# Obsidian privacy rating

Knowledge base and note-taking app that works on local Markdown files, with links between notes, a graph view and a large community plugin and theme ecosystem. Optional paid sync and publishing services.

## Summary

Obsidian scores 70 out of 100 (grade C) on the notes criteria. It meets 3 of 4 criteria: no trackers or telemetry, no ads or data sales and independent audit. It does not meet open source. It is based in Canada: Five Eyes member.

- Website: https://obsidian.md
- Jurisdiction: Canada. Five Eyes member.
- Home page trackers: none found
- Category: [Notes](https://privacyratings.com/notes/)
- Grade: C (70/100)

## Criteria

| Criterion | Answer | Note | Evidence |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Open source | No | Closed source. The GitHub repository only holds releases and community plugin lists. |  |
| No trackers or telemetry | Yes | The privacy policy states the apps collect no personal data or telemetry. The update check can be turned off. | https://obsidian.md/privacy |
| No ads or data sales | Yes | Funded by users through paid licences and add-on services, with no investors or ads. | https://obsidian.md/about |
| Independent audit | Yes | Cure53 published a full penetration test and source code audit of the desktop and mobile apps. Obsidian Sync was also audited by Trail of Bits. | https://obsidian.md/files/security/2024-Obsidian-Cure53-Client-Audit-Full.pdf |

Source: https://privacyratings.com/notes/obsidian/
Edit: https://github.com/privacyratings/privacyratings.com/edit/main/ratings/notes/obsidian.md