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Enrico Ros
100 lines
4.0 KiB
Markdown
100 lines
4.0 KiB
Markdown
# Big-AGI Data Ownership Guide
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Big-AGI is a **client-first** web application, which means it prioritizes speed and data ownership compared to cloud apps.
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Your *API keys*, *chat history*, and *settings* live in your
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browser's [local storage](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/Window/localStorage), not
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on cloud servers.
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You can use Big-AGI in two ways:
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1. Run it yourself (open-source)
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2. Use big-agi.com (hosted service)
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This guide explains how the open-source version handles your data. You can verify everything in [the source code](https://github.com/enricoros/big-agi).
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## Client-Side Storage
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Within Big-AGI almost all chat/keys data is handled client-side in your browser using two
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standard browser storage mechanisms:
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- **Local Storage**: API keys, settings, and configurations ([learn more](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/Window/localStorage))
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- **IndexedDB**: Chat history and larger files ([learn more](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/IndexedDB_API))
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The Big-AGI backend mainly passes requests to AI services (OpenAI, Anthropic, etc.). It doesn't store your data, except for the chat-sharing function if used.
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You can see your data in your browser's local storage and IndexedDB - try it yourself:
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1. In Chrome: Open DevTools (press F12 on Windows, ⌘ + ⌥ + I on Mac)
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2. Click 'Application' > 'Local Storage'
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3. See your settings and API keys
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### What This Means For You
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Storing data in your browser means:
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- Your data stays on **one device/browser only**
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- Clearing browser data **erases your chats** - make backups
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- Anyone using your browser can see your chats and keys
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- Running your own server needs technical skills
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### Local Device Identifier
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Big-AGI generates a _device identifier_ that combines timestamp and random components, stored only on your device. This identifier:
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- Is used only for the **optional sync functionality** between your devices (not yet ready)
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- Helps maintain data consistency when using Big-AGI across multiple devices
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- Remains completely local unless you explicitly enable sync
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- Is not used for tracking, analytics, or telemetry
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- Can be deleted anytime by clearing local storage
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- Is fully transparent - see the implementation in `src/common/stores/store-client.ts`
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## How Data Flows
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AI interactions in Big-AGI, such as chats, AI titles, text to speech, browsing, flow through three components:
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1. **Browser** (client/installed App) - Stores your keys & data locally
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2. **Backend** (routing server) - Passes requests to AI services
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3. **AI Services** - Where the actual AI processing happens
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### Self-Deployed Version: Your Infrastructure
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You run the server. Your data only leaves when making AI requests.
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The keys and chats are under your control and pass through your code, and are sent to
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the upstream AI services on a per-request basis.
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### Web Version: Using big-agi.com
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Your data passes through the hosted Big-AGI edge network to reach AI services. The keys
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and chats pass through Big-AGI's edge network to reach the AI services on a per-request basis,
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and then are send to the upstream AI services.
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## Security Best Practices
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**Basic Security**:
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- **Never share API keys**
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- **Don't use shared computers**
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- Use private browsing for one-off sessions
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- Use trusted networks
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- Back up your data
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**When Running Your Own Server**:
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- Use [environment variables](environment-variables.md) for API keys
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- Run on trusted infrastructure
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- Keep your installation updated
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## TL;DR
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Your API keys and chats stay in your browser. The server only passes requests to AI services.
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Use big-agi.com for convenience, or [run it yourself](installation.md) for full control.
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Need help? Join our [Discord](https://discord.gg/MkH4qj2Jp9) or open a [GitHub issue](https://github.com/enricoros/big-agi/issues).
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