Who we are
READR is a Chrome browser extension that provides a distraction-free reading view for web articles. It is operated by READR ("we," "us," or "our"). If you have questions about this policy, you can reach us at wushumaster75@gmail.com.
This Privacy Policy applies to the READR Chrome extension, the READR website at readr.app, and any related services we operate.
What we collect — and what we don't
| Data type | Collected? | Where it lives |
|---|---|---|
| Articles you read | Never | Processed in-browser only, never transmitted |
| URLs you visit | Never | Not logged or stored anywhere |
| Reading preferences (theme, font, width) |
Yes — locally only | Chrome's storage.sync API on your device / Google account |
| Auto-open domains | Yes — locally only | Chrome's storage.sync API on your device / Google account |
| License key (Pro) | Yes — locally only | Chrome's storage.sync API, and our license server for validation |
| Email address | Only at purchase | Stripe's servers (payment processing) and our license database |
| Payment details | Never by us | Handled exclusively by Stripe — we never see card numbers |
| Analytics / telemetry | Never | We have no analytics in the extension |
| Crash reports | Never automatically | Only if you choose to email us about a bug |
Chrome storage — how your settings sync
READR uses the Chrome storage.sync API to remember your preferences (theme, font size, line width, auto-open domains, and Pro status). This is a built-in Chrome feature:
- If you're signed into Chrome, Google syncs this data across your devices — subject to Google's Privacy Policy.
- We never have access to this data. It lives in your Chrome profile.
- You can clear it at any time:
chrome://settings/clearBrowserDataor by removing the extension.
Pro purchases and license keys
When you purchase READR Pro, payment is processed by Stripe, Inc. Stripe is a certified PCI-DSS Level 1 service provider. We never receive or store your full card number, CVV, or any raw payment credentials.
What we do store on our servers:
- Your email address — used to send your license key and for support inquiries.
- Your license key — a randomly generated token tied to your purchase, used to verify Pro status.
- The Stripe session ID — for reconciliation and fraud prevention.
We retain purchase records for up to 7 years for accounting and legal compliance. You can request deletion of your email at any time; we will anonymise your record while retaining the transaction ID for accounting purposes.
Stripe's privacy policy: stripe.com/privacy
The website (readr.app)
The READR website may collect basic server logs (IP address, browser type, page requested, timestamp) through our hosting provider. These are used only for security and uptime monitoring and are not linked to your identity or reading habits.
We do not use Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, or any other third-party tracking or advertising scripts on readr.app.
Permissions we request — and why
The Chrome Web Store requires us to disclose why each permission is used. Here's a plain-English explanation:
- activeTab — Needed to activate the reading overlay on the page you're currently viewing. We only access the tab when you click the READR icon.
- scripting — Needed to inject the reading overlay and Readability parser into the page. No scripts are injected on pages you haven't asked READR to open on.
- storage — Needed to save your settings (theme, font, etc.) locally via Chrome's storage API.
- tabs — Needed to open the upgrade page in a new tab when you click "Upgrade to Pro."
We do not request broad host permissions. We do not read your browsing history.
Third-party services
READR uses a small number of third-party services, listed here in full:
- Stripe — payment processing for Pro purchases. stripe.com/privacy
- Google Fonts — typography on the website only (not in the extension). Subject to Google's Privacy Policy. The extension itself uses system fonts.
- Mozilla Readability.js — an open-source content-extraction library that runs entirely locally in your browser. It makes no network requests. Source code.
We do not use any advertising networks, data brokers, or analytics platforms.
Your rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights including the right to access, correct, or delete personal data we hold about you. Because we collect so little, there usually isn't much to request — but we honour all lawful requests promptly.
- Access — you can ask what data we hold about you (typically: your email and license key).
- Deletion — you can ask us to delete your email. We will do so and anonymise your purchase record.
- Correction — if your email changed, let us know and we'll update it.
- Portability — we can provide a copy of any data we hold in a machine-readable format.
- Opt-out of sale — we don't sell data. There's nothing to opt out of.
To exercise any of these rights, email wushumaster75@gmail.com. We'll respond within 30 days.
Children's privacy
READR is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.
Changes to this policy
If we make material changes to this policy, we will update the date at the top of this page and, for significant changes, notify Pro users by email. Continued use of READR after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
We're committed to never making this policy more permissive without giving you the chance to review it first.