TikTok vs Cursor
Based on our analysis, Cursor is the more privacy-respecting choice overall.
BACK →| Category | TikTok | Cursor |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | F · 18/100 | C+ · 58/100 |
| What they collect | Concern (8) | Concern (45) |
| Who they share it with | Concern (15) | Mixed (52) |
| What you can do | Concern (32) | Mixed (62) |
| What they promise | Concern (20) | Positive (72) |
TikTok collects your biometrics, keystroke patterns, and even content you record but never post — then shares data with ByteDance affiliates, advertisers, and researchers. You have limited control and no meaningful way to stop collection while using the app.
View full analysis →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 →