Privacy Policy

Open Bookmarks in New Tab — Chrome Extension
Last updated: March 1, 2026

1. Overview

"Open Bookmarks in New Tab" is a Chrome extension that automatically opens bookmarks in a new tab instead of replacing your current tab. This privacy policy explains what data the extension handles (and does not handle) and why each permission is required.

2. Data Collection

This extension does NOT collect, transmit, or store any personal data. It does not use analytics, tracking, cookies, or any third-party services.

The only data stored by the extension is your local preferences (enabled/disabled state, tab focus setting, and tab position). These preferences are saved entirely on your device using chrome.storage.local and are never sent to any external server.

3. Permissions and Justifications

The extension requests the following permissions. Each one is essential to the extension's core, single purpose. No permission is used for data collection or tracking.

Permission Why It Is Needed
bookmarks Required to read and modify bookmark URLs by adding a newtab@ username prefix. This prefix is the mechanism that allows the extension to identify bookmark-triggered navigations and redirect them to new tabs. When the extension is disabled, all bookmark URLs are restored to their original state.
tabs Required to create new tabs when a bookmark is clicked, and to manage tab focus and position (end of tab bar or right of current tab). Also used to determine the current tab's index for correct placement.
webNavigation Used to detect bookmark-triggered navigations via the onCommitted event with transitionType: "auto_bookmark". This distinguishes bookmark clicks from regular navigation. No browsing history is collected or stored.
downloads Part of the core mechanism that preserves the current tab. When a bookmark is clicked, the modified URL triggers a download of a small empty file bundled with the extension. The extension immediately detects and cancels this download via chrome.downloads.onCreated, then opens the original URL in a new tab. No actual file is saved to the user's device.
declarativeNetRequest Used to redirect requests containing the newtab@ username marker to an internal empty.zip file. This redirect triggers the download-based mechanism instead of a page navigation, ensuring the current tab stays untouched. Only URLs with the specific prefix are matched — no other web traffic is affected.
alarms Used to periodically wake the extension's service worker (every 30 seconds) so the downloads listener remains active. Chrome suspends inactive service workers, which would cause the download-interception mechanism to fail. The alarm performs no data collection or network requests.
storage Used to persist user preferences locally on the device using chrome.storage.local. Stored settings include: enabled/disabled state, focus preference, and tab position. No personal data is stored. No data is transmitted externally.
Host permissions Required for declarativeNetRequest redirect rules to function. The extension needs to intercept requests from any URL that contains the newtab@ username prefix (which the extension itself adds). Without host permissions, the redirect rules cannot match these requests. The extension does not read, modify, or collect any page content.

4. Third-Party Services

This extension does not use any third-party services, APIs, analytics platforms, advertising networks, or tracking tools of any kind.

5. Data Sharing

No data is shared with any third party. No data leaves your device. The extension operates entirely locally.

6. Data Security

Since no personal data is collected or transmitted, there are no data security risks associated with this extension beyond standard browser security. User preferences are stored using Chrome's built-in chrome.storage.local API, which is sandboxed and protected by the browser.

7. Remote Code

This extension does not use any remote code. All JavaScript is bundled locally within the extension package. There are no external <script> tags, no dynamically loaded modules, and no use of eval() or similar functions.

8. Children's Privacy

This extension does not collect any data from anyone, including children under the age of 13. It is suitable for users of all ages.

9. Changes to This Policy

If this privacy policy is updated, the changes will be reflected in extension updates and on this page. The "Last updated" date at the top of this document will be revised accordingly.

10. Compliance

The use of information received from Chrome APIs adheres to the Chrome Web Store User Data Policy, including the Limited Use requirements.

11. Contact

If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy, please contact the developer at:
haoshen0226@gmail.com