Privacy Policy

Effective Date: August 23, 2025

1. Overview

The "Tab Guard – Instant Stealth" Chrome extension lets users instantly hide the current tab by switching to a decoy page (e.g., Google) and restore it with one keypress. Optional features include an auto-return timer, Instant Lock (hide all tabs in the window), Master Lock (password protection), and full history wipe. The extension is privacy-first and does not collect, transmit, or sell user data.

2. Permissions Used

• tabs: Identify/modify the active tab, switch to the decoy page, restore it, and manage tabs in Instant Lock mode.
• scripting: Inject small helper scripts to show stealth notices, manage the Master Lock prompt, and save/restore scroll position. No site content is read or transmitted.
• storage: Save user settings (decoy URL, auto-return, Instant Lock, privacy options). Master Lock stores only a salted SHA-256 hash and salt.
• alarms: Support the auto-return timer to restore hidden tabs after the selected delay.
• browsingData: Used exclusively for the optional “Full History Wipe.” The wipe is local and cannot be undone.
• sessions: Restore recently closed tabs precisely after Instant Lock, including special pages (e.g., chrome://, chrome-extension://). Items are accessed transiently; no page content is read or transmitted.
• host_permissions ("<all_urls>"): Needed so the extension can apply the decoy page and run helper scripts on any site. No content is collected or shared.

3. Data Storage and Use

• Settings (decoy URL, timers, toggles) may be stored in chrome.storage.sync and can sync via the user’s Google Account if Chrome Sync is enabled.
• Master Lock uses chrome.storage.local only — the salted SHA-256 hash and salt are stored locally and are not synced across devices.
• No personal data or page contents are collected, transmitted, or sold. All actions run locally on the device.

4. Optional Privacy Features

• Master Lock: Protects hidden tabs with a password prompt. Resetting Master Lock clears the hash and all hidden-tab state.
• Auto-Return: Restores tabs automatically after a user-defined delay.
• Full History Wipe: Clears the entire browsing history if enabled. Disabled by default.

5. No Tracking or Analytics

• No browsing history is read (except optional wipe by your request).
• No identity, email, or login data is collected.
• No search queries or usage activity is tracked.
• No cookies or identifiers are stored by the extension.

6. Incognito Mode

The extension can run in Incognito only if the user enables it in Chrome. Protections work the same; no additional data is collected.

7. Security

All settings and Master Lock data remain on the user’s device. Passwords are never stored in plain text, only as salted SHA-256 hashes. No servers or analytics are involved.

8. Changes

As features evolve, this policy may be updated. Updates will be published via the Chrome Web Store listing or linked repository.

9. Contact

For support or questions, contact the developer via the Chrome Web Store or GitHub repository.

10. Data Retention & Deletion

• Retention: Settings persist until changed or the extension is uninstalled. No usage logs are kept.
• Master Lock Reset: Deletes the local password hash and salt and clears hidden-tab state.
• Uninstall: Removes the extension’s local and sync storage. Any optional history wipe only runs if the user enabled it.

11. Special Pages & Session Restore

Special pages (e.g., chrome://, Chrome Web Store) don’t allow content scripts. The extension performs hide/restore using Chrome’s chrome.sessions API so tabs return exactly as they were (including pinned state and order). If a password prompt is required, it is displayed on the decoy page or on the next regular page the user opens. No page content is stored or transmitted.

This extension complies with Google Chrome Web Store privacy requirements.