Terms of Service Best Practices for ChatGPT Apps: Legal Guide
Creating legally enforceable Terms of Service (ToS) for your ChatGPT app is essential for protecting your business, setting clear user expectations, and ensuring compliance with OpenAI's policies and applicable laws. A well-crafted ToS establishes the contractual relationship between you and your users, defines rights and obligations, limits liability, and provides mechanisms for dispute resolution.
This comprehensive guide covers essential clauses, liability limitations, dispute resolution mechanisms, user rights, and enforcement strategies for ChatGPT apps. Whether you're launching a fitness studio booking app or a real estate assistant, these best practices ensure your Terms of Service are legally sound, user-friendly, and aligned with industry standards.
According to legal experts, 68% of app-related disputes could be prevented with properly drafted Terms of Service that clearly define user obligations, liability limits, and dispute resolution procedures. For ChatGPT apps that process user data and facilitate business transactions, robust ToS documents are not optional—they're mission-critical legal protection.
Internal Link: Learn how MakeAIHQ's AI Conversational Editor helps you generate compliant legal documents automatically, ensuring your ChatGPT app meets all regulatory requirements from day one.
By the end of this guide, you'll have production-ready code examples, template clauses, and implementation strategies to create enforceable Terms of Service that protect your business while providing transparency to your users. Let's build legally compliant ChatGPT apps that users trust.
Essential Clauses for ChatGPT App Terms of Service
Every Terms of Service document for ChatGPT apps must include fundamental clauses that define the scope of service, user obligations, intellectual property rights, warranties, and disclaimers. These essential elements establish the legal foundation of your user agreement and set clear expectations from the outset.
Scope of Service Definition
Clearly define what your ChatGPT app does and doesn't do. Specify the features, functionalities, and limitations of your service. For a fitness studio booking app, this might include appointment scheduling capabilities, class recommendations, and payment processing, while explicitly excluding medical advice or personal training services.
Your scope definition should reference OpenAI's usage policies and make it clear that the underlying ChatGPT technology is licensed from OpenAI. Include language about AI-generated content accuracy, limitations of conversational AI, and the experimental nature of AI assistants.
User Obligations and Conduct
Define acceptable use policies, prohibited activities, and user responsibilities. Specify that users must provide accurate information, maintain account security, comply with applicable laws, and not abuse the service for spam, harassment, or illegal activities.
For ChatGPT apps, include specific prohibitions against: attempting to extract training data, reverse-engineering the AI model, using the app to generate harmful content, impersonating others, or violating OpenAI's usage policies. Make it clear that violations result in immediate account termination.
Intellectual Property Rights
Establish ownership of your app's intellectual property, including the codebase, branding, design elements, and proprietary algorithms. Clearly state that users retain ownership of their input data but grant you a license to process that data to provide the service.
Address AI-generated content ownership explicitly. Since ChatGPT generates responses based on user prompts, specify whether users own the outputs, whether you claim any rights, and how OpenAI's policies affect content ownership. Most ChatGPT apps grant users ownership of outputs subject to compliance with usage policies.
Warranties and Disclaimers
Disclaim implied warranties to the maximum extent permitted by law. Use standard "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" language to clarify that you don't guarantee uninterrupted service, error-free operation, or fitness for a particular purpose.
For ChatGPT apps, explicitly disclaim accuracy of AI-generated responses. Include language like: "AI-generated content may contain errors, inaccuracies, or outdated information. Users should verify critical information independently and not rely solely on AI responses for important decisions."
Code Example 1: ToS Template Generator (TypeScript)
// tos-template-generator.ts - Generate customizable Terms of Service templates
import Handlebars from 'handlebars';
interface TosConfig {
appName: string;
companyName: string;
jurisdiction: string;
effectiveDate: string;
contactEmail: string;
features: string[];
prohibitedUses: string[];
liabilityLimit?: number;
disputeResolution: 'arbitration' | 'litigation' | 'mediation';
governingLaw: string;
}
interface TosSection {
title: string;
content: string;
required: boolean;
order: number;
}
class TosTemplateGenerator {
private template: HandlebarsTemplateDelegate;
constructor() {
this.template = this.initializeTemplate();
this.registerHelpers();
}
private initializeTemplate(): HandlebarsTemplateDelegate {
const templateSource = `
# Terms of Service
**Effective Date:** {{effectiveDate}}
**Last Updated:** {{lastUpdated}}
## 1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using {{appName}} (the "Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Service.
## 2. Description of Service
{{appName}} is a ChatGPT-powered application provided by {{companyName}} that offers the following features:
{{#each features}}
- {{this}}
{{/each}}
The Service utilizes OpenAI's ChatGPT technology and is subject to OpenAI's usage policies.
## 3. User Obligations
You agree to:
- Provide accurate and current information
- Maintain the security of your account credentials
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
- Use the Service only for lawful purposes
- Not engage in prohibited activities (see Section 4)
## 4. Prohibited Uses
You may not use the Service to:
{{#each prohibitedUses}}
- {{this}}
{{/each}}
## 5. Intellectual Property
{{companyName}} retains all rights, title, and interest in the Service, including all intellectual property rights. You retain ownership of your input data and, subject to these Terms, own the outputs generated by the Service.
## 6. Disclaimers and Warranties
THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.
AI-generated content may contain errors or inaccuracies. You should verify critical information independently.
## 7. Limitation of Liability
{{#if liabilityLimit}}
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, {{companyName}}'S TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED ${{liabilityLimit}} OR THE AMOUNT YOU PAID FOR THE SERVICE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS, WHICHEVER IS GREATER.
{{else}}
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, {{companyName}} SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES.
{{/if}}
## 8. Dispute Resolution
{{#if (eq disputeResolution 'arbitration')}}
Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. You waive your right to participate in class action lawsuits.
{{else if (eq disputeResolution 'mediation')}}
Any disputes shall first be submitted to mediation. If mediation fails, disputes may be resolved through litigation.
{{else}}
Any disputes shall be resolved through litigation in the courts of {{jurisdiction}}.
{{/if}}
## 9. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by the laws of {{governingLaw}} without regard to conflict of law provisions.
## 10. Contact Information
For questions about these Terms, contact us at: {{contactEmail}}
`;
return Handlebars.compile(templateSource);
}
private registerHelpers(): void {
Handlebars.registerHelper('eq', (a, b) => a === b);
}
public generate(config: TosConfig): string {
const data = {
...config,
lastUpdated: new Date().toISOString().split('T')[0]
};
return this.template(data);
}
public generateSections(config: TosConfig): TosSection[] {
const sections: TosSection[] = [
{
title: 'Acceptance of Terms',
content: this.generateAcceptanceSection(config),
required: true,
order: 1
},
{
title: 'Description of Service',
content: this.generateServiceDescription(config),
required: true,
order: 2
},
{
title: 'User Obligations',
content: this.generateUserObligations(config),
required: true,
order: 3
},
{
title: 'Prohibited Uses',
content: this.generateProhibitedUses(config),
required: true,
order: 4
},
{
title: 'Intellectual Property',
content: this.generateIPSection(config),
required: true,
order: 5
},
{
title: 'Disclaimers',
content: this.generateDisclaimers(config),
required: true,
order: 6
},
{
title: 'Limitation of Liability',
content: this.generateLiabilityLimitation(config),
required: true,
order: 7
},
{
title: 'Dispute Resolution',
content: this.generateDisputeResolution(config),
required: true,
order: 8
}
];
return sections.sort((a, b) => a.order - b.order);
}
private generateAcceptanceSection(config: TosConfig): string {
return `By accessing or using ${config.appName}, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, do not use the Service.`;
}
private generateServiceDescription(config: TosConfig): string {
const features = config.features.map(f => `- ${f}`).join('\n');
return `${config.appName} is a ChatGPT-powered application that offers:\n\n${features}\n\nThe Service utilizes OpenAI's ChatGPT technology.`;
}
private generateUserObligations(config: TosConfig): string {
return `You agree to:
- Provide accurate information
- Maintain account security
- Comply with applicable laws
- Use the Service only for lawful purposes`;
}
private generateProhibitedUses(config: TosConfig): string {
const prohibited = config.prohibitedUses.map(p => `- ${p}`).join('\n');
return `You may not use the Service to:\n\n${prohibited}`;
}
private generateIPSection(config: TosConfig): string {
return `${config.companyName} retains all rights to the Service. You retain ownership of your input data and own the outputs generated, subject to these Terms.`;
}
private generateDisclaimers(config: TosConfig): string {
return `THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES. AI-generated content may contain errors. Verify critical information independently.`;
}
private generateLiabilityLimitation(config: TosConfig): string {
if (config.liabilityLimit) {
return `${config.companyName}'s total liability shall not exceed $${config.liabilityLimit} or the amount you paid in the past 12 months, whichever is greater.`;
}
return `${config.companyName} shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages.`;
}
private generateDisputeResolution(config: TosConfig): string {
switch (config.disputeResolution) {
case 'arbitration':
return `Disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration. You waive your right to class action lawsuits.`;
case 'mediation':
return `Disputes shall first be submitted to mediation before litigation.`;
default:
return `Disputes shall be resolved through litigation in ${config.jurisdiction}.`;
}
}
public validateConfig(config: TosConfig): { valid: boolean; errors: string[] } {
const errors: string[] = [];
if (!config.appName || config.appName.trim().length === 0) {
errors.push('App name is required');
}
if (!config.companyName || config.companyName.trim().length === 0) {
errors.push('Company name is required');
}
if (!config.effectiveDate || !this.isValidDate(config.effectiveDate)) {
errors.push('Valid effective date is required');
}
if (!config.contactEmail || !this.isValidEmail(config.contactEmail)) {
errors.push('Valid contact email is required');
}
if (!config.features || config.features.length === 0) {
errors.push('At least one feature must be specified');
}
if (!config.prohibitedUses || config.prohibitedUses.length === 0) {
errors.push('At least one prohibited use must be specified');
}
return {
valid: errors.length === 0,
errors
};
}
private isValidDate(date: string): boolean {
return !isNaN(Date.parse(date));
}
private isValidEmail(email: string): boolean {
return /^[^\s@]+@[^\s@]+\.[^\s@]+$/.test(email);
}
}
// Usage example
const generator = new TosTemplateGenerator();
const config: TosConfig = {
appName: 'FitStudio AI',
companyName: 'FitStudio Inc.',
jurisdiction: 'California',
effectiveDate: '2026-01-01',
contactEmail: 'legal@fitstudio.com',
features: [
'AI-powered class recommendations',
'Appointment scheduling and management',
'Personalized fitness guidance',
'Progress tracking and analytics'
],
prohibitedUses: [
'Generate harmful or offensive content',
'Attempt to reverse-engineer the AI model',
'Use for medical diagnosis or treatment',
'Violate OpenAI usage policies',
'Spam or harass other users'
],
liabilityLimit: 1000,
disputeResolution: 'arbitration',
governingLaw: 'State of California'
};
const validation = generator.validateConfig(config);
if (validation.valid) {
const tos = generator.generate(config);
console.log(tos);
} else {
console.error('Configuration errors:', validation.errors);
}
Internal Link: Explore ChatGPT app builder legal compliance strategies for comprehensive guidance on creating legally sound Terms of Service, Privacy Policies, and user agreements.
Liability Limitations and Risk Management
Limiting your liability is crucial for protecting your business from excessive financial risk while operating a ChatGPT app. Well-drafted limitation of liability clauses, indemnification provisions, and force majeure language help mitigate legal exposure and establish reasonable boundaries for your obligations.
Limitation of Liability Clauses
Include explicit caps on your total liability, typically the lesser of (a) the amount the user paid in the past 12 months, or (b) a specific dollar amount (e.g., $1,000). This prevents users from seeking unlimited damages for service interruptions or AI-generated content errors.
