Last updated: August 3, 2026
Random Reader ("the extension") is a browser extension that helps you discover random articles from curated RSS/Atom feeds. This policy explains what data the extension collects, how it's used, and your rights.
The extension stores the following data locally in your browser using Chrome/Firefox storage APIs. This data never leaves your device unless you explicitly export it.
| Data Type | Purpose | Retention |
|---|---|---|
| Reading history | Track articles you've opened via "Surprise Me" (title, URL, source, author, timestamp) | Capped at 200 entries, oldest removed first |
| Starred articles | Articles you've marked as favorites | Until you un-star or clear data |
| Settings | Your preferences (theme, open behavior, filters, refresh interval, sound, etc.) | Until changed or reset |
| Source toggles | Which of the 136+ catalog sources are enabled/disabled | Until changed |
| Blocked domains | Domains you've chosen to exclude from results | Until removed |
| Feed cache | Fetched article metadata (title, URL, publication date, source) for the random pool | 90 days, auto-cleaned |
- No personal identifiers (name, email, IP address)
- No browsing history outside the extension
- No analytics, telemetry, or usage tracking
- No data sent to any external server (including the developer)
- No advertising IDs or cross-site tracking
The extension makes network requests only to:
- RSS/Atom feed URLs defined in the source catalog (e.g.,
https://example.com/feed.xml), to fetch article lists - Sitemap URLs defined in the source catalog, to resolve article titles
- Optional remote catalog URL (default: GitHub raw URL), to check for catalog updates every 6 hours
All requests are initiated by the background worker on your behalf. No cookies, auth tokens, or user identifiers are sent.
- View/export history: Options → History → Export CSV/JSON
- Clear history: Options → History → Clear History
- Clear all data: Options → General → Clear All Data (removes history, stars, cached articles)
- Reset settings: Options → General → Restore Defaults
- Disable feeds: Options → Sources → toggle any source off
- Block domains: Options → Catalog → Blocked Domains
- Uninstall: Removes all local data automatically
The default catalog is hosted on GitHub (raw.githubusercontent.com). Fetching it is subject to GitHub's privacy policy. You can switch to a local catalog file in Options → Catalog to avoid this request.
This extension is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children.
Updates will be posted here with a new "Last updated" date. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.
Questions: GitHub Issues
Summary: Your data stays on your device. We don't see it, sell it, or track you.