GitHub says it has begun collecting pseudonymous client-side telemetry from command-line interface (CLI) users and enabled it by default
Opt-out instructions included if you're not keen on GitHub watching you in the name of product improvement
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GitHub Now Collects Telemetry From CLI Users by Default
GitHub's command-line tool now ships with pseudonymous telemetry turned on — users must opt out manually.
GitHub has started collecting pseudonymous client-side telemetry data from users of its command-line interface tool. The kicker? It's enabled by default.
The data collection tracks how people use the CLI, with GitHub framing it as a product improvement measure. The telemetry is described as pseudonymous, meaning it doesn't directly tie to your identity — but it's still tracking your behavior.
Privacy-conscious developers won't love this. You can opt out, but you have to actively do so. That's a familiar playbook: ship the tracking first, let users figure out the off switch later.
GitHub has provided instructions for disabling the feature for those who'd rather not have their CLI habits monitored. If you're a regular GitHub CLI user, it's worth checking your settings now.