Privacy Policy

Introduction

Oxford Learner's Dictionary Lookup ("the Extension") is committed to protecting your privacy. This privacy policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your information.

Data Collection and Usage

Information We Collect

The Extension collects minimal data to provide its core functionality:

1. User Settings (Local Storage)

• What: Your extension preferences and settings
• How: Stored locally on your device using browser local storage API
• Details: Extension enabled/disabled state, interface language preference (from 12 supported languages), dictionary version preference (UK or US), floating icon visibility, context menu visibility, auto-close behavior, and keyboard shortcut preference
• Sync: NOT synced across devices or to any cloud service
• Purpose: Remember your preferences across browser sessions

2. Browser Language Detection

• What: Your browser's language setting
• How: Read via standard browser API (navigator.language)
• Purpose: Auto-detect interface language for better user experience
• Storage: Not stored; read only when needed

Information We Do NOT Collect

The Extension does NOT collect, store, or transmit:

• Personal identification information (name, email, phone, address)
• Browsing history beyond word lookups
• IP addresses or location data
• Passwords or credentials
• Financial information
• Cookies or tracking data
• Usage analytics or telemetrics
• Cross-site tracking information
• Any personally identifiable information (PII)

How We Use Your Data

Your data is used exclusively for:

• Providing Dictionary Lookups: Display word definitions from Oxford Learner's Dictionary
• Storing Preferences: Remember your settings across browser sessions

We do NOT:

• Share your data with third parties
• Sell your data
• Use your data for advertising
• Track your browsing behavior
• Send your data to external servers (except Oxford Dictionary for lookups)

Third-Party Services

Oxford Learner's Dictionary

The Extension connects exclusively to Oxford Learner's Dictionary website:

• Domain: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
• Purpose: Fetch word definitions and display in the extension
• Data Sent: Only the word you're looking up
• Method: Direct iframe embedding (no API, no tracking)

Important: Oxford Learner's Dictionary operates independently and has its own privacy policy. When you use this extension, Oxford may collect data according to their privacy practices and may use cookies on their website. The Extension auto-accepts Oxford's cookie consent for better user experience. We recommend reviewing Oxford's Privacy Policy for details.

No Other External Services

The Extension does NOT use:

• Google Analytics or any analytics services
• Error tracking services (e.g., Sentry)
• Advertising networks
• Social media integrations
• Third-party APIs or SDKs
• Content delivery networks (CDNs)

Data Storage and Security

Storage Locations

• Local Storage: User settings and preferences, stored on your device only, not synced across devices

Data Security

• All data is stored locally via browser's secure storage APIs
• No data transmission to third-party servers
• No external databases or cloud storage

Data Retention

• Settings: Retained until you reset settings or uninstall the extension
• Automatic Deletion: Uninstalling the extension removes all stored data

Permissions Explained

The Extension requires the following permissions:

• storage: Save your settings locally
• contextMenus: Show "Look up in Oxford Dictionary" option when you right-click
• declarativeNetRequest: Allow Oxford Dictionary to display in the extension popup (modifies security headers)
• Access to all websites (*://*/*): Detect word selections on any webpage you visit
• File access (file:///*): Enable word lookup in local HTML/Markdown files (optional, requires manual permission)

Important Clarifications: "Access to all websites" does NOT mean we track you. This permission is required to detect text selection and show the floating icon on any webpage. Your selection data stays local and is never transmitted. File access is optional and only needed if you want to use the extension on local files.

Cookies

• Extension Cookies: The Extension itself does NOT create, store, or use cookies
• Oxford Dictionary Cookies: Oxford's website may use cookies. The Extension automatically accepts Oxford's cookie consent to improve user experience. Review Oxford's Cookie Policy for details.

Your Rights and Choices

You have full control over your data:

• Reset Settings: Navigate to Extension Settings and click "Reset to Defaults" to restore original settings, or manually adjust individual settings
• Disable Features: Toggle floating icon on/off, toggle context menu on/off, or disable the extension entirely from browser extensions page
• Delete All Data: Uninstalling the Extension removes all settings and preferences, and locally stored data

International Users

This Extension is available worldwide. Your data is stored:

• Locally on your device (settings)
• No international data transfers by the Extension

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be reflected by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy. Material changes will be announced via extension update notes and users will be notified through browser store update descriptions. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

Where to Find Updates: Chrome Web Store extension page, Microsoft Edge Add-ons page, extension update notes, or support page at https://github.com/niftybox/ox-lookup-support

Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For users in the European Economic Area (EEA):

• Consent: By installing and using the Extension, you consent to data collection as described
• Legitimate Interest: Providing dictionary lookup functionality requires storing preferences
• Your Rights: Access, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, and objection rights apply

California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

For California residents:

• Right to Know: We've disclosed all data collection in this policy
• Right to Delete: Uninstall the extension or clear history/settings
• Right to Opt-Out: Not applicable (we don't sell personal information)
• Non-Discrimination: We don't discriminate based on privacy rights exercise

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy:

• Support Page: https://github.com/niftybox/ox-lookup-support/issues
• Documentation: https://github.com/niftybox/ox-lookup-support

We will respond to all reasonable requests within 30 days.

Summary (TL;DR)

• We only collect your settings stored locally on your device
• We don't track you, sell data, or use third-party analytics
• Only external connection is to Oxford Dictionary for lookups
• You control your data: reset settings or uninstall anytime
• Free extension with no hidden costs or data monetization

By using Oxford Learner's Dictionary Lookup, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.