Privacy Policy
Native Translate is built with privacy as the foundation. Our local-first approach ensures your data never leaves your device. No cloud calls, no analytics, no tracking— just pure, private translation.
Our Privacy Commitment
Zero Data Collection
No analytics, no telemetry, no external servers. Your data stays on your device.
Local Processing
All translation happens using Chrome's built-in on-device AI capabilities.
Complete Transparency
Open-source code with clear explanations of all data processing.
This Privacy Policy explains how the Native Translate browser extension processes information. We designed Native Translate to be privacy-first: translation and language detection run on your device using Chrome's built-in on-device AI. By using the Extension, you agree to this Policy.
Important: This Policy applies solely to the Native Translate Chrome extension. It does not cover Chrome, the Chrome Web Store, your operating system, or any websites you visit.
Extension Settings (Stored Locally)
We store minimal preferences in Chrome storage, such as:
nativeTranslate.settings - target language, hotkey modifiernativeTranslate:readyPairs - language-pair readiness timestampsnativeTranslate:detectorReady - language detector readiness timestampThese values stay on your device and are never transmitted to us.
On-Page Text for Translation
When you request translation, the Extension reads visible text nodes on the current page to generate translations. It avoids editing contexts and sensitive elements where feasible (e.g., input, textarea, code, pre, navigation, headers/footers). Text is processed in memory and not saved or transmitted.
Keyboard Modifier State
To support hover-to-translate, the Extension listens for Alt/Control/Shift to detect activation. It does not record keystroke content and ignores typing contexts where feasible.
Diagnostics
Limited console logs may be written to your local browser console for reliability. No analytics, telemetry, or remote logging are performed.
On-Device Translation & Detection
The Extension uses Chrome's built-in Translator and Language Detector APIs to process text on your device. By default, no cloud translation requests are made by the Extension.
Model Downloads Managed by Chrome
On first use, Chrome may download on-device models and cache them for offline use. These downloads are handled by Chrome, not by us, and may be subject to Chrome/Google policies.
storageSave local settings and readiness metadataactiveTab / tabsInteract with current tab for translationscriptingInject content script when neededsidePanelProvide optional side panel UIWe request only the permissions necessary for core functionality.
No Third-Party Sharing
We do not sell, rent, or share your information with third parties.
No Cross-Border Transfers
The Extension does not transmit your data to any external servers.
Local Preferences
Remain in Chrome's local or session storage until you remove the Extension or clear site/extension data.
In-Memory Caches
Translation results may be cached in memory during the session to improve performance and are discarded when the page or browser is closed.
No Long-Term Storage
We do not persist on-page text or translation content beyond the current session.
Local Processing
Reduces exposure by keeping translation on your device.
Open-Source Code
The project is open source, allowing community review. As with any software, no method is 100% secure, and you use the Extension at your own risk.
Change or Remove Settings
Adjust preferences in the popup or clear extension data via your browser settings.
Disable or Uninstall
You can disable or remove the Extension at any time from chrome://extensions.
Site Limitations
Some pages (e.g., chrome://) do not allow script injection; the Extension will not run there.
The Extension is not directed to children and does not knowingly collect personal information from children.
We may update this Policy from time to time. Material changes will be reflected by updating the Effective Date above. Your continued use after changes indicates acceptance.