# Simplenote privacy rating

Plain-text note-taking app from Automattic with Markdown support, tags, version history and sync across devices. Free, with open source client apps.

## Summary

Simplenote scores 25 out of 100 (grade F) on the notes criteria. It partly meets open source and no ads or data sales. It does not meet no trackers or telemetry and independent audit. It is based in the United States: Five Eyes member; subject to the US CLOUD Act.

- Website: https://simplenote.com
- Source code: https://github.com/Automattic/simplenote-electron
- License: GPL-2.0
- Jurisdiction: United States. Five Eyes member. Subject to the US CLOUD Act.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web
- Home page trackers: WordPress.com Stats
- Category: [Notes](https://privacyratings.com/notes/)
- Grade: F (25/100)

## Criteria

| Criterion | Answer | Note | Evidence |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Open source | Partial | The desktop, Android and iOS apps are GPL-2.0, but the Simperium sync server is closed source. | https://github.com/Automattic/simplenote-electron/blob/trunk/LICENSE.md |
| No trackers or telemetry | No | Exodus finds Sentry in the Android app, and the Automattic privacy policy allows third-party analytics providers. | https://reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/com.automattic.simplenote/latest/ |
| No ads or data sales | Partial | No ads in the app, but the Automattic privacy policy shares device identifiers and browsing activity with advertising partners. | https://automattic.com/privacy/ |
| Independent audit | No | No independent audit is published. |  |

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