Desktop operating systems
Linux Mint privacy rating
A desktop Linux distribution based on Ubuntu or Debian, with the Cinnamon, MATE and Xfce desktops and its own tools for updates and system settings.
Summary
Linux Mint scores 30 out of 100 (grade F) on the desktop operating systems criteria. It meets 1 of 4 criteria: open source. It does not meet no trackers or telemetry, no ads or data sales and independent audit.
Score 30 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?
Linux Mint's own tools are open source, mostly under the GPL, on top of Ubuntu or Debian packages.
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No
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?
The website uses Google Analytics on the browser start pages and Google AdSense cookies.
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No
No ads or data sales Weight 2 of 3
Is the product funded without advertising, ad targeting or selling user data?
The website shows Google AdSense ads to help fund the project, alongside donations and sponsors.
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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.