Privacy Policy - Shorts Shield

1. Introduction

Welcome to Shorts Shield. We respect your privacy and are deeply committed to protecting it. This Privacy Policy explains our practices regarding the collection, use, and handling of information when you use our Chrome Extension to enhance your YouTube experience.

2. Zero Data Collection

We believe in absolute data minimization. The Shorts Shield browser extension does not collect, store, transmit, or share any personal data, usage data, or browsing history.

Local Storage: The extension solely uses your browser's local storage (`chrome.storage.local`) to remember your personal preference (i.e., whether the blocker is turned "On" or "Off"). This switch state never leaves your local device.
Web Permissions: The extension requests navigational and host permissions (`*://*.youtube.com/*`) strictly to execute CSS styling that visually masks Shorts and to intercept URL requests to `/shorts/`. These permissions are never used to monitor, scrape, or log your activity. The processing happens entirely in your local browser instance.

3. Third-Party Services

We value your trust. Shorts Shield does not integrate with any third-party analytics, background trackers, telemetry software, or advertising networks. Your data is not sold, traded, or otherwise transferred to any outside parties.

4. Changes to This Policy

Because the extension operates solely on your local machine without any remote telemetry, our privacy practices are unlikely to change. However, we may update this Privacy Policy to comply with future Chrome Web Store guidelines. Any updates will be reflected by a revised "Effective Date" at the top of this page.

5. Contact Us

If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns regarding our Privacy Policy or the security of Shorts Shield, please do not hesitate to contact our developer team at Apeira Studios through the official GitHub repository or the Chrome Web Store support tab.