What We Capture

When your users access IANS through our MCP server, we log each request the connecting AI application sends to our service. This includes the search text and parameters constructed by the AI application, as guided by our tool descriptions and instructions. We log the tool invoked; metadata about the documents returned (identifiers, titles, and links -- we do not store the document content delivered to you); a session identifier; the authenticated user's identity; timestamps; and error details. For security purposes, we also log network metadata such as IP address and user agent.

AI Model Training

IANS does not use MCP log data to train AI models, and we do not provide it to any third party for model training. The IANS MCP server does not train or operate its own large language model. Your users' conversations with Claude itself are governed by your firm's agreement with Anthropic rather than by IANS.

How We Use the Data

Today

Log data is used to operate the service, diagnose errors, and protect the platform -- including detection of abuse, scraping, and other threats. Security uses are necessarily identity-aware and apply to all users of the service. We also periodically review usage records internally to understand how the service is being used and where it can be improved.

Going Forward

We expect to use aggregated, de-identified usage data to evaluate and improve document-retrieval relevance -- for example, understanding which content best answers particular kinds of questions. Firm and user identity will not be included in any dataset used for that purpose.

Retention

MCP log data is currently retained unless the client or an authorized individual submits a verified request for its deletion. We do not expunge data currently but will communicate if this policy changes.

Ask-an-Expert Requests

Requests to speak with IANS Faculty submitted through the MCP include the request context your user submits. These are handled under the same policies as Ask-an-Expert requests submitted through the IANS portal, including your firm's elections regarding call recording and anonymized content sharing.

Questions

For questions about this policy or your firm's data handling elections, contact your IANS account manager or write to support@iansresearch.com. For further information about the IANS MCP, check out the IANS MCP FAQ here