This Privacy Policy explains how Whirlpool PDF Search, provided by Andreas Express, handles user data in its Chrome extension and web app.
Overview
Whirlpool helps users read and search local documents, including text in scanned pages and images. Document processing and search take place locally on the user's computer.
We do not sell user data, use it for advertising, or use your documents or searches to train AI models.
Chrome Web Store Policy
Whirlpool's use of user data complies with the Chrome Web Store User Data Policy, including the Limited Use requirements. User data is used only to provide the features described in this policy.
- Encryption in transit: Connections to external services described below use HTTPS.
- Human access restriction: We do not receive your locally processed documents. If you voluntarily send information for support, human access is limited to your consent, necessary security purposes, or legal obligations.
Local processing
Whirlpool reads, indexes, recognizes text, and searches your documents locally within your browser. Your files, extracted text, images, and search queries are not sent to our server or a remote AI provider for processing.
The application may download language files or search models needed for local processing. These downloads do not include your document content.
Data Whirlpool handles
- Files you choose to open, paste, or drop into the application, including files within selected folders.
- File names, relative folder paths, file information, extracted text, images, and search results.
- Search queries, application settings, and preferences.
- License keys, license status, and purchase information returned during verification.
Local folder access
Whirlpool accesses files that you select through the browser or provide to the application. Choosing a folder allows it to read the selected folder's files for local search. The browser's file selection dialog may use the word “Upload”, but Whirlpool does not upload those files.
Storage and Chrome Sync
Whirlpool stores working copies of selected files, extracted content, and search indexes in browser storage so they can be reused. Settings and license information are also stored through the browser.
Chrome may synchronize settings stored through Chrome Sync when synchronization is enabled. Chrome Sync is provided by Google, not by us. Document copies and search indexes are kept locally and are not stored in Chrome Sync.
We do not operate a server for storing or synchronizing your documents.
License verification
If you enter a Gumroad license key, Whirlpool sends the key and product identifier to Gumroad to verify it. Verification may be repeated to keep the license status current. Gumroad may return purchase information, such as the purchase email, which can appear in the license status.
No document content or search queries are included. Gumroad handles verification information according to its own privacy policy.
Version and notice checks
Whirlpool may contact ceres-assistant.com for version information and product notices. These requests do not include your documents or search queries.
Data sharing
External connections are limited to downloading application resources or models, verifying licenses, checking product notices, and the analytics described below. Service providers may receive standard connection information, such as your IP address, when handling these requests.
If you choose to contact us, we receive the information you submit. We do not share your documents or searches with advertisers.
Analytics
Whirlpool uses GoatCounter to count application openings. The request includes the application page path and a random value, not your file names, document content, or search queries. GoatCounter processes the request according to its own privacy policy.
Our public website also uses GoatCounter for traffic analytics. Chrome Web Store may provide installation counts and other marketplace statistics under Google's policies.
Data retention
Locally saved data remains in your browser until you remove it or the browser clears it. Closing the application alone does not delete its saved documents or search index. External services handle their records according to their own retention policies.
Data deletion
- Use the application's database deletion option to remove saved document data and cached file copies.
- Remove your license key in Settings.
- Clear the application's browser storage or uninstall the Chrome extension to remove its locally stored data. For the web app, clear its site data separately.
- Manage Chrome Sync through your browser if you want to remove synchronized settings.
These actions do not delete your original files from your computer. For information held by an external service, use that service's privacy or account tools. Contact us about information you sent directly to us.
Security
Whirlpool uses the browser's permission and storage systems. Protect your device and browser profile, especially when working with sensitive documents.
Children
Whirlpool is not directed to children. Users who require parental permission under applicable law should use it only with a parent or guardian's permission.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy when Whirlpool's features or data practices change. The updated policy will include a new last updated date.
Contact
For privacy questions, contact the developer by email or use the contact form.
