This policy explains what information the Lectern browser extension ("Lectern", "we", "us") handles, and how. Lectern is a product from niallcodes, an independent software project based in the United Kingdom.
What we store, and where
Almost everything Lectern saves is stored locally on your own device using your browser's storage. This includes:
- Your reading list (saved articles, including their cleaned text for offline reading)
- Your highlights and any notes you attach to them
- Your reading position ("save my place") and per-site preferences
- Your settings — theme, font, reading speed and so on
This data stays in your browser. We can't see it, and it isn't transmitted to us. If your browser has sync enabled, some settings may sync across your own devices through your browser account — that transfer is handled by your browser, not by Lectern.
Information sent to third parties
Lectern only contacts outside services for the specific features below, and only when you use them:
| Feature | What's sent | To whom |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary lookup | The single word you double-click | A public dictionary API (dictionaryapi.dev) to return its definition |
| Pro activation | Your license key and email (from your purchase) | Our license server to verify your purchase |
| AI summary | Nothing leaves your device — summaries are generated by your browser's built-in on-device AI | No one |
| Listen / text-to-speech | The selected text is read by your browser's built-in speech engine | Your operating system (locally) |
We do not send your browsing history, the pages you read, or your highlights and notes to any server.
Payments
If you purchase Lectern Pro, the payment is processed by Stripe. We never see or store your card details. When your purchase completes, our system generates a license key and emails it to the address you provided at checkout, using the email provider Resend. We retain your license key and the associated email address solely to validate your Pro access.
What we don't do
- We don't track your browsing history.
- We don't show ads or sell, rent or share your personal information with advertisers or data brokers.
- We don't use your data for any purpose unrelated to providing Lectern's features.
- We don't use your data to determine creditworthiness or for lending purposes.
Permissions Lectern requests
Lectern asks only for the permissions its features need — for example, access to the current page so it can show reader mode, and storage so it can save your highlights and settings. Each permission is used only for the purpose described in this policy.
Children
Lectern is not directed at children under 13 and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them.
Changes to this policy
If we make material changes, we'll update the date at the top of this page and, where appropriate, note the change in the extension's listing.
Contact
Questions about this policy or your data? Email support@niallcodes.com.
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