PlainRead Privacy Policy

Last updated: July 5, 2026

PlainRead is a free Chrome extension that helps you read English on the web by explaining selected text in plain English and reading it aloud. This policy describes what information the extension uses and how it is handled.

Summary

• PlainRead does not run its own servers or collect data on a backend operated by the developer.
• Selected text is sent to your chosen AI provider only when you click Explain (or use an explain shortcut/menu).
• Your API key and settings are stored locally in Chrome storage on your device.

Information the extension accesses

When you use PlainRead, the extension may access:

• Text you select on a webpage — only when you trigger Explain, Speak, or related actions.
• Nearby paragraph context — up to about 1,200 characters from the same block element (for example, the surrounding paragraph) to help explain words and phrases in context.
• Extension settings — such as API base URL, API key, model name, speech preferences, and UI options.

PlainRead does not read your browsing history, track pages you visit, or collect data in the background without your action.

How your data is used

• AI explanations: When you request an explanation, the selected text and nearby context are sent to the API endpoint you configure (for example, OpenAI or another OpenAI-compatible provider). That provider’s privacy policy applies to data they receive.
• Text-to-speech: When you click Speak, the selected text is processed locally by your browser’s built-in speech synthesis. It is not sent to the developer.
• Settings storage: Your API key and preferences are saved using Chrome’s extension storage (which may sync across your signed-in Chrome profile if you have Chrome Sync enabled).

What we do not collect

The developer of PlainRead does not operate a server that receives, stores, or sells:

• Your selected text
• Your API key
• Your browsing history
• Personal identity information

Third-party services

If you add an API key, you are choosing to send selected text to that third-party AI service. Review that provider’s terms and privacy policy. You are responsible for any costs charged by your API provider.

Permissions

PlainRead requests Chrome permissions for the following reasons:

• storage — save your settings and API key on your device
• activeTab — read the text you selected when you invoke the extension
• contextMenus — add right-click menu items for Explain and Speak
• host access — show the selection toolbar and explanation panel on webpages where you read

Children

PlainRead is not directed at children under 13.

Changes

This policy may be updated from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top will reflect the latest version.

Contact

For questions about this policy, open an issue on the PlainRead GitHub repository: github.com/BinLi2016/plain-read