Backpack Local Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 24, 2026

1. Scope

This privacy policy applies exclusively to the open source Backpack Local software distributed as backpack-ontology and backpack-viewer via npm and GitHub. It does not apply to the Backpack App cloud service, which is governed by a separate privacy policy.

2. Local Data Storage

Backpack Local operates entirely on your device. All ontology data (nodes, edges, properties, names, descriptions, and metadata) is stored locally on your computer at ~/.local/share/backpack/ontologies/ or a custom path if configured. No ontology data is transmitted to Backpack servers or any third party.

You have full control over your data. You may inspect, edit, back up, move, or delete your ontology files at any time using standard file system tools.

3. Optional Telemetry

The Backpack Local MCP server collects optional, anonymous usage telemetry to help us understand how the software is used and improve future versions. This telemetry is entirely voluntary and can be disabled at any time.

3.1 What is collected

  • Tool call counts (which MCP tools are invoked, not what data is passed to them)
  • Session duration
  • Aggregate ontology statistics (total node and edge counts only, not names, types, or content)
  • Runtime environment (Node.js version, operating system, platform)

3.2 What is never collected

  • Ontology names, descriptions, or content
  • Node or edge properties, types, or identifiers
  • File paths, directory names, or user identifiers
  • Tool arguments, search queries, or input data
  • Any personally identifiable information (PII)

3.3 How to opt out

Disable telemetry using any of the following methods:

  • Set the environment variable DO_NOT_TRACK=1 (industry standard)
  • Set the environment variable BACKPACK_TELEMETRY_DISABLED=1
  • Add {"telemetry": false} to ~/.config/backpack/config.json

When telemetry is disabled, no data is transmitted from your device.

4. Backpack Viewer

The Backpack Viewer (backpack-viewer) is a local web application that reads ontology data from the same files on your device. It does not collect any data, does not transmit information to external servers, and does not use cookies or analytics of any kind.

5. Third-Party Services

Backpack Local does not integrate with any third-party analytics, advertising, or tracking services. The telemetry endpoint is operated exclusively by the Backpack project.

6. Relationship to Backpack App

If you choose to use Backpack App (the cloud service at app.backpackontology.com), your use of that service is governed by the Backpack App Privacy Policy, which contains different terms regarding data processing, storage, and usage. This open source privacy policy does not cover the Backpack App service.

7. Children's Privacy

Backpack Local does not knowingly collect any personal information from anyone, including children under 16.

8. Changes to This Policy

Updates to this policy will be reflected in this document and in the PRIVACY.md file in the source repository, with an updated revision date. Continued use of the software after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

9. Contact

For privacy-related questions or concerns regarding Backpack Local: [email protected]