n8n offers a workflow automation platform with distinct data handling for cloud vs. self-hosted deployments. While the cloud service has comprehensive privacy policies and GDPR compliance measures, there are moderate risks around AI data sharing, human review rights, and limited opt-out controls for cloud users. Self-hosted deployments offer better data control but still collect telemetry by default.

AI Transparency Facts

Input Data Ownership

Low Risk

For cloud deployments, n8n acknowledges customer acts as data controller and n8n as processor. Self-hosted users retain full control of their data with n8n having no access.

Confidence

90%

Output Data Ownership

Low Risk

Output data ownership is implicitly retained by customers as part of the data controller relationship. The terms don't claim ownership of generated outputs.

Confidence

75%

Training Data Usage

Low Risk

n8n explicitly states they do not use personal data for developing, improving, or training AI/ML models. However, they do collect usage analytics and telemetry data for product improvement.

Confidence

85%

Data Retention & Deletion

Moderate Risk

Cloud users can request account deletion via email, with customer data deleted within 90 days including backups. Self-hosted users must manage their own data deletion. Some logs retained for 90+ days for security investigations.

Confidence

80%

Third-Party Data Sharing

Moderate Risk

Data is shared with sub-processors including cloud providers (Azure, Hetzner) and AI providers (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google). For AI features, workflow context is shared but not credential values or output data.

Confidence

85%

Opt-Out Rights

Moderate Risk

Self-hosted users can opt out of telemetry collection via environment variables. Cloud users can opt out of AI assistant features. Limited opt-out options for other data processing activities.

Confidence

80%

Compliance & Certifications

Moderate Risk

GDPR compliance is explicitly mentioned with Data Processing Agreement and Standard Contractual Clauses. SOC 2 is referenced but specific certification details not provided in analyzed documents.

Confidence

70%

Model Explainability & Auditability

High Risk

No information provided about model explainability, transparency into AI decision-making, or enterprise auditing capabilities for the AI features integrated into n8n.

Confidence

95%

Security Practices & Breach History

Moderate Risk

Basic security practices mentioned including CDN/security service provider, DDoS protection, and bot detection. References to dedicated security documentation and trust center, but specific controls not detailed in analyzed documents.

Confidence

60%

Enterprise vs. Consumer Risk Delta

Low Risk

Enterprise terms provide additional contractual protections, confidentiality provisions, and formal data processing agreements. Self-hosted enterprise users have full data control compared to cloud service limitations.

Confidence

85%

Human Review of User Inputs

Moderate Risk

n8n staff may access user data for support purposes and security investigations. PostHog session recordings capture user interactions (excluding credentials) but are deleted after 21 days.

Confidence

75%

Regulatory & Litigation Exposure

Moderate Risk

Standard provisions for legal compliance and cooperation with authorities. References to export control laws and potential disclosure requirements, but no specific litigation or regulatory issues disclosed.

Confidence

70%

PII & SPI Data Inventory

Moderate Risk

Collects standard PII including contact data, IP addresses, device information, and usage patterns. Payment processing handled by third-party (Paddle). No sensitive personal information beyond payment data mentioned.

Confidence

85%

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