What this extension does
Google Lens (Search your screen) is a Chrome extension that lets you search any image visually using Google Lens. You can capture your entire screen, select a specific area, upload a local image, right-click any image on a webpage, or search frames in YouTube and product images on Amazon — all without leaving your browser tab.
The extension acts as a bridge between your browser and Google Lens. It captures an image at your request and submits it to Google Lens on your behalf.
Data we collect
We do not collect, store, or transmit any personal data.
Specifically, the extension never collects:
- Your name, email address, or any account information
- Your browsing history or the URLs of pages you visit
- The content or data of any screenshot or image you search
- Any information that could identify you as an individual
We collect anonymous, aggregated data about how extension features are used — for example, how many times a search was triggered, and which result categories Google Lens returns (Shopping, Translation, Visual matches). We also record which country requests originate from via Cloudflare's edge network. This data contains no images, no browsing history, and no personal information. It is used solely to understand how the extension is used and to improve it.
Images and Google Lens
When you perform a search, the extension captures an image from your screen or the page you are on and sends it to Google Lens (lens.google.com) to perform the search. This transmission is made directly to Google's servers using the same mechanism as Google Lens itself.
The extension does not store, log, or transmit your images to any server we operate. Images go to Google Lens only, at your explicit request, each time you trigger a search.
Google's handling of your image data is governed by Google's Privacy Policy.
Permissions explained
The extension requests the following browser permissions. Each is required for a specific feature:
| Permission | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| tabs | To capture the visible content of the current tab when you trigger a search |
| activeTab | To access the current tab temporarily when you click the extension icon or use a shortcut |
| scripting | To inject the area-selection overlay when you use the "Search specific area" feature |
| storage | To remember your settings (e.g. whether to open results in a new tab or floating window) between sessions |
| contextMenus | To add the right-click "Search this image" option to images on web pages |
| windows | To open Google Lens results in a floating popup window if you have selected that mode |
| webNavigation | To detect page navigation on YouTube so the Lens button reappears after you change videos |
| host permissions | To inject the Lens button into YouTube and Amazon pages, and to interact with the Google Lens results page |
Third-party services
- Google Lens — receives your image when you perform a search. Governed by Google's Privacy Policy.
- Cloudflare — used to serve this website and to process anonymous usage events. Cloudflare may log IP addresses at the network level per their own privacy policy.
- PostHog — used to analyse anonymous, aggregated usage data about the extension (no personal data, no images).
Children's privacy
This extension is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children.
Changes to this policy
If we make material changes to this policy we will update the effective date above. Continued use of the extension after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
Contact
Questions about this privacy policy? Email us at support@searchyourscreen.com.