Privacy Policy — MerchantGuardLast updated: July 24, 2026MerchantGuard ("the extension", "we", "us") is a Chrome extension that scans Shopify (and other) storefronts for common Google Merchant Center "Misrepresentation" risk factors, such as missing contact information, policy pages, or business registration details.This policy explains what data the extension handles, where it is stored, and why.1. Summary- MerchantGuard does not operate its own server or database.- All scan results and settings are stored locally in your browser using Chrome's built-in storage APIs.- We do not collect, transmit, sell, or share your data with any third party.- The only third party involved is Stripe, which processes payments directly - MerchantGuard never sees or stores your payment details.2. What data the extension handlesWebsite content you scanWhen you run a scan, MerchantGuard reads the visible text and links of the page(s) you choose to scan (either the current tab, or - for the full-site scan - pages the extension navigates to within your own store). This is used only to check for the presence of things like a return policy link, contact page, phone number, email address, or business registration number. This data is analyzed locally in your browser and stored only in your local browser storage, tied to your device.Business details you enter (optional)If you fill in the optional "Your business details" form on the report page (business name, phone, email, address, KVK/VAT number), this is stored only in your local browser storage. It is used solely to generate ready-made HTML snippets for your own use, and is never transmitted anywhere.Premium/unlock statusA simple true/false flag indicating whether you've unlocked the full-site scan feature, stored locally in your browser.Google Merchant Center warning text (optional)If you paste warning text into the "Check a Google warning" field, this text is matched against a local keyword list entirely within your browser. It is never sent anywhere, including to MerchantGuard's developer or any server.3. What we do NOT do- We do not run analytics or tracking scripts.- We do not collect browsing history beyond the pages you explicitly scan.- We do not sell, rent, or share any data with advertisers or other third parties.- We do not have access to your Chrome storage remotely - it lives only on your device.4. Third-party servicesStripe (payments)To unlock the full-site scan feature, you are directed to a Stripe-hosted payment page in a new browser tab. Your payment details (card number, bank details, etc.) are entered directly into Stripe's own secure page and are never seen, received, or stored by MerchantGuard. Stripe's use of your data is governed by Stripe's own privacy policy (stripe.com/privacy).Google Sites (purchase confirmation)After a successful payment, Stripe redirects you to a confirmation page. MerchantGuard detects that this specific page was visited (by matching the URL) to unlock the premium feature locally. No data about you is sent to that page beyond a standard page visit.5. Permissions the extension requests, and why- activeTab: To scan the page you're currently viewing when you click "Scan this page"- scripting: To run the scan logic on the page you're viewing- tabs: To open and navigate a background tab during a full-site scan, and to detect the Stripe payment confirmation page- storage: To save your scan results, business details, and premium status locally- Host permissions (http://*/*, https://*/*): To allow scanning any storefront you choose to point the extension at, since stores run on many different domains6. Data retention and deletionAll data is stored locally in your browser and persists only until you clear your browser's extension storage or uninstall the extension. Uninstalling MerchantGuard removes all locally stored data.7. Children's privacyMerchantGuard is a business tool intended for store owners and is not directed at children. We do not knowingly collect data from children.8. Changes to this policyIf this policy changes, the "Last updated" date above will be revised. Continued use of the extension after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.9. ContactQuestions about this policy can be sent to: tarhar1277@gmail.com