MonoStart — Privacy Policy
The short version
- No accounts, no servers, no sign-up. We can't see your data because there's nowhere for it to go.
- No analytics, no tracking, no ads, no selling of data. Ever.
- Your data stays on your device. Your layout, links, notes, reminders, and settings are stored locally in your browser.
- The only data that leaves your browser is what you type into the search box (sent to Google for autocomplete) and content you explicitly add, which loads from its own source — just like normal browsing.
- Source-available. You can read every line of code.
This Privacy Policy explains how the MonoStart browser extension ("MonoStart", "the extension", "we") handles information. MonoStart is a source-available extension that replaces your browser's new-tab page with a customizable dashboard. By installing or using MonoStart, you agree to this policy.
1. Information we collect
We do not collect any personal information. MonoStart has no backend servers, no accounts, and no analytics. We — the developer — never receive, see, or store your data. Everything you create in MonoStart is processed locally, inside your own browser.
2. Information stored on your device
MonoStart saves your configuration locally using the browser's own extension storage (chrome.storage.local) and local storage. This data never leaves your device through MonoStart and is not synced to any MonoStart account (there is no such account). It includes:
- Your dashboard layout and grid arrangement
- Saved links, shortcuts, and sections (folders)
- Widget content you create — to-dos, timers, sticky notes, reminders, text labels, and image/embed widgets
- Your preferences — theme, colors, and display settings
This data remains on your device until you delete it within the extension or uninstall MonoStart (see Data retention & deletion).
3. Information sent to third parties
MonoStart sends data to external services only in the following limited, functional cases. In each case the data is sent directly from your browser to that service and is governed by that service's own privacy policy — not stored by us.
a. Search autocomplete (Google)
When you type in the search box, the text you enter is sent to Google's public suggestions endpoint (suggestqueries.google.com) to return live autocomplete suggestions — exactly as a normal browser search bar does. This is governed by Google's Privacy Policy. MonoStart does not log or retain your queries.
b. Searches and links you open
When you run a search or click a shortcut, your browser navigates to that destination (e.g. Google or the linked website). This is ordinary web browsing, and the destination receives the request as it normally would.
c. Site icons (favicons)
To display icons for your shortcuts, MonoStart first uses the browser's built-in local icon store. As a fallback, it may request a site's own /favicon.ico, and a small number of preset shortcuts use Google's public favicon service. Such requests include the address of the website whose icon is being displayed. No other data is sent.
d. Embedded Pages and image widgets
If you add an "Embedded Page" widget or an image by URL, your browser loads that website or image directly from its source — exactly as if you visited it yourself. That source may see your IP address and set its own cookies. You are always in control of what you choose to embed or add.
4. What we never do
- We do not sell, rent, or share your data with anyone.
- We do not use analytics, telemetry, or crash reporting.
- We do not use advertising or tracking technologies, and we do not build user profiles.
- We do not require an account, email address, or any sign-in.
- We do not collect your browsing history. (MonoStart can read your local history to power search suggestions, but this is read on your device only and is never transmitted.)
- We do not load or execute remote code.
5. Permissions and why they are used
MonoStart requests only the permissions needed to deliver its single purpose — a customizable new-tab dashboard:
| Permission | Why it is used |
|---|---|
storage / unlimitedStorage | Save your layout, widgets, and preferences locally, without hitting storage limits. |
history | Suggest recently visited sites as you type in the search box. Read on-device only; never transmitted. |
tabs / activeTab | Let you save the current page to your dashboard from the toolbar popup, and open the dashboard. |
alarms | Schedule reminders so they fire at the right time, even when no tab is open. |
notifications | Show a system notification when a reminder you set becomes due. |
offscreen | Play a short chime when a reminder is due (service workers cannot play audio directly). |
favicon | Display correct site icons for your saved shortcuts. |
suggestqueries.google.com (host) | Fetch Google search autocomplete suggestions. Only the typed query is sent. |
6. Data retention & deletion
Because your data is stored locally, you are in full control of it:
- Delete individual widgets, links, or notes at any time within MonoStart.
- Uninstalling MonoStart removes all of its locally stored data from your browser.
- You can also clear extension data through your browser's settings.
We have no servers, so there is no remote copy of your data for us to retain or delete.
7. Children's privacy
MonoStart is a general-purpose productivity tool and is not directed at children under 13. It does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone, including children.
8. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date above reflects the latest revision, and material changes will be noted in the project's public repository.
9. Contact
MonoStart's source code is publicly available. Questions, concerns, or requests can be raised via the project's GitHub repository:
- Source code & issues: github.com/paurushrai/monostart-chrome-extension
- Email: paurushrai96@gmail.com