Privacy Policy

HLS Beacon is a local-first Chrome extension for playing and inspecting HLS/m3u8 streams that the user owns or is authorized to access. This policy explains the information processed to provide those user-facing features.

Information HLS Beacon processes

The extension may process:

active-tab URLs, page content needed to identify media elements, and media request URLs;
stream URLs, page URLs, titles, subtitle searches, and playback diagnostics entered or requested by the user;
local playback activity such as recent streams, playback position, audio language, and subtitle preferences;
optional provider account usernames, API keys, and access tokens supplied by the user.

Local storage and retention

Settings, recent stream URLs, playback positions, subtitle preferences, and optional provider API keys or tokens are stored in Chrome extension storage on the user's device. Recent history can be disabled or cleared. OpenSubtitles passwords used to request an access token are transmitted directly to OpenSubtitles for that request and are not stored by HLS Beacon.

External services and disclosure

Information is sent only when required for a feature the user requests. This can include the target website and its media hosts for stream discovery and playback, Cinemeta for title-to-IMDb metadata, official YouTube or Dailymotion playback services, and subtitle providers selected or configured by the user. Provider credentials are sent only to the corresponding provider. HLS Beacon does not operate an analytics, advertising, tracking, or data-broker service.

Permissions

HLS Beacon uses tab, scripting, request-observation, request-header, debugger, and broad host access only to detect and play media on pages the user explicitly asks the extension to inspect. The debugger permission is limited to temporary resolver tabs. The extension does not use these permissions for advertising, profiling, or unrelated browsing surveillance.

Data sale, advertising, and human access

HLS Beacon does not sell user data, transfer it to data brokers, use it for personalized advertising, use it for credit or lending decisions, or allow humans to read it except when required by law, needed for security, or explicitly requested by the user for support.

User controls

Users can disable or clear recent history, reset settings, remove provider keys and tokens, and uninstall the extension to remove locally stored extension data. Access granted to third-party providers can also be revoked through those providers.

Security and Limited Use

HLS Beacon limits data use to providing or improving its single-purpose playback and stream inspection features. Remote executable code is not loaded; required libraries are packaged with the extension.

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

Children's privacy

HLS Beacon is a general-purpose technical media tool and is not directed to children. The developer does not knowingly collect children's personal information.

Changes and contact

Material changes will be reflected by updating this page and its date. For privacy questions or deletion requests, use the developer support contact displayed on the HLS Beacon Chrome Web Store listing.