Scholarlens Privacy

ScholarLens (the “extension”) is a Chrome/Edge extension that explains selected text or a selected screen region (formulas, tables, charts) using AI. This document describes what data is processed and how.

1. Summary

• We do not operate a server that receives your data. The extension sends nothing to the developer.
• Content you choose to have explained is sent directly from your browser to the AI provider you select, using your own API key.
• We do not sell data, use it for advertising, or track your browsing.

2. Data processed

a. Content you choose to have explained. When you trigger the extension (keyboard shortcut, toolbar icon, context menu), the following is sent to your chosen AI provider:

• The text you highlighted, or a screenshot of the region you selected.
• The article title, journal name (if the page exposes it in meta tags) and the page’s domain, if the “Page context” toggle is on.
• The paragraph surrounding your selection, if “Page context” is on.
• Follow-up questions you type and earlier answers in the same explanation session.

The extension does not read or send page content unless you trigger it. It does not read passwords, form data, cookies or browsing history.

b. Data stored on your device (in chrome.storage.local; never synced to any server):

• Your API key.
• Settings: provider, model names, field of study, level, interface options.
• A monthly request counter, used to show your usage quota.

Uninstalling the extension removes all of it.

3. Third parties

Depending on the provider you choose in Settings, the content in 2a is sent to one of the following and is subject to their privacy policies:

• Google (Gemini API): https://policies.google.com/privacy
• OpenAI, or an OpenAI-compatible service whose Base URL you enter: https://openai.com/policies/privacy-policy
• Anthropic (Claude API): https://www.anthropic.com/privacy

Depending on your plan and each provider’s terms, they may retain or use data in their own ways. Please read their terms before sending sensitive or unpublished material. Do not use the extension with confidential documents.

4. Permissions

The extension requests only the permissions needed for its single purpose; each is explained on the store listing. It does not run automatically on every page: it runs only on the tab you activate (activeTab permission).

5. Use of data

Data is used only to provide the explanation feature you request. The use and transfer of information received from Google APIs adheres to the Chrome Web Store User Data Policy, including the Limited Use requirements.

6. Children

The extension is not directed to children under 13 and does not knowingly collect their data.

7. Changes

If this policy changes, we will update the date above. Material changes will be noted in the extension’s release notes.

8. Contact

VHPMark – contact@vhpmark.com