extension/README.md

Dark Pattern NLP Auditor Extension

This Manifest V3 extension scans visible DOM text from the active page, sends one batch request to the local NLP API, highlights flagged elements, and shows the findings in Chrome's side panel.

Load locally

1. Start the project API at http://127.0.0.1:8000.
2. Open chrome://extensions.
3. Enable Developer mode.
4. Choose Load unpacked.
5. Select the folder that directly contains manifest.json: space\extension, or the generated space\artifacts\dark-pattern-nlp-auditor-unpacked folder.
6. Open an HTTP or HTTPS page and click the extension toolbar icon.

Do not select the ZIP file, the space project directory, or an empty parent directory. Chrome's Load unpacked action only accepts an extracted directory whose top level contains manifest.json.

The extension uses activeTab, so page access is granted only after the user invokes it. Text is sent only to a localhost API URL. Values typed into inputs and textareas are deliberately excluded from scanning.

Known limitations

• Chrome internal pages, the Chrome Web Store, and browser settings cannot be scanned.
• Closed shadow roots and cross-origin frame contents are not visible.
• Canvas and image-only interfaces still require the web app's OCR workflow.
• Model output is screening assistance, not a legal conclusion.