Privacy & data use

Last updated: September 14, 2026. This policy covers the Abstract Lens website and browser extension.

What is processed

The extension reads public abstracts only on arXiv new-submission pages. It sends the abstract text to our Supabase-hosted classification service. The website uses the same service. We do not request browsing history, cookies, account credentials, private documents, or content from other websites.

Results and service providers

Our service uses GPTZero to analyze abstract text and display classification results. Public abstract text is stored for background processing so analysis can continue when no readers have the page open. The separate website listing snapshots contain public paper metadata and abstracts copied from arXiv and are replaced on each successful refresh.

The website is hosted on Vercel. Vercel, Supabase, and GPTZero may process standard connection information such as IP addresses and operational logs under their own policies: Vercel, Supabase, and GPTZero.

Local storage and controls

The extension stores its enabled setting and cached results in your browser profile. Local results are reused for 30 days. You can pause scanning or clear the local cache in its settings; uninstalling removes extension storage. This control clears data from your browser only.

Extension usage counts

The extension sends a listing-view event and a random browser identifier that changes each UTC day to our Supabase service. Events contain no page URLs, abstracts, paper identifiers, or account details. We count pageviews and daily active browsers. Daily identifiers older than yesterday are removed when new events arrive; aggregate daily totals are retained. You can disable usage counts in extension settings. Standard hosting connection logs may still contain IP addresses.

Use of data

Data is used to display public listings and abstract classifications and measure aggregate extension usage. We do not sell this data, use it for advertising, or use it for any commercial purpose. Abstract Lens’s use and transfer of information received from Chrome APIs adheres to the Chrome Web Store User Data Policy, including its Limited Use requirements.

Limitations and contact

AI detection is an automated estimate, not proof of authorship. The full paper is not analyzed. Abstract Lens is independent of arXiv and GPTZero.

For support, email contact@abstractlens.org.