Privacy Policy
This policy explains what information OpenNotes collects and how that information is used to operate and improve the platform.
Last updated: August 2026
Information We Collect
- Account information such as your name, email address, username, and profile information.
- Authentication information provided through supported sign-in providers.
- Educational content and metadata you voluntarily submit.
- Information about how you interact with notes and platform features.
- Technical information such as browser, device, IP-derived security information, and request data where necessary for operating the service.
How We Use Information
- To create and manage your OpenNotes account.
- To authenticate users and protect accounts.
- To process and publish educational contributions.
- To display contributor information associated with published notes.
- To measure note views and downloads.
- To detect abuse, fraud, spam, and security threats.
- To improve the reliability and functionality of OpenNotes.
Public Contributor Information
When you contribute a note that is approved and published, certain information such as your display name or username may be shown alongside the contribution. Do not include private or sensitive information in your public profile or submitted notes.
Uploaded Files
Files submitted through OpenNotes may be stored using third-party infrastructure providers required to operate the service. Files may be processed for validation, storage, preview, and delivery.
Cookies and Sessions
OpenNotes may use cookies or similar technologies to maintain authentication sessions, protect accounts, remember preferences, and provide essential platform functionality.
Analytics and Usage Data
We may collect aggregated information about how the platform is used, including note views, downloads, searches, and general feature usage. This helps us understand which educational resources are useful and improve the service.
Data Security
We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect information. However, no internet-based service can guarantee absolute security.
Third-Party Services
OpenNotes may rely on third-party providers for authentication, file storage, infrastructure, analytics, email, or other operational services. These providers may process information according to their own policies and applicable agreements.
Data Retention
We retain information for as long as reasonably necessary to provide the service, meet legitimate operational requirements, resolve disputes, prevent abuse, and comply with applicable obligations.
Your Choices
- You can update available account and profile information.
- You can request removal of contributions where appropriate.
- You can contact OpenNotes regarding questions about your personal information.
Policy Changes
This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. Changes will be reflected on this page together with an updated revision date.