Desktop operating systems
Debian privacy rating
A community-developed Linux distribution made entirely of free software, known for stable releases and a large package archive, and the base of many other distributions.
Summary
Debian scores 80 out of 100 (grade B) on the desktop operating systems criteria. It meets 3 of 4 criteria: open source, no trackers or telemetry and no ads or data sales. It does not meet independent audit.
Score 80 out of 100. How scoring works
Criteria
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Yes
Open source Weight 3 of 3
Is all the source code needed to run the product public?
The Debian Social Contract requires the main archive to be entirely free software.
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Yes
No trackers or telemetry Weight 3 of 3
Are the website and apps free of third-party trackers, with any analytics anonymous and any telemetry off by default?
No trackers on the website. Package usage reporting through popularity-contest requires explicit opt-in.
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Yes
No ads or data sales Weight 2 of 3
Is the product funded without advertising, ad targeting or selling user data?
Funded by donations and sponsors, with no ads.
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No
Independent audit Weight 2 of 3
Has an independent security or privacy audit been published within the last three years?
No independent audit is published.