// privacy policy

Last updated: March 27, 2026

what we collect

topic searches: when you search a topic, the query and generated explanation are cached in our database to serve future visitors. the topic, explanation, sources, and diagram become a permanent public page at eli5.cc/eli5/[topic].

pasted text: when you paste text to simplify (legal docs, medical reports, etc.), the text is processed in real-time and immediately discarded. we do not store, log, or save any pasted text.

feedback and sponsor inquiries: if you submit feedback or a sponsor inquiry, we store the text you submit along with the topic slug. no personal information is collected unless you voluntarily provide it (e.g., email in a sponsor inquiry).

analytics

we use Google Analytics (GA4), Vercel Analytics, and Ahrefs Analytics to understand how people use the site. these tools may collect anonymized usage data such as page views, device type, and country. no personally identifiable information is collected through analytics.

cookies and local storage

we use localStorage (not cookies) to track your daily explanation count and prevent duplicate upvotes and feedback submissions. this data stays in your browser and is never sent to our servers.

rate limiting

we use your IP address for rate limiting (5 explanations per day). IP addresses are stored temporarily in Redis and automatically expire after 24 hours. we do not log or store IP addresses permanently.

third-party services

eli5.cc uses Google Custom Search API, YouTube Data API, and Anthropic Claude API to generate explanations. your search queries are sent to these services to produce results. pasted text is sent to Anthropic Claude for simplification and is not stored by us.

contact

questions about privacy? email write@digiwares.xyz