“Even if you use your API key, your requests will still go through our backend! That's where we do our final prompt building.”
This analysis describes what Cursor's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
Users who supply their own API key may assume their requests go directly to the model provider, but this clause establishes that Cursor's backend remains an intermediary for all requests.
The updated terms clarify that Cursor maintains zero data retention agreements with all AI model providers and will not use customer data for training. However, the revised language now explicitly states that model providers may run risk classifiers to detect policy violations, and if your prompts or conversations trigger abuse detectors, your data may be stored temporarily for investigation and deleted according to the providers' retention policies. The policy removed the legacy Privacy Mode option; non-ZDR models now require explicit admin opt-in. You can review the specific retention policies of OpenAI and Anthropic through their documentation.
View change record →Regardless of whether a reader uses their own API key, their requests are routed through Cursor's backend infrastructure.
How other platforms handle this
Before fulfilling access, correction, or deletion requests, Target requires that you submit information used to determine if we have information about you and verify your identity.
If you are submitting a rights request as an authorized agent, you are required to submit proof of your authorization to make the request, such as a valid power of attorney or proof that you have signed permission...
We may request specific information from you to help us confirm your identity and process your request.
"Even if you use your API key, your requests will still go through our backend! That's where we do our final prompt building.Excerpt from Cursor's Data Use & Privacy Overview
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Users who supply their own API key may assume their requests go directly to the model provider, but this clause establishes that Cursor's backend remains an intermediary for all requests.
Regardless of whether a reader uses their own API key, their requests are routed through Cursor's backend infrastructure.
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