Exclude liability for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, and punitive damages. These categories often include lost profits, data loss, business interruption, and reputational harm—areas where damages can escalate rapidly.
For ChatGPT apps, explicitly disclaim liability for AI-generated content accuracy, completeness, or suitability for specific purposes. Make it clear that users rely on AI responses at their own risk and should verify critical information independently.
Indemnification Provisions
Include mutual indemnification clauses where users agree to indemnify you against claims arising from their misuse of the service, violation of terms, or infringement of third-party rights. This shifts liability back to users who engage in prohibited activities.
Specify the indemnification process: notice requirements, cooperation obligations, and control over defense and settlement. Clarify that you reserve the right to assume exclusive defense of any indemnified claim.
Force Majeure and Service Interruptions
Include force majeure language excusing performance during events beyond your reasonable control: natural disasters, pandemics, wars, government actions, or third-party service failures (including OpenAI API outages).
Disclaim liability for service interruptions, maintenance downtime, or degraded performance caused by factors outside your control. Specify that you'll make reasonable efforts to maintain service availability but don't guarantee 100% uptime.
Severability and Survival
Include severability clauses ensuring that if one provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect. This prevents the entire agreement from collapsing if a single clause is invalidated.
Specify which provisions survive termination: intellectual property rights, indemnification obligations, limitation of liability, and dispute resolution provisions. These continue to protect both parties even after the user relationship ends.
Code Example 2: Acceptance Tracker (TypeScript)
// acceptance-tracker.ts - Track user acceptance of Terms of Service
import { Firestore } from '@google-cloud/firestore';
interface TosVersion {
version: string;
effectiveDate: Date;
content: string;
contentHash: string;
isActive: boolean;
}
interface TosAcceptance {
userId: string;
version: string;
acceptedAt: Date;
ipAddress: string;
userAgent: string;
acceptanceMethod: 'signup' | 'explicit' | 'update';
previousVersion?: string;
}
interface AcceptanceStatus {
hasAccepted: boolean;
currentVersion: string;
acceptedVersion?: string;
requiresNewAcceptance: boolean;
acceptanceDate?: Date;
}
class TosAcceptanceTracker {
private db: Firestore;
private versionsCollection = 'tos_versions';
private acceptancesCollection = 'tos_acceptances';
constructor(firestore: Firestore) {
this.db = firestore;
}
async createVersion(version: TosVersion): Promise<void> {
// Deactivate all previous versions
const previousVersions = await this.db
.collection(this.versionsCollection)
.where('isActive', '==', true)
.get();
const batch = this.db.batch();
previousVersions.forEach(doc => {
batch.update(doc.ref, { isActive: false });
});
// Create new active version
const versionRef = this.db
.collection(this.versionsCollection)
.doc(version.version);
batch.set(versionRef, {
...version,
createdAt: new Date()
});
await batch.commit();
console.log(`ToS version ${version.version} created and activated`);
}
async getCurrentVersion(): Promise<TosVersion | null> {
const snapshot = await this.db
.collection(this.versionsCollection)
.where('isActive', '==', true)
.limit(1)
.get();
if (snapshot.empty) {
return null;
}
return snapshot.docs[0].data() as TosVersion;
}
async recordAcceptance(acceptance: TosAcceptance): Promise<void> {
const acceptanceRef = this.db
.collection(this.acceptancesCollection)
.doc();
await acceptanceRef.set({
...acceptance,
id: acceptanceRef.id,
createdAt: new Date()
});
// Update user document with latest acceptance
await this.db
.collection('users')
.doc(acceptance.userId)
.update({
latestTosVersion: acceptance.version,
latestTosAcceptance: acceptance.acceptedAt
});
console.log(`ToS acceptance recorded for user ${acceptance.userId}`);
}
async getAcceptanceStatus(userId: string): Promise<AcceptanceStatus> {
const currentVersion = await this.getCurrentVersion();
if (!currentVersion) {
throw new Error('No active ToS version found');
}
const userDoc = await this.db
.collection('users')
.doc(userId)
.get();
if (!userDoc.exists) {
return {
hasAccepted: false,
currentVersion: currentVersion.version,
requiresNewAcceptance: true
};
}
const userData = userDoc.data()!;
const acceptedVersion = userData.latestTosVersion;
const acceptanceDate = userData.latestTosAcceptance?.toDate();
return {
hasAccepted: acceptedVersion === currentVersion.version,
currentVersion: currentVersion.version,
acceptedVersion,
acceptanceDate,
requiresNewAcceptance: acceptedVersion !== currentVersion.version
};
}
async getUserAcceptanceHistory(userId: string): Promise<TosAcceptance[]> {
const snapshot = await this.db
.collection(this.acceptancesCollection)
.where('userId', '==', userId)
.orderBy('acceptedAt', 'desc')
.get();
return snapshot.docs.map(doc => doc.data() as TosAcceptance);
}
async getVersionAcceptances(version: string): Promise<{
totalAcceptances: number;
acceptancesByMethod: Record<string, number>;
recentAcceptances: TosAcceptance[];
}> {
const snapshot = await this.db
.collection(this.acceptancesCollection)
.where('version', '==', version)
.get();
const acceptances = snapshot.docs.map(doc => doc.data() as TosAcceptance);
const acceptancesByMethod: Record<string, number> = {};
acceptances.forEach(acceptance => {
const method = acceptance.acceptanceMethod;
acceptancesByMethod[method] = (acceptancesByMethod[method] || 0) + 1;
});
const recentAcceptances = acceptances
.sort((a, b) => b.acceptedAt.getTime() - a.acceptedAt.getTime())
.slice(0, 10);
return {
totalAcceptances: acceptances.length,
acceptancesByMethod,
recentAcceptances
};
}
async requireNewAcceptance(userId: string): Promise<boolean> {
const status = await this.getAcceptanceStatus(userId);
return status.requiresNewAcceptance;
}
async enforceAcceptance(userId: string): Promise<void> {
const requiresAcceptance = await this.requireNewAcceptance(userId);
if (requiresAcceptance) {
throw new Error('User must accept latest Terms of Service before proceeding');
}
}
}
// Usage example
const db = new Firestore();
const tracker = new TosAcceptanceTracker(db);
// Create new ToS version
const newVersion: TosVersion = {
version: '2.0',
effectiveDate: new Date('2026-01-01'),
content: '...full ToS content...',
contentHash: 'sha256hash',
isActive: true
};
await tracker.createVersion(newVersion);
// Record user acceptance
const acceptance: TosAcceptance = {
userId: 'user123',
version: '2.0',
acceptedAt: new Date(),
ipAddress: '192.168.1.1',
userAgent: 'Mozilla/5.0...',
acceptanceMethod: 'signup'
};
await tracker.recordAcceptance(acceptance);
// Check if user has accepted latest version
const status = await tracker.getAcceptanceStatus('user123');
if (status.requiresNewAcceptance) {
console.log('User must accept new ToS version');
}
External Link: Learn about contract law fundamentals from Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute for understanding enforceability requirements and limitation of liability principles.
Internal Link: Discover how MakeAIHQ's template marketplace provides pre-built legal document templates that include industry-standard liability limitations and indemnification clauses.
Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
Dispute resolution clauses determine how conflicts between you and your users are resolved. Choosing the right mechanism—arbitration, mediation, or litigation—significantly impacts costs, timelines, and outcomes when legal disputes arise.
Arbitration Clauses
Arbitration clauses require disputes to be resolved through binding arbitration rather than court litigation. Arbitration is typically faster, less expensive, and more private than litigation, making it attractive for ChatGPT app providers.
Include specific arbitration rules (e.g., American Arbitration Association Commercial Arbitration Rules), arbitrator selection procedures, hearing location, and cost allocation. Specify whether arbitration is binding and whether discovery is limited.
For ChatGPT apps serving consumer users, be aware that some jurisdictions restrict mandatory arbitration clauses, especially those that waive class action rights. Consult legal counsel to ensure your arbitration provisions comply with consumer protection laws.
Class Action Waivers
Class action waivers prevent users from joining class action lawsuits and require individual arbitration or litigation. While these clauses can significantly reduce legal exposure, they're subject to heightened scrutiny in many jurisdictions.
Include severability language specifying that if the class action waiver is found unenforceable, the arbitration clause remains in effect for individual claims. This preserves some benefit even if the waiver is invalidated.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
Specify which state or country's laws govern the Terms of Service. Most companies choose their home jurisdiction or a business-friendly state like Delaware or New York.
For ChatGPT apps with international users, consider including choice-of-law provisions that specify governing law while acknowledging mandatory consumer protection laws in users' home jurisdictions. This balances your interests with regulatory compliance.
Include exclusive venue provisions specifying where litigation must be filed if arbitration doesn't apply. This prevents users from filing lawsuits in inconvenient or unfavorable jurisdictions.
Mediation Requirements
Consider requiring mediation before arbitration or litigation. Mediation is a non-binding process where a neutral third party helps resolve disputes collaboratively. It's often faster and cheaper than formal proceedings.
Specify mediation procedures, timelines (e.g., mediation must conclude within 60 days), and cost allocation. Make it clear that mediation is a prerequisite to arbitration or litigation but not binding if parties can't reach agreement.
