Provision record
Windsurf · Windsurf Security & Data Handling · View original document ↗

Model Use Independent of User Selection

Medium severity High confidence Explicit document language Common · 288 of 352 platforms
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Document Record

What it is

The document discloses that OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google Cloud Vertex models may be used for background processing tasks such as summarization regardless of which model the user has selected for their primary AI interactions. Enterprise administrators can disable specific providers at the organizational level.

This analysis describes what Windsurf'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

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

This provision establishes that user model selection does not fully constrain which inference providers receive code-derived data, as background tasks may route data to additional providers. Enterprise administrators have controls to disable specific providers, but individual users do not appear to have equivalent granular controls outside of zero-data retention mode.

Recent Activity

This document changed recently

High Jul 6, 2026

The updated terms establish a default policy permitting Windsurf to use customer data for model training purposes to improve services. Previously, the company required explicit opt-in before any training use. Under the revised policy, data training occurs automatically for free and paid users unless they affirmatively opt out through the Data Controls settings page. Once disabled, the terms state your data will not be used for training and Zero Data Retention will be enabled with model providers. Enterprise customers operate under a different standard, requiring express prior written consent before any training use occurs.

View change record →
Medium Jun 23, 2026

The updated document establishes explicit commitments about how Windsurf protects data and manages security. The terms state that all data transmission is encrypted in transit and at rest, that access to production systems is restricted to a small number of employees or contractors based on business roles, and that production systems are monitored via logging, error handling, and monitoring dashboards. The document discloses that Windsurf obtained SOC 2 Type II certification as of March 2024 and that all employees and contractors are required to use multi-factor authentication and receive annual security training. These disclosures describe organizational practices rather than establishing new user-facing rights or obligations.

View change record →

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Under these terms, data including code context may be routed to OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google Cloud Vertex for background tasks such as summarization independent of the user's explicit model selection. Enterprise administrators can disable specific model providers for their organization, but individual user controls over this routing are not described beyond zero-data retention mode.

How other platforms handle this

Tinder Medium

we may share data between our affiliates for the safety and security of our users and may take necessary actions if we believe you have violated these Terms, including banning you from our Services and/or our affiliates' services...

Skillshare Medium

Whenever we transfer personal data internationally, we use tools and transfer agreements to: make sure the data transfer complies with applicable law; and help to give your data the same level of protection as it has in the EU...

Webull Medium

disclosure is required by a third-party to complete a transaction initiated by the user

See all platforms with this clause type →
▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
We may leverage OpenAI models independent of user selection for processing other tasks (e.g. for summarization). We may leverage Anthropic models independent of user selection for processing other tasks (e.g. for summarization). We may leverage these models independent of user selection for processing other tasks (e.g. for summarization).

Excerpt from Windsurf's Security & Data Handling

ConductAtlas Analysis

Institutional analysis (regulatory & governance intelligence)

1.

Insight

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Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.

Applicable agencies

  • Federal Trade Commission (ftc)
    Oversees unfair or deceptive business practices and can investigate companies that mislead consumers about data collection, sharing, or use.
    Who can file: Anyone affected by the company's practices (US or international)
    What you need: Your account details, a timeline of relevant events, and a description of the specific issue
    What to expect: Complaints inform FTC enforcement priorities and investigations but do not result in individual resolution or compensation
    File a complaint →

Applicable regulations

CCPA/CPRA
California, USA
Connecticut Data Privacy Act Amendments
US-CT
FTC Act Section 5
United States Federal
GDPR
European Union
Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act
US-IN
Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act
US-KY
Universal Opt-Out Mechanism Expansion 2026
US

Provision details

Document information
Document
Windsurf Security & Data Handling
Entity
Windsurf
Document last updated
May 11, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
May 21, 2026
Last verified
May 21, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-013136
Document ID
CA-D-00783
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
09f15224ef746c31f64489deed565c66e77ca519b3c55d45f54937824fef52f0
Analysis generated
May 21, 2026 05:27 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Windsurf
Document: Windsurf Security & Data Handling
Record ID: CA-P-013136
Captured: 2026-05-21 05:27:25 UTC
SHA-256: 09f15224ef746c31…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/windsurf/windsurf-security-data-handling/provision/CA-P-013136/model-use-independent-of-user-selection/
Accessed: Sept. 15, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
Medium
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Windsurf's Model Use Independent of User Selection clause do?

This provision establishes that user model selection does not fully constrain which inference providers receive code-derived data, as background tasks may route data to additional providers. Enterprise administrators have controls to disable specific providers, but individual users do not appear to have equivalent granular controls outside of zero-data retention mode.

How does this clause affect you?

Under these terms, data including code context may be routed to OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google Cloud Vertex for background tasks such as summarization independent of the user's explicit model selection. Enterprise administrators can disable specific model providers for their organization, but individual user controls over this routing are not described beyond zero-data retention mode.

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 288 platforms. See the full comparison.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Windsurf?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Windsurf.