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In this guide, we break down the essential principles and features that underpin GitHub’s commitment to data protection. You’ll learn how GitHub handles personal information, enforces compliance with global privacy laws, and continually evolves its platform to give users control and transparency.

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1. GitHub’s Four Core Privacy Principles

GitHub’s privacy program is built on four foundational principles that guide every decision:
PrincipleDescription
Privacy Protects PeopleAll user data is handled with care to ensure confidentiality and integrity.
Privacy Requires Trust, Control, and TransparencyUsers get clear, easy-to-use tools to manage settings and understand how their data is processed.
Privacy Is ContextualData processing adapts to local regulations and the specific context of use.
Privacy Is the ExpectationPrivacy is embedded into every stage of development, not added after the fact.
These pillars form the basis of GitHub’s user-centric approach to safeguarding data.

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2. Key Privacy Features on GitHub

GitHub provides a suite of features designed to give you control over your account and projects.

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2.1 Account Control and Authentication

  • Role-based access permissions let you assign precise rights to collaborators.
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security for every login.
The image shows a GitHub Advisory Database interface on the left, listing security advisories, and a diagram on the right explaining account control and authentication features.
Enable two-factor authentication to protect your account from unauthorized access. Learn more at GitHub Docs.

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2.2 Repository Privacy

  • Private repositories let you decide exactly who can view or contribute.
  • GitHub staff access to private repos is strictly limited to troubleshooting verified issues.
GitHub staff only access private repositories under explicit user consent or when required to resolve a support ticket.

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2.3 Data Collection and Use

GitHub only collects the minimum data required to operate and improve services:
  • Usernames and email addresses
  • Payment and billing information for paid plans
This information helps personalize your experience, secure the platform, and prevent abuse.

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2.4 Third-Party Integrations

When you authorize apps or OAuth integrations:
  • Permissions are clearly defined upfront.
  • You can review or revoke access at any time via your account settings.

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3. Compliance and Security Measures

GitHub implements robust controls and adheres to international frameworks:
Control CategoryExamples
Regulatory ComplianceGDPR and other privacy laws
InternationalEU–US and Swiss–US Data Privacy Frameworks
Security ControlsAdministrative, technical, and physical safeguards
The image outlines aspects of privacy compliance and security, including regulatory compliance with GDPR, international frameworks like EU-US and Swiss-US data privacy, and security measures involving administrative, technical, and physical controls.
These measures work together to create a layered defense that protects user data across GitHub’s infrastructure.

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4. Continuous Improvement and Conclusion

GitHub views privacy as an ongoing commitment. The platform regularly updates features, policies, and controls to address:
  • Evolving regulations
  • New security threats
  • User feedback
The image is a slide titled "Conclusion" highlighting GitHub's ongoing commitment to user privacy and continuous improvement in updating privacy features and policies.
By understanding these fundamentals, you can use GitHub—and tools like GitHub Copilot—with confidence, knowing your data is managed responsibly.

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5. Additional Resources

The image displays three screenshots of GitHub privacy pages, each with a different URL link provided below them.

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