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Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 20, 2026

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy describes how SideAI ("Extension," "SideAI," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, stores, and shares information when you use our Chrome browser extension and our associated website at sideai.app (collectively, the "Service").

SideAI is the updated version of the browser sidebar extension previously known as Sidebar for ChatGPT. It helps you use your own ChatGPT account from your browser sidebar, selected text menu, Page Assistant, Writing Assistant, screenshot workflow, Search Insights, and custom prompt workflows.

This policy is designed to explain our data practices clearly and to support compliance with the Chrome Web Store Developer Program Policies, including the User Data Policy and Limited Use requirements.

By installing the Extension or using our website, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please uninstall the Extension and discontinue use of the website.

SideAI is an independent browser extension. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by OpenAI. ChatGPT is a product of OpenAI, and your use of ChatGPT is governed by your own ChatGPT account and OpenAI's terms and privacy practices.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

  • Email address: Collected when you purchase a license, request support, submit a contact form, or communicate with us. We use it to deliver license information, respond to your request, and send essential service communications.
  • Payment information: Paid plans are processed by Polar or another payment provider. We do not receive, store, or have access to your full credit card number or bank details.
  • License information: When you activate or validate a premium license, the Extension may send the license key and activation details needed to confirm your access. This does not include selected text, page content, screenshots, writing input, custom prompts, search context, or ChatGPT conversations.
  • Feedback and support messages: When you submit a support or contact form, your message and the contact details you provide may be sent to Formspree or our email/support tools so we can receive and respond to your request.

2.2 Information the Extension Accesses Locally

To provide its core features, the Extension may access the following types of data in your browser when you activate a feature:

  • Selected text on web pages: When you highlight text and use an action such as Ask, Summarize, Explain, Translate, Rewrite, or a custom prompt, the Extension reads the selected text so the action can run.
  • Page content: When you use the Page Assistant, SideAI may read relevant text content from the current page so you can ask questions, summarize the page, or extract key points.
  • Text input fields: When you use the Writing Assistant inside an email, form, document, message box, or text area, SideAI may read the active text field you are working on so it can improve, rewrite, shorten, expand, or continue that text.
  • Screenshots: When you use the screenshot feature, SideAI captures the visible area or selected area you choose. The screenshot is used only for the assistant workflow you request.
  • Search-result context: When you use Search Insights, SideAI may read the current search query and visible search-result context so it can show an AI answer beside the results.
  • ChatGPT sidebar content: When you use the SideAI sidebar, your ChatGPT interactions happen through your own ChatGPT session.

SideAI does not store this browsing or assistant content on SideAI servers.

2.3 Information Stored in Browser Extension Storage

The following data may be stored in your browser using Chrome's extension storage APIs:

  • User preferences: Menu customizations, item order, hidden or shown items, pinned actions, extension settings, onboarding state, and update notice state.
  • Custom prompts and menu settings: Prompt labels, prompt instructions, enabled actions, disabled actions, and menu organization.
  • Blocked or disabled sites: Websites where you have disabled SideAI tools, the text menu, or related extension features.
  • License state: License key, license status, plan type, activation ID, renewal or expiration metadata, and timestamps used to remember premium access.
  • Usage counters: Local counters used for feature limits, such as text-menu, writing assistant, screenshot, or search assistant usage.
  • Local extension identifiers: Browser-generated identifiers used for local state, license activation, or product operation.

This is browser extension storage, not SideAI server storage.

Chrome provides both chrome.storage.local and chrome.storage.sync. These are Chrome browser extension storage APIs. If Chrome Sync is enabled in your browser profile, Chrome may sync some extension settings through your Google/browser account according to your browser settings. SideAI does not operate that sync service and does not store that browser-extension settings data on SideAI servers.

2.4 Information Collected by Our Website

Our website at sideai.app may use hosting logs, security tools, cookies, contact forms, and analytics services to operate the site, understand traffic, prevent abuse, and improve the website.

