Privacy Policy — ELI5 (Explain Anything)

Last updated: 2026

ELI5 is a browser extension that explains text you highlight on a web page. This policy describes what data it handles and where that data goes.

What ELI5 does with your data

• Highlighted text. When you ask ELI5 to explain a selection, that text is sent to the AI model provider you have configured, so it can generate an explanation. It is sent to nobody else.
• Your API key. If your provider needs a key, it is stored locally in your browser (chrome.storage.local) and transmitted only to the provider you selected, to authenticate your own requests.
• Recent explanations. A short history is stored locally so you can revisit it. You can clear it at any time.

What ELI5 does NOT do

• It does not send your data to the developer or any first-party server. There is no ELI5 backend — requests go directly from your browser to the provider you chose.
• It does not include analytics, tracking, advertising, or fingerprinting.
• It does not sell or share your data.
• If you use a local model, your text never leaves your computer.

Third-party providers

When you choose a cloud provider (for example OpenAI, OpenRouter, Groq, Google Gemini, or xAI), your highlighted text is processed by that provider under its own privacy policy and terms. Choose a provider you trust.

Data retention

ELI5 keeps settings and recent explanations locally on your device until you clear them or remove the extension. The developer stores nothing.

Contact

Questions about this policy: add your preferred contact email here.