Privacy Policy

1. Overview

Populate Snippets ("we," "our," or "the extension") is a text expansion tool that operates primarily locally on your device. We are committed to transparency and protecting your privacy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Data Stored Locally

The following information is stored exclusively on your device and never leaves your computer:

• Text Snippets: All shortcuts and their expansions that you create or customize
• User Preferences: Your folder organization, search history within the extension, and UI preferences
• Custom Overrides: Any modifications you make to default snippets
• Usage Counters: Local tracking for features like the "Funn" tab (3 uses per day limit)

2.2 Data We Do NOT Collect

We want to be crystal clear about what we don't collect:

• We do not track your typing or monitor what you type in text fields
• We do not collect the content of pages you visit
• We do not store or transmit your expanded text
• We do not collect personal identification information (name, email, etc.)
• We do not use analytics or tracking tools
• We do not sell or share any data with third parties

2.3 Third-Party API Calls

The extension makes limited API calls to external services for specific features:

• Dog.ceo API: Used for the "Funn" tab to fetch random dog images (no personal data transmitted)
• icanhazdadjoke.com API: Used for the "Funn" tab to fetch dad jokes (no personal data transmitted)

These API calls are made directly from your browser and do not pass through our servers.

3. How We Use Information

All information collected by Populate Snippets is used exclusively for:

• Providing the text expansion functionality
• Storing your custom snippets and preferences locally
• Displaying snippet suggestions based on your typing
• Organizing and managing your snippet library

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Local Storage

All your data is stored using Chrome's local storage API (chrome.storage.local). This means:

• Data never leaves your device unless you manually export it
• No cloud synchronization occurs (unless you enable Chrome Sync separately)
• Data is encrypted at rest by your operating system
• Only this extension can access its stored data

4.2 Chrome Sync (Optional)

If you have Chrome Sync enabled in your browser settings, your snippet data may be synced across your devices through Google's servers. This is controlled by:

• Your Chrome browser settings (not by our extension)
• Google's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service
• You can disable this in Chrome Settings → Sync and Google Services

5. Permissions Explained

The extension requests the following permissions, and here's why:

5.1 Storage Permission

Why: To save your snippets, preferences, and settings locally on your device.

5.2 Active Tab Permission

Why: To detect when you type a snippet trigger (e.g., "pop.") and insert the expanded text into the current page.

5.3 Scripting Permission

Why: To inject the content script that monitors text fields for snippet triggers and performs text expansion.

5.4 Host Permissions (All URLs)

Why: To enable text expansion on any website you visit, including Gmail, Slack, Google Docs, and other platforms. The extension needs this broad permission to work universally but only activates when you type a trigger.

6. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We do not share, sell, rent, or trade your information with any third parties.

The only external services the extension communicates with are:

• Dog.ceo (for dog images in the "Funn" tab)
• icanhazdadjoke.com (for dad jokes in the "Funn" tab)

These are optional features that you choose to use, and they do not transmit any personal information.

7. Your Rights and Control

You have complete control over your data:

7.1 Access Your Data

All your data is accessible through the extension popup interface. You can view, edit, and export all snippets at any time.

7.2 Delete Your Data

You can delete your data in several ways:

• Delete individual snippets through the extension popup
• Clear all data by uninstalling the extension
• Clear Chrome's local storage for this extension in your browser settings

7.3 Export Your Data

You can export all your snippets as JSON files through the extension interface for backup or migration purposes.

8. Children's Privacy

Populate Snippets is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

9. International Users

Since all data is stored locally on your device, there are no international data transfers. The extension works identically regardless of your location.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify users of any material changes by:

• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Displaying a notification in the extension (for major changes)
• Publishing the updated policy on our website

Your continued use of the extension after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.

11. GDPR Compliance (For EU Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have certain rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Right to Access: View all data the extension stores about you
• Right to Rectification: Correct any inaccurate data
• Right to Erasure: Delete all your data by uninstalling the extension
• Right to Data Portability: Export your data in JSON format
• Right to Object: Stop using the extension at any time

Since all data is stored locally and we don't collect personal information, most GDPR requests can be handled directly by you through the extension interface.

12. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• We do not sell your personal information
• We do not collect personal information as defined by CCPA
• All data is stored locally and under your control

13. Security Measures

While no system is 100% secure, we implement several security measures:

• All data is stored locally using Chrome's secure storage API
• No data is transmitted over the internet (except optional API calls for fun features)
• Extension code is reviewed and follows Chrome's security best practices
• Regular security updates and patches

14. Cookies and Tracking

Populate Snippets does not use cookies, tracking pixels, or any analytics services. We do not track your behavior or collect usage statistics.

15. Open Source and Transparency

We believe in transparency. If you're technically inclined, you can:

• Inspect the extension's code through Chrome's developer tools
• Review the manifest.json file to see all requested permissions
• Monitor network activity to verify no unauthorized data transmission

16. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For EU users, our legal basis for processing your data is:

• Consent: You consent to data processing by installing and using the extension
• Legitimate Interest: Processing is necessary to provide the text expansion functionality you requested

17. Summary

In plain English:

• ✓ Your snippets stay on your device
• ✓ We don't track you or collect personal data
• ✓ We don't sell or share any information
• ✓ You can delete everything by uninstalling
• ✓ Optional fun features use public APIs (dog images & jokes)
• ✓ The extension only works when you type "pop."