  • Statcounter: Collects visitor statistics such as page views, referrer, browser type, operating system, device type, approximate location, IP address, and timestamps. Statcounter may use cookies or similar technologies.
  • UTM and link-source parameters: Links from the Extension to sideai.app, such as upgrade, checkout, support, or product links, may include UTM parameters or similar source tags. These help us understand which Extension link or campaign brought a visitor to our website.
  • Hosting and security logs: Our hosting and infrastructure providers may process technical logs such as IP address, user agent, requested URL, timestamp, and error or security events.
  • Contact forms: Contact form submissions are handled through Formspree or similar form/email tools and may include your name, email, message, purchase email or order ID, and timestamp.

Website analytics are used on the website only. The Chrome Extension itself does not include website analytics cookies, advertising pixels, or behavioral advertising trackers.

2.5 Information We Do NOT Collect

SideAI does not collect, transmit to SideAI servers, or store on SideAI servers:

  • Browsing history or a list of URLs you visit.
  • Passwords.
  • Browser cookies or authentication tokens.
  • Bookmarks or downloads.
  • Continuous form input or keystroke history.
  • Selected text, page content, screenshots, writing input, custom prompts, search context, or ChatGPT conversations for advertising, profiling, analytics, or training.
  • Advertising identifiers or behavioral profiling data.
  • Extension telemetry about every page you visit.
  • The URL or content of the page you were browsing inside UTM parameters. UTM links identify SideAI link sources, such as upgrade or checkout, not the websites or page content you use the Extension on.

The Writing Assistant only reads the active text field when you use the writing feature. The Page Assistant only reads page context when you use page features. The screenshot tool only captures what you choose to capture.

3. How We Use Information

  • To provide Extension features: Selected text, page content, writing input, screenshots, search context, and custom prompt instructions are used to perform the AI action you request.
  • To connect with ChatGPT: AI feature content is sent through your own ChatGPT session on chatgpt.com or chat.openai.com. SideAI acts as a browser UI and workflow layer; we do not operate a SideAI proxy that stores your AI prompts or ChatGPT responses.
  • To validate your license: License key and activation data may be checked with SideAI's license validation service so premium features can be enabled. This license flow does not include your browsing content or ChatGPT conversations.
  • To process payments: Payment and checkout information is processed by Polar or the applicable payment provider.
  • To respond to support requests: Contact and support messages are used to respond to you and resolve issues.
  • To remember your preferences: Settings, menu customizations, custom prompts, blocked sites, local usage counters, and UI state are stored through Chrome extension storage.
  • To analyze website traffic: Statcounter and hosting logs help us understand website visits, improve the website, and prevent abuse.
  • To measure Extension link attribution: UTM parameters or similar source tags on links to sideai.app help us understand which Extension links, upgrade prompts, or campaigns drive visits to our website and checkout pages.
  • To comply with legal obligations: We may use limited payment, license, support, or operational records where necessary for compliance, fraud prevention, security, or dispute resolution.

4. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We share user data only as described below. We do not sell, rent, or trade user data to any third party.

OpenAI / ChatGPT

Data shared: Content you choose to send through your own ChatGPT session, such as selected text, page context, writing input, screenshots, search context, custom prompt instructions, and chat messages.

Purpose: Providing AI-powered sidebar chat, text-menu actions, Page Assistant, Writing Assistant, screenshot workflows, and Search Insights.

Polar or payment provider

Data shared: Email address, payment details handled directly by the provider, plan, checkout status, and transaction details.

Purpose: Payment processing, checkout, receipts, and subscription or license management.

SideAI license validation service

Data shared: License key, activation ID, plan type, license status, renewal or expiration metadata, and browser-generated activation data.

Purpose: Activating and validating premium access.

Formspree or support/email tools

Data shared: Contact form message, optional name, email address, purchase email or order ID, timestamp, and support attachments you choose to send.

Purpose: Receiving and responding to support, feedback, and billing questions.

