Counter-Strike 2 players have discovered that their in-game chat messages are being collected and displayed publicly on a third-party statistics website. The site, cstracker.gg, creates public profiles for players that include match history, K/D ratios, and, in many cases, a complete log of text chat messages sent during those matches.
Data Collection via Match Demos
The exposure occurs because the website processes publicly available CS2 match demos. These files, which Valve typically retains for about 30 days, contain the full text chat history of a match. The site links these messages to individual player profiles, often displaying hundreds or even thousands of lines of text alongside specific details such as the map, round, and timestamp.
Privacy Concerns and Impact
The discovery, which gained traction within the Counter-Strike community on August 27, 2026, has raised significant privacy concerns. Users do not need to create an account on cstracker.gg for their data to appear, meaning many players are unaware that their communication is being indexed. High-profile streamers and professional players have also found their public chat histories accessible to anyone visiting the site.
Quick Facts
- Source of Data: Processed CS2 match demos and public Steam info.
- Retention Window: Valve only keeps match demos for roughly 30 days, limiting the scope of the archives.
- Player Control: Cstracker.gg allows users to contact them via a privacy email address to request the removal or restriction of their data.
While the logs are not a permanent record of every message ever sent in the game, they provide a substantial look into a player's recent in-game communication. Those concerned about their exposed chat history can reach out to the site's support channels to request removal.