

• Access personal information associated with your account;
• Correct inaccurate account information;
• Update your email address and preferences;
• Request deletion of eligible personal information;
• Object to or restrict certain processing;
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent;
• Request a portable copy of qualifying information; and
• Submit a complaint to a data-protection authority.

Some research, security, legal, and historical records may be retained even after an account deletion request.

You may stop participating in GIMPS at any time, disconnect Prime95 from PrimeNet, or use the application only for local stress testing.

Children’s Privacy

Prime95 and GIMPS services are not directed to children under 13 or the minimum age required by applicable local law.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children in violation of applicable law. If such information is identified, reasonable steps will be taken to remove it.

International Data Transfers

Prime95 and GIMPS are used by participants worldwide. Information may be processed or stored in countries other than your country of residence.

Where required, appropriate safeguards will be applied to international transfers of personal information.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated to reflect changes in Prime95, PrimeNet, GIMPS operations, technology, or legal requirements.

Revisions will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. You are encouraged to review this Policy periodically.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us through the available Contact Us page.

For PrimeNet connectivity, assignment, account, or server-related matters, include your username, Prime95 version, and a brief description of the issue. Do not submit your password.

By using Prime95, PrimeNet, or related services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.