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A Method has a definition (the .method file and its scripts) and runs. A run has a run record (steps, status, timing, cost) and run content (inputs, outputs, prompts, check evidence, and result files). Two settings control run content:
  • run_data in the .method file: account (default) or device.
  • Keep run content on devices, an organization setting on the dashboard’s Account page. It is off by default. When it is on, every run in the organization works as run_data: device, and the Method server refuses a run record that contains content.

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Model and classifier requests are private by default

The Method server adds two OpenRouter provider options to every hosted model request and every classifier request. A client cannot turn them off:
  • data_collection: "deny": only providers that do not train on or sell the request.
  • zdr: true: only providers with zero data retention.
If no provider of the selected model meets these rules, the request stops with model_not_private. Choose another model. There is no per-Method opt-out at this time. With your own OpenRouter key (method config model-key), every hosted model request (the Method’s own models too) and every classify request goes directly from your computer to OpenRouter with your key. Your computer adds the same two options to each hosted model request. See Pricing.

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What we checked

We checked these facts on 2026-10-09 with a test OpenRouter key:
  • deepseek/deepseek-v4.1-flash (the default hosted model) works with both options. OpenRouter routed it to a provider that meets them.
  • openai/gpt-6-luna works with both options.
  • A model with no provider that meets the options (for example qwen/qwen3.8-flash) is refused by OpenRouter. Method returns model_not_private.
  • The classifier endpoint (/api/v1/systemone) accepts and checks the same options. Jev 1.13 is listed by OpenRouter as a zero data retention endpoint, and requests with the options succeed.

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What we did not check

  • OpenRouter’s own handling of requests (its logs and retention). OpenRouter publishes its policy; Method did not verify it.
  • That each provider keeps its zero data retention promise. Method relies on OpenRouter’s provider list.
  • Local agents ({agent: codex} or {agent: claude} models, or --agent) and your scripts. They send data where they are set up to send it.