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Does Claude Code Store My Data

I consider data privacy carefully when using Claude Code. Claude Code processes your code and conversations through Anthropic's AI models, which involves sending data to Anthropic's servers. Understanding what data is transmitted and how it's handled is important for security-conscious development.

What Data Gets Sent​

Code Content

  • Files: When Claude Code reads your files, the content is sent to Anthropic's servers for analysis
  • Conversations: Your prompts, Claude's responses, and the ongoing conversation context are processed on Anthropic's servers
  • Project Structure: File names, directory structures, and project organization details may be included for context

What Stays Local

  • Unused Files: Only files that Claude Code explicitly reads are sent. Other project files remain on your machine
  • External Services: Claude Code cannot access your databases, external APIs, or running applications
  • System Information: Your local environment, installed packages, and system configuration stay local unless explicitly shared

Data Processing Location​

  • Cloud Processing: All AI analysis happens on Anthropic's servers, not locally on your machine
  • No Local AI: Claude Code doesn't run AI models locally - it's a client that communicates with Anthropic's cloud services
  • Internet Required: Claude Code requires an active internet connection to function

Anthropic's Data Policies​

Data Retention

According to Anthropic's current data retention policy:

Consumer Products (Claude Pro/Free):

  • Standard conversations: Deleted immediately from conversation history, automatically deleted from backend within 30 days
  • Usage policy violations: Inputs and outputs retained up to 2 years, trust and safety scores up to 7 years
  • Feedback submissions: Data retained for 10 years when you provide feedback or bug reports

API Users:

  • Standard retention: Different policy for commercial API customers (consult your agreement)
  • Zero Data Retention (ZDR): Some enterprise API customers have agreements where Anthropic doesn't store inputs/outputs except for safety compliance
  • Files API exception: Files uploaded via Files API are retained regardless of ZDR until you delete them

Data Usage

  • Training policy: Inputs and outputs will NOT be used to train models except for conversations flagged for Trust & Safety review, explicitly reported materials, or user opt-in
  • Safety monitoring: Data may be retained as required by law or to combat Usage Policy violations
  • Research: May anonymize data for research purposes with extended retention

For complete details, see Anthropic's Privacy Policy and Privacy Center.

Security Considerations​

Sensitive Code

I recommend avoiding Claude Code with highly sensitive codebases containing:

  • Production secrets or API keys
  • Proprietary algorithms with significant business value
  • Customer data or personal information
  • Code under strict NDA or confidentiality agreements

Safe Practices

  • Environment Variables: Don't include production secrets in code that Claude analyzes
  • Test Data: Use sample or anonymized data when asking Claude to work with data structures
  • Code Reviews: Be mindful of what code you're asking Claude to review, especially for security-critical components
  • Project Scope: Consider using Claude Code only on non-sensitive parts of larger projects

Enterprise Considerations​

Team Usage

  • Shared Accounts: Be aware that team members using shared API keys may have access to usage logs
  • Audit Trails: API usage can be monitored through the Anthropic Console for compliance purposes
  • Data Governance: Establish team policies about what code can be analyzed with Claude Code
  • Zero Data Retention: Enterprise API customers may be eligible for Zero Data Retention agreements where Anthropic doesn't store inputs/outputs (applies only to API, not Claude for Work or other products)

Compliance

  • Industry Regulations: Consider how AI-assisted development fits with your industry's data handling requirements
  • Internal Policies: Ensure Claude Code usage aligns with your organization's code confidentiality policies
  • Client Work: Be particularly careful when working on client projects with strict confidentiality requirements
  • Commercial Terms: Check your specific Data Processing Agreement for detailed data handling terms

Best Practices​

Code Preparation

  • Clean Examples: Create simplified versions of complex code for Claude analysis when possible
  • Anonymization: Remove customer names, internal references, and business-specific details when practical
  • Modular Analysis: Analyze individual functions or components rather than entire sensitive systems

Development Workflow

I find Claude Code works exceptionally well for:

  • Public Projects: Excellent for open-source work where data sensitivity isn't a concern
  • Learning Projects: Perfect for personal projects and learning exercises
  • Prototyping: Great for experimental code and proof-of-concept development
  • Code Education: Excellent for understanding unfamiliar codebases and learning new patterns
My Privacy Strategy

I use Claude Code where AI assistance provides the most value while keeping sensitive code analysis and unfiled intellectual property internal. This approach lets me benefit from Claude Code while maintaining appropriate security practices. Always check Anthropic's Privacy Center for current data handling policies.

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