TL;DR
v0 is generally safe because it only generates frontend UI components, not backend code. The security risk is minimal since there's no database access, authentication logic, or API handling. The main considerations are XSS prevention in dynamic content and ensuring you don't accidentally include sensitive data in hardcoded examples. For pure UI work, v0 is one of the safer AI tools available.
What is v0?
v0 is Vercel's AI-powered UI component generator. Unlike full-stack app builders like Bolt or Lovable, v0 focuses exclusively on generating React components with Tailwind CSS styling. It doesn't create backends, databases, or authentication systems.
This focused scope significantly reduces security concerns compared to full-stack AI builders.
Our Verdict
What's Good
- UI-only, no backend risks
- Clean React/Tailwind code
- Uses shadcn/ui components
- No database exposure
- Backed by Vercel security
What to Watch
- XSS in dynamic content
- Placeholder data in code
- No input validation logic
- Forms lack security features
- May suggest client-side secrets
Why v0 is Safer Than Full-Stack Builders
The biggest security risks in AI-generated code come from backend components: exposed databases, missing authentication, and leaked API keys. v0 doesn't generate any of these.
| Security Risk | v0 | Bolt/Lovable |
|---|---|---|
| Database exposure | N/A (no database) | High risk |
| Missing authentication | N/A (no auth) | High risk |
| API key leaks | Low (UI only) | Medium-High |
| SQL injection | N/A | Medium risk |
| XSS vulnerabilities | Low risk | Medium risk |
Key insight: v0's limited scope is a security feature. By only generating frontend components, it avoids the most dangerous security pitfalls of AI-generated code.
Security Considerations for v0 Code
1. XSS in Dynamic Content
If you're using v0 components with dynamic data, ensure you're handling user-generated content safely. React escapes content by default, but be careful with:
dangerouslySetInnerHTMLusage- URL parameters in links
- User-provided image URLs
2. Placeholder Data
v0 often includes example data in generated components. Before deploying, review for:
- Fake email addresses that could be real
- Example API endpoints
- Placeholder URLs that need replacing
3. Form Handling
v0 generates form UI but not form handling logic. When you add functionality:
- Add server-side validation
- Implement CSRF protection
- Sanitize inputs before use
- Add rate limiting to submit handlers
Remember: v0 generates the visual form, not the security logic. You need to add validation, error handling, and secure submission yourself.
v0 vs Other AI Tools
| Feature | v0 | Cursor | Bolt.new |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope | UI components | Any code | Full-stack apps |
| Backend risks | None | Depends on use | High |
| Database risks | None | Depends on use | High |
| Security review needed | Minimal | Moderate | Extensive |
| Production ready | Mostly yes | After review | After hardening |
Best Practices for v0
Do
- Use v0 for UI prototyping and production components
- Review generated code before committing
- Remove or replace placeholder data
- Add form validation when implementing forms
- Use proper state management for sensitive data
Don't
- Ask v0 to generate authentication logic
- Include real API keys in prompts
- Expect form security to be included
- Use v0 for backend code generation
Can I use v0 components in production?
Yes, v0 components are generally production-ready. Since they're just React components with Tailwind styling, the security risk is minimal. Just review the code for placeholder data and ensure any dynamic content is handled safely.
Does v0 generate secure forms?
v0 generates form UI (inputs, buttons, layout) but not security features. You need to add validation, CSRF protection, and secure submission handling yourself. The visual form is safe; the functionality you add determines overall security.
Is my prompt data private in v0?
v0 is operated by Vercel, which has enterprise-grade security practices. Your prompts are processed to generate components. Review Vercel's privacy policy for specifics on data retention and usage.
Should I review v0 code before using it?
A quick review is always good practice. Look for placeholder data, ensure dynamic content is properly escaped, and verify that any copied code matches your project's patterns. v0 code is generally clean, but reviewing helps catch anything unexpected.