# NixOS privacy rating

A Linux distribution built on the Nix package manager, where the whole system is configured declaratively and upgrades can be rolled back.

## Summary

NixOS 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. It is based in the Netherlands: Nine Eyes member; EU member (GDPR).

- Website: https://nixos.org
- Source code: https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs
- License: MIT
- Jurisdiction: Netherlands. Nine Eyes member. EU member (GDPR).
- Platforms: Linux
- Home page trackers: none found
- Category: [Desktop operating systems](https://privacyratings.com/desktop-operating-systems/)
- Grade: B (80/100)

## Criteria

| Criterion | Answer | Note | Evidence |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Open source | Yes | Nixpkgs and NixOS are MIT-licensed; packaged software keeps its own licenses. | https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NixOS/nixpkgs/master/COPYING |
| No trackers or telemetry | Yes | The privacy policy lists only server logs, with no analytics on the website and no telemetry in the operating system. | https://nixos.org/privacy/ |
| No ads or data sales | Yes | Funded by donations and sponsorships to the NixOS Foundation, with no ads. | https://nixos.org/backing/ |
| Independent audit | No | No independent audit is published. |  |

Source: https://privacyratings.com/desktop-operating-systems/nixos/
Edit: https://github.com/privacyratings/privacyratings.com/edit/main/ratings/desktop-operating-systems/nixos.md