Privacy Policy
Last updated: August 10, 2026
RefAnchor helps you verify claims in AI-generated text. This policy explains what information the Chrome extension and website process, why we process it, and the choices available to you.
Information we process
When you use the extension, we process the text you select, cited URLs, page URL and title, retrieved source material, and verification results so we can provide the requested search. If you sign in, we also process your name, email address, authentication identifiers, device identifier, settings, search history, credit balance, and subscription status. Stripe processes payment details; RefAnchor receives billing identifiers and subscription status rather than your full card number.
How we use information
We use information to provide citation search and verification, restore signed-in search history, manage credits and subscriptions, authenticate accounts, send account emails, prevent abuse, troubleshoot failures, and measure reliability and product quality. We do not sell personal information or use extension data for advertising.
Service providers
To provide the service, relevant data may be processed by our hosting and database provider, authentication and email providers, Stripe for billing, web retrieval providers, and embedding or language-model providers used by the verification pipeline. These providers receive only the information needed for their role and are not permitted to use it for unrelated purposes through our service arrangement. Source websites may also receive normal browser or server requests when a source is retrieved.
Storage and retention
The extension stores preferences, authentication state, and short-lived active search state in Chrome local storage. Active local history is automatically limited and expires after a short period. Signed-in search history is stored on our service so it can be restored across pages and devices; free-account history currently expires after seven days, while paid-account history may remain available while the account is active. Operational logs and quality records are retained only as needed for security, reliability, and service operation.
Your choices
You can use the extension without signing in for supported anonymous searches, uninstall the extension, change local settings, or stop using the website. You may request access, correction, or deletion of account-associated information by contacting us. We may need to retain limited records where required for security, fraud prevention, accounting, or legal obligations.
Security
We use HTTPS for network transmission and restrict service access to the systems and providers needed to operate RefAnchor. No online service can guarantee absolute security, so please avoid selecting confidential information that you do not want processed by the service.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy when the service or its data practices change. We will update the date on this page and provide additional notice when a change materially affects how information is handled.
Questions or privacy requests: [email protected].