---
name: watson-getting-started-logging
title: Controlling request logging for Watson services
description: By default, most IBM Watson® services log requests and their results. Logging is done only to improve the services for future users. The logged data is not shared or made public.
last-updated: 2023-01-13
---

> ## Documentation Index
> The table of contents for this documentation set is at https://cloud.ibm.com/docs/watson?format=markdown
> The index for all IBM Cloud docs is at: https://cloud.ibm.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use these files to discover more information as needed.

# Controlling request logging for Watson services
{: #gs-logging-overview}

By default, most IBM Watson® services log requests and their results. Logging is done only to improve the services for future users. The logged data is not shared or made public.
{: shortdesc}

The Language Translator and Tone Analyzer services do not log any request data. You cannot opt in to request logging at the request level or at the account level.
{: note}

If you are concerned with protecting the privacy of users' personal information or otherwise do not want your requests to be used by IBM, you can choose not to have IBM learn from your data (opt out). Choose to opt out at either the account level or at the API request level.

- To prevent IBM usage of your data for general service improvements for all services for which you are the owner, see [Preventing data use in privacy settings for Watson services](#preventing-data-use-in-privacy-settings-for-watson-services). To access the setting, you must be the account owner.

- To prevent IBM usage of your data for an API request, set the **X-Watson-Learning-Opt-Out** header parameter to `true`.

A choice to opt out from logging data at either level overrides a choice to opt in.

You cannot opt in at the request level if you opt out at the account level. However, you can opt out at the request level if the account is set to opt in. If your intent is to opt out for a subset of your services, select `Learn from my data` at the account level. Then, set the request header to `true` to prevent usage of your data on those requests.
{: tip}

For more information about specific use, see the [API reference](https://cloud.ibm.com/developer/watson/documentation){: external} for the Watson service.

## Preventing data use in privacy settings for Watson services
{: #preventing-data-use-in-privacy-settings-for-watson-services}

To prevent IBM from using your data for general service improvements, complete the following steps:

1. Navigate to the [Watson Privacy Settings](https://cloud.ibm.com/watson/settings/){: external} page.

    - If you see Learn from my data, your setting is configured to prevent IBM from using your data.{: note}

1. Click **Do not learn from my data**.

1. The text updates. If you see **Learn from my data**, your data is not used for general service improvements.

For more details on how data is processed for specific IBM products, visit [IBM Compatibility Report](https://www.ibm.com/software/reports/compatibility/clarity/index.html).{: external}