Privacy Policy for GeoGuessr Helper
Last Updated: 4/24/2024
This privacy policy describes how the "GeoGuessr Helper" Chrome extension (referred to as "the Extension"), developed by BroadByte, handles data.
1. Data Handled
The Extension interacts with the following types of data:
- GeoGuessr Game Data: When you are on an active GeoGuessr game page (`geoguessr.com`), the Extension accesses the current round's geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude) and potentially the current round number (e.g., "1 / 5") displayed on the page. This data originates from the GeoGuessr website itself.
- User Settings: The Extension stores your preferences, such as display mode (popup vs. persistent window), auto-close preferences, animation settings, and default map zoom level, using Chrome's synchronized storage (`chrome.storage.sync`). This allows your settings to be consistent across devices where you are logged into Chrome.
- Temporary Session Data: To enable the persistent window feature, the Extension temporarily stores the last known coordinates and current round identifier using Chrome's local storage (`chrome.storage.local`). This data is typically cleared when the browser session ends or the extension is updated/reloaded.
2. Use of Data
The data handled by the Extension is used solely for its core functionality:
- To display the current round's coordinates.
- To show the corresponding location on an interactive map using Leaflet.js.
- To fetch and display an approximate place name (country, region, city) for the coordinates using the Nominatim API.
- To fetch and display the corresponding country flag using the FlagCDN service.
- To provide a button that opens the current coordinates in Google Street View.
- To remember your chosen settings for the Extension's behavior.
- To update the persistent window when a new round begins (by detecting changes in stored data).
3. Third-Party Services
The Extension utilizes the following third-party services to provide its features:
- OpenStreetMap Tiles: Map image tiles are loaded from OpenStreetMap servers to display the map background. (OSM Privacy Policy)
- Nominatim (OpenStreetMap): Used to convert geographic coordinates into human-readable place names. (Nominatim Usage Policy - see linked OSM Policy)
- FlagCDN: Used to fetch country flag images based on country codes derived from Nominatim data. (FlagCDN Website - Note: Review their terms/privacy if available, often implicit via CDN providers).
- Google Fonts: Used to load the "Poppins" font for the user interface. (Google Privacy Policy)
- Leaflet.js: A JavaScript library included within the extension package for displaying the interactive map.
These services have their own privacy policies, and the Extension is not responsible for their practices. We recommend reviewing their policies if you have concerns.
4. Data Storage and Security
User settings are stored using `chrome.storage.sync`, managed by the user's Google account synchronization. Temporary coordinate/round data is stored using `chrome.storage.local`, which is specific to the browser profile where the extension is installed.
The Extension does not collect, store long-term, or transmit any personally identifiable information (PII). It does not track your browsing history outside of GeoGuessr pages required for its function.
5. Data Sharing and Transfer
The Extension does not sell or transfer any user data (including settings or derived location information) to third parties for purposes unrelated to the Extension's core functionality (e.g., fetching map tiles, place names, flags).
Data is not used for determining creditworthiness, for lending purposes, or for any purpose other than providing the described helper features for GeoGuessr.
6. Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy within the extension description or providing an updated version of the extension. You are advised to review this policy periodically for any changes.
7. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: [email protected]