Privacy Policy

Who we are

et al. is a research reference manager. This privacy policy describes how data is handled by the et al. web app and the et al. browser extension.

Single purpose

The browser extension's single purpose is to let users save the open literary source to their et al. library and, when used in Google Docs, insert and manage citations from that same library.

The extension only runs features directly related to saving sources, syncing the user's et al. session, and supporting citation workflows. It does not provide unrelated functionality, ad features, tracking, or data brokerage.

Information we process

Depending on features you use, we may process account details (such as email), document metadata, uploaded PDFs, and citation-related content needed to provide reference-management features.

• Personally identifiable information: account details associated with your et al. account, such as email.
• Authentication information: session and OAuth credentials needed to authenticate you.
• Web history (limited): current page URL/title needed for user-initiated save/import actions.
• Website content: page or document content needed to save a source and support citation workflows (including Google Docs citation operations when used).

We do not collect health information, financial/payment data, personal communications, location data, or user-activity telemetry (such as clickstream/keystroke logging) for unrelated tracking.

Browser extension data use

The browser extension processes only the data needed to perform its single purpose: saving sources to your et al. library and supporting citation workflows (including Google Docs features when you choose to use them).

• We process the current page's URL/title and relevant document content when you trigger save/import actions.
• We process authentication/session data so your account remains connected and extension features continue to work.
• We store minimal local extension state on your device (for example, session/auth and citation workflow state).
• We may contact et al. first-party services and Google APIs when required to complete user-initiated actions.

Browser extension & Google Docs integration

When you use the et al. browser extension inside Google Docs, the extension accesses your document content only when you explicitly invoke the citation feature (for example, inserting or updating a citation or bibliography).

• Google Docs content is used solely to insert, update, and manage citations and bibliographies within your document.
• We do not store, log, or retain Google Docs content outside of the active citation operation.
• The Google Docs integration does not use generative AI. Document content is never transmitted to AI models.
• We do not use Google Docs content for AI training, analytics, or any purpose unrelated to the citation feature.

How we use data

• Provide and maintain the product features you request.
• Authenticate your account and keep sessions secure.
• Generate citations and process source metadata.
• Diagnose service issues and improve reliability.

First-party domains and remote code

Extension-hosted account/session connection flows use et al. first-party domains, including https://et-al.ai/* and https://www.et-al.ai/*.

The extension does not use remote code execution. JavaScript/Wasm required for extension functionality is packaged with the extension.

Data sharing & third-party services

We do not sell personal information. Data may be shared with service providers only as needed to operate core functionality (for example, cloud hosting, authentication, and API infrastructure).

For AI-powered features in the web app (such as paper chat and summarization), user queries and uploaded document content may be processed by third-party AI providers, including Google (Gemini) and OpenAI. These providers process data solely to generate responses and do not use it for model training under our agreements. Google Docs content is never sent to AI providers.

• We do not sell or transfer user data to third parties except for approved service-provider use cases required to operate the product.
• We do not use or transfer user data for purposes unrelated to the extension's single purpose.
• We do not use or transfer user data to determine creditworthiness or for lending purposes.

Data retention

• Papers and metadata: saved papers, PDFs, and associated metadata are stored in your account for as long as you maintain your account.
• AI chat history: conversation history for paper chats is stored in your account and can be deleted at any time.
• Google Docs content: we do not store Google Docs content. Document data is accessed transiently during citation operations and is not retained.

We retain account data for as long as needed to provide the service, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. You can delete your data or request full account deletion by contacting support.

Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect data. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure.

Your choices

• Uninstall the extension at any time from your browser.
• Revoke Google account access in your Google account settings.
• Request data deletion by contacting support.

Contact

For privacy questions, contact support@et-al.ai.

Support page: et-al.ai/support