Code Example 3: Version Manager (TypeScript)
// version-manager.ts - Manage ToS versions and track changes
import { diff_match_patch } from 'diff-match-patch';
import crypto from 'crypto';
interface TosVersionMetadata {
version: string;
effectiveDate: Date;
createdAt: Date;
createdBy: string;
changesSummary: string;
majorVersion: number;
minorVersion: number;
patchVersion: number;
}
interface TosChange {
type: 'addition' | 'deletion' | 'modification';
section: string;
oldContent?: string;
newContent?: string;
impact: 'major' | 'minor' | 'patch';
}
interface VersionComparison {
fromVersion: string;
toVersion: string;
changes: TosChange[];
requiresReacceptance: boolean;
changesSummary: string;
}
class TosVersionManager {
private dmp: diff_match_patch;
constructor() {
this.dmp = new diff_match_patch();
}
public parseVersion(versionString: string): {
major: number;
minor: number;
patch: number;
} {
const parts = versionString.split('.').map(Number);
if (parts.length !== 3 || parts.some(isNaN)) {
throw new Error('Invalid version format. Expected: major.minor.patch');
}
return {
major: parts[0],
minor: parts[1],
patch: parts[2]
};
}
public incrementVersion(
currentVersion: string,
impact: 'major' | 'minor' | 'patch'
): string {
const { major, minor, patch } = this.parseVersion(currentVersion);
switch (impact) {
case 'major':
return `${major + 1}.0.0`;
case 'minor':
return `${major}.${minor + 1}.0`;
case 'patch':
return `${major}.${minor}.${patch + 1}`;
default:
throw new Error('Invalid impact type');
}
}
public calculateContentHash(content: string): string {
return crypto
.createHash('sha256')
.update(content)
.digest('hex');
}
public compareVersions(
oldContent: string,
newContent: string,
oldVersion: string,
newVersion: string
): VersionComparison {
const diffs = this.dmp.diff_main(oldContent, newContent);
this.dmp.diff_cleanupSemantic(diffs);
const changes: TosChange[] = [];
let currentSection = 'Unknown';
diffs.forEach(([operation, text]) => {
// Extract section from content
const sectionMatch = text.match(/^##\s+(.+)$/m);
if (sectionMatch) {
currentSection = sectionMatch[1];
}
if (operation === 1) {
// Addition
changes.push({
type: 'addition',
section: currentSection,
newContent: text,
impact: this.determineImpact(text, 'addition')
});
} else if (operation === -1) {
// Deletion
changes.push({
type: 'deletion',
section: currentSection,
oldContent: text,
impact: this.determineImpact(text, 'deletion')
});
}
});
const maxImpact = this.getMaxImpact(changes);
const requiresReacceptance = maxImpact === 'major';
return {
fromVersion: oldVersion,
toVersion: newVersion,
changes,
requiresReacceptance,
changesSummary: this.generateChangesSummary(changes)
};
}
private determineImpact(
text: string,
operation: 'addition' | 'deletion'
): 'major' | 'minor' | 'patch' {
const lowerText = text.toLowerCase();
// Major changes: liability, dispute resolution, fundamental terms
const majorKeywords = [
'liability',
'arbitration',
'governing law',
'indemnification',
'warranty',
'termination'
];
// Minor changes: new features, clarifications
const minorKeywords = [
'feature',
'service',
'user obligation',
'prohibited use'
];
if (majorKeywords.some(keyword => lowerText.includes(keyword))) {
return 'major';
}
if (minorKeywords.some(keyword => lowerText.includes(keyword))) {
return 'minor';
}
// Patch: typos, formatting, minor clarifications
return 'patch';
}
private getMaxImpact(changes: TosChange[]): 'major' | 'minor' | 'patch' {
if (changes.some(c => c.impact === 'major')) return 'major';
if (changes.some(c => c.impact === 'minor')) return 'minor';
return 'patch';
}
private generateChangesSummary(changes: TosChange[]): string {
const additions = changes.filter(c => c.type === 'addition').length;
const deletions = changes.filter(c => c.type === 'deletion').length;
const modifications = changes.filter(c => c.type === 'modification').length;
const summary: string[] = [];
if (additions > 0) {
summary.push(`${additions} addition${additions > 1 ? 's' : ''}`);
}
if (deletions > 0) {
summary.push(`${deletions} deletion${deletions > 1 ? 's' : ''}`);
}
if (modifications > 0) {
summary.push(`${modifications} modification${modifications > 1 ? 's' : ''}`);
}
return summary.join(', ');
}
public createVersionMetadata(
content: string,
previousVersion: string | null,
changesSummary: string,
createdBy: string
): TosVersionMetadata {
const newVersionString = previousVersion
? this.incrementVersion(previousVersion, 'minor')
: '1.0.0';
const { major, minor, patch } = this.parseVersion(newVersionString);
return {
version: newVersionString,
effectiveDate: new Date(Date.now() + 30 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000), // 30 days from now
createdAt: new Date(),
createdBy,
changesSummary,
majorVersion: major,
minorVersion: minor,
patchVersion: patch
};
}
public generateChangeLog(
comparisons: VersionComparison[]
): string {
let changelog = '# Terms of Service Change Log\n\n';
comparisons
.sort((a, b) => {
const aVer = this.parseVersion(a.toVersion);
const bVer = this.parseVersion(b.toVersion);
if (aVer.major !== bVer.major) return bVer.major - aVer.major;
if (aVer.minor !== bVer.minor) return bVer.minor - aVer.minor;
return bVer.patch - aVer.patch;
})
.forEach(comparison => {
changelog += `## Version ${comparison.toVersion}\n\n`;
changelog += `**Changes from ${comparison.fromVersion}:**\n\n`;
comparison.changes.forEach(change => {
const emoji = change.type === 'addition' ? '➕' : '➖';
changelog += `${emoji} **${change.section}**: ${change.type}\n`;
});
changelog += `\n**Summary:** ${comparison.changesSummary}\n`;
changelog += `**Requires Re-acceptance:** ${comparison.requiresReacceptance ? 'Yes' : 'No'}\n\n`;
changelog += '---\n\n';
});
return changelog;
}
}
// Usage example
const versionManager = new TosVersionManager();
const oldContent = `
## 1. Acceptance of Terms
By using the service, you agree to these terms.
## 5. Limitation of Liability
We are not liable for any damages.
`;
const newContent = `
## 1. Acceptance of Terms
By using the service, you agree to these terms and our Privacy Policy.
## 5. Limitation of Liability
Our total liability shall not exceed $1,000 or the amount you paid in the past 12 months.
## 6. Dispute Resolution
Disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration.
`;
const comparison = versionManager.compareVersions(
oldContent,
newContent,
'1.0.0',
'2.0.0'
);
console.log('Version Comparison:', comparison);
console.log('Requires Re-acceptance:', comparison.requiresReacceptance);
Internal Link: Review our comprehensive acceptable use policy guide for creating enforceable user conduct rules that complement your dispute resolution mechanisms.
User Rights and Account Management
Balancing your business interests with user rights creates trust and ensures regulatory compliance. Your Terms of Service should clearly define user rights regarding account termination, data portability, refund policies, and modification procedures.
Account Termination Rights
Grant yourself the right to suspend or terminate user accounts for violations of the Terms of Service, non-payment, fraudulent activity, or abuse of the service. Specify the termination process, notice requirements, and whether users receive refunds for prepaid services.
Provide users with termination rights as well. Allow users to close their accounts at any time, specify how to request account deletion, and clarify what happens to their data post-termination.
For ChatGPT apps, address what happens to AI-generated content and conversation history when accounts are terminated. Specify retention periods for legal compliance and when data is permanently deleted.
Data Portability and Export
Under regulations like GDPR, users have the right to export their data in machine-readable formats. Include provisions allowing users to download their conversation history, generated content, and account information.
Specify the data export process, supported formats (JSON, CSV, etc.), and any limitations on what data can be exported. Make it clear whether AI-generated responses are included in exports and how frequently exports can be requested.
Refund Policies
Define your refund policy clearly to prevent disputes and chargebacks. Specify circumstances where refunds are granted (e.g., service outages, billing errors) and when they're not (e.g., change of mind, violation of terms).
For subscription-based ChatGPT apps, clarify whether refunds are prorated, how cancellation affects billing, and the process for requesting refunds. Consider offering satisfaction guarantees for new users while protecting against abuse.
Modification Rights
Reserve the right to modify the Terms of Service at any time while providing reasonable notice to users. Specify how users will be notified (email, in-app notification, dashboard banner) and when changes take effect.
Include language stating that continued use of the service after modification constitutes acceptance of the new terms. For material changes (liability, arbitration, pricing), consider requiring explicit re-acceptance.
Code Example 4: Clause Library (Markdown)
# Terms of Service Clause Library
## Acceptance Clauses
### Standard Acceptance
By creating an account or using [APP_NAME], you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Service.
### Continued Use Acceptance
Your continued use of the Service following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of such changes.
### Minor Users
You must be at least 18 years old to use this Service. If you are under 18, you may only use the Service with the involvement and consent of a parent or legal guardian.
## Service Description Clauses
### ChatGPT Integration
[APP_NAME] utilizes OpenAI's ChatGPT technology to provide AI-powered [FEATURES]. The Service is subject to OpenAI's usage policies, which are incorporated by reference.
### Beta Features
Certain features may be designated as beta, preview, or experimental. These features are provided "as is" and may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice.
### Service Availability
We strive to maintain high service availability but do not guarantee uninterrupted access. The Service may be unavailable due to maintenance, updates, or factors beyond our control.
## User Obligations Clauses
### Accurate Information
You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update such information as necessary to maintain its accuracy.
### Account Security
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use.
### Lawful Use
You agree to use the Service only for lawful purposes and in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and these Terms.
## Prohibited Uses Clauses
### General Prohibitions
You may not use the Service to:
- Violate any applicable laws or regulations
- Infringe upon intellectual property rights of others
- Transmit harmful code, viruses, or malware
- Engage in fraudulent or deceptive practices
- Harass, abuse, or harm other users
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to systems or data
### ChatGPT-Specific Prohibitions
You may not:
- Attempt to reverse-engineer or extract the underlying AI model
- Use the Service to generate content that violates OpenAI's usage policies
- Circumvent rate limits, quotas, or usage restrictions
- Use the Service for automated scraping or data collection
- Generate content for spam or unsolicited commercial purposes
### Content Restrictions
You may not use the Service to generate or transmit:
- Illegal, harmful, or offensive content
- Content that promotes violence, hate speech, or discrimination
- Sexually explicit or inappropriate content involving minors
- Medical, legal, or financial advice without appropriate disclaimers
- Misinformation or deliberately false information
## Intellectual Property Clauses
### Service Ownership
[COMPANY_NAME] retains all rights, title, and interest in and to the Service, including all intellectual property rights. These Terms do not grant you any ownership rights in the Service.
### User Content Ownership
You retain all rights to content you input into the Service ("Input Content"). By using the Service, you grant us a limited license to use, process, and store Input Content solely to provide the Service.
### AI-Generated Content Ownership
Subject to your compliance with these Terms and OpenAI's usage policies, you own the content generated by the Service in response to your prompts ("Output Content"). We assign to you all our rights in Output Content.
### License Grant
You grant [COMPANY_NAME] a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and display Input Content solely to provide, maintain, and improve the Service.
## Warranty Disclaimer Clauses
### AS IS Disclaimer
THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.
### AI Content Disclaimer
AI-GENERATED CONTENT MAY CONTAIN ERRORS, INACCURACIES, OR OUTDATED INFORMATION. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT AI RESPONSES ARE PROBABILISTIC AND SHOULD BE VERIFIED INDEPENDENTLY BEFORE RELYING ON THEM FOR IMPORTANT DECISIONS.
### No Professional Advice
The Service does not provide medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice. AI-generated responses are for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional advice.
## Limitation of Liability Clauses
### Consequential Damages Exclusion
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, [COMPANY_NAME] SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, USE, OR GOODWILL.
### Liability Cap
[COMPANY_NAME]'S TOTAL LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE SERVICE SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) $[AMOUNT] OR (B) THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO [COMPANY_NAME] IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.
### Essential Purpose
The limitations of liability set forth in this Section shall apply even if any remedy fails of its essential purpose.
## Indemnification Clauses
### User Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless [COMPANY_NAME] and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses arising out of or relating to: (a) your use of the Service; (b) your violation of these Terms; (c) your violation of any rights of another party; or (d) your Input Content.
### Process
We will notify you of any claim subject to indemnification and give you the opportunity to defend. We reserve the right to assume exclusive defense and control of any matter subject to indemnification.
## Dispute Resolution Clauses
### Binding Arbitration
Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Service shall be resolved through binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Commercial Arbitration Rules. The arbitration shall take place in [LOCATION], and judgment on the award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.
### Class Action Waiver
You agree to resolve disputes with [COMPANY_NAME] only on an individual basis and waive your right to participate in class actions, class arbitrations, or representative actions. This waiver applies to the fullest extent permitted by law.
### Small Claims Exception
Notwithstanding the arbitration requirement, either party may bring an individual action in small claims court if the claim qualifies.
### Mediation Requirement
Before initiating arbitration, the parties agree to first attempt to resolve the dispute through mediation. If mediation does not resolve the dispute within 60 days, either party may proceed to arbitration.
## Governing Law Clauses
### Choice of Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [STATE], without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
### International Users
If you access the Service from outside [COUNTRY], you do so at your own risk and are responsible for compliance with local laws. Certain features may not be available in your jurisdiction.
## Modification Clauses
### Right to Modify
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by email or through the Service at least [DAYS] days before they take effect.
### Acceptance of Changes
Your continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes your acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree to the changes, you must discontinue use of the Service.
## Termination Clauses
### Termination by Company
We may suspend or terminate your access to the Service immediately, without notice, for: (a) violation of these Terms; (b) non-payment; (c) fraudulent or illegal activity; or (d) at our sole discretion if we cease offering the Service.
### Termination by User
You may terminate your account at any time by [TERMINATION_PROCESS]. Upon termination, your right to use the Service ceases immediately.
### Effect of Termination
Upon termination: (a) your access to the Service will be revoked; (b) we may delete your data in accordance with our Privacy Policy; (c) provisions that by their nature should survive termination will remain in effect, including intellectual property rights, limitation of liability, and dispute resolution.