Statcounter

Data shared: Website visitor statistics such as page views, browser/device information, referrer, approximate location, IP address, timestamps, and UTM or similar link-source parameters when present in the visited URL.

Purpose: Website visitor analytics and aggregate attribution for SideAI website links.

Hosting, infrastructure, and security providers

Data shared: Technical logs such as IP address, user agent, URL requested, timestamps, and security events.

Purpose: Website hosting, reliability, security, and abuse prevention.

Important: When you use the Extension's AI features, your selected text, page context, writing input, screenshots, search context, and ChatGPT conversations are not sent to SideAI servers for storage. They are used in your browser workflow and may be sent to ChatGPT through your own account so ChatGPT can answer.

5. Chrome Permissions and Justification

The Extension requests only the permissions necessary for its features:

  • storage: Saves preferences, menu customizations, custom prompts, blocked sites, usage counters, onboarding state, update notice state, and license state in browser extension storage.
  • sidePanel: Displays the SideAI sidebar inside Chrome.
  • contextMenus: Adds right-click and selected-text actions such as Ask, Summarize, Explain, Translate, Rewrite, and custom prompt actions.
  • scripting: Runs content scripts needed for the text-selection menu, Writing Assistant, Page Assistant, screenshot workflow, and website integrations where SideAI is active.
  • offscreen: Supports background extension workflows that require an offscreen document.
  • declarativeNetRequest: Removes or adjusts specific response headers required for ChatGPT sidebar compatibility and extension functionality.
  • Host permissions for chatgpt.com and chat.openai.com: Allow SideAI to use your own ChatGPT session in the sidebar and related ChatGPT workflows.
  • Optional host permissions for <all_urls>: Allow SideAI tools to work across websites when you use or enable features such as selected-text actions, Writing Assistant, Page Assistant, screenshots, and per-site controls.

Host permissions do not mean SideAI uploads every page you visit. SideAI uses page data for the specific feature you activate.

6. Data Storage and Security

  • Local/browser storage: Extension settings, custom prompts, blocked sites, usage counters, UI state, and license state are stored in Chrome extension storage. This is browser extension storage, not a SideAI server database of your browsing content.
  • Extension content: Selected text, page content, screenshots, writing input, search context, custom prompts used in AI requests, and ChatGPT conversations are not stored on SideAI servers.
  • License data: License keys and activation details may be stored locally in the browser and checked with SideAI's license validation service over HTTPS.
  • Payment data: Payment information is processed by Polar or the applicable payment provider using their own secure payment infrastructure. We do not store full payment card numbers.
  • Form submissions: Contact and support form submissions are transmitted over HTTPS to Formspree or email/support tools.
  • Website analytics: Statcounter and hosting logs are transmitted and processed according to those providers' privacy practices.
  • Link attribution data: UTM parameters may appear in website URLs, hosting logs, Statcounter reports, and payment-provider referrer data when you click a SideAI link. These parameters are used for aggregate attribution and do not include selected text, page content, screenshots, writing input, custom prompts, search context, ChatGPT conversations, or the URL of the page where you used the Extension.

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect information we handle. No internet service, browser extension, or third-party platform can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

7. Data Retention

  • Local extension data: Stored in your browser until you uninstall the Extension, clear extension data, reset settings, or change the relevant browser settings.
  • Selected text, page content, screenshots, writing input, search context, and ChatGPT conversations: Processed for the feature you request and not retained on SideAI servers.
  • License records: Retained as needed to activate licenses, manage premium access, prevent abuse, process refunds or disputes, and comply with legal obligations.
  • Payment records: Retained by Polar or the applicable payment provider according to its privacy policy and legal requirements.
  • Support and contact messages: Retained as long as needed to respond to your request, handle follow-up, resolve disputes, and maintain business records.
  • Website analytics and logs: Retained by Statcounter, hosting providers, and security tools according to their retention settings and policies.

