> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.inference.net/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Data Retention

> Understand how Inference.net handles request data, observability records, and retention controls.

Inference.net is designed to support production workloads without treating captured request data casually.

## Core principles

* Request data is not used for model training by default
* Secrets and similar sensitive values are stripped where possible
* Platform data is encrypted in transit and at rest
* Retention should match the operational need of the workflow

## Direct API vs Gateway

The direct API and Gateway are different product paths, but the same general rule applies: only keep what is operationally useful, and use project-level controls and data curation intentionally.

For the workflow-first entry point into traffic capture, start with [Integrate with Your LLM Provider](/platform/gateway/integrate).

## Recommended operational pattern

* Use environments and task IDs to segment traffic
* Create long-lived datasets only for the examples you want to preserve
* Review retention expectations before broad production rollout

## Need a specific retention policy?

If you need a specific policy, no-retention handling, or help mapping the platform into your internal compliance requirements, [meet with our team](https://inference.net/meet-with-us/).