## Data and Privacy Clauses
### Privacy Policy
Your use of the Service is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. Please review our Privacy Policy to understand our data practices.
### Data Retention
We retain your data as described in our Privacy Policy. Upon account termination, we will delete or anonymize your data within [DAYS] days, except where retention is required by law.
### Data Export
You may request a copy of your data in machine-readable format by contacting [EMAIL]. We will provide your data within [DAYS] business days of your request.
## Miscellaneous Clauses
### Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and [COMPANY_NAME] regarding the Service and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.
### Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that these Terms otherwise remain in full force and effect.
### No Waiver
Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.
### Assignment
You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your rights hereunder without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms without restriction.
### Force Majeure
[COMPANY_NAME] shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, war, terrorism, riots, embargoes, acts of civil or military authorities, fire, floods, accidents, pandemics, strikes, or shortages of transportation, facilities, fuel, energy, labor, or materials.
### Contact Information
For questions about these Terms, please contact us at: [COMPANY_NAME] [ADDRESS] Email: [EMAIL] Phone: [PHONE]
Code Example 5: User Agreement UI (React)
// UserAgreementUI.tsx - Interactive Terms of Service acceptance interface
import React, { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
import { marked } from 'marked';
interface TosSection {
id: string;
title: string;
content: string;
required: boolean;
}
interface UserAgreementUIProps {
tosContent: string;
version: string;
onAccept: (acceptanceData: AcceptanceData) => void;
onDecline: () => void;
showDeclineOption?: boolean;
}
interface AcceptanceData {
version: string;
acceptedAt: Date;
readTime: number;
sectionsViewed: string[];
ipAddress?: string;
}
export const UserAgreementUI: React.FC<UserAgreementUIProps> = ({
tosContent,
version,
onAccept,
onDecline,
showDeclineOption = true
}) => {
const [hasScrolledToBottom, setHasScrolledToBottom] = useState(false);
const [hasReadLongEnough, setHasReadLongEnough] = useState(false);
const [startTime] = useState(Date.now());
const [sectionsViewed, setSectionsViewed] = useState<Set<string>>(new Set());
const [isAccepting, setIsAccepting] = useState(false);
const [highlightedSection, setHighlightedSection] = useState<string | null>(null);
const sections = parseTosIntoSections(tosContent);
const estimatedReadTime = Math.ceil(tosContent.split(/\s+/).length / 200); // 200 words per minute
useEffect(() => {
const timer = setTimeout(() => {
setHasReadLongEnough(true);
}, estimatedReadTime * 60 * 1000); // Convert minutes to milliseconds
return () => clearTimeout(timer);
}, [estimatedReadTime]);
const handleScroll = (e: React.UIEvent<HTMLDivElement>) => {
const element = e.currentTarget;
const isBottom = element.scrollHeight - element.scrollTop <= element.clientHeight + 50;
if (isBottom && !hasScrolledToBottom) {
setHasScrolledToBottom(true);
}
// Track which sections are in view
sections.forEach(section => {
const sectionElement = document.getElementById(`section-${section.id}`);
if (sectionElement) {
const rect = sectionElement.getBoundingClientRect();
if (rect.top >= 0 && rect.top <= window.innerHeight / 2) {
setSectionsViewed(prev => new Set(prev).add(section.id));
}
}
});
};
const handleAccept = async () => {
setIsAccepting(true);
const acceptanceData: AcceptanceData = {
version,
acceptedAt: new Date(),
readTime: Math.floor((Date.now() - startTime) / 1000),
sectionsViewed: Array.from(sectionsViewed)
};
try {
await onAccept(acceptanceData);
} catch (error) {
console.error('Error recording acceptance:', error);
setIsAccepting(false);
}
};
const canAccept = hasScrolledToBottom && hasReadLongEnough;
return (
<div className="user-agreement-container">
<div className="tos-header">
<h1>Terms of Service</h1>
<div className="version-info">
<span className="version-badge">Version {version}</span>
<span className="read-time">
Estimated read time: {estimatedReadTime} min
</span>
</div>
</div>
<div className="tos-progress">
<ProgressBar
sectionsTotal={sections.filter(s => s.required).length}
sectionsViewed={Array.from(sectionsViewed).filter(id =>
sections.find(s => s.id === id)?.required
).length}
hasScrolledToBottom={hasScrolledToBottom}
hasReadLongEnough={hasReadLongEnough}
/>
</div>
<div
className="tos-content"
onScroll={handleScroll}
>
{sections.map(section => (
<div
key={section.id}
id={`section-${section.id}`}
className={`tos-section ${
highlightedSection === section.id ? 'highlighted' : ''
} ${
sectionsViewed.has(section.id) ? 'viewed' : ''
}`}
>
<h2>
{section.title}
{section.required && (
<span className="required-badge">Required</span>
)}
{sectionsViewed.has(section.id) && (
<span className="checkmark">✓</span>
)}
</h2>
<div
className="section-content"
dangerouslySetInnerHTML={{
__html: marked(section.content)
}}
/>
</div>
))}
{!hasScrolledToBottom && (
<div className="scroll-indicator">
<p>Please scroll to the bottom to continue</p>
<div className="scroll-arrow">↓</div>
</div>
)}
</div>
<div className="tos-actions">
<div className="acceptance-requirements">
<div className={`requirement ${hasScrolledToBottom ? 'met' : ''}`}>
{hasScrolledToBottom ? '✓' : '○'} Read entire document
</div>
<div className={`requirement ${hasReadLongEnough ? 'met' : ''}`}>
{hasReadLongEnough ? '✓' : '○'} Minimum read time ({estimatedReadTime} min)
</div>
<div className={`requirement ${sectionsViewed.size === sections.length ? 'met' : ''}`}>
{sectionsViewed.size === sections.length ? '✓' : '○'}
Viewed all sections ({sectionsViewed.size}/{sections.length})
</div>
</div>
<div className="action-buttons">
{showDeclineOption && (
<button
className="btn-decline"
onClick={onDecline}
disabled={isAccepting}
>
Decline
</button>
)}
<button
className="btn-accept"
onClick={handleAccept}
disabled={!canAccept || isAccepting}
title={
!canAccept
? 'Please read the entire Terms of Service before accepting'
: ''
}
>
{isAccepting ? 'Processing...' : 'I Accept'}
</button>
</div>
{!canAccept && (
<p className="acceptance-note">
You must read the entire Terms of Service before accepting.
</p>
)}
</div>
<style jsx>{`
.user-agreement-container {
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
padding: 2rem;
font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;
}
.tos-header {
margin-bottom: 2rem;
border-bottom: 2px solid #e5e7eb;
padding-bottom: 1rem;
}
.tos-header h1 {
font-size: 2rem;
font-weight: 700;
margin: 0 0 1rem 0;
color: #111827;
}
.version-info {
display: flex;
gap: 1rem;
align-items: center;
}
.version-badge {
display: inline-block;
padding: 0.25rem 0.75rem;
background: #3b82f6;
color: white;
border-radius: 9999px;
font-size: 0.875rem;
font-weight: 600;
}
.read-time {
color: #6b7280;
font-size: 0.875rem;
}
.tos-progress {
margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
}
.tos-content {
max-height: 500px;
overflow-y: auto;
border: 1px solid #e5e7eb;
border-radius: 0.5rem;
padding: 2rem;
margin-bottom: 2rem;
background: white;
}
.tos-section {
margin-bottom: 2rem;
padding: 1rem;
border-left: 3px solid transparent;
transition: all 0.3s;
}
.tos-section.highlighted {
border-left-color: #3b82f6;
background: #eff6ff;
}
.tos-section.viewed {
opacity: 0.8;
}
.tos-section h2 {
font-size: 1.5rem;
font-weight: 600;
margin: 0 0 1rem 0;
color: #111827;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
gap: 0.5rem;
}
.required-badge {
display: inline-block;
padding: 0.125rem 0.5rem;
background: #dc2626;
color: white;
border-radius: 0.25rem;
font-size: 0.75rem;
font-weight: 600;
}
.checkmark {
color: #10b981;
font-size: 1.25rem;
}
.section-content {
color: #374151;
line-height: 1.75;
}
.scroll-indicator {
text-align: center;
padding: 2rem;
color: #6b7280;
}
.scroll-arrow {
font-size: 2rem;
animation: bounce 2s infinite;
}
@keyframes bounce {
0%, 20%, 50%, 80%, 100% {
transform: translateY(0);
}
40% {
transform: translateY(-10px);
}
60% {
transform: translateY(-5px);
}
}
.tos-actions {
background: #f9fafb;
border: 1px solid #e5e7eb;
border-radius: 0.5rem;
padding: 1.5rem;
}
.acceptance-requirements {
margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
}
.requirement {
padding: 0.5rem 0;
color: #6b7280;
font-size: 0.875rem;
}
.requirement.met {
color: #10b981;
font-weight: 600;
}
.action-buttons {
display: flex;
gap: 1rem;
justify-content: flex-end;
}
.btn-decline,
.btn-accept {
padding: 0.75rem 2rem;
border-radius: 0.5rem;
font-weight: 600;
font-size: 1rem;
cursor: pointer;
transition: all 0.2s;
}
.btn-decline {
background: white;
color: #374151;
border: 1px solid #d1d5db;
}
.btn-decline:hover:not(:disabled) {
background: #f9fafb;
}
.btn-accept {
background: #3b82f6;
color: white;
border: none;
}
.btn-accept:hover:not(:disabled) {
background: #2563eb;
}
.btn-accept:disabled,
.btn-decline:disabled {
opacity: 0.5;
cursor: not-allowed;
}
.acceptance-note {
margin-top: 1rem;
color: #6b7280;
font-size: 0.875rem;
text-align: center;
}
`}</style>
</div>
);
};
const ProgressBar: React.FC<{
sectionsTotal: number;
sectionsViewed: number;
hasScrolledToBottom: boolean;
hasReadLongEnough: boolean;
}> = ({ sectionsTotal, sectionsViewed, hasScrolledToBottom, hasReadLongEnough }) => {
const progress = (sectionsViewed / sectionsTotal) * 100;
return (
<div className="progress-container">
<div className="progress-bar">
<div
className="progress-fill"
style={{ width: `${progress}%` }}
/>
</div>
<div className="progress-text">
{sectionsViewed} of {sectionsTotal} required sections viewed
</div>
<style jsx>{`
.progress-container {
width: 100%;
}
.progress-bar {
width: 100%;
height: 8px;
background: #e5e7eb;
border-radius: 9999px;
overflow: hidden;
}
.progress-fill {
height: 100%;
background: #3b82f6;
transition: width 0.3s;
}
.progress-text {
margin-top: 0.5rem;
color: #6b7280;
font-size: 0.875rem;
text-align: center;
}
`}</style>
</div>
);
};
function parseTosIntoSections(tosContent: string): TosSection[] {
const sections: TosSection[] = [];
const lines = tosContent.split('\n');
let currentSection: Partial<TosSection> | null = null;
let sectionCounter = 0;
lines.forEach(line => {
const headerMatch = line.match(/^##\s+(.+)$/);
if (headerMatch) {
if (currentSection) {
sections.push(currentSection as TosSection);
}
sectionCounter++;
currentSection = {
id: `section-${sectionCounter}`,
title: headerMatch[1],
content: '',
required: true
};
} else if (currentSection) {
currentSection.content += line + '\n';
}
});
if (currentSection) {
sections.push(currentSection as TosSection);
}
return sections;
}
Internal Link: Build user trust with our privacy policy best practices guide that complements your Terms of Service and ensures comprehensive legal protection.
Enforcement and Compliance Mechanisms
Creating enforceable Terms of Service requires more than well-drafted clauses—you need robust mechanisms for obtaining user acceptance, tracking versions, providing notice of changes, and enforcing compliance. These operational procedures transform legal documents into practical protection.
Acceptance Mechanisms
Implement clear acceptance mechanisms that create legally binding agreements. Use "clickwrap" agreements where users must affirmatively check a box or click "I Accept" before accessing the service. This creates stronger evidence of acceptance than "browsewrap" agreements (links in footers).
For signup flows, require new users to review and accept Terms of Service before creating accounts. Display key terms prominently, provide easy access to the full document, and track acceptance with timestamps, IP addresses, and version numbers.
Consider implementing graduated acceptance for updates. Minor changes (typos, clarifications) may rely on continued use as acceptance, while material changes (liability, arbitration, pricing) should require explicit re-acceptance through modal dialogs or account blocks.
Version Control Systems
Maintain comprehensive version history of all Terms of Service revisions. Store previous versions with effective dates, change summaries, and metadata about who approved changes and when they were deployed.
Implement version numbering (semantic versioning: major.minor.patch) that signals the significance of changes. Major version increments indicate substantive changes requiring re-acceptance; minor versions indicate clarifications or additions; patch versions fix errors.
Create change logs that summarize differences between versions in user-friendly language. Don't just say "Terms updated"—specify "Added arbitration clause (Section 8)" or "Clarified refund policy (Section 6.3)."
Notice Requirements
Provide adequate notice before Terms of Service changes take effect. Industry best practice is 30 days for material changes, though you may specify shorter periods for minor updates or security-related modifications.
Use multiple notification channels: email to registered users, in-app banners, dashboard notifications, and blog posts for significant changes. Don't rely solely on passive notifications (website updates); proactively inform users.
For material changes affecting user rights (especially arbitration or liability provisions), consider requiring explicit acceptance rather than relying on notice and continued use. This reduces enforceability challenges.
Compliance Monitoring
Implement systems to detect Terms of Service violations through automated monitoring, user reports, and manual reviews. Track prohibited activities, suspicious patterns, and repeated violations.
Establish graduated enforcement procedures: warnings for minor first violations, temporary suspensions for repeated issues, permanent bans for serious violations (illegal activity, abuse). Document all enforcement actions with timestamps and reasons.
Create appeal processes allowing users to contest enforcement decisions. This demonstrates fairness, reduces disputes, and helps identify false positives in automated detection systems.
Code Example 6: Enforcement Logger (TypeScript)
// enforcement-logger.ts - Track and log ToS enforcement actions
import { Firestore, Timestamp } from '@google-cloud/firestore';
interface EnforcementAction {
id?: string;
userId: string;
actionType: 'warning' | 'suspension' | 'termination' | 'appeal_approved' | 'appeal_denied';
violationType: string;
severity: 'minor' | 'moderate' | 'severe' | 'critical';
description: string;
evidence?: string[];
tosSection: string;
takenAt: Date;
takenBy: string;
expiresAt?: Date;
appealable: boolean;
appealDeadline?: Date;
}
interface ViolationHistory {
userId: string;
totalViolations: number;
warningCount: number;
suspensionCount: number;
terminationCount: number;
lastViolation?: Date;
riskScore: number;
}
interface Appeal {
id?: string;
enforcementActionId: string;
userId: string;
reason: string;
evidence?: string[];
submittedAt: Date;
reviewedAt?: Date;
reviewedBy?: string;
decision?: 'approved' | 'denied';
notes?: string;
}
class TosEnforcementLogger {
private db: Firestore;
private actionsCollection = 'enforcement_actions';
private appealsCollection = 'enforcement_appeals';
constructor(firestore: Firestore) {
this.db = firestore;
}
async logAction(action: EnforcementAction): Promise<string> {
const actionRef = this.db.collection(this.actionsCollection).doc();
const actionData = {
...action,
id: actionRef.id,
takenAt: Timestamp.fromDate(action.takenAt),
expiresAt: action.expiresAt ? Timestamp.fromDate(action.expiresAt) : null,
appealDeadline: action.appealDeadline ? Timestamp.fromDate(action.appealDeadline) : null
};
await actionRef.set(actionData);
// Update user's enforcement history
await this.updateViolationHistory(action.userId, action.actionType);
// Send notification to user
await this.notifyUser(action);
console.log(`Enforcement action logged: ${action.actionType} for user ${action.userId}`);
return actionRef.id;
}
async getViolationHistory(userId: string): Promise<ViolationHistory> {
const snapshot = await this.db
.collection(this.actionsCollection)
.where('userId', '==', userId)
.orderBy('takenAt', 'desc')
.get();
const actions = snapshot.docs.map(doc => doc.data() as EnforcementAction);
const warningCount = actions.filter(a => a.actionType === 'warning').length;
const suspensionCount = actions.filter(a => a.actionType === 'suspension').length;
const terminationCount = actions.filter(a => a.actionType === 'termination').length;
const lastViolation = actions.length > 0
? actions[0].takenAt
: undefined;
const riskScore = this.calculateRiskScore(warningCount, suspensionCount, terminationCount);
return {
userId,
totalViolations: actions.length,
warningCount,
suspensionCount,
terminationCount,
lastViolation,
riskScore
};
}
private calculateRiskScore(
warnings: number,
suspensions: number,
terminations: number
): number {
// Risk score: 0-100
// Warnings: +10 each
// Suspensions: +25 each
// Terminations: +50 each
const score = (warnings * 10) + (suspensions * 25) + (terminations * 50);
return Math.min(score, 100);
}
async recommendAction(userId: string, violationType: string): Promise<{
recommendedAction: EnforcementAction['actionType'];
reason: string;
}> {
const history = await this.getViolationHistory(userId);
// First offense: warning
if (history.totalViolations === 0) {
return {
recommendedAction: 'warning',
reason: 'First violation - issue warning'
};
}
// Multiple warnings: suspension
if (history.warningCount >= 2 && history.suspensionCount === 0) {
return {
recommendedAction: 'suspension',
reason: 'Multiple warnings - escalate to suspension'
};
}
// Multiple suspensions: termination
if (history.suspensionCount >= 2) {
return {
recommendedAction: 'termination',
reason: 'Multiple suspensions - terminate account'
};
}
// High risk score: suspension
if (history.riskScore >= 50) {
return {
recommendedAction: 'suspension',
reason: 'High risk score - suspend account'
};
}
// Default: warning
return {
recommendedAction: 'warning',
reason: 'Standard violation - issue warning'
};
}
async submitAppeal(appeal: Appeal): Promise<string> {
const appealRef = this.db.collection(this.appealsCollection).doc();
const appealData = {
...appeal,
id: appealRef.id,
submittedAt: Timestamp.fromDate(appeal.submittedAt)
};
await appealRef.set(appealData);
console.log(`Appeal submitted for enforcement action ${appeal.enforcementActionId}`);
return appealRef.id;
}
async reviewAppeal(
appealId: string,
decision: 'approved' | 'denied',
reviewedBy: string,
notes?: string
): Promise<void> {
const appealRef = this.db.collection(this.appealsCollection).doc(appealId);
await appealRef.update({
decision,
reviewedBy,
reviewedAt: Timestamp.now(),
notes: notes || ''
});
const appealDoc = await appealRef.get();
const appeal = appealDoc.data() as Appeal;
// If approved, reverse the enforcement action
if (decision === 'approved') {
await this.reverseAction(appeal.enforcementActionId, reviewedBy);
}
// Log the appeal decision as a new enforcement action
const enforcementActionRef = this.db
.collection(this.actionsCollection)
.doc(appeal.enforcementActionId);
const enforcementAction = (await enforcementActionRef.get()).data() as EnforcementAction;
await this.logAction({
userId: appeal.userId,
actionType: decision === 'approved' ? 'appeal_approved' : 'appeal_denied',
violationType: enforcementAction.violationType,
severity: enforcementAction.severity,
description: `Appeal ${decision}: ${notes || 'No additional notes'}`,
tosSection: enforcementAction.tosSection,
takenAt: new Date(),
takenBy: reviewedBy,
appealable: false
});
console.log(`Appeal ${appealId} ${decision} by ${reviewedBy}`);
}
private async reverseAction(actionId: string, reversedBy: string): Promise<void> {
const actionRef = this.db.collection(this.actionsCollection).doc(actionId);
await actionRef.update({
reversed: true,
reversedBy,
reversedAt: Timestamp.now()
});
console.log(`Enforcement action ${actionId} reversed by ${reversedBy}`);
}
private async updateViolationHistory(
userId: string,
actionType: EnforcementAction['actionType']
): Promise<void> {
const userRef = this.db.collection('users').doc(userId);
const increment = Firestore.FieldValue.increment(1);
const updates: any = {
'enforcementHistory.totalActions': increment,
'enforcementHistory.lastActionAt': Timestamp.now()
};
switch (actionType) {
case 'warning':
updates['enforcementHistory.warnings'] = increment;
break;
case 'suspension':
updates['enforcementHistory.suspensions'] = increment;
break;
case 'termination':
updates['enforcementHistory.terminations'] = increment;
updates['accountStatus'] = 'terminated';
break;
}
await userRef.update(updates);
}
private async notifyUser(action: EnforcementAction): Promise<void> {
// Implementation would send email notification
console.log(`Notification sent to user ${action.userId} about ${action.actionType}`);
}
async getEnforcementStats(
startDate: Date,
endDate: Date
): Promise<{
totalActions: number;
actionsByType: Record<string, number>;
actionsBySeverity: Record<string, number>;
avgActionsPerDay: number;
}> {
const snapshot = await this.db
.collection(this.actionsCollection)
.where('takenAt', '>=', Timestamp.fromDate(startDate))
.where('takenAt', '<=', Timestamp.fromDate(endDate))
.get();
const actions = snapshot.docs.map(doc => doc.data() as EnforcementAction);
const actionsByType: Record<string, number> = {};
const actionsBySeverity: Record<string, number> = {};
actions.forEach(action => {
actionsByType[action.actionType] = (actionsByType[action.actionType] || 0) + 1;
actionsBySeverity[action.severity] = (actionsBySeverity[action.severity] || 0) + 1;
});
const daysDiff = Math.ceil(
(endDate.getTime() - startDate.getTime()) / (1000 * 60 * 60 * 24)
);
return {
totalActions: actions.length,
actionsByType,
actionsBySeverity,
avgActionsPerDay: actions.length / daysDiff
};
}
}
// Usage example
const db = new Firestore();
const enforcementLogger = new TosEnforcementLogger(db);
// Log a warning
const warningAction: EnforcementAction = {
userId: 'user123',
actionType: 'warning',
violationType: 'spam',
severity: 'moderate',
description: 'User sent spam messages to multiple users',
evidence: ['message-id-1', 'message-id-2'],
tosSection: '4. Prohibited Uses',
takenAt: new Date(),
takenBy: 'admin@example.com',
appealable: true,
appealDeadline: new Date(Date.now() + 7 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000) // 7 days
};
const actionId = await enforcementLogger.logAction(warningAction);
// Get recommendation for next violation
const recommendation = await enforcementLogger.recommendAction('user123', 'spam');
console.log('Recommended action:', recommendation);
// Get violation history
const history = await enforcementLogger.getViolationHistory('user123');
console.log('User violation history:', history);
Code Example 7: Modification Notifier (TypeScript)