8. Cookies

The Extension itself does not use website cookies, advertising cookies, or tracking pixels.

Our website may use cookies or similar technologies through:

  • Statcounter cookies, used to understand website traffic and returning visits on sideai.app.
  • UTM parameters, which are URL query parameters rather than cookies and may be included on links from the Extension to sideai.app.
  • Payment provider cookies, used by Polar or checkout providers when you visit hosted checkout pages.
  • Hosting or security tools, which may use technical cookies or logs for security, fraud prevention, and reliability.

You can manage cookies through your browser settings.

9. Chrome Web Store Limited Use Disclosure

SideAI's use and transfer of information received from Chrome APIs adheres to the Chrome Web Store User Data Policy, including the Limited Use requirements.

  • Allowed use: We use data obtained through Chrome APIs only to provide or improve user-facing features of the Extension, including sidebar chat, selected-text actions, Page Assistant, Writing Assistant, screenshot capture, Search Insights, custom prompts, per-site controls, and license-gated features.
  • Allowed transfer: Data obtained through Chrome APIs is transferred only as needed to provide user-facing features, such as sending the content you choose to ChatGPT through your own account or sending license data to the license validation service. Extension links to sideai.app may include UTM or similar source tags for aggregate click attribution, but those tags do not include extension content. Extension content is not transferred to SideAI servers for analytics, advertising, or profiling.
  • No advertising: We do not use or transfer Chrome API data for serving advertisements, including personalized, retargeted, or interest-based advertising.
  • No sale of data: We do not sell Chrome API data.
  • No human access to extension content: We do not allow humans to read selected text, page content, screenshots, writing input, search context, or ChatGPT conversations obtained through Chrome APIs, except with your explicit consent for support, where necessary for security or abuse investigation, or where required by law.

10. What We Cannot Access

The Extension does not request or use these capabilities:

  • webRequest: SideAI does not request the webRequest permission to monitor your network traffic.
  • cookies: SideAI does not request permission to read browser cookies or authentication tokens.
  • history: SideAI does not request permission to read your browsing history.
  • bookmarks: SideAI does not request permission to read your bookmarks.
  • downloads: SideAI does not request permission to access downloaded files.
  • nativeMessaging: SideAI does not communicate with system-level native applications.
  • Password access: SideAI cannot read, capture, or store passwords.
  • Microphone or camera permissions: SideAI does not request Chrome microphone or camera permissions. Any voice behavior available inside ChatGPT is handled by ChatGPT and your browser's own permission flow.

11. Your Rights and Choices

You can:

  • View and change extension settings through the Extension's options and sidebar interfaces.
  • Delete local data by uninstalling the Extension, clearing extension data, or resetting settings where available.
  • Disable SideAI features globally or on specific websites.
  • Manage Chrome extension storage and browser sync settings through your browser or Google account settings.
  • Manage ChatGPT conversations and account data through your ChatGPT/OpenAI account settings.
  • Manage website cookies through your browser settings.
  • Opt out of some website analytics by blocking cookies or using browser privacy controls.
  • Contact support@sideai.app to request access, correction, or deletion of personal data you intentionally provided to SideAI, subject to legal and operational limits.

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom (UK), California, or another region with privacy rights, you may have additional rights under applicable laws, including rights to access, correct, delete, restrict, object to, or port certain personal data.

12. Children's Privacy

The Extension and website are not directed to children under 13, or under 16 in the EEA where applicable. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided personal data to us, contact support@sideai.app and we will take appropriate steps to delete it.

13. International Data Transfers

Payment processing, license validation, form submissions, website analytics, hosting, and security services may involve processing data on servers located outside your country of residence. These transfers are handled by the relevant third-party providers according to their privacy policies and applicable data protection terms.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top and, where practicable, notify users through the Extension or website.

Your continued use of the Extension or website after changes are posted means you accept the updated Privacy Policy.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact us at:

Email: support@sideai.app

We aim to respond to privacy-related inquiries within 30 days.