Recent policy changes

Google added a notice to the Google Play Terms of Service saying it is updating the terms on November 5, 2026, and that the current terms continue to apply until then. The notice links to a preview of the upcoming terms but does not itself say what will change, and the terms on the page are unchanged.

Meta added Exhibit C, “Hosted Platform Access”, to its Meta Model API Terms of Service, last updated October 2, 2026. It applies when the Meta Materials are used through a third-party cloud platform authorized by Meta. The platform provider may disclose “Platform Account Data” to Meta, which can include the customer's organization name and domain, account and billing identifiers, location, subscription details, usage volumes, and revenue, fee and billing metrics; Meta may use it to operate and secure the service and to administer its arrangements with platform providers. Meta states that it does not receive or process customer content, including inputs and outputs, accessed through a hosted platform, and does not use that content to train or improve its models. The terms' sections on accounts and API keys, discounted services, and fees and taxes do not apply to hosted-platform access, where the platform provider bills fees under its own agreement.

Google's Privacy Policy now gives an effective date of October 1, 2026, replacing May 26, 2026. One passage changed. It covers information Google collects when you are not signed in, which it stores with identifiers tied to your browser, app or device. The policy previously said this lets Google show more relevant search results or ads “based on your activity”; it now says “based on your activity across devices.”

Replaced three-strike suspension rule with graduated enforcement; added EU users formal appeal rights and decision transparency.

Restructured Korea-specific privacy disclosures to detail identity verification data collection, fraud detection practices, and overseas transfer to US vendors with opt-out mechanism.

Restructured privacy policy with new CCPA supplemental notice; removed sections on privacy rights, data retention, and international transfers.

Adds non-compete restriction on platform use; expands content licensing to include AI training; revises payment collection procedures.

Clarified ad-related data collection for Free and Go users; removed Sora and Atlas browser references.

Revised identity verification procedures to permit third-party services and made account conversion conditional on verification outcomes.

Expands device data collection to include website and app interactions; restructures Copilot personalization to permit cross-product data usage from Bing, Edge, and MSN.

Adds three new account-based storage features (Translation Memories, Translation Memory Generation, Adaptive Translation) with explicit language stating data is used only within user accounts and not

Expanded personal data collection categories and clarified data use purposes including purchase processing, marketing, and event-related activities.

Adds contractual restrictions on advertising partners' data use and expands state protections for sensitive personal information.

Added age restrictions requiring parental consent for ages 13-17; expanded account termination window; simplified arbitration language with explicit class action and jury trial waivers.

Expanded liquidation authority to cover failed or reversed securities transfers into customer accounts

Expanded Premium subscription ad disclosures to include host-read sponsorships, original broadcast ads, and native placement advertisements.

Replaced court dispute resolution with mandatory binding arbitration; added class action waiver and 60-day pre-arbitration resolution requirement

Revised medication plan cancellation timing; cancellations no longer take effect immediately after the next billing date but instead at end of medication supply period.

Raised minimum age requirement from 13 to 18 and added comprehensive Files API handling procedures including encryption and prohibited uses.

Raises minimum age from 13 to 18; removes parental permission option; adds file upload feature with automated CSAM/malware screening and formal DMCA takedown procedures.

Lowers audio service age minimum to 13 with parental consent; restricts arbitration to US users; expands content licensing grants.

Adds disclosure that personal data is sold or shared with advertising and business partners; opt-out mechanism available.

Expanded data collection practices for business accounts to include contractors, payment beneficiaries, and employees; clarified SMS consent structure separating transactional from marketing messages.

Expanded stated purposes for data use to include discount eligibility, employment offers, and third-party partner marketing; clarified creditworthiness assessment and contact practices.

Expanded liability carve-out to include customer breaches of usage and license restrictions in Google Maps Platform Terms

Added class action and jury trial waivers to mandatory arbitration clause; introduced tiered cash back program with $250 and $1,500 monthly spending thresholds

Added Automated Decision-Making and Artificial Intelligence disclosure section; revised scope to include banking and accounts receivable; shifted terminology from Personal Information to Personal Data

Expands organizer email access to include opt-in marketing subscribers, not just event registrants

Expands retailer data collection to include inferred business attributes and automated credit limit decisions; introduces Faire Pay with SSN collection and banking partner sharing.

Restructured Cash App Tag pricing from $25 flat fee to variable up to $250; expanded eligibility to include Children in Sponsored Accounts.