Privacy Policy
Effective Date: January 3, 2026 Last Updated: January 3, 2026
1. Overview
Welcome to FlowReader (the "Extension"). We take your privacy seriously. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information.
Important Note: FlowReader is a client-first browser extension. We minimize data collection and processing as much as possible.
2. Information Collection
2.1 Information We Collect
Locally Stored Data
All data is stored locally in your browser (chrome.storage.local), and is not uploaded to our servers:
| Data Type | Content Stored | Storage Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLM Configuration | API keys, model names, providers | chrome.storage.local | Connect to third-party AI services |
| Vocabulary Configuration | Vocabulary level, known/unknown word lists | chrome.storage.local | Personalized vocabulary filtering |
| Usage Status | First-time use, learning statistics | chrome.storage.local | Improve product experience |
Log Data
We do not collect the following data:
- ❌ URLs of websites you visit
- ❌ Text content you analyze
- ❌ Your learning records
- ❌ Personal information (name, email, IP address, etc.)
2.2 Information We Don't Collect
- Personal Identity: No account registration required, we don't collect names, emails, phone numbers
- Usage Behavior: We don't track which websites you visit or your click behavior
- Location: No geolocation data collected
- Device Fingerprint: No unique device identifiers generated
3. Data Usage
3.1 Use of Local Data
Data stored locally is only used for extension functionality:
| Data | Usage |
|---|---|
| API Keys | Sent to your configured LLM provider (OpenAI/Zhipu/Custom) to get AI analysis results |
| Vocabulary Configuration | Filters new words based on your vocabulary level, marks word mastery status |
| Learning Statistics | Display statistics in the extension interface (not shared) |
3.2 Use of Third-Party Services
This extension uses third-party AI services you configure (OpenAI, Zhipu AI, etc.):
Data Sent:
- The text content you select is sent to your configured LLM provider
- Content includes: text to be analyzed, system prompts
Data Processing:
- Third-party services return analysis results based on the content
- Analysis results are only displayed locally in your browser, not saved by third parties
Third-Party Privacy Policies:
4. Data Storage & Security
4.1 Data Storage Location
All data is stored locally in your browser:
- Storage location:
chrome.storage.local - Data scope: Only configuration and status data used by this extension
- Data isolation: Complete isolation between different users/computers
4.2 Data Security
We take the following measures to protect your data:
✅ Local Encryption: Browser's built-in encryption mechanism ✅ Permission Control: Only this extension can access stored data ✅ No Network Transfer: Data is not sent to our servers ✅ User Control: You can clear data at any time
4.3 Data Retention
| Data Type | Retention Period | Deletion Method |
|---|---|---|
| LLM Configuration | Permanent (local) | Uninstall extension or clear browser data |
| Vocabulary Configuration | Permanent (local) | Uninstall extension or clear browser data |
| Browser Cache | Session only | Automatically cleared when browser closes |
5. Third-Party Services
5.1 Third-Party Services Used
This extension uses the following third-party services:
| Service | Provider | Purpose | Data Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenAI API | OpenAI | Provide AI analysis capabilities | Text sent to their servers for analysis |
| Zhipu AI API | Zhipu AI | Provide AI analysis capabilities | Text sent to their servers for analysis |
| Custom API | User-configured | Provide AI analysis capabilities | Text sent to user-configured server |
5.2 Third-Party Data Processing
Important Notice:
- We do not control third-party service data processing
- Your selected text will be sent to third-party servers
- Please review third-party service privacy policies
Data Processing Flow:
Your Browser → LLM API Provider → Return Analysis → Display in Extension
↑ ↑
| |
Local Send Third-Party Processing6. Your Rights
6.1 Data Access
You can access data stored locally at any time:
- Open Chrome extension management page
- Find FlowReader
- Click "Details"
- View storage data under "Site permissions"
6.2 Data Deletion
You can delete all data at any time:
Method 1: Clear data in extension settings Method 2: Uninstall extension (automatically clears all data) Method 3: Clear browser data (chrome://settings/content)
6.3 Data Export
Current version does not support data export. Future versions will add:
- Export vocabulary configuration as JSON/CSV
- Backup learning records
7. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
7.1 Cookies
This extension does not use cookies.
7.2 Tracking Technologies
This extension does not use the following tracking technologies:
- ❌ Google Analytics
- ❌ Facebook Pixel
- ❌ Third-party tracking scripts
- ❌ Ad tracking
8. Children's Privacy
This extension is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13.
9. Policy Changes
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. For significant changes, we will:
- Notify you within the extension
- Update the "Last Updated" date in this document
- Provide notice before releasing new versions
Continued use of this extension indicates acceptance of the updated privacy policy.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions or suggestions about this privacy policy, please contact us:
- Email: [To be filled]
- GitHub Issues: Project Repository
- Chrome Web Store: Leave a comment in the extension review section
11. Legal Notice
11.1 Governing Law
This privacy policy is governed by the laws of the People's Republic of China.
11.2 Dispute Resolution
Disputes arising from this privacy policy shall be resolved through friendly consultation. If consultation fails, either party may file a lawsuit with a people's court having jurisdiction at our location.
Version: v1.0.0 Effective Date: January 3, 2026