Chrome Extension Privacy Policy Template — Publishing Guide

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Privacy Policy Template for Chrome Extensions

A practical guide with copy-paste privacy policy templates for Chrome extensions. This guide helps you create a compliant privacy policy for the Chrome Web Store.

Why You Need a Privacy Policy

A privacy policy is required by the Chrome Web Store (CWS) if your extension handles any user data. This includes:

Collecting, storing, or transmitting any personal information
Accessing browsing data through permissions
Using analytics or tracking
Storing user preferences or data remotely

Google reviews your privacy policy during the extension review process. A clear, honest privacy policy builds trust with your users and ensures compliance with Chrome Web Store policies.

When Is a Privacy Policy Required?

Extension Type	Privacy Policy Required?
Storage only (local)	Recommended (not required, but good practice)
`tabs` permission	Yes
`activeTab` permission	Yes
`cookies` permission	Yes
`webRequest` permission	Yes
Host permissions (all URLs)	Yes
No special permissions	Not required, but recommended
No data collection at all	Not required

Note: Even if not strictly required, having a privacy policy is always recommended for transparency.

Template: Minimal Extension (No Data Collection)

Use this template if your extension only uses local storage and doesn’t collect or transmit any user data.

# Privacy Policy

## Overview {#overview}
[Your Extension Name] is a Chrome extension that operates entirely locally on your device. This privacy policy explains how we handle your data.

## Data Collection {#data-collection}
We do not collect, store, or transmit any personal information or browsing data. All data processed by this extension remains on your local device.

## Local Storage {#local-storage}
This extension uses chrome.storage.local to save your preferences locally. This data is never transmitted to any external servers.

## Permissions Used {#permissions-used}
This extension may request the following permissions:
- **Storage**: To save your preferences locally
- **[Other permissions]**: [Brief description of why needed]

## Contact {#contact}
If you have questions about this privacy policy, please contact us at [email address].

---
*Disclaimer: This privacy policy is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.*

Copy-Paste Version

# Privacy Policy

## Overview {#overview}
My Extension is a Chrome extension that operates entirely locally on your device. This privacy policy explains how we handle your data.

## Data Collection {#data-collection}
We do not collect, store, or transmit any personal information or browsing data. All data processed by this extension remains on your local device.

## Local Storage {#local-storage}
This extension uses chrome.storage.local to save your preferences locally. This data is never transmitted to any external servers.

## Permissions Used {#permissions-used}
This extension uses the following Chrome permissions:
- **storage**: Saves your preferences locally on your device

## Contact {#contact}
If you have questions about this privacy policy, please contact us at your-email@example.com.

---
*Disclaimer: This privacy policy is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.*

Template: Extension with Permissions

Use this template if your extension uses permissions like tabs, activeTab, cookies, or host permissions.

# Privacy Policy

## Overview {#overview}
[Your Extension Name] is a Chrome extension designed to [brief description of what your extension does]. This privacy policy explains our data practices.

## Data We Collect {#data-we-collect}
[Describe what data your extension accesses or processes]

## How We Use Data {#how-we-use-data}
[Explain how the data is used - e.g., to provide features, improve the extension, etc.]

## Data Storage {#data-storage}
- **Local Storage**: [Describe what data is stored locally]
- **No External Servers**: [Specify if data is NOT sent to any servers]

## Permissions Explanation {#permissions-explanation}

This extension requires the following Chrome permissions:

### 1. tabs {#1-tabs}
This permission allows the extension to access information about open tabs in your browser, including URLs and titles. Used for: [your use case].

### 2. activeTab {#2-activetab}
This permission grants temporary access to the current active tab when you click the extension icon. This is used to: [your use case].

### 3. cookies {#3-cookies}
This permission allows the extension to read or modify cookies for specific domains. Used for: [your use case].

### 4. Host Permissions ([*.]example.com) {#4-host-permissions-examplecom}
This permission allows the extension to access content on specific websites. Used for: [your use case].

### 5. webRequest {#5-webrequest}
This permission allows the extension to intercept or modify network requests. Used for: [your use case].

## Third-Party Services {#third-party-services}
[List any third-party services you use - analytics, APIs, etc.]

## Contact {#contact}
If you have questions about this privacy policy, please contact us at [email address].

---
*Disclaimer: This privacy policy is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.*

Copy-Paste Version (with activeTab and tabs)

# Privacy Policy

## Overview {#overview}
My Extension is a Chrome extension that helps you [describe your extension's purpose]. This privacy policy explains our data practices.

## Data We Collect {#data-we-collect}
This extension accesses the following data to provide its features:
- Current webpage URL and title (when you click the extension)
- Information about open browser tabs

## How We Use Data {#how-we-use-data}
The data accessed is used solely to provide the extension's functionality. We do not store, share, or transmit any data to external servers.

