Privacy Policy for GIST Chrome Extension

Effective Date: July 27, 2025

Last Updated: July 27, 2025

1. Introduction

GIST ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how our Chrome extension collects, uses, and protects your information when you use the GIST AI-powered research assistant.

Our Privacy Commitment:

We believe in privacy by design. All your data remains under your control and is stored locally on your device.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Text Selections

  • When you select text on web pages, GIST temporarily processes this text to provide AI analysis
  • This text is only used for generating summaries and suggestions as requested by you
  • No permanent copies are stored on our servers

2.2 Locally Stored Data

The following information is stored locally on your device using Chrome's storage API:

  • Selected text: Temporarily cached for processing
  • Analysis results: Summaries and suggestions you've generated
  • Personal notes: Content you write in the notes section
  • Usage history: Recent analysis results for your reference
  • Extension preferences: Your settings and configurations

2.3 Technical Information

  • Extension version and basic functionality data for error handling
  • No personal identifiers, browsing history, or sensitive information
3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Primary Purposes

  • AI Analysis: Selected text is sent to our secure AI service to generate summaries and suggestions
  • Local Storage: Your notes, history, and preferences are saved locally for your convenience
  • Extension Functionality: To provide the core features of text analysis and note organization

3.2 Data Processing

  • Selected text is processed in real-time when you request analysis
  • Processing occurs through secure, encrypted connections
  • No text is stored permanently on our servers after processing
4. Data Storage and Control

4.1 Local Storage

  • All your data remains on your device
  • Notes, history, and preferences are stored using Chrome's local storage
  • You have complete control over this data
  • Data is not synchronized across devices unless you choose to export it

4.2 Server Processing

  • Selected text is temporarily processed by our AI service
  • Processing is done in real-time with immediate deletion after response
  • No logs or permanent records are maintained
  • All communications use secure HTTPS encryption
5. Third-Party Services

5.1 AI Processing Service

  • We use a secure external AI service to generate summaries and suggestions
  • Text is sent via encrypted connection for processing only
  • The service does not store or retain your text after processing
  • No personal information is shared with the AI service

5.2 Chrome APIs

  • We use Chrome extension APIs for storage, tabs, and UI functionality
  • These are standard browser APIs that operate locally on your device
6. Data Security

6.1 Security Measures

  • All API communications use HTTPS encryption
  • Local data is protected by Chrome's security model
  • No passwords or authentication tokens are stored
  • Regular security updates and monitoring

6.2 Data Minimization

  • We collect only the minimum data necessary for functionality
  • Text processing is temporary and immediate
  • No tracking, analytics, or behavioral data collection
7. Your Rights and Control

7.1 Data Access

  • You can access all your locally stored data through the extension interface
  • Export your notes at any time using the built-in export feature

7.2 Data Deletion

  • Clear your history and notes at any time through the extension
  • Uninstalling the extension removes all local data
  • No server-side data to delete

7.3 Data Portability

  • Export your notes in markdown format
  • No lock-in or proprietary formats used
8. Children's Privacy

GIST does not knowingly collect information from users under 13 years of age. If you are under 13, please do not use this extension without parental supervision.

9. International Users

This extension can be used globally. All data processing occurs either locally on your device or through our secure API service. We comply with applicable data protection regulations including GDPR and CCPA.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify users of significant changes through:

  • Extension update notifications
  • Website announcements
  • Updated effective date at the top of this policy
11. Data Retention
  • Local Data: Retained until you manually delete it or uninstall the extension
  • Processing Data: Immediately deleted after AI analysis is complete
  • No Long-term Storage: We do not maintain long-term records of your usage
12. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

Email: sallar.ba@outlook.com

Response Time: We aim to respond within 48 hours

13. Legal Compliance

This Privacy Policy complies with:

  • Chrome Web Store Developer Program Policies
  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
  • California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
  • Other applicable privacy laws