Does Cursor AI Collect Data? Data Collection Explained

Yes, Cursor AI collects certain types of data, including code inputs, user preferences, and interaction logs, to enhance functionality. However, it offers a Privacy Mode that prevents data storage—ensuring no information is saved once the session ends. Cursor also follows a zero data retention policy, and users can delete their accounts anytime, with all data removed within 30 days. Subprocessors like OpenAI and Anthropic may retain prompts for up to 30 days unless Privacy Mode is enabled.
Understanding Cursor AI Tool
Cursor AI is designed to enhance your writing and coding experience, leveraging advanced technology to assist you effectively. However, understanding how it handles your data is crucial.
Data Privacy and Security Features
One of the key concerns for users is whether Cursor AI collects data during its operation. To address this, Cursor has implemented robust privacy and security features. When using the tool, you can turn on Privacy Mode, which ensures that no data is saved or stored in Cursor’s database when scanning files. This feature guarantees that once your interaction is complete, the data is automatically deleted and not stored in any database or storage system, inline with OpenAI’s zero-data retention policy.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Privacy Mode | Prevents data storage when enabled; data is deleted after use. |
| Zero Data Retention | Follows OpenAI’s policy to not retain any user prompts, ensuring your privacy. |
| Third-Party Limits | OpenAI and Anthropic may retain prompts for 30 days for safety; business users have no retention. |
If you opt for Privacy Mode, none of your code will be stored by Cursor or any third-party services, except for OpenAI and Anthropic. They do retain the prompts they receive for a limited time.
Enabling Privacy Mode
To activate Privacy Mode, simply navigate to the settings within the Cursor AI interface. Once enabled, this mode ensures that:
- Your interactions are not collected or stored.
- There is enhanced assurance that your sensitive data remains confidential.
Enabling this feature provides peace of mind, knowing that your creative process—whether writing or coding—is protected. Additionally, users can delete their accounts at any time, leading to the complete removal of all associated data, including indexed codebases within 30 days.
For more information on how Cursor AI simplifies your writing tasks, check out our article on what is the cursor ai tool used for?.
Data Collection by Cursor AI
Understanding how Cursor AI handles data is crucial for users concerned about privacy. This section will address the collection practices and methods related to deletion and retention of your data.
Collection Practices
When using Cursor AI, you might wonder, “does Cursor AI collect data?” The answer is yes, but with specific guidelines in place. Cursor collects information primarily related to code inputs, user interactions, and preferences to enhance the software experience. The data may involve understanding user consent, data management, and cross-border data transfers, underlining the importance of knowing the global implications of using this tool (Arsturn).
Here’s a summary of the types of data collected:
| Data Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Code Inputs | Code snippets uploaded for processing. |
| User Preferences | Settings and choices made by the user in the application. |
| Interaction Data | Logs of how you interact with the software. |
Cursor ensures that privacy mode prevents the persistence of code data among subprocessors like AWS, Cloudflare, and others, guaranteeing enhanced privacy for users (Cursor Security).
Deletion and Retention
Users have complete control over their data and can delete their Cursor accounts at any time. When you choose to delete your account, all data associated with it—including any indexed codebases—will be removed within 30 days (Cursor). This means that any information you’ve contributed will not remain in the system.
Here’s how the deletion and retention process works:
| Process | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Deletion | Users can delete their account at any time. |
| Data Removal Timeline | All data is deleted within 30 days of account closure. |
| Model Training Impact | If your data has been used for model training, existing models will not be retrained on that data. |
Cursor emphasizes that even when data is uploaded for processing, no plaintext code remains post-request duration. Instead, embeddings and some metadata may be stored, ensuring that user code is not retained (Cursor Forum).
For more insights into what Cursor AI does, check out our piece on what is the cursor ai tool used for?. Understanding these data collection practices can help you make informed decisions regarding your usage and privacy.
Security Measures by Cursor AI
Ensuring the safety of your data is crucial when using any digital tool, including the Cursor AI tool. Below are key security measures that Cursor AI employs to protect user information and maintain a secure environment.
SOC 2 Certification
Cursor is SOC 2 Certified, demonstrating that the platform meets the standards for security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of the information stored on its servers (Cursor Forum). To be SOC 2 Certified means that Cursor has implemented stringent controls to protect your data and to ensure that the necessary safeguards are in place.
| Certification Type | Key Areas Covered |
|---|---|
| SOC 2 | Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, Privacy |
Vulnerability Testing
Cursor requires annual penetration testing by reputable third parties. This testing helps identify potential vulnerabilities within the platform, allowing for prompt remediation to enhance security measures. By undergoing such rigorous assessments, Cursor ensures that it remains vigilant against emerging threats.
The information is further protected through a partnership with multiple subprocessors, including AWS, Cloudflare, Microsoft Azure, and more. These partnerships help maintain a robust infrastructure that is integral to security.
| Subprocessors | Purpose |
|---|---|
| AWS | Cloud services and data storage |
| Cloudflare | Internet security and performance |
| Microsoft Azure | Cloud computing services |
| Google Cloud Platform | Cloud infrastructure delivery |
Cursor also maintains a zero data retention agreement with several subprocessors, ensuring that your data is not stored longer than necessary. For those concerned about data privacy, these measures bolster the affirmation that Cursor AI prioritizes user security. For more insights on what Cursor AI can do for you, check out what is the cursor ai tool used for?.
