Browsemates Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 9, 2025

At Browsemates, we value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how the Browsemates browser extension collects, uses, and safeguards your data.

1. What Information We Collect

Browsemates is designed to respect your privacy and minimize data collection. We only collect information essential to providing our core service—real-time chat and collaboration for users browsing the same website.

Information We May Collect:

• Personally identifiable information (PII) like email, name.
• Chat Messages: Messages are stored and delivered through Firebase.
• Extension Preferences: Stored locally (e.g., UI settings).

We do not collect:

• Your browsing history.
• Your Location.
• Any sensitive data unrelated to Browsemates' functionality.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the limited data we collect to:

• Deliver chat functionality.
• Match users with others on the same site.
• Maintain a smooth and personalized experience (e.g., UI preferences).

We do not sell, rent, or share your data with third-party advertisers or marketers.

3. Use of Firebase

We use Firebase, a service provided by Google, to handle:

• Database operations (chat messages, active users).
• Authentication.

Firebase may collect and store data according to their own Privacy Policy. All interactions with Firebase are secure and limited to functionality required by Browsemates.

4. Data Storage and Security

• Chat messages are stored in Firebase for the purpose of delivery and display.
• User preferences are stored locally on your device.
• We implement industry-standard practices to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure.

5. Third-Party Services

Browsemates does not integrate with third-party analytics or advertising networks. Any future changes involving third-party integrations will be clearly communicated and this policy will be updated accordingly.

6. Your Privacy Choices

You are in control of your data:

• You can use the extension anonymously. But to post messages/comments you will have to authenticate.
• You can clear your local data from your browser at any time.
• You can uninstall the extension to stop all data usage.

7. Children's Privacy

Browsemates is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last updated” date.