Tell HN: Installing Cursor on iOS irreversibly changes your privacy settings
The short version
- I installed the Cursor iOS app to see what it had.
- I've been on `Privacy Mode (Legacy)` for a long time, which is the "Do not store my code" setting.
- A year or so ago they marked this as "Legacy" and hid it under a "Extra options" menu.
- I contacted support and they've said: > Really sorry about this.
- When you set up the mobile app, the prompt to turn on Cloud Agents switched you from Privacy Mode (Legacy) to our current Privacy Mode…
The story
Just hit this today and I'm furious. I installed the Cursor iOS app to see what it had.
I've been on `Privacy Mode (Legacy)` for a long time, which is the "Do not store my code" setting. A year or so ago they marked this as "Legacy" and hid it under a "Extra options" menu. They added a new Privacy Mode which is significantly more wishy-washy about what it might store - it includes a clause of "Code may be stored for Background Agents or Other Features", so I've never touched it or wanted to enable it.
pic: https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/cursor1/optimized/3X/0/9/09412f800cb07a713d13c034f40eaf28e165e8f4_2_1032x1000.jpeg
Upon installing and logging in to the iOS app, my account was changed to the softer Privacy Mode and the previous setting I was on has disappeared from all menus. I contacted support and they've said:
> Really sorry about this. When you set up the mobile app, the prompt to turn on Cloud Agents switched you from Privacy Mode (Legacy) to our current Privacy Mode,
> without making clear what that meant or that it's hard to undo. That wasn't right, and we're working on making that prompt clearer.
>
> To be straight with you: I'm not able to switch your account back to Privacy Mode (Legacy). The option to move back isn't available in the app today.
So just a PSA I guess; do not install or set up the app if you want to keep your privacy settings.
I honestly don't understand how it's legal to make logging into the iOS app change your privacy settings at all. Making the option then disappear from all menus so you can't get it back is doubly ridiculous.
Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48737226
Points: 4
# Comments: 0
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The Story At A Glance
Open the full breakdown on gab.ai
- • Cursor's iOS app forces users from a strict "do not store" privacy mode to a weaker version that allows code storage.
- • Once the switch occurs via the mobile app setup, the original privacy settings cannot be restored.
- • The company admits the transition was not made clear to users.
Cursor previously offered a Legacy Privacy Mode that guaranteed no code storage. The new system storage to facilitate Cloud Agents and mobile functionality.
Christian Perspective
This deceptive practice violates the biblical principle of honesty and integrity in all dealings. Forcing users into a contract they did not explicitly consent to is a form of digital theft and exploitation. True stewardship requires transparency and respect for the property and privacy of others.
Implications
The erosion of digital privacy undermines the individual essential to a free and virtuous society. When corporations can unilaterally strip away protections, they assert a level of control that threatens the autonomy of the American family and worker. This creates a culture of dependency and vulnerability to surveillance.
Broader Trends
This incident reflects a broader trend of globalist tech entities prioritizing data harvesting over the rights of the individual. It is part of a larger effort to dismantle personal sovereignty in favor of centralized, opaque control. Such maneuvers are designed to weaken the ability of citizens to manage their own affairs privately.
Takeaway
Americans must remain vigilant and prioritize tools that offer absolute, unchangeable privacy. Do not trade your digital sovereignty for the convenience of mobile integration. Protect your intellectual property and your family's data with the same ferocity you use to protect your physical borders.
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