Privacy Policy for ExplainIt Chrome Extension

Last Updated: January 28, 2025

Overview

ExplainIt is a Chrome extension that helps users understand words, phrases, and text by providing AI-powered explanations. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information.

Information We Collect

Data Stored Locally

• Selected Text: Words and phrases you highlight for explanation
• Explanations: AI-generated definitions and explanations
• Context: Surrounding text to provide better explanations
• Source URLs: Website addresses where you saved vocabulary
• Timestamps: When vocabulary entries were saved
• API Key: Your Google Gemini API key (stored securely using Chrome's sync storage)

Data Sent to Third Parties

• Google Gemini API: Selected text and context are sent to Google's Generative AI service to generate explanations
• No other third-party services receive your data

How We Use Your Information

• Local Storage: All vocabulary history is stored locally on your device using Chrome's storage API
• AI Processing: Selected text is sent to Google Gemini API only to generate explanations
• Sync: API key is synced across your Chrome browsers using Chrome's secure sync storage
• No Analytics: We do not collect analytics or usage data

Data Security

• All data is stored locally on your device
• API keys are stored using Chrome's secure sync storage
• Communications with Google Gemini API use HTTPS encryption
• We do not store or have access to your vocabulary data on external servers

Data Sharing

• We do not sell, trade, or share your personal data with third parties
• Selected text is shared only with Google Gemini API for explanation generation
• No data is shared for advertising or marketing purposes

Your Rights

• Access: All your data is accessible through the extension interface
• Delete: You can delete individual entries or clear all data through the extension
• Export: You can export your vocabulary data as CSV
• Control: You can disable the extension at any time

Third-Party Services

Google Gemini API

• Selected text and context may be sent to Google's Generative AI service
• Google's privacy policy applies to data processed by their service
• You can review Google's privacy policy at: https://policies.google.com/privacy

Data Retention

• Vocabulary data is stored locally until you delete it
• No automatic deletion occurs
• Uninstalling the extension removes all local data

Changes to Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy periodically. Changes will be reflected in the "Last Updated" date above.

Contact Information

For privacy-related questions or concerns, please contact us through the Chrome Web Store support page for ExplainIt extension.

Compliance

This extension complies with:

• Chrome Web Store Developer Program Policies
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) principles
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) principles