Introduction
Welcome to Dark Browser ("the App", "we", "us"), an independent, solo developer project by Dunesdev. This policy explains, in plain terms, what data the App collects, why, and what choices you have. It applies to the Dark Browser Android app and this policy page.
By using the App, you agree to the practices described here. If you do not agree, please do not use the App.
What Stays on Your Device
Dark Browser is designed to work without an account, and your browsing itself is never sent to us. The following stays on your device only:
- Browsing history, bookmarks, open tabs, and private/incognito tab contents
- Saved preferences — theme, default search engine, protection levels, extension settings
- Warden's local blocking statistics (ads/trackers blocked), visible only to you
None of the above leaves your device unless you choose to export or share it yourself. Using Private tabs, Cleanup on Exit, or Burn a Tab removes the corresponding local data as described in the App.
Information We Collect
We do not require an account and do not knowingly collect your name, home address, or government ID. The categories below are collected only in the specific situations described.
Diagnostics and usage (always on)
We use Firebase Analytics and Firebase Crashlytics to understand app usage and diagnose crashes. This includes device model, OS version, app version, general usage/interaction events, and crash stack traces. Firebase App Check (via Play Integrity) verifies that requests to our backend come from a genuine, untampered copy of the App — it does not identify you personally. Firebase Remote Config is used to control feature rollout and does not carry personal data.
Push notifications (if enabled)
We use OneSignal to deliver optional push notifications. This involves a push token/device identifier and notification interaction events (e.g. whether a notification was opened). You can disable notifications at any time in your device settings.
Purchases and subscriptions
Premium features are purchased through Google Play Billing and managed with RevenueCat. RevenueCat receives purchase and subscription status, an anonymized customer identifier, and transaction metadata (plan type, renewal date) so we can unlock the features you paid for. We never see or store your payment card details — those are handled entirely by Google Play.
Feedback you submit
If you use the in-app Feedback Hub, your message, an optional reply-to email address, and basic diagnostics (app version, Android version, device manufacturer/model, locale, timezone, network type, dark-mode setting, and your subscription status) are sent to Web3Forms, a third-party form-delivery service, so we can receive and reply to your report. This is only sent when you actively submit feedback.
Permissions requested by websites
Dark Browser requests Camera, Microphone, and Location permissions at the Android level so that websites you choose to visit can ask for them (e.g. a video-call site needing your camera, a maps site needing your location). Each site request requires your explicit, per-site approval inside the browser. Any data captured this way goes directly from your device to that website — we do not receive, see, or store it.
Extensions
Installing an extension from the Mozilla Add-ons store, or using a bundled extension (e.g. Dark Reader, uBlock Origin), involves standard network requests to fetch the extension listing or files. These requests are handled by Mozilla's add-on infrastructure, not by us.
How We Use Information
We use the data described above solely to:
- Provide, maintain, and secure App functionality
- Diagnose and fix crashes and technical issues
- Understand aggregate usage to guide development
- Deliver and manage the premium features you purchase
- Respond to feedback, bug reports, and support requests
- Send optional push notifications you have not disabled
- Detect and prevent abuse of our backend services
We do not use this data to build advertising profiles, and we do not use your browsing history for any purpose — it never reaches us in the first place.
Third-Party Services
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. The services below process data on our behalf, each under its own privacy policy:
| Service | Purpose | Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Firebase (Analytics, Crashlytics, App Check, Remote Config) | Diagnostics, crash reporting, integrity checks, feature flags | Link |
| OneSignal | Push notifications | Link |
| RevenueCat | Subscription and purchase management | Link |
| Google Play Billing | Payment processing | Link |
| Web3Forms | Delivering in-app feedback submissions | Link |
| Mozilla Add-ons | Browser extension listings and downloads | Link |
We may disclose information if required by law, to protect our legal rights, or to prevent fraud or abuse of the App.
In-App Purchases
Dark Browser offers an optional premium subscription. Some protection settings (including advanced tracking/fingerprint protection levels and the Aggressive preset) and select extension screens are available only to premium subscribers.
- Purchases and subscriptions are processed by Google Play Billing.
- Refunds are governed by Google Play's refund policy, not by us directly.
- You can view, manage, or cancel your subscription at any time from your Google Play account.
Data Retention
Locally stored data (history, bookmarks, tabs, preferences) is retained on your device until you clear it or uninstall the App. Diagnostic data (crash logs, analytics events) is retained by our service providers per their own retention schedules, typically for a limited number of months, and is not linked back to you individually. Feedback submissions are retained only as long as needed to review and respond to them.
Your Rights & Choices
Depending on where you live (including under the EU/UK GDPR and the US CCPA/CPRA), you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or export data we hold about you, and to object to or restrict certain processing. We do not sell personal information as defined by the CCPA.
- Access local data: view it directly in the App's settings.
- Delete local data: clear App data or uninstall the App.
- Notifications: disable push notifications in your device settings.
- Site permissions: review or revoke camera/microphone/location access per site from the App's site-permission settings.
- Diagnostics/analytics data held by our providers: contact us using the details below and we will help route your request.
Because Dark Browser does not use accounts, we may not always be able to locate data tied to a specific individual within our third-party providers' systems; we will make reasonable efforts to assist with any request.
International Data Transfers
Dark Browser is developed as an independent solo project. The third-party services listed above operate data centers in multiple countries, including the United States. Where data is transferred internationally, our providers rely on their own safeguards (such as standard contractual clauses) as described in their respective privacy policies.
Children's Privacy
Dark Browser is not directed at children under 13 (or the minimum age required by your country), and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us data through the Feedback Hub, contact us and we will delete it.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy as the App changes. Material changes will be reflected by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of the App after a change constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
Questions about this policy, or requests regarding your data, can be sent to: