Privacy Policy for Hov3x
Last Updated: November 19, 2024
Introduction
Hov3x ("we," "our," or "the extension") is a Chrome browser extension that provides AI-powered explanations for technical terms. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information.
Information We Collect
1. Text Selections
When you select text on a webpage and our extension is active:
- What we collect: The specific text you select (limited to 100 characters)
- How we use it: To generate explanations via Google's Gemini AI API
- Where it goes: Your selected text is sent to our secure proxy server, which forwards it to Google's Gemini API
- How long we keep it: Selected text is NOT stored permanently. It is only transmitted for processing and then discarded
2. Cached Explanations
- What we collect: AI-generated explanations for terms you've looked up
- Where it's stored: Locally in your browser's Chrome storage (never on our servers)
- How long we keep it: 7 days, after which cached items expire automatically
- Your control: You can clear the cache at any time via the extension popup
3. Extension Settings
- What we collect: Your preferences (theme choice, service enabled/disabled status)
- Where it's stored: Locally in your browser's Chrome storage only
- No transmission: These settings never leave your device
4. Technical Information
Our proxy server may temporarily log:
- IP addresses (for rate limiting and abuse prevention only)
- Request timestamps
- Error messages (for debugging and service improvement)
Retention: Technical logs are kept for a maximum of 30 days and are automatically deleted.
What We DO NOT Collect
- ❌ Browsing history
- ❌ Personal information (name, email, etc.)
- ❌ Cookies or tracking identifiers
- ❌ Website URLs you visit
- ❌ Full page content (only selected text)
- ❌ Keyboard input or passwords
- ❌ Financial information
- ❌ Health information
How We Use Your Information
- Provide the Service: To generate AI explanations for selected text
- Improve Performance: To cache results and reduce API calls
- Prevent Abuse: To implement rate limiting and block malicious usage
- Debug Issues: To diagnose and fix technical problems
Third-Party Services
Google Gemini API
Your selected text is processed by Google's Gemini AI service. Google's use of this data is governed by their own privacy policy:
Important: When you select text, it is sent to Google's servers for AI processing. We recommend:
- ⚠️ Do NOT select sensitive information (passwords, credit card numbers, SSNs, etc.)
- ⚠️ Do NOT select confidential business information
- ⚠️ Do NOT select personal health information
Data Security
We implement security measures to protect your information:
- ✅ All API communications use HTTPS encryption
- ✅ API keys are stored securely on our proxy server (never in the extension)
- ✅ Rate limiting prevents abuse
- ✅ No permanent storage of selected text
- ✅ Local caching reduces data transmission
Your Rights and Choices
You Can:
- Disable the Extension: Toggle off via the extension popup
- Clear Your Cache: Remove all cached explanations at any time
- Uninstall: Completely remove the extension and all local data
- Control What You Select: Choose what text to select and submit
You Cannot:
- Access or delete data already sent to Google's API (governed by Google's policy)
- Retrieve technical logs from our proxy server after 30 days
Children's Privacy
Hov3x is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children.
International Users
Our service is available worldwide. By using Hov3x:
- Your data may be transmitted to servers in the United States
- Your selected text will be processed by Google's global infrastructure
- You consent to this international data transfer
Data Retention
| Data Type |
Retention Period |
Location |
| Selected text |
Not retained (transmitted only) |
N/A |
| Cached explanations |
7 days |
Your browser (local) |
| Extension settings |
Until you clear data or uninstall |
Your browser (local) |
| Technical logs |
30 days maximum |
Our proxy server |
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected by updating the "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the extension after changes constitutes acceptance.
GDPR Compliance (EU Users)
If you are in the European Union:
Legal Basis for Processing
We process your data based on:
- Consent: You actively select text to trigger the service
- Legitimate Interest: To provide the service you've installed
Your GDPR Rights
- Right to Access: You can view your cached data via Chrome DevTools
- Right to Erasure: Clear cache or uninstall the extension
- Right to Object: Disable the extension at any time
- Right to Data Portability: Export your cache via Chrome settings
Data Controller
For GDPR purposes, the data controller is Hov3x Development.
Contact: hov3x@mail.com
CCPA Compliance (California Users)
If you are a California resident:
Categories of Personal Information
- Identifiers: IP address (temporary, for rate limiting only)
- Internet Activity: Selected text (not retained)
Your CCPA Rights
- Right to Know: What data we collect (detailed above)
- Right to Delete: Clear cache or uninstall
- Right to Opt-Out: Disable the extension
- Non-Discrimination: We do not discriminate based on privacy choices
Note: We do NOT sell your personal information.
Sensitive Information Warning
⚠️ IMPORTANT: This extension works on all websites. Please be cautious:
- Do NOT select passwords or login credentials
- Do NOT select credit card numbers or financial information
- Do NOT select social security numbers or government IDs
- Do NOT select medical or health information
- Do NOT select confidential business information
We are not responsible for sensitive information you choose to select and transmit.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy:
Consent
By installing and using Hov3x, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described herein.