Privacy Policy
Last updated: Oct 2026 · Version 1.0.0
1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy describes how Readpane (the "Extension"), developed by Ilias El Barhoumi, collects, uses, stores, and protects your information. This policy applies specifically to the Readpane browser extension and is separate from the ExtensionShop marketplace privacy policy.
We are committed to protecting your privacy. By installing and using Readpane, you agree to the data practices described in this policy.
2. Information We Collect
Readpane collects the minimum data necessary to provide its functionality. Below is a complete breakdown of what data is and is not collected.
Data Collected
| Data Type | Description | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Books, reading positions, bookmarks and settings (stored locally) | The EPUB files you open, with each book's title, author and cover, plus your reading position, bookmarks and settings (font, size, spacing, margins, theme, reading mode) are stored in your browser's IndexedDB on your computer. They are deleted when you delete the book or uninstall, and never sent anywhere. | Required |
| Counters and card answers (stored locally) | How many books you have read, reading time today, your answers to the optional support and rating cards, and whether you dismissed the file-access and pin-to-toolbar hints. They stay on your device and are deleted when you uninstall. | Required |
Data Not Collected
Readpane does not collect the following types of information:
- The pages you visit — Readpane never reads them
- Your Google account, name, email or any personal identifiers
- Analytics, telemetry, crash reports or remote configuration of any kind
- Fonts or images loaded from the web — a strict content security policy stops books from loading anything remote
- Data sent to any first-party or third-party server — there is no Readpane server
3. How We Use Your Information
Collected data is used exclusively for the following purposes:
- Providing and maintaining the core functionality of Readpane
- Saving your preferences and settings for a personalized experience
- Diagnosing and fixing bugs or technical issues
We do not use your data for advertising, user profiling, or any purpose unrelated to the functionality of Readpane.
4. Data Storage and Security
Readpane stores data locally in your browser using the browser's built-in storage APIs (chrome.storage / localStorage). Data remains on your device and is not transmitted to external servers unless explicitly stated.
Data retention: Your books, positions, bookmarks and settings stay in your browser until you delete the book, change the setting, or remove the extension, which deletes them automatically. A downloaded book is stored on your computer like any other book.
5. Third-Party Data Sharing
None. Readpane makes no network requests, except downloading a book from a link you choose to open in Readpane, after you allow that site. Three links open a normal browser tab only when you act: "Support" opens the developer's Ko-fi page, "Rate it" opens the extension's Chrome Web Store reviews, and uninstalling opens a short optional feedback form on Tally that receives nothing unless you fill it in and submit it.
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to any third party for their marketing or commercial purposes.
6. Browser Permissions
Readpane requests the following browser permissions. Each permission is required for specific functionality and is used only for its stated purpose:
| Permission | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Storage | Keeps the counters and card answers for the optional support and rating cards on your device. |
| Unlimited storage | Lets the library keep large books without Chrome clearing them when disk space is low. |
| Open .epub files from your computer | Used only to open a local .epub file in the Readpane reader, and only when you turn on "Allow access to file URLs" for Readpane in chrome://extensions. Readpane never reads any other local file, and never reads the pages you visit. |
| Context menus | Adds "Open in Readpane" to the right-click menu of links that look like EPUB files. |
| Site access (optional) | Asked per site, only when you use "Open in Readpane" on a link from that site, so Readpane can download that book. You can remove it any time in chrome://extensions. |
No permissions are used to collect data beyond what is described in Section 2 of this policy. We follow the principle of least privilege and only request permissions essential for the extension's functionality.
7. Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding your data:
- Access: You can view all data stored by the extension through your browser's extension storage inspector
- Deletion: You can delete all stored data by uninstalling the extension or clearing extension data in your browser settings
- Opt-out: Optional data collection (such as analytics) can be disabled in the extension settings
- Portability: You may export your data where the extension provides export functionality
- Complaint: You have the right to lodge a complaint with a data protection authority if you believe your rights have been violated
For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the right to rectification, restriction of processing, and the right to object. To exercise these rights, contact us using the information below.
8. Children's Privacy
Readpane is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will promptly delete it.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the extension's functionality or applicable regulations. When we make changes, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. For significant changes, we will provide notice through the extension's update notes or a notification within the extension itself.
Your continued use of Readpane after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or the data practices of Readpane, please contact us:
Developer: Ilias El Barhoumi
Email: iliasselbarhoumi@gmail.com