diff --git a/PRIVACY.md b/PRIVACY.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..dc7c319 --- /dev/null +++ b/PRIVACY.md @@ -0,0 +1,182 @@ +# Privacy & Client Confidentiality + +**IMPORTANT READING FOR LEGAL PROFESSIONALS** + +This document addresses privacy and confidentiality considerations when using this Tool, with particular attention to professional obligations under Israeli legal professional rules. + +--- + +## Executive Summary + +**Key Risks:** +- Queries through Claude API flow via Anthropic cloud infrastructure +- Query content may reveal client matters and privileged information +- Israel Bar Association rules require strict confidentiality (חיסיון עורך דין-לקוח) and data handling controls + +**Safe Use Options:** +1. **General Legal Research**: Use Tool for non-client-specific queries +2. **Local npm Package**: Install `@ansvar/israel-law-mcp` locally — database queries stay on your machine +3. **Remote Endpoint**: Vercel Streamable HTTP endpoint — queries transit Vercel infrastructure +4. **On-Premise Deployment**: Self-host with local LLM for privileged matters + +--- + +## Data Flows and Infrastructure + +### MCP (Model Context Protocol) Architecture + +This Tool uses the **Model Context Protocol (MCP)** to communicate with AI clients: + +``` +User Query -> MCP Client (Claude Desktop/Cursor/API) -> Anthropic Cloud -> MCP Server -> Database +``` + +### Deployment Options + +#### 1. Local npm Package (Most Private) + +```bash +npx @ansvar/israel-law-mcp +``` + +- Database is local SQLite file on your machine +- No data transmitted to external servers (except to AI client for LLM processing) +- Full control over data at rest + +#### 2. Remote Endpoint (Vercel) + +``` +Endpoint: https://israel-law-mcp.vercel.app/mcp +``` + +- Queries transit Vercel infrastructure +- Tool responses return through the same path +- Subject to Vercel's privacy policy + +### What Gets Transmitted + +When you use this Tool through an AI client: + +- **Query Text**: Your search queries and tool parameters +- **Tool Responses**: Statute text, provision content, search results +- **Metadata**: Timestamps, request identifiers + +**What Does NOT Get Transmitted:** +- Files on your computer +- Your full conversation history (depends on AI client configuration) + +--- + +## Professional Obligations (Israel) + +### Israel Bar Association and the Bar Association Law + +Israeli lawyers are bound by strict confidentiality rules under the Israel Bar Association Law 5721-1961 (חוק לשכת עורכי הדין) and the Israel Bar Association ethics rules. + +#### Attorney-Client Privilege (חיסיון עורך דין-לקוח) + +- All attorney-client communications are privileged under the Evidence Ordinance [New Version] 5731-1971 +- Client identity may be confidential in sensitive matters +- Case strategy and legal analysis are protected +- Information that could identify clients or matters must be safeguarded + +### Privacy Protection Law and Client Data Processing + +Under the **Privacy Protection Law 5741-1981 (חוק הגנת הפרטיות)** and the Privacy Protection Regulations: + +- You are the **Database Owner** when maintaining client databases +- AI service providers (Anthropic, Vercel) may be **holders** or **managers** of data +- Database registration requirements may apply under the Privacy Protection Authority regulations +- Cross-border data transfers must comply with the Privacy Protection Regulations (Transfer of Data to Databases Outside the State's Borders) +- The **Privacy Protection Authority (הרשות להגנת הפרטיות)** oversees compliance + +--- + +## Risk Assessment by Use Case + +### LOW RISK: General Legal Research + +**Safe to use through any deployment:** + +``` +Example: "What does the Companies Law say about shareholder rights?" +``` + +- No client identity involved +- No case-specific facts +- Publicly available legal information + +### MEDIUM RISK: Anonymized Queries + +**Use with caution:** + +``` +Example: "What are the penalties for securities violations under Israeli law?" +``` + +- Query pattern may reveal you are working on a securities matter +- Anthropic/Vercel logs may link queries to your API key + +### HIGH RISK: Client-Specific Queries + +**DO NOT USE through cloud AI services:** + +- Remove ALL identifying details +- Use the local npm package with a self-hosted LLM +- Or use commercial legal databases with proper privacy agreements + +--- + +## Data Collection by This Tool + +### What This Tool Collects + +**Nothing.** This Tool: + +- Does NOT log queries +- Does NOT store user data +- Does NOT track usage +- Does NOT use analytics +- Does NOT set cookies + +The database is read-only. No user data is written to disk. + +### What Third Parties May Collect + +- **Anthropic** (if using Claude): Subject to [Anthropic Privacy Policy](https://www.anthropic.com/legal/privacy) +- **Vercel** (if using remote endpoint): Subject to [Vercel Privacy Policy](https://vercel.com/legal/privacy-policy) + +--- + +## Recommendations + +### For Solo Practitioners / Small Firms + +1. Use local npm package for maximum privacy +2. General research: Cloud AI is acceptable for non-client queries +3. Client matters: Use commercial legal databases (Nevo, Takdin, Pador) + +### For Large Firms / Corporate Legal + +1. Negotiate privacy agreements with AI service providers under Privacy Protection Law requirements +2. Consider on-premise deployment with self-hosted LLM +3. Train staff on safe vs. unsafe query patterns + +### For Government / Public Sector + +1. Use self-hosted deployment, no external APIs +2. Follow Israeli government information security requirements (INCD guidelines) +3. Air-gapped option available for classified matters + +--- + +## Questions and Support + +- **Privacy Questions**: Open issue on [GitHub](https://github.com/Ansvar-Systems/israel-law-mcp/issues) +- **Anthropic Privacy**: Contact privacy@anthropic.com +- **IBA Guidance**: Consult Israel Bar Association ethics guidance + +--- + +**Last Updated**: 2026-02-22 +**Tool Version**: 1.0.0