Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 2024

1. Information We Collect

AI Reference Formatter is designed with privacy as a core principle. We want to be completely transparent about what information we collect:

  • Reference Text: When you use our tool, you provide academic references that you wish to format. This text is processed entirely in your web browser.
  • PDF Files: If you choose to upload PDF files, they are processed locally in your browser using the PDF.js library and are never transmitted to any server.
  • Settings: Your selected formatting preferences (such as citation style, numbering, and spacing) are stored locally in your browser using localStorage.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information in extremely limited ways:

  • Local Processing: All formatting, correction, and processing of your references occurs entirely within your web browser. Your data never leaves your device.
  • PDF Parsing: When you upload a PDF, it is processed using client-side JavaScript libraries. The file content is temporarily held in memory during processing and is discarded immediately after.
  • No Analytics: We do not use any analytics, tracking, or third-party services that collect information about your usage.

3. Data Storage and Retention

We do not store any of your data on external servers.

  • Temporary Processing: Your references and PDF files are processed in your browser's memory and are not saved anywhere.
  • Local Storage: Only your formatting preferences are saved in your browser's localStorage, which you can clear at any time.
  • No Database: We maintain no database, server storage, or cloud infrastructure that stores user data.
  • No Accounts: We do not require registration or login, so we have no user accounts or associated data.

4. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We never share, sell, or provide your data to any third parties.

  • No Third-Party Sharing: Your references and personal information are never shared with any external parties.
  • No External APIs: We do not call external APIs or services during the formatting process. All processing is done locally in your browser.
  • No Advertising Partners: We have no advertising partners or affiliates that might collect your data.

5. Cookies and Tracking

We do not use cookies or any tracking technologies.

  • No Cookies: Our website does not set any cookies.
  • No Tracking: We do not use pixels, tags, or any form of tracking.
  • No Analytics: We do not use Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, or any other analytics service.
  • No Social Media Widgets: We do not include social media buttons or widgets that could track you.

6. Data Security

While your data never leaves your device, we still take security seriously:

  • Local Processing: All data processing occurs locally in your browser, reducing exposure to potential security risks.
  • HTTPS: Our website is served over HTTPS to ensure secure communication between your browser and our servers.
  • No Data to Protect: Since we don't store your data, there's nothing for attackers to steal.

7. Your Rights

You have complete control over your data:

  • Access: You can access your data at any time by viewing the input and output areas in our tool.
  • Deletion: Simply close your browser to clear all temporary data. To clear saved preferences, clear your browser's localStorage.
  • Portability: You can export your formatted references at any time using the download feature.
  • No Account Required: Since there's no account system, there's no need to request account deletion.

8. International Data Transfers

We do not transfer your data internationally because we don't store it.

Since all processing occurs locally in your browser and we maintain no servers or databases, there are no international data transfers to consider.

9. Children's Privacy

Our service is designed for academic professionals and students. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13 years of age. Since we don't collect any personal information at all, this is not a concern for our tool.

10. Changes to This Policy

If we make any changes to this privacy policy, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. Since this is a static tool with no backend, changes will be rare and will only reflect clarifications or additions to our practices.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or our practices, please feel free to contact us:

12. Summary

In simple terms: Your references are yours. We never see them, never store them, and never share them. All processing happens in your browser, completely privately.