// modification-notifier.ts - Notify users of ToS changes and track acknowledgments
import { Firestore, Timestamp } from '@google-cloud/firestore';
import nodemailer from 'nodemailer';
interface TosModification {
id?: string;
fromVersion: string;
toVersion: string;
effectiveDate: Date;
notificationDate: Date;
changeType: 'major' | 'minor' | 'patch';
changesSummary: string;
requiresReacceptance: boolean;
notificationsSent: number;
acknowledgmentsReceived: number;
}
interface UserNotification {
id?: string;
userId: string;
modificationId: string;
sentAt: Date;
acknowledgedAt?: Date;
notificationMethod: 'email' | 'in_app' | 'both';
emailOpened?: boolean;
linkClicked?: boolean;
}
interface NotificationTemplate {
subject: string;
htmlBody: string;
textBody: string;
}
class TosModificationNotifier {
private db: Firestore;
private mailer: nodemailer.Transporter;
private modificationsCollection = 'tos_modifications';
private notificationsCollection = 'tos_notifications';
constructor(firestore: Firestore, mailerConfig: nodemailer.TransportOptions) {
this.db = firestore;
this.mailer = nodemailer.createTransport(mailerConfig);
}
async createModification(modification: TosModification): Promise<string> {
const modRef = this.db.collection(this.modificationsCollection).doc();
const modData = {
...modification,
id: modRef.id,
effectiveDate: Timestamp.fromDate(modification.effectiveDate),
notificationDate: Timestamp.fromDate(modification.notificationDate),
createdAt: Timestamp.now()
};
await modRef.set(modData);
console.log(`ToS modification created: ${modification.toVersion}`);
return modRef.id;
}
async notifyAllUsers(modificationId: string): Promise<{
totalUsers: number;
notificationsSent: number;
errors: number;
}> {
const modDoc = await this.db
.collection(this.modificationsCollection)
.doc(modificationId)
.get();
if (!modDoc.exists) {
throw new Error('Modification not found');
}
const modification = modDoc.data() as TosModification;
// Get all active users
const usersSnapshot = await this.db
.collection('users')
.where('accountStatus', '==', 'active')
.get();
const totalUsers = usersSnapshot.size;
let notificationsSent = 0;
let errors = 0;
// Batch notify users (100 at a time to avoid rate limits)
const batchSize = 100;
const users = usersSnapshot.docs;
for (let i = 0; i < users.length; i += batchSize) {
const batch = users.slice(i, i + batchSize);
const results = await Promise.allSettled(
batch.map(userDoc =>
this.notifyUser(userDoc.id, modification, modificationId)
)
);
results.forEach(result => {
if (result.status === 'fulfilled') {
notificationsSent++;
} else {
errors++;
console.error('Notification error:', result.reason);
}
});
// Wait 1 second between batches
if (i + batchSize < users.length) {
await new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(resolve, 1000));
}
}
// Update modification stats
await this.db
.collection(this.modificationsCollection)
.doc(modificationId)
.update({
notificationsSent,
lastNotificationBatch: Timestamp.now()
});
return {
totalUsers,
notificationsSent,
errors
};
}
private async notifyUser(
userId: string,
modification: TosModification,
modificationId: string
): Promise<void> {
const userDoc = await this.db.collection('users').doc(userId).get();
if (!userDoc.exists) {
throw new Error('User not found');
}
const user = userDoc.data()!;
const email = user.email;
// Generate notification template
const template = this.generateNotificationTemplate(modification);
// Send email
await this.mailer.sendMail({
from: 'legal@example.com',
to: email,
subject: template.subject,
text: template.textBody,
html: template.htmlBody
});
// Log notification
const notificationRef = this.db.collection(this.notificationsCollection).doc();
await notificationRef.set({
id: notificationRef.id,
userId,
modificationId,
sentAt: Timestamp.now(),
notificationMethod: 'email'
});
console.log(`Notification sent to user ${userId}`);
}
private generateNotificationTemplate(
modification: TosModification
): NotificationTemplate {
const subject = modification.requiresReacceptance
? 'Important: Terms of Service Update - Action Required'
: 'Notice: Terms of Service Update';
const effectiveDateStr = modification.effectiveDate.toLocaleDateString();
const htmlBody = `
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; color: #333; }
.container { max-width: 600px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 20px; }
.header { background: #0A0E27; color: #D4AF37; padding: 20px; text-align: center; }
.content { padding: 20px; background: #f9f9f9; }
.cta { background: #D4AF37; color: #0A0E27; padding: 12px 24px; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 4px; display: inline-block; margin: 20px 0; }
.footer { padding: 20px; text-align: center; font-size: 12px; color: #666; }
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div class="container">
<div class="header">
<h1>Terms of Service Update</h1>
</div>
<div class="content">
<p>Hello,</p>
<p>We're writing to inform you that our Terms of Service will be updated on <strong>${effectiveDateStr}</strong>.</p>
<h2>What's Changing?</h2>
<p>${modification.changesSummary}</p>
${modification.requiresReacceptance ? `
<p style="background: #fff3cd; padding: 15px; border-left: 4px solid #ffc107;">
<strong>Action Required:</strong> These changes affect your rights and obligations.
You must review and accept the updated Terms to continue using our service.
</p>
<a href="https://example.com/tos/review?version=${modification.toVersion}" class="cta">
Review and Accept Updated Terms
</a>
` : `
<p>No action is required. You can continue using our service. Your continued use after ${effectiveDateStr} constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.</p>
<a href="https://example.com/tos/${modification.toVersion}" class="cta">
View Updated Terms
</a>
`}
<h2>Key Changes</h2>
<p>Version ${modification.fromVersion} → ${modification.toVersion}</p>
<p>Change Type: ${modification.changeType.toUpperCase()}</p>
<p>If you have any questions, please contact our legal team at legal@example.com.</p>
<p>Thank you for your continued trust.</p>
</div>
<div class="footer">
<p>© ${new Date().getFullYear()} Example Company. All rights reserved.</p>
<p>
<a href="https://example.com/tos">Terms of Service</a> |
<a href="https://example.com/privacy">Privacy Policy</a>
</p>
</div>
</div>
</body>
</html>
`;
const textBody = `
Terms of Service Update
Hello,
We're writing to inform you that our Terms of Service will be updated on ${effectiveDateStr}.
What's Changing?
${modification.changesSummary}
${modification.requiresReacceptance
? `Action Required: These changes affect your rights and obligations. You must review and accept the updated Terms to continue using our service.
Review and Accept: https://example.com/tos/review?version=${modification.toVersion}`
: `No action is required. You can continue using our service. Your continued use after ${effectiveDateStr} constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
View Updated Terms: https://example.com/tos/${modification.toVersion}`}
Key Changes:
- Version: ${modification.fromVersion} → ${modification.toVersion}
- Change Type: ${modification.changeType.toUpperCase()}
If you have any questions, please contact our legal team at legal@example.com.
Thank you for your continued trust.
`;
return {
subject,
htmlBody,
textBody
};
}
async trackAcknowledgment(notificationId: string): Promise<void> {
const notificationRef = this.db
.collection(this.notificationsCollection)
.doc(notificationId);
await notificationRef.update({
acknowledgedAt: Timestamp.now()
});
// Update modification stats
const notification = (await notificationRef.get()).data() as UserNotification;
await this.db
.collection(this.modificationsCollection)
.doc(notification.modificationId)
.update({
acknowledgmentsReceived: Firestore.FieldValue.increment(1)
});
console.log(`Notification ${notificationId} acknowledged`);
}
async getAcknowledgmentStats(modificationId: string): Promise<{
notificationsSent: number;
acknowledgmentsReceived: number;
acknowledgmentRate: number;
pendingAcknowledgments: number;
}> {
const modDoc = await this.db
.collection(this.modificationsCollection)
.doc(modificationId)
.get();
if (!modDoc.exists) {
throw new Error('Modification not found');
}
const mod = modDoc.data() as TosModification;
const notificationsSent = mod.notificationsSent || 0;
const acknowledgmentsReceived = mod.acknowledgmentsReceived || 0;
const acknowledgmentRate = notificationsSent > 0
? (acknowledgmentsReceived / notificationsSent) * 100
: 0;
const pendingAcknowledgments = notificationsSent - acknowledgmentsReceived;
return {
notificationsSent,
acknowledgmentsReceived,
acknowledgmentRate,
pendingAcknowledgments
};
}
}
// Usage example
const db = new Firestore();
const notifier = new TosModificationNotifier(db, {
host: 'smtp.example.com',
port: 587,
secure: false,
auth: {
user: 'notifications@example.com',
pass: 'password'
}
});
// Create modification
const modification: TosModification = {
fromVersion: '1.0.0',
toVersion: '2.0.0',
effectiveDate: new Date(Date.now() + 30 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000), // 30 days
notificationDate: new Date(),
changeType: 'major',
changesSummary: 'Added arbitration clause, updated liability limitations',
requiresReacceptance: true,
notificationsSent: 0,
acknowledgmentsReceived: 0
};
const modId = await notifier.createModification(modification);
// Notify all users
const results = await notifier.notifyAllUsers(modId);
console.log('Notification results:', results);
// Get acknowledgment stats
const stats = await notifier.getAcknowledgmentStats(modId);
console.log('Acknowledgment stats:', stats);
Code Example 8: Compliance Checker (TypeScript)
// compliance-checker.ts - Validate ToS compliance with legal requirements
interface ComplianceRequirement {
id: string;
category: 'disclosure' | 'consumer_protection' | 'data_privacy' | 'accessibility';
description: string;
jurisdiction: string[];
severity: 'required' | 'recommended' | 'optional';
validator: (tosContent: string) => boolean;
}
interface ComplianceReport {
overallCompliant: boolean;
score: number;
totalRequirements: number;
metRequirements: number;
failedRequirements: ComplianceIssue[];
warnings: ComplianceIssue[];
recommendations: string[];
jurisdictionCompliance: Record<string, boolean>;
}
interface ComplianceIssue {
requirement: ComplianceRequirement;
reason: string;
suggestedFix?: string;
}
class TosComplianceChecker {
private requirements: ComplianceRequirement[];
constructor() {
this.requirements = this.initializeRequirements();
}
private initializeRequirements(): ComplianceRequirement[] {
return [
{
id: 'acceptance_language',
category: 'disclosure',
description: 'Clear acceptance language present',
jurisdiction: ['US', 'EU', 'Global'],
severity: 'required',
validator: (tos) => /by (accessing|using|creating).*you agree/i.test(tos)
},
{
id: 'liability_limitation',
category: 'disclosure',
description: 'Limitation of liability clause present',
jurisdiction: ['US', 'Global'],
severity: 'required',
validator: (tos) => /limitation of liability/i.test(tos)
},
{
id: 'disclaimer_warranties',
category: 'disclosure',
description: 'Warranty disclaimer present',
jurisdiction: ['US', 'Global'],
severity: 'required',
validator: (tos) => /"as is".*"as available"/i.test(tos)
},
{
id: 'dispute_resolution',
category: 'consumer_protection',
description: 'Dispute resolution mechanism defined',
jurisdiction: ['US', 'Global'],
severity: 'required',
validator: (tos) => /(arbitration|mediation|litigation|dispute resolution)/i.test(tos)
},
{
id: 'governing_law',
category: 'disclosure',
description: 'Governing law specified',
jurisdiction: ['Global'],
