Privacy Policy
Last updated: March 2026
The short version
TabRoulette stores all data locally in your browser. We don't collect anything. No analytics, no tracking, no accounts, no servers. Your data stays on your device.
What TabRoulette stores
All data is stored locally on your device using Chrome's built-in storage APIs:
| Data | Storage | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Workspace names and colors | chrome.storage.sync | Synced across your Chrome devices |
| URL routing rules | chrome.storage.sync | URL-to-workspace patterns |
| Google account mappings | chrome.storage.sync | Maps /u/N/ indices to workspaces |
| Launch Set URLs | chrome.storage.local | Saved tab groups for one-click restore |
| Settings and preferences | chrome.storage.sync | Your configuration |
| Active workspace state | chrome.storage.local | Current workspace on this device |
Sync storage means Chrome may sync this data across devices where you're signed in. This is Chrome's built-in behavior, not a TabRoulette server.
What TabRoulette does NOT collect
- ✕ No analytics or telemetry
- ✕ No browsing history
- ✕ No personal information
- ✕ No third-party services
- ✕ No advertising or ad tracking
- ✕ No data selling. Ever.
Desktop app communication
If you use the optional TabRoulette desktop companion app, the extension communicates with it via Chrome's Native Messaging protocol. This is a local-only IPC channel between the extension and the desktop app running on your machine. No data leaves your device through this channel.
Content script usage
TabRoulette injects a minimal content script on web pages to display wrong-account warning banners. This script:
- ✓ Checks the current page URL against your workspace rules
- ✓ Displays a dismissible banner if there's a workspace mismatch
- ✕ Does NOT read page content, DOM, form data, or cookies
- ✕ Does NOT modify page content beyond the warning banner
- ✕ Does NOT send page data anywhere
Permissions explained
| Permission | Why we need it |
|---|---|
tabGroups | Create and manage Chrome tab groups for workspaces |
tabs | Query open tabs to organize by workspace and power launch sets |
storage | Store workspace config, URL rules, and settings |
activeTab | Read current tab URL to determine workspace |
commands | Register keyboard shortcuts |
nativeMessaging | Local communication with desktop companion app (optional) |
| Content scripts | Display wrong-account warning banners |
Data retention
Your data persists as long as the extension is installed. Uninstalling TabRoulette removes all locally stored data. Sync storage data is managed by Chrome's sync infrastructure and may persist in your Google account until cleared.
Contact
Questions about this privacy policy? Email privacy@tabroulette.com or open an issue on GitHub.
TabRoulette is built by App Vitals. We're two consultants who built the tool we wished existed. Your data stays on your device — that's a feature, not a limitation.