## Data Storage {#data-storage}
All user preferences are stored locally using chrome.storage.local. This data remains on your device and is never sent to any external servers.

## Permissions Explanation {#permissions-explanation}

This extension requires the following Chrome permissions:

### activeTab {#activetab}
This permission grants temporary access to the current active tab when you interact with the extension. This allows the extension to [your specific use case]. Access is only granted when you explicitly click the extension icon or use a keyboard shortcut.

### tabs {#tabs}
This permission allows the extension to access information about all open tabs, including URLs and titles. This is used for [your specific use case].

### storage {#storage}
This permission allows the extension to save your preferences locally on your device.

## Third-Party Services {#third-party-services}
We do not use any third-party analytics or tracking services.

## Contact {#contact}
If you have questions about this privacy policy, please contact us at your-email@example.com.

---
*Disclaimer: This privacy policy is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.*

Using @theluckystrike/webext-permissions for Transparency

The @theluckystrike/webext-permissions library helps you programmatically check and display what permissions your extension has been granted. This is excellent for transparency in your privacy policy or a dedicated permissions page.

Installation

npm install @theluckystrike/webext-permissions

Usage Example

import { getGrantedPermissions, describePermission } from "@theluckystrike/webext-permissions";

// Get all granted permissions
async function showPermissions() {
  const permissions = await getGrantedPermissions();
  
  console.log("Granted permissions:", permissions);
  // Output: { origins: ['https://example.com/*'], permissions: ['storage', 'tabs'] }
  
  // Get human-readable descriptions
  for (const perm of permissions.permissions || []) {
    console.log(describePermission(perm));
  }
}

// Build a transparency page showing what your extension can access
async function buildTransparencyPage(): Promise<string> {
  const granted = await getGrantedPermissions();
  
  let html = '<h2>Permissions Used by This Extension</h2><ul>';
  
  if (granted.origins?.length) {
    html += '<li><strong>Website Access:</strong> ';
    html += granted.origins.join(', ') + '</li>';
  }
  
  if (granted.permissions?.length) {
    for (const perm of granted.permissions) {
      html += `<li><strong>${perm}:</strong> ${describePermission(perm)}</li>`;
    }
  }
  
  html += '</ul>';
  return html;
}

In Your Privacy Policy

You can reference this library in your privacy policy:

This extension uses @theluckystrike/webext-permissions to provide transparency about what data it can access. Users can see exactly which permissions have been granted by visiting the extension’s options page.

Using @theluckystrike/webext-storage for Local-Only Data

The @theluckystrike/webext-storage library provides type-safe local storage for Chrome extensions. All data is stored locally and never transmitted.

Installation

npm install @theluckystrike/webext-storage

Usage Example

import { defineSchema, createStorage } from "@theluckystrike/webext-storage";

// Define your storage schema
const StorageSchema = defineSchema({
  userPreferences: {
    theme: 'light' as 'light' | 'dark',
    notifications: true,
  },
  cachedData: {
    lastUpdated: 0,
    items: [] as string[],
  },
});

// Create typed storage - all data stays local
const storage = createStorage(StorageSchema);

// Save preferences - always local
await storage.userPreferences.set({ theme: 'dark', notifications: false });

// Read preferences
const prefs = await storage.userPreferences.get();
console.log(prefs.theme); // 'dark'

In Your Privacy Policy

Reference this library to document local-only storage:

This extension uses @theluckystrike/webext-storage for local data storage. All user data is stored exclusively on the user’s device using chrome.storage.local. No data is ever transmitted to external servers. The library ensures type-safety and provides clear documentation that all storage operations are local-only.

Template: Extension with Analytics

Use this template if your extension uses analytics or collects any user data.

# Privacy Policy

## Overview {#overview}
[Your Extension Name] is a Chrome extension that [description]. This privacy policy explains what data we collect and how we use it.

## Data We Collect {#data-we-collect}

### Usage Data {#usage-data}
We collect anonymized usage data to help improve our extension:
- Feature usage statistics
- Error reports
- Performance metrics

### Personal Information {#personal-information}
We do not collect personally identifiable information unless you voluntarily provide it (e.g., when contacting us).

## How We Use Data {#how-we-use-data}
The data we collect is used to:
- Improve our extension's functionality
- Fix bugs and issues
- Understand how users interact with our extension

## Data Storage {#data-storage}
- **Local Storage**: User preferences are stored locally on your device
- **Analytics Data**: Anonymized usage data is stored [describe where - your own servers, third-party analytics, etc.]

