Privacy Policy for Hacker News Discussion Sidebar

Last Updated: 03 Jan 2026

This Privacy Policy describes how the Hacker News Discussion Sidebar extension ("we", "us", or "the extension") collects, uses, and discloses your information. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your browsing data is handled securely and transparently.

1. Data Collection and Usage

To function correctly, this extension requires access to the URL of the website you are currently visiting. This data is used solely for the following purposes:

• Page Content & URLs: The extension utilizes the activeTab and scripting permissions to read the URL and title of the current tab. This is necessary to query the Hacker News database to find discussions related to that specific content.
• Search Queries: When the sidebar is activated (or if previously left open), the extension sends the current URL or domain name to the Algolia API (hn.algolia.com) to retrieve search results.

We do not store your browsing history on our own servers, nor do we sell it to third parties.

2. Local Data Storage

The extension uses your browser's local storage capabilities (chrome.storage.local) to save your user preferences.

• Hidden Sites: If you choose to hide the sidebar button on a specific website, we store that domain in your browser's local storage (hiddenSites list).
• Purpose: This data is stored locally on your device to persist your UI preferences across browser sessions. It is not transmitted to the developer.

3. Third-Party Services

This extension relies on a third-party service to provide search results.

• Algolia (Hacker News API):
• To find discussions, the extension sends search queries (containing the URL or domain of the page you are viewing) directly to the Algolia API.
• We do not control how Algolia handles this data. We recommend reviewing Algolia’s privacy policy for details on their data processing practices.

4. Permissions

The extension requests the following permissions for the stated reasons:

• activeTab / <all_urls>: Required to inject the sidebar into web pages and read the current URL to perform searches.
• storage: Required to save your list of hidden websites so the extension remembers where not to show the button.
• scripting: Used to insert the visual elements (sidebar and button) into the page.

5. User Control

You have full control over your data:

• Manage Hidden Sites: You can view and remove websites from your "Hidden Sites" list at any time by visiting the Extension Options page.
• Uninstall: You may uninstall the extension at any time. Upon uninstallation, all locally stored data (such as the hidden sites list) is removed from your browser.

6. Contact Information

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Bjorn
hn-sidebar@bjorn.co.za