Privacy Policy

Last Updated: September 2025

1. Introduction

Word Collector ("the Extension") is a Chrome browser extension designed to help users learn English vocabulary effectively. We are committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our Extension.

By using the Extension, you agree to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not install or use the Extension.

2. Information Collection

2.1 Types of Information We Collect

The Extension collects the following types of information:

2.1.1 Vocabulary Learning Data

  • Collected Words: English words you select and add from web pages, along with their context
  • Learning Records: Review times, mastery levels, learning frequency, and progress
  • Generated Articles: AI-generated learning articles based on your vocabulary library

2.1.2 Usage Statistics

  • Learning Statistics: Study duration, number of words mastered, consecutive learning days
  • Feature Usage: Frequency of feature usage and preference settings

2.1.3 User Settings

  • Personalization: Review reminder times, daily learning goals, interface preferences
  • API Configuration: DeepSeek API key (if you choose to use AI article generation)

2.2 Information We Do NOT Collect

The Extension does NOT collect:

  • Personal identifying information (name, email, phone number, etc.)
  • Your browsing history
  • Web page content you visit (except for words you actively select and their context)
  • Passwords, credit card information, or other sensitive financial data
  • Information about other applications on your device

3. Use of Information

3.1 Primary Purposes

We use collected information solely for the following purposes:

  • Core Functionality: Store and manage your vocabulary learning data
  • Personalized Learning: Adjust review schedules based on your progress
  • Learning Materials: Generate AI-powered articles containing your vocabulary
  • Analytics: Create learning reports to help you track progress
  • Improvement: Optimize Extension features based on usage patterns

3.2 Data Processing Principles

  • Data Minimization: We collect only the minimum information necessary to provide our services
  • Purpose Limitation: Data is used only for stated purposes
  • Accuracy: We ensure stored data remains accurate and current

4. Data Storage

4.1 Local Storage

All your learning data is primarily stored locally:

  • IndexedDB: Stores vocabulary, articles, and learning records
  • Chrome Storage API: Stores settings and configuration
  • Location: Data is saved on your local device and is not automatically uploaded to any servers

4.2 Data Synchronization

If you are signed into Chrome and have sync enabled:

  • Some settings may sync across your devices via Chrome Sync
  • Synchronization is managed by Google Chrome - please refer to Chrome's privacy policy

4.3 Data Retention

  • Data remains on your device until you actively delete it
  • Uninstalling the Extension automatically removes all related data
  • You can export or delete your data at any time through Extension settings

5. Third-Party Services

5.1 DeepSeek API

If you choose to use AI article generation:

  • Data Transfer: Selected vocabulary is sent to DeepSeek API to generate articles
  • Data Processing: DeepSeek is used solely for article generation and does not store personal data
  • Security: All API communications are encrypted via HTTPS
  • Optional Feature: This feature is completely optional

5.2 Dictionary API

  • Purpose: Retrieve word definitions and pronunciation
  • Data Transfer: Only the word itself is sent, no personal information
  • Public API: Uses publicly available free dictionary API service

5.3 Text-to-Speech Service

  • Browser Built-in: Uses Chrome's native TTS functionality
  • Local Processing: Speech synthesis occurs locally without external servers

6. Data Security

6.1 Security Measures

We implement the following measures to protect your data:

  • Local Encryption: Sensitive data (such as API keys) is encrypted when stored locally
  • Secure Transmission: All external API calls use HTTPS protocol
  • Permission Minimization: Extension requests only necessary browser permissions
  • Code Review: Regular security reviews and updates

6.2 User Responsibilities

To help protect your data, we recommend:

  • Secure your device with screen lock passwords
  • Do not share your API keys with others
  • Regularly backup important learning data
  • Keep Chrome browser and the Extension updated

7. Your Rights

7.1 User Rights

You have the following rights regarding your data:

  • Access: View all your learning data
  • Correction: Edit or correct your data
  • Deletion: Delete some or all of your data
  • Portability: Export your data in JSON format
  • Opt-out: Choose not to use certain features (e.g., AI generation)

7.2 Exercising Your Rights

You can exercise these rights by:

  • Managing your data in the Extension settings page
  • Using import/export features to backup or migrate data
  • Using the clear data function to delete all information
  • Uninstalling the Extension to completely remove all related data

8. Children's Privacy

The Extension is not designed for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and discover that your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will take steps to delete such information.

9. Chrome Permissions

9.1 Required Permissions

The Extension requests the following Chrome permissions:

  • storage: Store your learning data and settings
  • contextMenus: Add right-click menu for quick word collection
  • alarms: Set learning reminders
  • activeTab: Collect selected words from current tab
  • scripting: Inject content scripts for word selection functionality

9.2 Permission Usage

Each permission has a specific purpose. We commit to:

  • Never abuse permissions to access unrelated information
  • Never collect your browsing data in the background
  • Only use permissions when you actively interact with the Extension

10. Policy Updates

10.1 Update Notifications

When significant changes are made to this Privacy Policy, we will:

  • Notify users in Extension update notes
  • Display update notifications in the Extension interface
  • Update the "Last Updated" date on this page

10.2 Continued Use

Continued use of the Extension constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the updated policy, you may choose to stop using and uninstall the Extension.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

  • GitHub Issues: Submit issues in our GitHub repository
  • Email: support@wordsnap.com

We will respond to your inquiries as promptly as possible.

12. Legal Compliance

This Privacy Policy is governed by and complies with applicable United States laws and regulations, including but not limited to:

  • California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
  • Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for EU users
  • Other applicable state and federal privacy laws

We are committed to complying with all applicable data protection laws in the jurisdictions where our Extension is used.

Thank you for trusting Word Collector. We are committed to protecting your privacy and providing a secure, reliable learning tool.

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