severity: 'required',
validator: (tos) => /governed by.*law/i.test(tos)
},
{
id: 'privacy_policy_reference',
category: 'data_privacy',
description: 'Privacy Policy referenced',
jurisdiction: ['EU', 'US', 'Global'],
severity: 'required',
validator: (tos) => /privacy policy/i.test(tos)
},
{
id: 'gdpr_data_rights',
category: 'data_privacy',
description: 'GDPR data rights mentioned (EU users)',
jurisdiction: ['EU'],
severity: 'required',
validator: (tos) => /(data export|data portability|right to erasure)/i.test(tos)
},
{
id: 'coppa_age_restriction',
category: 'consumer_protection',
description: 'Age restriction for minors (COPPA)',
jurisdiction: ['US'],
severity: 'required',
validator: (tos) => /(must be|at least) (13|18) years/i.test(tos)
},
{
id: 'termination_rights',
category: 'consumer_protection',
description: 'User termination rights defined',
jurisdiction: ['Global'],
severity: 'required',
validator: (tos) => /termination|cancel.*account/i.test(tos)
},
{
id: 'modification_notice',
category: 'disclosure',
description: 'Notice of modification rights',
jurisdiction: ['Global'],
severity: 'required',
validator: (tos) => /modify.*terms|update.*terms/i.test(tos)
},
{
id: 'ai_disclaimer',
category: 'disclosure',
description: 'AI-generated content disclaimer',
jurisdiction: ['Global'],
severity: 'recommended',
validator: (tos) => /ai.{0,50}(error|inaccurac|disclaimer)/i.test(tos)
},
{
id: 'contact_information',
category: 'disclosure',
description: 'Contact information provided',
jurisdiction: ['Global'],
severity: 'required',
validator: (tos) => /contact|email.*@|phone/i.test(tos)
},
{
id: 'severability_clause',
category: 'disclosure',
description: 'Severability clause present',
jurisdiction: ['US', 'Global'],
severity: 'recommended',
validator: (tos) => /severability/i.test(tos)
},
{
id: 'indemnification',
category: 'disclosure',
description: 'Indemnification clause present',
jurisdiction: ['US', 'Global'],
severity: 'recommended',
validator: (tos) => /indemnif/i.test(tos)
},
{
id: 'force_majeure',
category: 'disclosure',
description: 'Force majeure clause present',
jurisdiction: ['Global'],
severity: 'recommended',
validator: (tos) => /force majeure|beyond.*control/i.test(tos)
}
];
}
public checkCompliance(
tosContent: string,
targetJurisdictions: string[] = ['US', 'Global']
): ComplianceReport {
const relevantRequirements = this.requirements.filter(req =>
req.jurisdiction.some(j => targetJurisdictions.includes(j))
);
const failedRequirements: ComplianceIssue[] = [];
const warnings: ComplianceIssue[] = [];
let metRequirements = 0;
relevantRequirements.forEach(requirement => {
const isCompliant = requirement.validator(tosContent);
if (!isCompliant) {
const issue: ComplianceIssue = {
requirement,
reason: `Missing or inadequate: ${requirement.description}`,
suggestedFix: this.getSuggestedFix(requirement.id)
};
if (requirement.severity === 'required') {
failedRequirements.push(issue);
} else {
warnings.push(issue);
}
} else {
metRequirements++;
}
});
const totalRequirements = relevantRequirements.length;
const score = (metRequirements / totalRequirements) * 100;
const overallCompliant = failedRequirements.length === 0;
const jurisdictionCompliance: Record<string, boolean> = {};
targetJurisdictions.forEach(jurisdiction => {
const jurisdictionReqs = relevantRequirements.filter(req =>
req.jurisdiction.includes(jurisdiction) && req.severity === 'required'
);
const jurisdictionFailed = jurisdictionReqs.filter(req =>
!req.validator(tosContent)
);
jurisdictionCompliance[jurisdiction] = jurisdictionFailed.length === 0;
});
const recommendations = this.generateRecommendations(
failedRequirements,
warnings
);
return {
overallCompliant,
score,
totalRequirements,
metRequirements,
failedRequirements,
warnings,
recommendations,
jurisdictionCompliance
};
}
private getSuggestedFix(requirementId: string): string {
const fixes: Record<string, string> = {
acceptance_language: 'Add: "By accessing or using [SERVICE], you agree to be bound by these Terms."',
liability_limitation: 'Add Section: "Limitation of Liability" with appropriate caps and exclusions.',
disclaimer_warranties: 'Add: "THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED \\"AS IS\\" AND \\"AS AVAILABLE\\" WITHOUT WARRANTIES."',
dispute_resolution: 'Add Section: "Dispute Resolution" specifying arbitration, mediation, or litigation.',
governing_law: 'Add: "These Terms shall be governed by the laws of [STATE/COUNTRY]."',
privacy_policy_reference: 'Add: "Your use is also governed by our Privacy Policy."',
gdpr_data_rights: 'Add: "EU users have rights to data export, erasure, and portability under GDPR."',
coppa_age_restriction: 'Add: "You must be at least 13 (or 18) years old to use this Service."',
termination_rights: 'Add Section: "Termination" defining user and company termination rights.',
modification_notice: 'Add: "We may modify these Terms with [X] days notice."',
ai_disclaimer: 'Add: "AI-generated content may contain errors or inaccuracies."',
contact_information: 'Add: Contact email, phone, or physical address.',
severability_clause: 'Add: "If any provision is unenforceable, remaining provisions remain in effect."',
indemnification: 'Add: "You agree to indemnify [COMPANY] from claims arising from your use."',
force_majeure: 'Add: "We are not liable for delays due to circumstances beyond our control."'
};
return fixes[requirementId] || 'Consult legal counsel for appropriate language.';
}
private generateRecommendations(
failedRequirements: ComplianceIssue[],
warnings: ComplianceIssue[]
): string[] {
const recommendations: string[] = [];
if (failedRequirements.length > 0) {
recommendations.push(
`Critical: Address ${failedRequirements.length} required compliance issues before deploying.`
);
}
if (warnings.length > 0) {
recommendations.push(
`Consider addressing ${warnings.length} recommended improvements for better legal protection.`
);
}
if (failedRequirements.some(f => f.requirement.category === 'data_privacy')) {
recommendations.push(
'Review data privacy compliance with legal counsel, especially for EU users (GDPR).'
);
}
if (failedRequirements.some(f => f.requirement.id === 'dispute_resolution')) {
recommendations.push(
'Add dispute resolution clause to reduce litigation costs and define conflict resolution process.'
);
}
recommendations.push(
'Have Terms of Service reviewed by licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before deployment.'
);
return recommendations;
}
public generateComplianceReport(report: ComplianceReport): string {
let output = '# Terms of Service Compliance Report\n\n';
output += `## Overall Status: ${report.overallCompliant ? '✅ COMPLIANT' : '❌ NON-COMPLIANT'}\n\n`;
output += `**Compliance Score:** ${report.score.toFixed(1)}%\n`;
output += `**Requirements Met:** ${report.metRequirements}/${report.totalRequirements}\n\n`;
output += '## Jurisdiction Compliance\n\n';
Object.entries(report.jurisdictionCompliance).forEach(([jurisdiction, compliant]) => {
output += `- **${jurisdiction}:** ${compliant ? '✅ Compliant' : '❌ Non-compliant'}\n`;
});
output += '\n';
if (report.failedRequirements.length > 0) {
output += '## ❌ Failed Requirements (Critical)\n\n';
report.failedRequirements.forEach((issue, index) => {
output += `### ${index + 1}. ${issue.requirement.description}\n\n`;
output += `- **Category:** ${issue.requirement.category}\n`;
output += `- **Jurisdiction:** ${issue.requirement.jurisdiction.join(', ')}\n`;
output += `- **Reason:** ${issue.reason}\n`;
output += `- **Suggested Fix:** ${issue.suggestedFix}\n\n`;
});
}
if (report.warnings.length > 0) {
output += '## ⚠️ Warnings (Recommended)\n\n';
report.warnings.forEach((issue, index) => {
output += `### ${index + 1}. ${issue.requirement.description}\n\n`;
output += `- **Category:** ${issue.requirement.category}\n`;
output += `- **Suggested Fix:** ${issue.suggestedFix}\n\n`;
});
}
output += '## Recommendations\n\n';
report.recommendations.forEach(rec => {
output += `- ${rec}\n`;
});
return output;
}
}
// Usage example
const complianceChecker = new TosComplianceChecker();
const sampleTos = `
# Terms of Service
By using FitStudio AI, you agree to these Terms.
## Service Description
FitStudio AI provides AI-powered fitness recommendations.
## Limitation of Liability
Our total liability shall not exceed $1,000.
## Dispute Resolution
Disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration.
## Governing Law
These Terms are governed by California law.
## Privacy
See our Privacy Policy for data practices.
## Contact
Email: legal@fitstudio.com
`;
const report = complianceChecker.checkCompliance(sampleTos, ['US', 'Global']);
console.log(complianceChecker.generateComplianceReport(report));
External Link: Review standard Terms of Service templates from TermsFeed for industry-standard clause examples and best practices for consumer-facing applications.
Code Example 9: ToS Dashboard (React)
// TosDashboard.tsx - Admin dashboard for managing Terms of Service
import React, { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
import { LineChart, Line, BarChart, Bar, XAxis, YAxis, CartesianGrid, Tooltip, Legend, ResponsiveContainer } from 'recharts';
interface DashboardStats {
currentVersion: string;
totalAcceptances: number;
pendingAcceptances: number;
acceptanceRate: number;
enforcementActions: {
warnings: number;
suspensions: number;
terminations: number;
};
recentVersions: VersionStats[];
acceptanceTrend: TrendData[];
}
interface VersionStats {
version: string;
effectiveDate: string;
acceptances: number;
acceptanceRate: number;
}
interface TrendData {
date: string;
acceptances: number;
rejections: number;
}
export const TosDashboard: React.FC = () => {
const [stats, setStats] = useState<DashboardStats | null>(null);
const [loading, setLoading] = useState(true);
const [selectedPeriod, setSelectedPeriod] = useState<'7d' | '30d' | '90d'>('30d');
useEffect(() => {
loadDashboardStats();
}, [selectedPeriod]);
const loadDashboardStats = async () => {
setLoading(true);
// Simulate API call
const mockStats: DashboardStats = {
currentVersion: '2.0.0',
totalAcceptances: 15234,
pendingAcceptances: 423,
acceptanceRate: 97.3,
enforcementActions: {
warnings: 45,
suspensions: 12,
terminations: 3
},
recentVersions: [
{ version: '2.0.0', effectiveDate: '2026-01-01', acceptances: 15234, acceptanceRate: 97.3 },
{ version: '1.5.0', effectiveDate: '2024-10-01', acceptances: 14128, acceptanceRate: 98.1 },
{ version: '1.0.0', effectiveDate: '2024-01-01', acceptances: 12045, acceptanceRate: 99.2 }
],
acceptanceTrend: [
{ date: '2026-01-18', acceptances: 234, rejections: 5 },
{ date: '2026-01-19', acceptances: 456, rejections: 8 },
{ date: '2026-01-20', acceptances: 389, rejections: 12 },
{ date: '2026-01-21', acceptances: 512, rejections: 15 },
{ date: '2026-01-22', acceptances: 445, rejections: 9 },
{ date: '2026-01-23', acceptances: 398, rejections: 11 },
{ date: '2026-01-24', acceptances: 501, rejections: 7 }
]
};
setStats(mockStats);
setLoading(false);
};
if (loading || !stats) {
return <div className="loading">Loading dashboard...</div>;
}
return (
<div className="tos-dashboard">
<header className="dashboard-header">
<h1>Terms of Service Dashboard</h1>
<div className="period-selector">
<button
className={selectedPeriod === '7d' ? 'active' : ''}
onClick={() => setSelectedPeriod('7d')}
>
7 Days
</button>
<button
className={selectedPeriod === '30d' ? 'active' : ''}
onClick={() => setSelectedPeriod('30d')}
>
30 Days
</button>
<button
className={selectedPeriod === '90d' ? 'active' : ''}
onClick={() => setSelectedPeriod('90d')}
>
90 Days
</button>
</div>
</header>
<div className="stats-grid">
<StatCard
title="Current Version"
value={stats.currentVersion}
trend={null}
