Privacy Policy

Last updated: 10 March 2026

ReadEase is operated by Cognitive Solutions. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle information when you use the ReadEase website (www.readease.co.uk) and the ReadEase Chrome Extension.

We take privacy seriously. ReadEase is designed to work with as little data collection as possible.

1. What the Chrome Extension Does

The ReadEase Chrome Extension reads the text content of webpages you choose to format. This processing happens entirely within your browser — text is never sent to our servers. The extension:

• Reads visible text on the current page when you click "Format This Page"
• Looks up words against a locally cached database stored in your browser
• Applies visual formatting (font weight and size changes) to your browser view only
• Does not store your browsing history
• Does not track which websites you visit

2. Anonymous Word Scoring

When you format a page using the Chrome Extension, a sample of sentences from that page is sent to our server for AI-powered word importance scoring. This is used solely to improve the shared ReadEase word database for all users.

• Sentences are processed by the Anthropic Claude API to score word importance — no human reads them
• Text is discarded immediately after scoring and is never stored permanently
• No URL, IP address, or identifying information is attached to the sentences
• The purpose is purely to improve coverage and accuracy for all ReadEase users
• You can disable the extension at any time to stop this

3. Database Sync

The extension periodically downloads an updated word importance database from www.readease.co.uk. This sync request contains no personal information — it is simply a file download, identical to loading any webpage.

4. Information We Collect on the Website

When you use the ReadEase website formatter:

• Text you submit — text or PDFs you paste or upload are sent to our server for AI scoring. This text is used only to score word importance and is not stored permanently or used for any other purpose.
• Email address — if you voluntarily provide your email address (e.g. to receive updates), we store it securely and will never sell or share it with third parties.
• Feedback — if you submit feedback via the feedback form, we store your name, email, and message to respond to you.

5. Analytics

We use Google Analytics on the ReadEase website to understand how visitors use the site (page views, session duration, general location). This data is anonymised and aggregated. No analytics are collected by the Chrome Extension.

6. Third-Party Services

The ReadEase website uses the following third-party services:

• Anthropic Claude API — used to score word importance in text you submit. Text is processed according to Anthropic's Privacy Policy.
• Google Analytics — website analytics, governed by Google's Privacy Policy.
• Railway — our hosting provider. Governed by Railway's Privacy Policy.

7. Data Storage and Security

The Chrome Extension stores your word database cache, subject preference, strength preference, and auto-format site list locally in your browser using Chrome's built-in storage. This data never leaves your device except as described in Sections 2 and 3.

Website data is stored on secure servers hosted by Railway in the United States.

8. Children's Privacy

ReadEase is designed to assist students of all ages. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. The Chrome Extension collects no personal data from any user.

9. Your Rights

You have the right to request deletion of any personal data we hold about you (email address or feedback submission). To do so, contact us at the address below.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The date at the top of this page will always reflect the most recent version. Continued use of ReadEase after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.