This analysis describes what GitHub'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
Retention does not end at account closure; GitHub may continue holding Personal Data beyond that point to satisfy legal or contractual needs.
The updated terms now explicitly authorize GitHub to collect AI outputs generated within the platform alongside user-provided code and content, and to share personal data with Microsoft and other GitHub affiliates for purposes including training and improving artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. The privacy statement indicates that aggregate and de-identified data will be used where feasible, but the updated language establishes broader authority for affiliate data sharing and AI model development than the previous version stated. The revised terms also remove specific disclosure of the conditions under which GitHub personnel may access private repositories, replacing that detail with a cross-reference to the Terms of Service, which means the scope of internal GitHub access to private repositories is now defined in a separate contract document rather than the privacy statement itself.
View change record →Your Personal Data may be retained after your account becomes inactive if GitHub determines it is still needed for any of the listed purposes.
How other platforms handle this
Affirm will retain your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and any applicable state or federal law, rule or regulation.
Oura also has legal obligations to retain certain personal data for a specific period of time, such as for tax purposes. These required retention periods may include, for example, accounting and tax requirements, legal claims...
We collect and keep personal data only as needed or allowed for the purposes set out in this Statement, based on the reason we collected the personal data in the first instance and what is permitted under the laws that apply to the processing.
"We'll retain your Personal Data as long as your account is active and as needed to fulfill contractual obligations, comply with legal requirements, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements.Excerpt from GitHub's Privacy Statement
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Retention does not end at account closure; GitHub may continue holding Personal Data beyond that point to satisfy legal or contractual needs.
Your Personal Data may be retained after your account becomes inactive if GitHub determines it is still needed for any of the listed purposes.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 275 platforms. See the full comparison.
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