HarborDB is built with privacy as a core principle. Here's a comprehensive overview of what data is (and isn't) collected:

Default Data Collection: Minimal & Privacy-Focused

No query data: Your SQL queries, query results, and database schemas are never sent to external services by default
No connection details: Database hostnames, ports, usernames, or database names are not collected
No sensitive information: Passwords and credentials are always handled locally via macOS Keychain

Analytics: Opt-In & Anonymous

Opt-in by default: Analytics are disabled until you explicitly enable them in Settings
Lightweight metrics: If enabled, only basic usage statistics are collected (e.g., app launches, feature usage frequency)
Anonymized data: Analytics are designed to be anonymous and not personally identifiable
Purpose: Analytics help improve the app by understanding which features are most used and identifying areas for improvement

Third-Party Services: Optional & Transparent

Aptabase integration: Optional analytics service that can be enabled at build time (for developers building from source)
No mandatory third-party services: The standard Mac App Store version doesn't include mandatory third-party analytics
Transparency: Any third-party service usage is documented in the privacy policy

iCloud Sync: Optional & Selective

Optional synchronization: iCloud Key-Value Store sync for app preferences is optional and disabled by default
What syncs: Only non-sensitive app settings (theme preferences, text size settings, UI preferences)
What doesn't sync: Passwords, connection credentials, query history, or any database-related data
User control: You can enable or disable iCloud sync at any time in Settings

Data Storage & Security

Local storage: All your data (connections, preferences, etc.) is stored locally on your Mac
Keychain protection: Passwords are encrypted using macOS Keychain
No cloud databases: HarborDB doesn't use cloud databases to store your information

Privacy Policy & Compliance

Clear documentation: A detailed privacy policy is available on our website and within the app
No hidden tracking: We don't use hidden tracking pixels, cookies, or other covert tracking methods
Data minimization: We collect only what's necessary for app functionality and improvement

How to Control Your Data

Analytics toggle: Enable or disable analytics in Settings → Privacy
iCloud sync: Control iCloud synchronization in Settings → Sync
Connection management: Delete connections at any time to remove associated metadata
App deletion: Uninstalling HarborDB removes all locally stored data (Keychain items remain until manually removed)

Transparency & Reporting

Regular updates: We regularly review and update our privacy practices
Security reports: A dedicated security contact is available for vulnerability reports (see SECURITY.md)
User inquiries: You can contact us with specific privacy questions through our support channels

Comparison with Web-Based Tools Unlike web-based database tools that inherently transmit your queries and data to remote servers, HarborDB operates entirely on your local machine. Your data stays under your control, and you decide what (if anything) is shared for improvement purposes.

Commitment to Privacy HarborDB is designed for developers and organizations that value data privacy. Whether you're working with sensitive customer data, proprietary business information, or personal projects, you can trust that your data remains where it belongs: on your machine, under your control.

For the most current privacy information, please refer to the in-app privacy policy or visit our website's privacy section.

Frequently Asked Questions

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