Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 3, 2026

Overview

RouteMe is a Chrome browser extension that classifies AI prompts locally and suggests optimal model routing. This policy explains what data we collect (almost nothing) and how the extension works.

Data We Collect

None. RouteMe has no backend servers, no analytics, no telemetry, and no tracking. We do not collect, store, transmit, or process any user data whatsoever.

Data Stored Locally on Your Device

The extension stores the following data in Chrome's local storage (chrome.storage.local), which never leaves your device:

• API Keys: Encrypted with XOR using a key derived from your extension installation ID. Used to authenticate directly with AI providers from your browser.
• Usage Statistics: Per-model daily message counts, estimated savings, and message logs. Used to track rate limits and show savings estimates.
• Queue Data: If you queue a prompt during a rate limit, the prompt text is stored temporarily until it can be submitted.
• Transfer Data: When routing between models, your prompt text is briefly stored in local storage to enable cross-site paste.

How Prompt Classification Works

All prompt classification happens entirely within your browser using JavaScript pattern matching and heuristics. Your prompt text is never sent to any RouteMe server because no such server exists. The classifier runs locally as part of the content script.

Communication with AI Providers

The extension communicates with AI provider APIs (e.g., Google Gemini, Groq, OpenAI) only in two scenarios:

• Context Migration: When you explicitly choose to migrate a conversation to another model, the extension calls a free model's API to compact the conversation summary. This uses your own API key.
• Normal Browsing: When you visit an AI provider's website (e.g., claude.ai, chatgpt.com), the extension's content script runs on those pages to monitor your input and suggest routing.

In both cases, the communication is between your browser and the AI provider directly — RouteMe has no intermediary server.

Permissions

The extension requests the following Chrome permissions:

• storage: To store your encrypted API keys, usage stats, and queue data locally.
• activeTab / tabs: To detect which AI provider site you're currently on and inject the content script.
• Host permissions (AI provider domains): To run content scripts on supported AI provider websites for input monitoring and routing.

Third-Party Services

RouteMe does not use any third-party analytics, advertising, or tracking services. The only third-party communication is with AI providers you explicitly configure and use.

Data Deletion

Uninstalling the extension removes all locally stored data. You can also clear extension data at any time via Chrome's settings (chrome://extensions → RouteMe → Details → Clear data).

Children's Privacy

RouteMe does not knowingly collect any data from anyone, including children under 13.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy if the extension's functionality changes. Material changes will be noted in the extension's changelog and on this page.

Contact

Questions about this policy? Reach us at @getrouteme on Twitter or open an issue on GitHub.