Cursor vs OpenAI (ChatGPT)
Based on our analysis, Cursor is the more privacy-respecting choice overall.
BACK →| Category | Cursor | OpenAI (ChatGPT) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | C+ · 58/100 | D · 42/100 |
| What they collect | Concern (45) | Concern (38) |
| Who they share it with | Mixed (52) | Mixed (48) |
| What you can do | Mixed (62) | Concern (42) |
| What they promise | Positive (72) | Mixed (52) |
Cursor collects account data (name, email, payment), device and usage data, and — critically — "Inputs" (code snippets, prompts) and "Suggestions" (AI responses). In Privacy Mode ON, code and prompts are processed in memory only and never persisted; they have zero data retention agreements with OpenAI and Anthropic. In Privacy Mode OFF (default on Free/Pro), this data is stored and may be used to evaluate and improve AI. Cursor does not sell your data or use it for targeted advertising. Business plans default to Privacy Mode on.
View full analysis →OpenAI collects account data, all prompts and responses, file uploads, voice inputs, and a separate Memory that persists even when you delete chats. Training on your conversations is on by default; you must opt out. A federal court order (May 2025) requires OpenAI to preserve and segregate ChatGPT conversation data — including deleted conversations. API and Enterprise: training is off; your data is never used for training. OpenAI states they don't sell personal data or use it for targeted advertising.
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