Privacy Policy

Better Instagram: Stop Scrolling (Chrome Extension)

Effective date: 2026-02-03

1. Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how “Better Instagram: Stop Scrolling” (the “Extension”) handles data when you use Instagram on the web. The Extension aims to reduce distracting content and provide features such as hiding/dimming UI elements, grayscale mode, and (if enabled) Reels timer and daily stats.

1.1 Scope

This policy applies only to the Extension. For Instagram (instagram.com) and Meta services, please refer to their own policies.

1.2 Core Principles

(a)Minimization: we handle data only to the extent necessary to provide the Extension’s features.
(b)Local-first: settings and stats are stored locally in your browser where possible.
(c)No tracking: we do not build cross-site tracking profiles, sell data, or use data for personalized ads.

2. Types of Data Collected, Used, and Stored

2.1 Data the Extension stores locally

The Extension uses chrome.storage.local to store data on your device for functionality and user experience, such as:

(a)Feature settings: toggles and preferences (e.g., hide/dim options, grayscale mode, page-specific preferences).
(b)Reels stats (if enabled): daily counters such as number of Reels sessions and total watch time, plus date markers and deduplication keys.

This data is not automatically uploaded to any developer server. Removing the Extension removes its locally stored data.

2.2 Data the Extension typically does NOT collect or store

(a)Your real name, phone number, physical address, or other direct identity details.
(b)Your Instagram password (the Extension does not request it and should not access it).
(c)A complete browsing history database as a product feature.
(d)Precise location information.

2.3 On-page information processed in real time

To hide/dim elements and apply UI changes, the Extension reads and modifies Instagram web page structure (DOM) such as containers, sidebars, Reels UI elements, and other visible components. This processing is primarily for real-time display and does not imply long-term storage or uploading.

3. Permissions and Their Use

3.1 Host permissions

(a)*://*.instagram.com/* and *://instagram.com/*: allow the Extension to run only on Instagram and to inject scripts/styles needed to provide features such as hiding/dimming UI elements, grayscale mode, and Reels overlay/stats.

3.2 storage

(a)Stores your toggles and preferences locally.
(b)(If enabled) stores daily Reels stats so they persist across refreshes or browser restarts.

3.3 tabs

(a)Identifies your currently active tab so the popup can apply settings immediately to the correct Instagram tab.
(b)Opens a feedback link in a new tab when you click it (user-initiated).

The Extension uses tabs to apply settings to the active Instagram page, not to create or upload your browsing history.

4. How Data Is Used

(a)To hide, dim, or restyle Instagram web elements according to your settings.
(b)(If enabled) to measure and display Reels watch time and daily counts in the UI.
(c)(If enabled) to apply grayscale/dimming cues for certain content based on on-page state, processed within Instagram pages; data is not sent to a developer server.

5. Sharing, Selling, and Third-Party Services

(a)No selling: we do not sell user data.
(b)No advertising trackers: we do not include third-party tracking SDKs or ad tech.
(c)External links: if you click a feedback link (e.g., a Google Form), any data you submit is provided by you directly to that third-party service and is governed by their policies.

6. Data Retention and Deletion

(a)Settings and stats are stored locally using chrome.storage.local.
(b)You can disable features at any time via the popup.
(c)To delete stored data, remove the Extension (and reinstall if desired).

7. Security

(a)The Extension does not maintain a developer-hosted user database or account system.
(b)Interaction with Instagram occurs within the browser’s HTTPS environment and same-origin protections (subject to Instagram’s own security controls).
(c)We aim to follow least-privilege and data-minimization practices as the Extension evolves.

8. Your Choices

(a)Enable/disable features anytime in the Extension popup.
(b)Remove the Extension to stop all functionality and delete locally stored data.
(c)Contact us if you have questions about this policy.

9. Children’s Privacy

The Extension is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy due to feature changes, legal requirements, or Chrome Web Store requirements. If we make material changes, we will update the effective date on this page.

11. Contact

If you have questions about this policy, contact:

ThatDeveloperSteven138@gmail.com

12. Limited Use Disclosure

If the Extension accesses user data to provide its features (for example, content visible on Instagram pages or necessary on-page state), we follow these principles:

(a)Data is used only to provide or improve user-facing features of the Extension.
(b)Data is not used for personalized advertising, credit/eligibility decisions, or unrelated purposes.
(c)We do not sell user data and aim to keep processing/storage local where possible.