## Analytics Implementation {#analytics-implementation}

This extension uses [analytics provider] to collect anonymized usage data. The collected data:
- Is anonymized and cannot identify individual users
- Does not include personally identifiable information
- Is used solely for improving the extension

### What We Track {#what-we-track}
- Which features are used most frequently
- Error occurrences and crash reports
- General usage patterns

### What We Don't Track {#what-we-dont-track}
- URLs you visit
- Personal information
- Form data or passwords
- Browser history

## Permissions Explanation {#permissions-explanation}

### [List your permissions as shown in previous template] {#list-your-permissions-as-shown-in-previous-template}

## Contact {#contact}
If you have questions about this privacy policy or want to opt out of analytics, please contact us at [email address].

---
*Disclaimer: This privacy policy is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.*

Copy-Paste Version with Analytics

# Privacy Policy

## Overview {#overview}
My Extension is a Chrome extension that helps you [describe your extension]. This privacy policy explains what data we collect and how we use it.

## Data We Collect {#data-we-collect}

### Usage Data {#usage-data}
We collect anonymized usage data to help improve our extension:
- Feature usage statistics
- Error reports and crash data
- Performance metrics

### Personal Information {#personal-information}
We do not collect personally identifiable information unless you voluntarily provide it when contacting us.

## How We Use Data {#how-we-use-data}
The data we collect is used solely to:
- Improve our extension's functionality and user experience
- Fix bugs and technical issues
- Understand how users interact with our extension

## Data Storage {#data-storage}

### Local Storage {#local-storage}
User preferences are stored locally on your device using chrome.storage.local. This data never leaves your device.

### Analytics Data {#analytics-data}
Anonymized usage data is collected using [Google Analytics / Plausible / other]. This data:
- Is anonymized before collection
- Cannot identify individual users
- Does not include URLs, passwords, or personal data

## What We DON'T Collect {#what-we-dont-collect}
- URLs of websites you visit
- Personal information (name, email, etc.)
- Form data or passwords
- Your browsing history

## Permissions Explanation {#permissions-explanation}

### activeTab {#activetab}
Grants temporary access to the current tab when you click the extension. Used to [your use case].

### storage {#storage}
Saves your preferences locally on your device.

### [Other permissions] {#other-permissions}
[Description]

## Third-Party Services {#third-party-services}
- **Analytics**: [Provider name] for anonymized usage tracking
- **No other third-party services** are used

## Contact {#contact}
If you have questions about this privacy policy, please contact us at your-email@example.com.

---
*Disclaimer: This privacy policy is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.*

Where to Host Your Privacy Policy

You have several options for hosting your privacy policy where it can be publicly accessed:

1. GitHub Pages (Recommended) {#1-github-pages-recommended}

Host your privacy policy as a static page:

Create a docs folder in your repository
Add your privacy policy as docs/privacy-policy.html or .md
Enable GitHub Pages in repository settings
URL: https://yourusername.github.io/your-repo/privacy-policy.html

2. GitHub Gist {#2-github-gist}

Create a secret or public Gist:

Create a new Gist with your privacy policy
Copy the raw URL
Use the Gist URL in your Chrome Web Store listing
Example: https://gist.github.com/yourusername/gist-id

3. Your Own Website {#3-your-own-website}

If you already have a website:

Add a dedicated /privacy-policy page
Link to it from your extension’s Chrome Web Store listing

4. Notion (Public Page) {#4-notion-public-page}

Create a Notion page with your privacy policy
Publish it as a public page
Use the public URL

5. Inline in Extension (Not Recommended for CWS) {#5-inline-in-extension-not-recommended-for-cws}

While you can include the policy in your extension, the Chrome Web Store requires a publicly accessible URL that reviewers can verify.

Privacy Policy Checklist

Use this checklist before submitting to the Chrome Web Store:

Required Elements

Publicly accessible URL (not just in the extension)
Clear explanation of what data your extension accesses
Description of how data is used
Contact information for questions

Permissions Documentation

List all permissions your extension uses
Explain why each permission is needed
Be specific about what data each permission accesses

Data Collection

State whether you collect any user data
If analytics are used, explain what is collected and how
Mention if data is stored locally or transmitted

Transparency

Include a clear statement about local-only storage if applicable
Reference libraries used (like @theluckystrike/webext-storage)
Provide a way for users to contact you

Legal

Include a disclaimer (not legal advice)
Date the policy
Update the policy when your extension changes

Summary

A good privacy policy for your Chrome extension should:

Be honest about what data you access and why
Be specific about permissions and their purposes
Be accessible at a public URL the Chrome Web Store can verify
Be transparent about local vs. remote data storage
Include a disclaimer that you’re not providing legal advice

Using libraries like @theluckystrike/webext-permissions and @theluckystrike/webext-storage helps demonstrate your commitment to transparency and local-first data handling.

Last updated: [Date]

Disclaimer: This privacy policy template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a legal professional for advice specific to your extension and jurisdiction. -e —

Part of the Chrome Extension Guide by theluckystrike. Built at zovo.one.

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