# pfSense privacy rating

FreeBSD-based firewall and router distribution from Netgate with a web interface, VPN and package system, available as the open-source Community Edition and the closed pfSense Plus.

## Summary

pfSense scores 35 out of 100 (grade F) on the self-hosted network security criteria. It meets 1 of 4 criteria: no ads or data sales. It partly meets open source. 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://www.pfsense.org
- Source code: https://github.com/pfsense/pfsense
- License: Apache-2.0
- Jurisdiction: United States. Five Eyes member. Subject to the US CLOUD Act.
- Home page trackers: Google Fonts (not scored), Google Tag Manager
- Category: [Self-hosted network security](https://privacyratings.com/self-hosted-network-security/)
- Grade: F (35/100)

## Criteria

| Criterion | Answer | Note | Evidence |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Open source | Partial | pfSense CE is Apache-2.0, but pfSense Plus, the edition Netgate ships and develops first, is closed source under a commercial EULA. | https://www.netgate.com/pfsense-plus-software/software-types |
| No trackers or telemetry | No | The home page loads Google Tag Manager (automated test). |  |
| No ads or data sales | Yes | Funded by Netgate hardware, pfSense Plus licenses and support, with no ads. | https://www.netgate.com/pfsense-plus-software |
| Independent audit | No | No independent audit is published. |  |

Source: https://privacyratings.com/self-hosted-network-security/pf-sense/
Edit: https://github.com/privacyratings/privacyratings.com/edit/main/ratings/self-hosted-network-security/pf-sense.md