PRIVACY POLICY — Pinocchio

Last Updated: March 2025

Pinocchio ("we," "us," "our") provides a browser extension that helps users understand the political lean, spin, and emotional tone ("vibes") of online articles.

We take privacy seriously. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and what choices you have.

1. What We Do Not Collect

We do NOT:

  • Track your browsing history
  • Store a list of websites you visit
  • Sell or share personal data
  • Use cookies or tracking pixels
  • Build user profiles
  • Collect your IP address for analytics
  • Store any LLM API keys

We designed Pinocchio to operate with minimal personal data and maximum user control.

2. Information the Extension Processes

The extension runs locally in your browser and only activates on pages that look like articles.

When activated, it may process:

a. Article Text

To generate a score (bias, spin, vibes), Pinocchio must analyze the text of the article you are actively viewing.

You may choose one of two processing modes:

Heuristic Mode (Default):

  • Article text is sent to your self-hosted or local scoring backend.
  • We do not store or save the text.
  • No article content is ever shared with third parties.

Bring-Your-Own-LLM Mode (Optional):

  • Article text is sent to the LLM provider you selected, using your own API key.
  • We do not proxy, store, or collect your key or your content.
  • Your chosen provider processes the content under their own privacy policy.

You control this behavior inside the extension settings.

3. API Keys

If you enable Bring-Your-Own-LLM mode, you may enter:

  • OpenAI API key
  • Anthropic API key
  • xAI (Grok) API key
  • DeepSeek API key
  • Local Llama server URL and key (if any)

Your API key is:

  • Stored only in your local browser storage (chrome.storage)
  • Never transmitted to us
  • Never stored on our servers
  • Never visible to other websites

You may delete your key at any time via the extension settings.

4. Telemetry & Analytics

Pinocchio does not send any usage data, analytics, diagnostic logs, or event telemetry to us.

5. Data Retention

We do not store:

  • Article content
  • Browsing history
  • API keys
  • Scores
  • IP addresses

Your data never leaves your device except when you explicitly send it to your own backend or your chosen LLM provider.

6. Third-Party Providers

If you choose to use an external LLM provider, their policies apply to your content:

We do not control or assume responsibility for third-party services you explicitly choose to use.

7. Children's Privacy

Pinocchio is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The "Last Updated" date at the top will reflect the latest version.

9. Contact

If you have questions about privacy, contact us:

📧 support@getpinocchio.com