Privacy Policy
Last updated: June 20261. Zero Data Collection Policy
This privacy policy applies to the Rank-O-Saur browser extension and its associated website (rankosaur.com). As a developer, I place the highest value on privacy, transparency, and data minimization.
The core principle of the Rank-O-Saur browser extension is simple: The extension does not collect, store, transmit, or sell any personal data. Period.
One exception applies to the website rankosaur.com (not to the extension): it uses Google Analytics for anonymous reach measurement — but only after you have given your explicit consent via the cookie banner. If you decline or ignore the banner, no analytics tool is loaded and no analytics cookie is set. Full details are described in section 5.
2. What the Extension Does NOT Collect
To be absolutely clear about our privacy standards, here is a list of information that the Rank-O-Saur browser extension never collects or transmits (this section concerns the extension; for website analytics see section 5):
- No browsing history: We do not track the websites you visit.
- No personal information: We do not ask for or collect names, email addresses, or account details.
- No analytics data: We do not track how many times you click a button or use a specific feature.
- No page content: The content of the web pages you analyze (text, URLs, links) is never sent to any external server.
- No IP addresses or location data: We do not monitor where you are located.
3. How Rank-O-Saur Works (Local Processing)
Rank-O-Saur operates purely locally within your browser. When you click the extension icon to analyze a webpage's SEO (such as checking meta tags, headings, or links), all the processing happens directly on your device (client-side).
Any settings or preferences you configure within the extension (such as Dark Mode or custom User-Agents) are saved locally in your browser's internal storage. This data never leaves your computer.
4. Why We Request Specific Permissions
To function correctly, Rank-O-Saur requests certain permissions from your browser upon installation. These permissions are used strictly for technical functionality:
activeTab: Allows the extension to read the HTML code (DOM) of the specific tab you currently have open when you click the extension icon. This is necessary to analyze the on-page SEO data. It does not grant access to tabs you are not actively analyzing.storage: Allows the extension to remember your local settings (e.g., your preferred language or UI theme) between browsing sessions.webRequest/declarativeNetRequest: Used to temporarily modify HTTP headers when you specifically activate the "Custom User-Agent" feature (e.g., simulating Googlebot).
5. Third-Party Services, Advertising & Analytics
Extension: The Rank-O-Saur browser extension is a clean, professional tool. It does not contain any advertisements, and it does not integrate any third-party analytics tools, tracking pixels, or affiliate scripts.
Website (rankosaur.com) — consent-based Google Analytics: The website uses Google Analytics 4 (provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland) to understand anonymously how the site is used so that we can improve it. Google Analytics is loaded exclusively after you actively click "Accept" in the cookie banner. Until then — and if you click "Decline" — no Google Analytics script is loaded and no analytics cookie is set.
- Data processed: when consent is given, Google Analytics processes data such as a
pseudonymous identifier (in a cookie), the pages visited, approximate region, referrer, device and
browser type, and the time of access. IP addresses are processed in a shortened/anonymized form
(
anonymize_ipis enabled). - Legal basis: your consent under Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR and § 25 (1) TTDSG. You may withdraw it at any time with effect for the future.
- Recipient & international transfer: data is transmitted to Google. Processing may take place on servers in the USA; Google relies on the EU Standard Contractual Clauses for such transfers. This may involve risks regarding access by US authorities.
- Storage: your consent decision is stored locally in your browser
(
localStorage); Google Analytics cookies have a limited lifetime set by Google.
Withdraw or change your consent: you can reset your choice at any time and the banner will appear again: withdraw / change cookie consent. Deleting your browser cookies and site data has the same effect. More information on Google's data processing: policies.google.com/privacy.
6. User Rights (GDPR & CCPA)
Under privacy laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), you have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal data, to restrict or object to its processing, and to data portability. Where processing is based on consent (see section 5), you may withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future without affecting the lawfulness of processing carried out before the withdrawal. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority. As the browser extension itself does not collect or hold any personal data, there is no such data for us to delete or hand over.
7. Changes to this Policy
I may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect new extension features or changes in legal requirements. Any updates will be reflected on this page with an updated revision date. Because we do not collect your email address, we cannot notify you directly of changes.
8. Contact Information
If you have any questions regarding this privacy policy, how the extension works, or its security, you can contact me directly at any time:
Christoph Hein
Feldstraße 1
27809 Lemwerder
Germany
Email: i@christophhein.com