Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how the ResearchStarter Chrome Extension ("Extension") handles information.

1. Information We Process
- Gemini API key: If you provide a Gemini API key, it is stored locally in your browser storage for extension functionality.
- Page content and prompts: When you run an analysis, the extension reads content from the active tab and sends relevant text/prompts to Google Gemini to generate results.
- Payment/subscription data: If you purchase or manage paid access, payment processing is handled through Stripe (via ExtensionPay). We do not receive or store your full payment card number.

2. How Information Is Used
- To provide analysis features in the extension.
- To enable account, subscription, and payment-related functionality.
- To operate, secure, and improve extension performance.

3. Third-Party Services
This Extension relies on third-party services that process data according to their own policies:
- Stripe Privacy Policy: https://stripe.com/privacy
- Google Privacy Policy (applies to Gemini services): https://policies.google.com/privacy

4. Data Storage and Retention
- Locally stored settings (such as API keys and preferences) remain in your browser until you remove them, uninstall the extension, or clear browser extension storage.
- Data sent to third-party providers is subject to their retention and handling practices.

5. Data Sharing
We do not sell your personal information. We only share data with service providers necessary to operate the extension (such as Stripe and Gemini/Google).

6. Security
We use reasonable measures to protect data handled by the extension. No internet-based system can be guaranteed 100% secure.

7. Your Choices
- You can choose not to provide a Gemini API key, but certain features will not work.
- You can remove locally stored data by clearing extension storage or uninstalling the extension.

8. Children's Privacy
This extension is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Effective date" above indicates the latest version.

10. Contact
For privacy questions, contact the publisher through the support/contact method listed on the Chrome Web Store listing or your public website.