# Element privacy rating

Matrix client for web, desktop and mobile with end-to-end encrypted chats, group rooms, file sharing and voice and video calls. Built by Element, which also sells hosted and self-hosted Matrix servers.

## Summary

Element scores 60 out of 100 (grade C) on the team chat criteria. It meets 2 of 4 criteria: open source and no ads or data sales. It partly meets independent audit. It does not meet no trackers or telemetry. It is based in the United Kingdom: Five Eyes member; GDPR-style data protection law; CLOUD Act data access agreement with the US.

- Website: https://element.io
- Source code: https://github.com/element-hq/element-web
- License: AGPL-3.0
- Jurisdiction: United Kingdom. Five Eyes member. GDPR-style data protection law. CLOUD Act data access agreement with the US.
- Home page trackers: HubSpot
- Category: [Team chat](https://privacyratings.com/team-chat/)
- Also rated: [Element Call](https://privacyratings.com/video-calls/element-call/) (Video calls)
- Grade: C (60/100)

## Criteria

| Criterion | Answer | Note | Evidence |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Open source | Yes | AGPL-3.0 and GPL-3.0. | https://github.com/element-hq/element-web/blob/develop/LICENSE-AGPL-3.0 |
| No trackers or telemetry | No | The website loads HubSpot, and the privacy policy lists HubSpot for website analytics and marketing. | https://element.io/legal/privacy |
| No ads or data sales | Yes | Funded by paid hosting and enterprise subscriptions, with no ads; Element commits not to sell personal information. | https://element.io/pricing |
| Independent audit | Partial | Only the vodozemac encryption library used by Element has a public full audit, and it is older than three years. | https://matrix.org/media/Least%20Authority%20-%20Matrix%20vodozemac%20Final%20Audit%20Report.pdf |

Source: https://privacyratings.com/team-chat/element/
Edit: https://github.com/privacyratings/privacyratings.com/edit/main/ratings/team-chat/element.md