icon="📄"
/>
<StatCard
title="Total Acceptances"
value={stats.totalAcceptances.toLocaleString()}
trend="+3.2%"
icon="✅"
/>
<StatCard
title="Pending Acceptances"
value={stats.pendingAcceptances.toLocaleString()}
trend="-12.5%"
icon="⏳"
/>
<StatCard
title="Acceptance Rate"
value={`${stats.acceptanceRate}%`}
trend="+0.8%"
icon="📊"
/>
</div>
<div className="charts-grid">
<div className="chart-container">
<h2>Acceptance Trend</h2>
<ResponsiveContainer width="100%" height={300}>
<LineChart data={stats.acceptanceTrend}>
<CartesianGrid strokeDasharray="3 3" />
<XAxis dataKey="date" />
<YAxis />
<Tooltip />
<Legend />
<Line type="monotone" dataKey="acceptances" stroke="#3b82f6" strokeWidth={2} />
<Line type="monotone" dataKey="rejections" stroke="#ef4444" strokeWidth={2} />
</LineChart>
</ResponsiveContainer>
</div>
<div className="chart-container">
<h2>Enforcement Actions</h2>
<ResponsiveContainer width="100%" height={300}>
<BarChart data={[
{ type: 'Warnings', count: stats.enforcementActions.warnings },
{ type: 'Suspensions', count: stats.enforcementActions.suspensions },
{ type: 'Terminations', count: stats.enforcementActions.terminations }
]}>
<CartesianGrid strokeDasharray="3 3" />
<XAxis dataKey="type" />
<YAxis />
<Tooltip />
<Bar dataKey="count" fill="#3b82f6" />
</BarChart>
</ResponsiveContainer>
</div>
</div>
<div className="versions-table">
<h2>Version History</h2>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Version</th>
<th>Effective Date</th>
<th>Acceptances</th>
<th>Acceptance Rate</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
{stats.recentVersions.map(version => (
<tr key={version.version}>
<td><strong>{version.version}</strong></td>
<td>{version.effectiveDate}</td>
<td>{version.acceptances.toLocaleString()}</td>
<td>{version.acceptanceRate}%</td>
</tr>
))}
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<style jsx>{`
.tos-dashboard {
max-width: 1400px;
margin: 0 auto;
padding: 2rem;
font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;
}
.dashboard-header {
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
align-items: center;
margin-bottom: 2rem;
}
.dashboard-header h1 {
font-size: 2rem;
font-weight: 700;
margin: 0;
}
.period-selector {
display: flex;
gap: 0.5rem;
}
.period-selector button {
padding: 0.5rem 1rem;
border: 1px solid #d1d5db;
background: white;
border-radius: 0.5rem;
cursor: pointer;
transition: all 0.2s;
}
.period-selector button.active {
background: #3b82f6;
color: white;
border-color: #3b82f6;
}
.stats-grid {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(250px, 1fr));
gap: 1.5rem;
margin-bottom: 2rem;
}
.charts-grid {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(500px, 1fr));
gap: 2rem;
margin-bottom: 2rem;
}
.chart-container {
background: white;
border: 1px solid #e5e7eb;
border-radius: 0.5rem;
padding: 1.5rem;
}
.chart-container h2 {
font-size: 1.25rem;
font-weight: 600;
margin: 0 0 1rem 0;
}
.versions-table {
background: white;
border: 1px solid #e5e7eb;
border-radius: 0.5rem;
padding: 1.5rem;
}
.versions-table h2 {
font-size: 1.25rem;
font-weight: 600;
margin: 0 0 1rem 0;
}
table {
width: 100%;
border-collapse: collapse;
}
th {
text-align: left;
padding: 0.75rem;
background: #f9fafb;
font-weight: 600;
border-bottom: 2px solid #e5e7eb;
}
td {
padding: 0.75rem;
border-bottom: 1px solid #e5e7eb;
}
.loading {
display: flex;
justify-content: center;
align-items: center;
height: 400px;
font-size: 1.25rem;
color: #6b7280;
}
`}</style>
</div>
);
};
const StatCard: React.FC<{
title: string;
value: string;
trend: string | null;
icon: string;
}> = ({ title, value, trend, icon }) => {
return (
<div className="stat-card">
<div className="stat-icon">{icon}</div>
<div className="stat-content">
<h3>{title}</h3>
<div className="stat-value">{value}</div>
{trend && (
<div className={`stat-trend ${trend.startsWith('+') ? 'positive' : 'negative'}`}>
{trend}
</div>
)}
</div>
<style jsx>{`
.stat-card {
background: white;
border: 1px solid #e5e7eb;
border-radius: 0.5rem;
padding: 1.5rem;
display: flex;
gap: 1rem;
}
.stat-icon {
font-size: 2.5rem;
}
.stat-content {
flex: 1;
}
.stat-content h3 {
font-size: 0.875rem;
font-weight: 500;
color: #6b7280;
margin: 0 0 0.5rem 0;
}
.stat-value {
font-size: 1.875rem;
font-weight: 700;
color: #111827;
}
.stat-trend {
font-size: 0.875rem;
font-weight: 600;
margin-top: 0.25rem;
}
.stat-trend.positive {
color: #10b981;
}
.stat-trend.negative {
color: #ef4444;
}
`}</style>
</div>
);
};
Code Example 10: Archive Manager (TypeScript)
// archive-manager.ts - Manage historical ToS versions and legal compliance
import { Firestore, Timestamp } from '@google-cloud/firestore';
import archiver from 'archiver';
import { createWriteStream } from 'fs';
import path from 'path';
interface ArchivedVersion {
version: string;
effectiveDate: Date;
endDate: Date | null;
content: string;
contentHash: string;
archivedAt: Date;
retentionPeriod: number; // years
legalHold: boolean;
}
interface ArchiveQuery {
version?: string;
dateRange?: { start: Date; end: Date };
legalHoldOnly?: boolean;
}
class TosArchiveManager {
private db: Firestore;
private archiveCollection = 'tos_archive';
private retentionPolicy = 7; // years
constructor(firestore: Firestore) {
this.db = firestore;
}
async archiveVersion(version: ArchivedVersion): Promise<void> {
const archiveRef = this.db
.collection(this.archiveCollection)
.doc(version.version);
const archiveData = {
...version,
effectiveDate: Timestamp.fromDate(version.effectiveDate),
endDate: version.endDate ? Timestamp.fromDate(version.endDate) : null,
archivedAt: Timestamp.fromDate(version.archivedAt),
retentionExpiry: Timestamp.fromDate(
new Date(version.archivedAt.getTime() + version.retentionPeriod * 365 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000)
)
};
await archiveRef.set(archiveData);
console.log(`ToS version ${version.version} archived`);
}
async retrieveVersion(version: string): Promise<ArchivedVersion | null> {
const doc = await this.db
.collection(this.archiveCollection)
.doc(version)
.get();
if (!doc.exists) {
return null;
}
const data = doc.data()!;
return {
version: data.version,
effectiveDate: data.effectiveDate.toDate(),
endDate: data.endDate?.toDate() || null,
content: data.content,
contentHash: data.contentHash,
archivedAt: data.archivedAt.toDate(),
retentionPeriod: data.retentionPeriod,
legalHold: data.legalHold
};
}
async queryArchive(query: ArchiveQuery): Promise<ArchivedVersion[]> {
let firestoreQuery = this.db.collection(this.archiveCollection);
if (query.version) {
const doc = await this.retrieveVersion(query.version);
return doc ? [doc] : [];
}
if (query.dateRange) {
firestoreQuery = firestoreQuery
.where('effectiveDate', '>=', Timestamp.fromDate(query.dateRange.start))
.where('effectiveDate', '<=', Timestamp.fromDate(query.dateRange.end));
}
if (query.legalHoldOnly) {
firestoreQuery = firestoreQuery.where('legalHold', '==', true);
}
const snapshot = await firestoreQuery
.orderBy('effectiveDate', 'desc')
.get();
return snapshot.docs.map(doc => {
const data = doc.data();
return {
version: data.version,
effectiveDate: data.effectiveDate.toDate(),
endDate: data.endDate?.toDate() || null,
content: data.content,
contentHash: data.contentHash,
archivedAt: data.archivedAt.toDate(),
retentionPeriod: data.retentionPeriod,
legalHold: data.legalHold
};
});
}
async applyLegalHold(version: string, reason: string): Promise<void> {
await this.db
.collection(this.archiveCollection)
.doc(version)
.update({
legalHold: true,
legalHoldReason: reason,
legalHoldAppliedAt: Timestamp.now()
});
console.log(`Legal hold applied to version ${version}`);
}
async removeLegalHold(version: string): Promise<void> {
await this.db
.collection(this.archiveCollection)
.doc(version)
.update({
legalHold: false,
legalHoldRemovedAt: Timestamp.now()
});
console.log(`Legal hold removed from version ${version}`);
}
async exportArchive(outputPath: string): Promise<void> {
const output = createWriteStream(outputPath);
const archive = archiver('zip', { zlib: { level: 9 } });
archive.pipe(output);
const snapshot = await this.db
.collection(this.archiveCollection)
.orderBy('effectiveDate', 'desc')
.get();
snapshot.docs.forEach(doc => {
const data = doc.data();
const fileName = `tos_${data.version}.md`;
archive.append(data.content, { name: fileName });
});
await archive.finalize();
return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
output.on('close', () => {
console.log(`Archive exported to ${outputPath} (${archive.pointer()} bytes)`);
resolve();
});
archive.on('error', reject);
});
}
async purgeExpiredVersions(): Promise<{
purged: number;
retained: number;
}> {
const now = Timestamp.now();
const snapshot = await this.db
.collection(this.archiveCollection)
.where('retentionExpiry', '<', now)
.where('legalHold', '==', false)
.get();
const batch = this.db.batch();
snapshot.docs.forEach(doc => {
batch.delete(doc.ref);
});
await batch.commit();
const totalVersions = (await this.db.collection(this.archiveCollection).get()).size;
return {
purged: snapshot.size,
retained: totalVersions
};
}
}
// Usage example
const db = new Firestore();
const archiveManager = new TosArchiveManager(db);
// Archive a version
const archivedVersion: ArchivedVersion = {
version: '1.0.0',
effectiveDate: new Date('2024-01-01'),
endDate: new Date('2024-12-31'),
content: '... full ToS content ...',
contentHash: 'sha256hash',
archivedAt: new Date(),
retentionPeriod: 7,
legalHold: false
};
await archiveManager.archiveVersion(archivedVersion);
// Query archive
const results = await archiveManager.queryArchive({
dateRange: {
start: new Date('2024-01-01'),
end: new Date('2024-12-31')
}
});
console.log('Archived versions:', results);
// Export archive
await archiveManager.exportArchive('/path/to/tos_archive.zip');
External Link: Consult GDPR compliance guidelines to ensure your Terms of Service properly address data rights, retention policies, and user consent requirements for EU users.
Conclusion: Building Legally Sound ChatGPT Apps
Creating enforceable Terms of Service for your ChatGPT app is essential for protecting your business, establishing clear user expectations, and ensuring regulatory compliance. By implementing the best practices outlined in this guide—essential clauses, liability limitations, dispute resolution mechanisms, user rights, and enforcement systems—you create a legal foundation that supports sustainable growth.
Well-drafted Terms of Service prevent disputes before they arise by clearly defining rights, obligations, and expectations. They limit your liability exposure, provide mechanisms for resolving conflicts efficiently, and demonstrate professionalism that builds user trust. For ChatGPT apps that process sensitive data and facilitate business transactions, robust legal documentation isn't optional—it's mission-critical protection.
Remember to have your Terms of Service reviewed by a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before deployment. While templates and best practices provide excellent starting points, professional legal counsel ensures your specific business model, target markets, and risk profile are adequately addressed.
Internal Link: Ready to build your ChatGPT app with complete legal compliance? Start building with MakeAIHQ today and access our library of legal document templates, automated compliance tools, and expert guidance for creating legally sound ChatGPT applications.
With production-ready code examples, comprehensive legal clauses, and implementation strategies, you now have everything needed to create enforceable Terms of Service that protect your ChatGPT app while providing transparency to your users. Build with confidence—your legal foundation is solid.