App Permission Request Explainer

WHAT IT DOES

App Permission Request Explainer is an AI-powered browser extension that automatically scans the current webpage for app permission request dialogs, permission lists, and permission descriptions. It detects permission-related elements by examining class names, IDs, data attributes, and text patterns for keywords like "permission", "privacy", "request", "access", "allow", "grant", and specific permission names like "camera", "microphone", "location", "contacts", "storage", or "notifications". The extension captures the app name, all requested permissions, and any displayed explanations. Using AI, it generates a plain-language explanation of what each permission means and why an app might need it, with options for detail level (brief, detailed, or technical). The user can review and copy the explanation before using it. The extension maintains an explanation history database with generated explanations, app names, permissions, and timestamps. All data is stored locally in your browser using GM_setValue, ensuring your explanation history persists across page reloads and browser sessions. This helps users understand what they're agreeing to when apps request permissions, making informed decisions about privacy and access.

WHERE IT RUNS

This extension runs on any webpage that displays app permission request dialogs, permission lists, or permission descriptions – including web app permission prompts, browser permission dialogs, app installation pages, privacy policy pages, and any page containing permission information. The extension intelligently adapts to different page structures and supports a wide range of common permission display patterns. No manual configuration is required per site; the extension automatically detects permission requests using a flexible pattern matching system. This makes it ideal for users who want to understand app permission requests before granting access.

HOW TO USE

Simply install the extension and navigate to any page displaying app permission requests. The extension automatically detects permission details and shows a floating explainer button (🔒) in the bottom-right corner. Click the button to open the permission explainer panel. The panel displays the extracted app name and requested permissions for review. Select your preferred detail level (Brief, Detailed, or Technical), then click "Generate Explanation" to have the AI create a plain-language explanation of what the permissions mean and why they might be needed. Review the explanation, edit it if needed using the "Edit Explanation" button, and click "Copy Explanation" to copy it to your clipboard. A floating button (🔒) appears in the bottom-right corner of the page – click this to open the panel from anywhere. Use the settings section to set your default detail level preference. The panel also shows your explanation history with app names, permissions, and timestamps. The "Clear All History" button removes all tracking data when needed.

ONE TECHNICAL SECTION – WHY IT WORKS

The extension uses a combination of DOM scraping and AI text generation. The permission detection uses a comprehensive set of CSS selectors targeting common permission-related class patterns, IDs, and data attributes. A TreeWalker examines text nodes for permission-related text patterns, capturing information that may not be wrapped in typical permission elements. The app name is extracted using pattern matching on text like "[App] would like to" or "[App] permission request". The permission extraction uses a weighted keyword system that identifies 14 common permission types (Camera, Microphone, Location, Contacts, Storage, Notifications, Camera Roll, Calendar, Reminders, Bluetooth, Motion, Face ID, Siri, Health). The AI backend is called via GM_xmlhttpRequest with a prompt that instructs the AI to generate a plain-language explanation in the selected detail level. The AI response is displayed for user review and editing. Explanation history is stored locally with timestamps and detail levels. A MutationObserver detects dynamic content updates and re-scans only when new permission elements appear, balancing real-time accuracy with system performance.

THE PANEL – DRAG / PER-SITE POSITION / SNAP / COLLAPSE / RESIZE / ESCAPE

The permission explainer panel includes a draggable title bar, allowing you to position it anywhere on screen for convenient access during permission review. The extension remembers your preferred position per website, so the panel opens in the same location each time you return to that domain. The panel supports snap-to-edge behavior – when dragged near screen edges, it gently snaps into place for a tidy workspace layout. You can collapse the panel down to just its title bar by clicking the collapse button, keeping it accessible without taking up screen space. The permission details, explanation, and history are contained within a scrollable body, ensuring all content remains accessible even on smaller screens. Pressing the Escape key closes the panel instantly, returning you to your permission review workflow.

PLEASE NOTE

This extension requires the free BotGentz extension to be installed and enabled and an active BotGentz subscription, as it relies on BotGentz's userscript injection and GM_* API shims for cross-browser compatibility, and the AI backend is powered by a third-party AI service with usage limits. AI-generated explanations should be reviewed before use – they are informational drafts, not legal advice. Websites frequently update their HTML structures and class names, which may cause permission detection to break temporarily – we actively maintain the matching patterns and release updates regularly. The extension stores all explanation data, permission details, and history exclusively in your local browser storage (GM_setValue); no data is ever transmitted to any external server except for the AI backend call. The AI backend receives only the permission details text you have extracted from the page, and does not store or retain your data beyond processing the request. You are responsible for backing up your explanation history data if you switch browsers or clear your storage. Use this tool responsibly to make informed decisions about app permissions.