OBSERVE-PII DEVELOPERS

OBSERVE-PII

No uploads. No tracking. Fully private.

What is OBSERVE-PII?

OBSERVE-PII detects Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in real-time on user-highlighted text in web pages. All processing is performed locally using a bundled ONNX TinyBERT model, so no data is stored or transmitted externally.

Why it matters?

Digital users may often share personal information online without them realizing it, and even simple text can reveal sensitive details. This can lead to risks like identity theft and scams. Thus, OBSERVE-PII aims to helps you spot these risks in real time so you can better protect your privacy.

HOW TO USE OBSERVE-PII?

Step-by-step guide

  • Install the extension: Go to our Firefox Add-ons page and click "Add to Firefox." Once installed, the OBSERVE-PII icon should appear in your browser toolbar. No additional setup is needed.

  • Open any webpage: You can use any website such as social media posts, blogs, forums, or articles. The extension works on most pages where you can select text.

  • Highlight the text you want to check: Click and drag your cursor over a word, sentence, or paragraph.

  • View the detection results: The extension will identify parts of the text that may contain personally identifiable information. This can include direct details like names or numbers, as well as indirect clues like location or daily activities.

Privacy, Security, and Features

OBSERVE-PII is designed to protect your privacy while providing fast and easy-to-use detection of personal information. All text analysis happens directly in your browser using a built-in AI model, so your data stays secure on your device at all times.

  • No data is stored

  • No data is sent to external servers

  • No tracking or logging of your activity

At the same time, OBSERVE-PII offers:

  • Real-time detection: Instantly analyzes text as soon as you highlight it

  • Context-aware analysis: Detects both contextual and non-contextual personal information

  • Fully local processing: Runs entirely in your browser with no internet dependency for analysis

  • Lightweight and fast: Optimized to work smoothly without slowing down your browsing

  • Easy to use: No setup required, just install and start highlighting

Help us test Observe-PII

You are invited to take part in a short testing activity to help us evaluate how well our browser extension works and how easy it is to use.In this test, you will go through three simple steps:

  • Pre-test (Baseline Awareness): You will read a set of sample sentences and decide whether they contain personally identifiable information (PII). You will also list specific words or phrases that you think are sensitive and identify the type of information when possible (e.g., name, location, ID number).This helps us understand your initial awareness.

  • Interaction (System Use): You will use the extension by highlighting text and observing how it detects personal information. This helps us check if the system works correctly and responds quickly.

  • Post-test (After System Use): You will answer the same or similar set of questions again and identify PII by highlighting sensitive information based on your own understanding. This helps us see if the tool improved your understanding and how we can improve the system.

  • Qualitative Feedback (User Experience): You will complete a short feedback form about your experience using the system. This includes questions about clarity of the highlights, ease of interaction, trust in the system’s predictions, and any difficulties encountered.

Your responses will help us check how accurate the system is, understand if the results are clear and easy to use, and improve the overall design and performance

Participant Requirements

  • Must be a regular internet user (no technical background required)

  • Must be able to read and understand English

  • Must have access to a desktop or laptop (testing is not supported on mobile devices)

  • Must be willing to complete all three phases of the test (pre-test, interaction, post-test)

Participant Guide

Before you begin the test, please make sure you complete the following steps:

  • Use Mozilla Firefox: The extension is designed to run on Firefox. Please make sure you are using this browser.

  • Enable the OBSERVE-PII extension: Ensure the extension is installed and turned on before starting the test. if not, follow our step-by-step guide or visit Firefox add-ons.

  • Make sure you have a stable internet connection: Although the system runs locally, a stable connection ensures the pages load properly.

  • Read each instruction carefully: The test is divided into three parts. Follow each step in order and do not skip ahead.

  • Do the test individually: Please avoid discussing answers with others to ensure accurate results.

  • Answer honestly There are no right or wrong answers, for we are evaluating the system, not you.

Once you are ready, click "Start Testing" and follow the instructions on each page. Thank you!

Meet the Developers!

Lorraine Castrillon

I am Lorraine Gwen M. Castrillon, a BS Computer Science student at the University of the Philippines Diliman. I have a deep interest in game development and design, and despite being in a logic-oriented field, I've always carried a strong passion for the arts. I aspire to bridge creativity and technology by integrating artistic expression into computer science.

Gavril Coronel

Hello there! I'm Gav, a BS Computer Science student at the University of the Philippines Diliman. I'm interested in playing video games, singing, and programming — and I recently discovered my passion for full-stack web development.

Meet the Thesis Advisers!

ROMMEL FERIA

Associate Professor | Laboratory Head at Web Science Laboratory

LIGAYA LEAH FIGUEROA

Professor | Regular Member at Web Science Laboratory

ROWENA SOLAMO

Assistant Professor | Regular Member at Web Science Laboratory