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. One narrow exception — email if you contact support — is described below in section 4.

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 name, phone number, or other personal identifying information.
• No cookies set by our website beyond what's strictly necessary to show the page.
• No payment data — FocalReader is fully free, with no paid tier.

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.
• declarativeNetRequest / webRequest — required to replace Chrome's built-in PDF viewer with FocalReader's own, so the focus overlay can work on PDFs.

4. Email correspondence

If you email us (for example at support@focalreader.com) or send feedback via the in-extension form, we receive your email address (if you provide one) and whatever you write to us. We use it only to reply. We don't add you to any marketing list.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Contact

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