GitHub Private Repo Access

Users express concerns about tools and apps requiring broad access to private GitHub repositories during OAuth authentication, debating privacy risks and requesting optional or limited permissions.

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20
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5
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#2515
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Keywords

GitLab HECS GitLab.com NO gitprint.com EUA REAMDE gitlab.com github.com GitHub private repos github repositories repository access stars repo gitlab users

Sample Comments

akent • Nov 20, 2013 • View on HN

People have private repos too you know.

ketz1 • Jan 6, 2022 • View on HN

This means private repositories aren't really private?

csmeder • Jun 25, 2012 • View on HN

Why is it asking for permission to my private repositories? Is it possible to try this with only giving access to my public repos?

zimbatm • Oct 15, 2012 • View on HN

It would be great if the auth didn't require access to my private repos.

justinclift • Feb 26, 2024 • View on HN

Please make sure it doesn't request access to private repos. That would be far more considerate of your potential users.

jud_white • Nov 5, 2015 • View on HN

Please remove the access to Private Repositories, or make it optional.

bilqis • May 16, 2023 • View on HN

Github also has access to private repositories.

coffeeaddict1 • Dec 5, 2025 • View on HN

They don't seem to be available for private repos (unless you sign up for Github Teams or Enterprise).

8n4vidtmkvmk • Feb 14, 2025 • View on HN

Aren't GitHub private repos frees now?

alpb • Feb 11, 2012 • View on HN

Would be ubercool with support for private repos. Maybe some oauth or apikey would work without breaking the simplicity.