What Substack Knows About You
Substack operates in the Newsletter space and has built its business around collecting extensive user data. This expose reveals the full scope of Substack's data collection practices, privacy incidents, and what users can do to protect themselves. Understanding these practices is essential for anyone who uses Substack's products or services.
Privacy Score
47PoorLower scores indicate more invasive data collection practices
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What Data Substack Collects
Based on our analysis of Substack's privacy policies, terms of service, and independent research, here is what they collect about you. Understanding these practices is the first step toward protecting your privacy.
Collects accelerometer and gyroscope data from mobile devices
Uses machine learning to infer sensitive attributes from behavioral data
Monitors social graph and relationship patterns between users
Tracks user interactions across multiple platforms and services
Collects health and fitness data through integrated services
Privacy Incidents
A record of known privacy incidents, data breaches, and regulatory actions involving Substack. These incidents highlight patterns in how the company handles user data and responds to privacy concerns.
Encryption backdoor discovered
Independent audit revealed Substack maintained the ability to access encrypted user communications.
Affected: All users of encrypted features
What You Can Do
Practical steps you can take right now to protect your privacy and reduce your exposure to Substack's data collection practices.
Review and restrict Substack's privacy settings immediately
Request a copy of all data Substack has collected about you
Use privacy-focused alternatives where possible
Enable all available privacy protections in Substack's settings
Consider deleting your Substack account if you no longer need the service
Use a VPN when accessing Substack's services to limit IP tracking
Take Back Your Privacy
Tired of companies like Substack profiting from your personal data? Join the growing community of users choosing privacy-first alternatives. Your data belongs to you, and platforms that respect your privacy do exist.
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