DarkPatternRadar - Privacy Policy

The short version

DarkPatternRadar detects manipulative UI patterns on websites. It can contribute anonymized dark pattern findings to a shared database so everyone benefits. Your browsing data is never collected.

What DarkPatternRadar does

DarkPatternRadar scans web pages for deceptive design patterns: fake urgency timers, hidden costs, trick questions, forced continuity, confirmshaming, and other manipulative UI techniques. It highlights them directly on the page so you can make informed decisions.

Data collection

DarkPatternRadar does not collect your name, email, browsing history, or any personally identifiable information. There is no account and no registration.

When you opt in to crowdsourced protection, DarkPatternRadar contributes anonymized dark pattern signatures to a shared database. This includes the type of pattern detected and the domain where it was found. It never includes page content, screenshots, or anything tied to you personally.

Network activity

DarkPatternRadar makes network requests only when crowdsourced contributions are enabled (opt-in). In that case, it sends anonymized dark pattern signatures to the Excalion API so newly discovered deceptive patterns can be cataloged for all users.

All page analysis runs entirely in your browser.

Permissions

• activeTab: to scan the current page for dark patterns and highlight them
• storage: to save your preferences and detection settings locally
• scripting: to inject visual highlights onto detected dark patterns

Where your data lives

Your preferences and detection settings are stored locally in chrome.storage.local. This data never leaves your device. If you uninstall the extension, this data is deleted automatically by Chrome.

Third-party services

None. DarkPatternRadar does not share any data with third parties. Crowdsourced contributions go only to the Excalion API and are fully anonymized.

Cookies and tracking

DarkPatternRadar does not use cookies and does not track you in any way.

Supported browsers

DarkPatternRadar works on Chrome, Edge, and Brave. This privacy policy applies equally to all supported browsers.

Changes to this policy

Any changes will be reflected in extension updates. The date at the top of this page will be updated accordingly.

Contact

For questions about this privacy policy: hello@excalion.io