Privacy policy

Privacy is part of the product.

SiteMute is designed to work locally in your browser. This policy explains what the SiteMute Chrome extension stores, what it reads, and what it never sends anywhere.

Last updated: 29 September 2026

The short version

  • No account
  • No SiteMute backend
  • No extension analytics
  • No personalized advertising
  • No sale of data

SiteMute does not upload your muted-site list, captured headline text, reasons or local activity counters.

Data stored locally

SiteMute may store these items in Chrome extension storage on your device:

  • muted domains
  • optional reasons/reminders for muted domains
  • SiteMute settings
  • short-lived headline context used by Smart Redirect
  • local activity counters

This data stays in your Chrome profile. Removing the extension removes its stored data. If you use Settings to export your SiteMute settings as a JSON file, that file is saved where you choose and is not sent anywhere by SiteMute.

Smart Redirect

When enabled, Smart Redirect may read the text of a link you click when that link points to a muted site. This is used to build a better alternative search. The linked article itself is not fetched by SiteMute.

Muted Results

When enabled, Muted Results inspects search-result links on supported search engines (Google, Bing and DuckDuckGo) so muted domains can be faded or hidden.

Network and analytics

SiteMute has no account system, SiteMute backend service or analytics integration in the extension. It does not upload the muted-site list, captured headline text, reasons or local activity counters.

When you choose an external search provider such as Google News, Google, Bing or DuckDuckGo, SiteMute opens that provider with the search query. From that point, the provider’s own privacy policy applies.

Permissions and why they are needed

Storage
Saves settings, muted domains, optional reminders and local activity counts.
Web navigation
Detects navigation to a muted domain and shows the local SiteMute redirect page. SiteMute does not build or upload a general browsing history.
Active tab
Lets the SiteMute popup work with the site you are currently viewing when you open it, for example to mute that site.
Scripting and optional website access
Enables Smart Redirect and Muted Results locally on pages where you grant access. This access is optional and requested when you turn those features on, not during installation.
Context menus
Provides “SiteMute: Mute this site” on right-click.

Sale and sharing of data

SiteMute does not sell your data, does not use it for personalized advertising, and does not transfer it to third parties. SiteMute does not use or transfer your data to determine creditworthiness or for lending purposes.

Chrome Web Store Limited Use

The use of information received from Google APIs will adhere to the Chrome Web Store User Data Policy, including the Limited Use requirements.

In plain terms: SiteMute only uses the data it handles to provide its single purpose — muting sites you choose, adjusting supported search results, and helping you find alternative coverage — and for nothing else.

This website

sitemute.com is a static website. It uses no cookies, no analytics and no third-party trackers. Like any website, our hosting provider may process standard technical request data (such as IP address and browser type) to deliver and protect the site.

Changes and contact

If this policy changes, the updated version will be published on this page with a new “Last updated” date.

Questions about privacy? Contact hello@alvseike.com or visit SiteMute Support.