Privacy Policy

Overview

LinkGuard is committed to protecting your privacy. This extension was built with privacy as a core principle.

Data Collection

We collect ZERO personal data.

LinkGuard does not:

• ❌ Track your browsing history
• ❌ Collect URLs you check
• ❌ Store personal information
• ❌ Use analytics or telemetry
• ❌ Share data with third parties
• ❌ Require user accounts
• ❌ Sell your data

How LinkGuard Works

When you hover over a link:

1. The link is analyzed locally on your device
2. Pattern matching checks for suspicious characteristics
3. Results are displayed to you
4. Nothing is sent to our servers

All analysis happens on your computer. We don't see what links you check.

Local Storage

LinkGuard uses Chrome's local storage API to:

• Cache analysis results (for faster repeat checks)
• Store your statistics (links checked, threats blocked)

This data:

• ✅ Never leaves your device
• ✅ Is not transmitted anywhere
• ✅ Can be cleared by uninstalling the extension
• ✅ Is only visible to you

Permissions Explained

LinkGuard requests these Chrome permissions:

We only use the minimum permissions necessary for functionality.

Future Updates

When we add API integrations (Google Safe Browsing, VirusTotal, etc.), we will:

1. Update this policy before implementation
2. Notify users via extension update notes
3. Only send URL hashes (not full URLs or personal data)
4. Never send personally identifiable information
5. Maintain our privacy-first commitment

You will always know exactly how your data is handled.

Third-Party Services

Current (v0.1.0):

NONE. All analysis is local.

Planned (Future versions):

• Google Safe Browsing API: We may send URL hashes (not full URLs) to check against Google's threat database
• URL Shortener APIs: We may send shortened URLs to expand them

When implemented:

• We'll update this policy first
• You'll be notified
• Data sent will be minimal (URL hashes only)
• No personal information will ever be sent

Open Source

LinkGuard is 100% open-source.

You can:

• View all source code: github.com/nowakpawel/linkguard
• Audit how the extension works
• Verify our privacy claims
• Report security issues
• Contribute improvements

Transparency is our commitment.

Children's Privacy

LinkGuard does not knowingly collect data from anyone, including children under 13. Since we collect NO data at all, the extension is safe for all ages.

Data Retention

We retain ZERO data because we collect ZERO data.

The only data stored is:

• On YOUR device (local cache, statistics)
• Controlled by YOU
• Cleared when you uninstall

Changes to This Policy

We will notify users of any privacy policy changes via:

• Extension update notes in Chrome Web Store
• Announcement on linkguard.dev
• GitHub repository changelog

Material changes will be announced at least 30 days in advance.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• ✅ Know what data we collect (NONE!)
• ✅ Request data deletion (nothing to delete!)
• ✅ Access your data (only stored locally)
• ✅ Uninstall at any time
• ✅ Audit our code (it's open-source)

Contact Us

Questions about privacy or this policy?

• Website: linkguard.dev
• GitHub: github.com/nowakpawel/linkguard
• GitHub Issues: github.com/nowakpawel/linkguard/issues

We respond to all privacy inquiries within 48 hours.

Legal

Developer Information

Name: Pawel Nowak
Location: Szczecin, Poland
GitHub: @nowakpawel

Governing Law

This privacy policy is governed by the laws of Poland and the European Union (GDPR compliant).