# Privacy Policy
**Last Updated: June 3, 2025**
## Our Commitment to Your Privacy
Free Tab Switcher is designed with privacy as a core principle. We believe your browsing data should remain yours, which is why our extension operates entirely locally on your device without collecting, transmitting, or storing any personal information on external servers.
## Information We Do NOT Collect
Free Tab Switcher does **not** collect, store, or transmit:
- **Personal information** (name, email, address, phone number)
- **Browsing history** or website visits
- **Tab content** or webpage data
- **Search queries** or typed content
- **Authentication credentials** or passwords
- **Analytics or usage statistics**
- **Device information** beyond what's necessary for basic extension functionality
- **Location data**
- **Any data to third parties or external servers**
## What Information We Access Locally
To provide tab cycling functionality, Free Tab Switcher requires access to:
### Tab Information
- **Tab titles** - To display tabs in the filtering interface
- **Tab URLs** - To identify and filter specific tabs
- **Active tab status** - To determine which tab to switch to next
### Window Information
- **Window identification** - To manage cycling settings per browser window
- **Tab positioning** - To cycle through tabs in the correct order
### Local Storage
- **Extension settings** - Stored locally in your browser
- **User preferences** - Cycling intervals, refresh settings, tab filters
- **Saved profiles** - Custom configurations you create
**Important:** All this information remains entirely on your device and is never transmitted anywhere.
## How We Use Information
The extension uses the accessed information solely to:
1. **Cycle through your tabs** according to your preferences
2. **Filter tabs** based on your selections
3. **Refresh tabs** when configured to do so
4. **Save your preferences** locally for future sessions
5. **Manage multiple browser windows** independently
## Data Storage and Security
### Local Storage Only
- All settings and preferences are stored using Chrome's local storage API
- Data remains on your device and is not accessible to external parties
- No cloud storage or external databases are used
### Data Security
- Settings are stored securely within Chrome's extension storage system
- No data transmission means no risk of interception
- Extension permissions are limited to only what's necessary for functionality
### Data Retention
- Settings persist until you uninstall the extension or manually clear them
- No automatic data collection or retention policies needed
- You have complete control over your data
## Browser Permissions
Free Tab Switcher requests these Chrome permissions:
### Required Permissions
**`tabs`** - *Essential for core functionality*
- Allows the extension to read tab titles and URLs
- Enables tab switching and cycling
- Required for tab filtering features
**`storage`** - *For saving your preferences*
- Stores your cycling settings locally
- Saves custom profiles and configurations
- No data leaves your device
**`alarms`** - *For timing and scheduling*
- Powers the automatic tab cycling intervals
- Manages refresh timing
- Enables background operation
**`windows`** - *For multi-window support*
- Allows independent settings per browser window
- Manages window-specific cycling behavior
### Why These Permissions Are Necessary
- **No excessive permissions** - We only request what's essential
- **Transparent usage** - Each permission has a specific, necessary purpose
- **No hidden access** - All permissions are documented and justified
## Third-Party Services
Free Tab Switcher does **not** integrate with any third-party services:
- **No analytics platforms** (Google Analytics, etc.)
- **No advertising networks**
- **No social media integrations**
- **No external APIs or web services**
- **No crash reporting or telemetry**
## Children's Privacy
While Free Tab Switcher doesn't collect personal information from anyone, we recognize the importance of protecting children's privacy online. Our extension:
- Does not collect personal information from users of any age
- Does not track or profile users
- Operates entirely locally without data transmission
- Is safe for users of all ages due to its privacy-first design
## Updates and Changes
### Privacy Policy Updates
- We will update this policy if our privacy practices change
- Material changes will be communicated through the Chrome Web Store
- Updated policies will include a new "Last Updated" date
### Extension Updates
- Updates may add features but will not change our privacy commitments
- New permissions (if ever required) will be clearly explained
- Users maintain control over accepting updates with new permissions
## Your Rights and Control
You have complete control over your data:
### Data Access
- All your settings are accessible through the extension interface
- No hidden or background data collection
### Data Modification
- Change any settings at any time through the extension popup
- Create, modify, or delete custom profiles as needed
### Data Deletion
- Uninstalling the extension removes all stored data
- Clear settings manually through the extension interface
- No data remains on external servers (because none is collected)
### Transparency
- Extension source code logic follows standard Chrome extension practices
- All functionality is visible through the user interface
- No hidden background processes beyond necessary cycling functions
## Technical Implementation
### Local-First Architecture
- All processing happens on your device
- No network requests for data collection
- Settings stored in Chrome's secure local storage
### Minimal Data Access
- Extension only accesses tab information when actively cycling
- No continuous monitoring or background scanning
- Permissions used only when necessary for functionality
### Security Best Practices
- Regular security reviews of code
- Adherence to Chrome extension security guidelines
- Minimal permission model
## Contact and Questions
If you have questions about this privacy policy or our privacy practices:
- **General Questions:** Contact us through the Chrome Web Store
- **Privacy Concerns:** We take privacy seriously and will respond promptly
- **Technical Questions:** Documentation and support available on our website
## Legal Compliance
This privacy policy complies with:
- **Chrome Web Store policies**
- **General privacy best practices**
- **Applicable privacy regulations**
We designed Free Tab Switcher to be privacy-compliant by default through our local-only approach.
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## Summary
**Free Tab Switcher is built on these privacy principles:**
✅ **No data collection** - We don't collect any personal information
✅ **Local operation** - Everything happens on your device
✅ **Transparent permissions** - Only essential permissions requested
✅ **User control** - You own and control all your data
✅ **No third parties** - No external services or data sharing
Your privacy is not just protected by our policies—it's protected by our architecture. When everything happens locally, there's no privacy to compromise.
*This privacy policy demonstrates our commitment to user privacy and explains exactly how Free Tab Switcher handles your information. We believe transparency builds trust, and trust builds better software.*