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Is data sent to Google when using the Google Visualisation API?

Asked 2011-03-15T12:28:34.847
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I am developing a web app for a client and I want to use the Google API's to draw some nice graphs.

The client has some sensitive data and has raised some concerns about security, specifically, they do not want their data "going to Google".

There are 2 options or API's for generating charts. The Chart API, where you build a URL and submit to Google so that it can generate a graph image - obviously the client data IS going to Google so this option is a no no.

The second option is to use the Visualisation API. As far as I am aware, the code to generate the visualisation is downloaded from Google, but the data used to build the output never leaves the browser, and therefore is "safe" to use with sensitive data. Is this an accurate description?

I have looked through the Google API documentation to try and answer my question but cant seem to find a definitive answer.

Please advise.

security google-api google-visualization
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If you're worried about using google's API, then I'd suggest you use a different visualization API.

As @Rook said, google logs everything.

The mitigating factor here is context. If the data you are sending has no context, then I wouldn't worry about it. It could be charting chicken house expansions for all they know.

However, if your charts do include contextual data that can be traced to something important, then you'll need to have something installed locally to do the rendering for you.

answered 2011-03-15T20:44:53.727

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