1. How your photos are processed
All EXIF parsing happens inside your browser using a bundled parser library. When you right-click an image or drop a file into the popup, the image bytes are read locally and the metadata is extracted on your device. Image files and thumbnails are not uploaded to our servers for parsing. If you choose to display or open a map, location coordinates are sent to the selected map provider as described below.
Local parsing can work offline. Loading a remote image, viewing a map and verifying paid access require a network connection.
2. What the extension cannot see
EXIF Viewer does not hold the <all_urls> host permission. The extension uses temporary active-tab access after your context-menu action to fetch the image you choose. It does not inject page scripts or read page text in its image workflow. Images hosted on another origin may not be accessible through that temporary permission.
3. Permissions and why each one is needed
| Permission | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| storage | Saves your settings, license status, and a local recent-view history of filenames on your device. License verification sends the installation identifier to our service; image files and recent-view history stay local. |
| contextMenus | Adds the right-click "View EXIF metadata" option to images in Chrome. |
| activeTab | Reads the bytes of the specific image you right-click so the extension can parse its metadata locally. It activates only at the moment you invoke the command. |
| downloads | Saves the metadata-stripped clean copy you create to your downloads folder. Used only when you explicitly click "Strip and download." |
| ext66.com | Our license and product-event service. Remote image requests and optional map links are described below. |
4. Network requests the extension makes
The extension uses network requests for these functions:
- License verification to
ext66.com. This sends a randomly generated device ID to verify whether a Pro license is active in this browser. The identifier can be linked to a paid subscription. If you enter an email or license key to restore access, that value is also sent to the license service. Images are not included. - Product usage events (for example, which feature was used: "right-click," "drop file," "GPS map"). These may contain the device identifier, event type, timestamp and extension version. They contain no image data or page URLs. They help us understand which features matter so we can prioritise improvements.
- Map tile requests (only if you click "Show map"). The embedded OpenStreetMap request includes the photo coordinates and a surrounding map area. If you choose an external Google Maps or OpenStreetMap link, that provider also receives the coordinates. You can turn this off in Settings if you prefer not to load map tiles.
- Feedback messages you explicitly type and submit. These are sent to us only when you choose to send feedback.
Map providers receive the network information needed to serve the map, including your IP address and the requested coordinates. Fetching a remote image also contacts its host. Stripe handles payments; images are not sent to Stripe.
5. Data we do not collect or sell
We do not sell your image data. Service providers receive the limited information needed for the functions described above. There are no third-party trackers, no advertising pixels, and no cross-site profiling. No account is required for free image inspection. Optional Apps66 membership requires an Apps66 account.
6. Data stored locally on your device
The extension keeps these items in Chrome local storage. License status is also checked with our service:
- Your extension settings and preferences
- Your license activation status (the pseudonymous device ID, whether Pro is active and any access expiry)
- A recent-view history of filenames you have inspected (filenames only, not the image data)
Uninstalling removes local extension storage. It does not cancel a subscription or automatically erase server-side license or payment records. Use the subscription management link to cancel, or contact support about records.
Optional Apps66 membership connection
When you choose to connect an Apps66 membership in a supported version, the extension sends a one-use activation code and its installation identifier to the licensing service at ext66.com. Apps66 checks your subscription with Stripe and sends that service an opaque account reference, the supported extension, membership status and access expiry. The service stores a hashed installation identifier linked to that membership. This makes the identifier pseudonymous, not anonymous.
The raw Apps66 activation code is not saved in extension storage. The service keeps its hash for activation and short retry handling. A separate local membership cache lasts no longer than 24 hours without successful verification. This connection does not send your images, file contents or browsing URLs. Existing standalone licenses remain separate. Manage the linked subscription at Apps66 subscription settings.
You can request removal of a device link or associated license records through support. Uninstalling removes local extension storage but does not cancel a subscription or automatically erase server-side billing records.
7. Children's privacy
EXIF Viewer is a general-purpose developer and photography tool. It is not directed at children under 13 and does not knowingly collect any information from children.
8. Changes to this policy
If we make material changes we will update the date at the top of this page. Significant changes will also be noted in the extension's changelog on the Chrome Web Store.
9. Contact
Questions about this policy? Contact us at support@ext66.com.