These security measures ensure that you can interact confidently with Cursor AI, knowing that your information is being handled with the utmost care. If you’re worried about safety, you can also read more on whether is cursor ai safe to install? for further reassurances.
Infrastructure of Cursor AI
Understanding the infrastructure of the Cursor AI tool is crucial for determining how it operates regarding data handling. You may be concerned about questions like “does Cursor AI collect data?” To clarify, let’s take a closer look at the server locations and the subprocessors and services Cursor AI utilizes.
Server Locations
Cursor AI primarily hosts its infrastructure on AWS (Amazon Web Services). In addition to the main servers in the US, it has locations in cities such as Tokyo and London, providing a geographically diverse setup. This distribution enhances performance and reliability for users across different regions. Here’s a breakdown of the major server locations:
| Region | Server Locations |
|---|---|
| United States | AWS (Primary) |
| Japan | AWS |
| Europe | AWS (London) |
| Additional Regions | Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform |
These server locations ensure that Cursor AI can provide efficient and secure access to its features while adhering to privacy protocols.
Subprocessors and Services
Cursor AI employs several subprocessors to support its operations. Each subprocessor has a specific role, whether in data processing, security, or enhancing AI features. You’ll find names like Cloudflare, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform among its partners. They utilize these services to maintain functionality and reliability throughout the platform. Below is a list of notable subprocessors Cursor AI relies on:
| Subprocessor | Functionality |
|---|---|
| Cloudflare | Network security and performance optimization |
| Microsoft Azure | Cloud infrastructure services |
| Google Cloud Platform | Data storage and hosting |
| OpenAI | AI models and functionalities |
| Anthropic | Advanced AI functionalities |
| Google Cloud Vertex API | AI processing and model enhancements |
| xAI | AI capabilities and applications |
Cursor AI maintains a zero data retention agreement with its providers, ensuring that any personal data or code sent to the servers is not permanently stored, especially for users operating in privacy mode. For more detailed insights about what the Cursor AI tool can do, visit our article on what is the cursor ai tool used for?.
AI Features of Cursor AI
Cursor AI is equipped with several features that enhance your coding experience and increase productivity. Two of the standout functionalities are autocompletion and code changes presentation.
Autocompletion Functionality
One of the primary features of Cursor AI is its advanced autocompletion capability. This feature allows you to take advantage of AI-generated code suggestions and improved editing tools. You can enjoy:
- Code Tab Autocompletion: This provides context-aware suggestions based on your current coding context, reducing the time spent on typing and helping prevent errors.
- AI-Generated Code Completion: The AI analyzes your code structure and offers relevant completions, streamlining the coding process for both novice and experienced developers (DataCamp).
Here’s a simple breakdown of the functionalities:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Code Tab Autocompletion | Suggests code hints in context |
| AI-Generated Completions | Offers smart suggestions based on code |
Code Changes Presentation
Cursor AI also excels in presenting code changes. When you make modifications, you can effectively communicate and clarify what has changed by interacting with existing code. This feature allows you to:
- Ask Questions Using the @Mention Option: Engage with the AI about specific parts of your code. This interaction provides the AI with more context, making it easier to suggest improvements or modifications (DataCamp).
- Visualize Changes: See clear presentations of what has been altered in your code, which assists in tracking versions and understanding modifications.
This table summarizes the code changes presentation features:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| @Mention Interaction | Facilitates effective communication with AI about your code |
| Visualization of Changes | Enhances understanding and tracking code modifications |
These innovative features of Cursor AI not only simplify the coding process but also make coding more interactive and collaborative. If you’re curious about how Cursor AI compares with other tools, check out our discussion on is cursor ai better than chatgpt? and is cursor ai vs code?.
User Interaction with Cursor AI
Interacting with the Cursor AI tool offers a seamless experience for users looking to enhance their coding capabilities. This section focuses on how you can engage with code and utilize image inputs effectively.
Interacting with Code
With Cursor AI, you can directly engage with existing code in a unique and intuitive way. The @Mention option allows you to ask questions about specific pieces of code, providing additional context that the AI uses to generate informed responses. This feature not only facilitates clear communication but also helps streamline code modifications.
For instance, if you have a snippet of code that you’re unsure about, you can mention it and ask for explanations or alterations as needed. This interactive dialogue helps you understand your code better and accelerates your development process. You can learn more about the capabilities of Cursor AI in our article on what is the cursor ai tool used for?.
Image Input Support
Cursor AI also supports image inputs within its chat interface. This allows you to upload images such as UI designs and have the AI generate corresponding HTML and CSS code based on your visuals. This feature enhances the versatility of the code editor by bridging the gap between design and development, making it easier for users to translate visual ideas into functional code.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Image Input Support | Upload UI designs and get HTML/CSS code in response. |
| Interactive Code Queries | Use @Mention to ask questions about specific code segments. |
Utilizing these interactive features can help you not only clarify potential coding doubts but also enhance your coding productivity. For deeper insights into the capabilities of Cursor AI, explore related topics such as is cursor ai vs code? or is cursor ai an ai agent?.