Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 23, 2026

FocalReader is a browser extension that helps you focus while reading by dimming the web page around a movable spotlight. This policy explains what data the extension touches, what we store, and who (if anyone) else sees it. The short version: we do not collect your browsing data, and we don't run servers that receive data from your browser.

1. What the extension does on your device

FocalReader injects a content script into web pages you visit in order to draw the focus overlay on top of them. It does not read, store, or transmit the content of those pages. It only uses your cursor position to know where to draw the overlay.

Your preferences (width, height, opacity, tint color, blocked sites, etc.) are saved locally by your browser. This means:

• They live on your device.
• If you have browser sync turned on, they may sync across your own devices through your Google or Firefox account, as governed by your browser vendor's privacy policy.
• They never pass through a server operated by us.

2. What we don't collect

• No analytics, no telemetry, no usage tracking.
• No browsing history, bookmarks, tabs, form data, or page content.
• No personally identifying information — no name, email, or phone number is sent to any server we run. (Payments are handled by a third party; see section 4.)
• No cookies set by our website beyond what's strictly necessary to show the page.

3. Permissions, and why they're needed

• activeTab / content scripts on all URLs — required to draw the overlay on the page you're reading. The content script runs entirely in your browser; it doesn't send anything anywhere.
• storage — required to remember your preferences between sessions.
• alarms — used to periodically re-check your subscription status (see section 4).
• Host access to extensionpay.com — used exclusively for payment and subscription status checks via our payment provider (see section 4).

4. Payments (Pro tier)

FocalReader Pro uses ExtensionPay (which uses Stripe for card processing) to handle free trials, subscriptions, and payments. When you start a trial, log in, or make a purchase:

• You provide your email and payment details directly to ExtensionPay / Stripe on their own hosted pages.
• We never see your payment card information.
• Your email is stored by ExtensionPay so they can link your install to your account.
• Our extension asks ExtensionPay periodically whether your account is currently on a trial or paid plan, so it knows whether to unlock Pro features. No other data is exchanged.

ExtensionPay and Stripe have their own privacy policies, which apply to the data you give them:

• ExtensionPay privacy policy
• Stripe privacy policy

5. Email correspondence

If you email us (for example at support@focalreader.com), we receive your email address and whatever you write to us. We use it only to reply. We don't add you to any marketing list.

6. Children

FocalReader is intended for general audiences. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. Since we don't collect identifying information from anyone, we have no way to know a child has used the extension — but the Pro tier is purchased via ExtensionPay, which requires a valid payment method and an adult email.

7. Data retention and deletion

On your device: Preferences are stored locally by your browser and are removed when you uninstall the extension. You can also reset them from the extension's Settings page.

On ExtensionPay's servers (email + subscription history): Email us at support@focalreader.com with the email address you used to sign up, and we'll initiate deletion with ExtensionPay on your behalf. You can also request deletion directly via ExtensionPay's privacy policy. We'll confirm deletion within 30 days, as required by applicable privacy laws.

8. Changes to this policy

If we ever change what we collect or how we handle data, we'll update this page and bump the "Last updated" date above. For anything substantive (e.g., adding a new third party) we'll also put a note on the extension's Chrome Web Store and Firefox Add-ons listings.

9. Contact

Questions or concerns? Email support@focalreader.com and we'll respond as soon as we can.