Aera is built on a single foundational principle: your data stays on your device.
All AI inference runs locally in your browser using WebGPU or WebAssembly.
No conversation data, audio, or personal information is intentionally transmitted
to any external server by Aera.
What Processes Locally
All text and voice input is processed exclusively within your browser
AI inference is performed on-device using WebLLM (WebGPU or WASM)
Model weights are downloaded once and stored in your browser's local storage
Session state, preferences, and model status are stored in chrome.storage.local and IndexedDB
No browsing history, page content, or personal data is logged or transmitted
What Leaves Your Device
Voice / Speech-to-Text: If you use voice input, your browser's
built-in Web Speech API may send your audio to external servers (typically Google)
for speech recognition. This is controlled by your browser, not by Aera.
Aera does not control, log, or intercept this transmission.
Model download: When you first install Aera, and again if a future
update includes a new model version, Aera fetches model weights from a CDN. This
transfers model data (not your personal data) to your device and is cached locally.
No personal information is included in these requests.
Tier 3 Remote Inference via Groq (optional, opt-in only): If you
explicitly opt in to remote inference (disabled by default), your text prompts are
sent to Groq (api.groq.com), a third-party AI inference service,
over the internet. A free Groq API key is required — no credit card needed.
You will be clearly informed and must provide your own Groq API key before this
feature activates. Groq's
privacy policy governs how your prompts are handled on their servers.
Nothing else — Aera does not contain analytics, telemetry,
crash reporting, or advertising systems.
Microphone Access
Aera requests microphone access only when you initiate a voice interaction.
Permission is re-validated on every activation. You may revoke microphone access
at any time in your browser settings, and Aera will automatically fall back to
text input mode without loss of core functionality.
Data Storage
Model weights: stored in IndexedDB (aeraDB) on your device
Session state and settings: stored in chrome.storage.local
No cloud sync, no remote backup, no account required
You can remove all stored data at any time via Chrome's extension settings or the "Repair Model" option in Aera
Applicable Privacy Legislation
Aera's local-first design is intended to be consistent with the spirit of:
PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act,
Canada) — Aera minimises collection of personal information and keeps all processing local
PHIPA (Personal Health Information Protection Act, Ontario) —
Aera does not intentionally collect, store, or transmit health information; users
are advised not to input sensitive health data into any AI system
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation, EU) — as a local-only tool,
Aera does not act as a data controller or processor for personal data
Notice: If you use browser speech recognition (Web Speech API),
that service is governed by your browser vendor's privacy policy, not Aera's.
Your Rights
Inspect all stored data: open Chrome DevTools → Application → IndexedDB / Local Storage
Delete all data: remove the extension or clear extension storage in Chrome settings
Disable voice input: Aera supports full text-only mode with no microphone access
Disable Tier 3 remote inference: this feature is off by default and requires explicit opt-in
AI-Generated Content Disclaimer
Aera is provided for informational and entertainment purposes. All content
generated by Aera is produced by an on-device AI language model (Llama 3.2)
and may contain errors, inaccuracies, or omissions.
AI-generated content should always be reviewed before use. Aera is not a
substitute for qualified medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice.
Nudge Nest Collective accepts no liability for decisions made based on
AI-generated content produced by Aera.
Acceptable Use
Aera is powered by the Llama 3.2 language model. By using Aera, your use of the
underlying AI model is subject to Meta's
Llama Acceptable Use Policy.
You agree not to use Aera to generate content that violates that policy, including
but not limited to: illegal content, content that facilitates harm to others, or
content designed to circumvent safety measures.
Third-Party Licenses
Aera is Built with Llama. The on-device AI model used by Aera is
Llama 3.2, developed by Meta Platforms, Inc., and is used under the
Llama 3.2 Community License Agreement (September 25, 2024).
The full Llama 3.2 Community License Agreement is included with this extension
as the LICENSE-LLAMA file.
Aera also uses WebLLM by MLC AI for in-browser inference,
distributed under the Apache License 2.0.
The optional Tier 3 remote inference feature uses Groq
(api.groq.com). Groq is an independent third-party service and is only
contacted if you explicitly opt in and provide your own free Groq API key.
See Groq's privacy policy
for details on how they handle data.