Data Sharing

Configure data sharing

Select the Send usage statistics checkbox to allow JetBrains to collect anonymous statistics on the features and actions that you use when working with WebStorm.

Select the Send usage statistics when using EAP versions checkbox to allow JetBrains to collect statistics on the features and actions that you use when working with WebStorm.

Data collection by plugins

Third-party plugins installed from JetBrains Marketplace may implement usage data collection independently on their side, and WebStorm settings do not control such data collection. Refer to the plugin author’s page or documentation to learn more about specifics.

Categories of collected data

This section outlines specific examples of the data that JetBrains collects with your explicit consent. This is not a comprehensive list, but rather a snapshot of some important data points we track to refine our products and better serve our users.

Installed libraries and plugins

We may record the installation of commonly used plugins such as Markdown, as well as popular libraries and frameworks like OpenAPI, and others.

However, we don’t collect information on the usage of custom libraries and plugins with a limited number of users.

File extensions and project size

Information on file extensions helps us identify the programming languages used in projects, while the approximate number of files in the project directories gives us insight into the project scale and helps us with the IDE performance analysis.

We do not collect any information related to your code or custom input, such as written code, search inputs, or queries. Therefore, your confidentiality remains intact.

Feature usage

Usage metrics include time spent within WebStorm, interactions with IDE windows, version control software, and invocation of features such as code completion or search. Additionally, all interactions are logged as a sequence of events. We use this data to understand better our products’ usage patterns and the behaviors of our collective audience.

Operating system, IDE, and project settings

We may collect information on IDE and project settings.

Product performance metrics

In efforts to improve product performance and accessibility, we record various durations, including application startup, indexing, build, and run configuration execution times.

View recorded events

When data sharing is enabled, events are logged to a local file, which you can view from the WebStorm system directory by the following paths:

If you do not see the event-log-data or event-log directories, enable data sharing again and restart the IDE.

Data protection laws compliance

In our approach to data handling, we prioritize anonymity and compliance with data protection laws. We strictly separate product usage data and personal information associated with your name and JetBrains account. All data collected for feature usage statistics is anonymized, with no personal or sensitive data recorded.

Given our adherence to these principles, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) does not apply to feature usage statistics. However, in alignment with the ePrivacy directive, we ask for the user’s consent for data collection, even when the information collected is anonymized.

Furthermore, our data handling procedures are performed per the JetBrains Privacy Policy, and all data is stored and processed on servers within the EU. Our commitment to privacy extends to all users, regardless of their geographic location.

Here are the key practices we employ to ensure the anonymity of user data:

Minimized data collection

We meticulously define product metrics before implementation, minimizing the scope of data collection. Any new data collection initiatives undergo a thorough review and chain of approvals.

Structured data recording

Our data recording follows a schema-based approach, ensuring that each piece of information is recorded according to a predefined structure. Custom values, such as code strings or search inputs, are not recorded to maintain anonymity.

Data aggregation techniques

We use several techniques to aggregate data to preserve anonymity:

• Precise values are rounded (for example, the number of files in a project) to avoid potential de-anonymization through open code bases.

• An allowlist with predefined value sets is maintained to prevent reporting custom plugin or library names.

• Predefined schemas are strictly enforced to validate reported data before recording.

Anonymous user identifiers

User identifiers are generated through random IDs and additionally hashed and salted to maintain anonymity.

Handling invalid data

We set placeholders for any reported data that cannot be recorded due to validation rules and practices.

Continuous process improvements

Our processes undergo continuous refinement through testing and code reviews to verify the purpose and ensure the anonymity of each data collection.