Last updated: May 2026
Phosphor is a Chrome extension that replaces the new tab page with a retro CRT terminal interface. This policy explains what data the extension accesses, how it is stored, and what — if anything — leaves your device.
Short version: your data stays on your device (and in your own Google account storage). Phosphor does not collect, transmit, or sell any personal information.
All user data is stored exclusively in Chrome’s built-in extension storage APIs under your own Google account. No data is sent to any server operated by this extension.
chrome.storage.syncThe following data is saved and synced across your signed-in Chrome devices, exactly as Chrome bookmarks and settings are:
| Data | Description |
|---|---|
| Speed dials | URLs, labels, categories, and layout you have saved |
| Notes & tasks | Text, pin status, priority, and due dates you have entered |
| Preferences | Theme, font size, clock format, sound settings, and other UI options |
| Profile | Your BBS handle, cumulative XP, and achievement unlock timestamps |
This data never leaves the Chrome sync infrastructure (Google’s servers). Phosphor has no backend and no access to your sync data outside of the extension itself.
chrome.storage.local| Data | Description |
|---|---|
| Command history | Your terminal command history (can be disabled in Settings) |
| Pending tab dial | A temporary queue entry used when adding the current tab as a speed dial via keyboard shortcut — cleared immediately after use |
| Permission | Purpose |
|---|---|
storage |
Save and sync your dials, notes, preferences, and profile |
bookmarks |
Read your browser bookmarks for speed-dial integration |
tabs |
Read the URL and title of the active tab when you press the “add current tab” keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+Shift+S / ⌘⇧S) |
The tabs permission is used only at the moment you explicitly trigger the shortcut. Tab data is not logged, stored in history, or transmitted anywhere.
Phosphor makes anonymous network requests to three external services, all of which are free and privacy-respecting. No user identifier, IP address (beyond what is inherent to any HTTP request), or personal data is included in these requests.
api.open-meteo.com)Used by weather speed-dial tiles to fetch current conditions and forecast data. Requests include only a latitude/longitude coordinate and your chosen temperature unit. No account or API key is required or used.
nominatim.openstreetmap.org)Used to convert a place name to coordinates when you set up a weather tile by typing a location. The query string (e.g. “London”) is sent as a standard search request. No personal data is attached.
icons.duckduckgo.com)Used to fetch favicon images for speed-dial tiles. Requests include only the domain of the URL you have saved (e.g. github.com). This is the same service used by many popular new-tab extensions.
All three services can be bypassed by not adding weather tiles and by disabling favicon loading (the extension functions fully without them).
Geolocation is never requested automatically. It is only triggered when you add a weather dial and explicitly choose “use my current location.” The resulting latitude/longitude is sent to Open-Meteo for a weather query and is not stored by Phosphor.
Phosphor does not:
Your data persists until you remove it:
n rm [N] (notes) or dial rm [alias] (dials) at the terminal promptchrome://settings/privacy → Site datahistory clearUninstalling the extension removes all locally stored data. Synced data in chrome.storage.sync is removed by Chrome when you clear extension data from your Google account.
Phosphor does not knowingly collect any information from children under 13. The extension contains no user accounts, no sign-up flow, and no data collection mechanism.
If this policy changes in a material way, the “Last updated” date above will be updated and a note will appear in the extension’s release notes.
Questions or concerns? Open an issue at github.com/moltic/phosphor.