Bigger Blacker Book v13: More Control, More Privacy, More Power

Version 13 is here — and it’s one of our biggest updates yet.

This release is all about control: control over your data, your privacy, how you share information, and how deeply you want to engage with the app. We’ve added powerful new features, expanded membership benefits, improved design, and laid the groundwork for a healthier, better-informed community.

Here’s what’s new.

Membership Has Its Rewards

We’ve introduced paid membership as a way to unlock advanced features and support the ongoing development of the Bigger Blacker Book.

Membership helps keep the app independent, privacy-first, and focused on building better sexual health tools for our community. Members get access to enhanced search, deeper insights, expanded media support, and more — with additional benefits rolling out over time.

Always-On Encryption

Your database now stays encrypted both on your device and when backed up to the cloud.

Encounters, screenings, friends, notes, and regimens are protected with encryption designed to keep your information private and under your control. Encryption keys are created and managed on your device, helping ensure your data stays secure wherever you choose to store it.

Privacy isn’t optional — it’s the foundation.

Better STI Exposure Alerts

When you log a positive test result, the app now gives you the option to notify partners manually.

This puts you in control of who gets notified and when. No automatic blasts. No oversharing. Just thoughtful tools to help you look out for yourself and others in a way that feels right.

Public Health Trend Dispatch (Opt-In)

If you choose to participate, Version 13 introduces a new way to support public health efforts.

By opting in, you can share anonymous, aggregated trends — such as encounter counts or screening summaries — with public health organizations. No names, no identifiers, no notes. Just high-level data that helps health officials better plan outreach and resources.

Participation is always optional.

New Year, New Look

We’ve refreshed the app’s design with a cleaner, more intuitive interface that makes navigating your sexual health history easier and more enjoyable.

Everything should feel smoother, clearer, and more intentional — with additional themes and visual improvements on the way.

¡Hola! Bonjour!

The Bigger Blacker Book is now available in Spanish and French, with more languages coming soon.

You can switch languages anytime from the Settings screen and use the app in the language that feels most comfortable to you.

OneDrive Support

You asked — we listened.

In addition to iCloud, Dropbox, and Google Drive, Version 13 adds OneDrive support for secure backups and syncing. Choose the cloud provider that works best for you and keep your data under your control.

Member-Only Features

Paid members unlock even more powerful tools in Version 13:

New Medication Regimens

Browse up-to-date medication regimens based on current public health recommendations. Track what you’re taking, get reminders, and stay on schedule — all in one place.

Calendar Search Magic

Search your calendar by keyword or date to instantly find specific encounters, friends, or moments. No more endless scrolling.

Full Friend Search

Quickly locate any friend in your database by typing a name or detail. Simple, fast, and incredibly useful as your history grows.

Five Photos per Friend

Members can now save up to five photos per friend profile — perfect for faces, memories, and context when names alone aren’t enough.

Save Drafts (Because Life Happens)

Need to step away mid-log? No problem.

You can now save encounters and screenings as drafts and come back to finish them whenever you’re ready. No pressure. No lost work.

Wrapping Up

Version 13 is about building tools that respect real lives — tools that are private, flexible, and supportive without being judgmental.

Whether you’re here to stay organized, stay informed, support public health, or just remember who you were with last summer, we’re glad you’re here.

As always, thank you for trusting the Bigger Blacker Book and helping us build something better — together.