Character.AI · Character.ai Terms of Service · View original document ↗

Mandatory Arbitration & Class Action Waiver

High severity Uncommon · 10 of 343 platforms
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Recent governance activity Character.AI recorded 21 documented changes in the last 30 days.
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This analysis describes what Character.AI's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

The arbitration mechanism establishes a procedural framework in which disputes are adjudicated by a neutral arbitrator under the Federal Arbitration Act rather than through the court system. This provision defines the exclusive dispute resolution pathway for claims arising from the Terms, the Website, Services, or the relationship between the parties.

Clause Stability Stable

0
Changes
3
Months Monitored
Apr 3, 2026
First Seen
May 7, 2026
Last Seen
This clause type exists across 560 other provisions on other platforms.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Under this clause, users agree that claims must proceed through individual binding arbitration before JAMS, with arbitrator selection conducted according to JAMS procedures. Users waive participation in class action proceedings and jury trials, with rights determined by the arbitrator rather than a judge or jury, except that small claims court remains available if claims qualify.

How other platforms handle this

Teachable Medium

You and Teachable agree to resolve any disputes through final and binding arbitration, except as set forth under Exceptions to Agreement to Arbitrate below. You also agree that disputes will only be resolved on an individual basis and not as a class, consolidated, or representative action.

Substack Medium

Any dispute arising from or relating to the subject matter of these Terms shall be finally settled by arbitration in San Francisco County, California, in accordance with the Streamlined Arbitration Rules and Procedures of Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. ("JAMS") then in effect, by ...

Pinecone Medium

THESE TERMS REQUIRE THE USE OF ARBITRATION (SECTION 12.2) ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS TO RESOLVE DISPUTES, RATHER THAN JURY TRIALS OR CLASS ACTIONS, AND ALSO LIMIT THE REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO YOU IN THE EVENT OF A DISPUTE.

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▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
You and Character.AI agree that any and all disputes or claims that have arisen or may arise between you and Character.AI, whether arising out of or relating to these Terms (including any alleged breach thereof), the Website or Services, any aspect of the relationship or transactions between us, shall be resolved exclusively through final and binding arbitration, rather than a court, in accordance with the terms of this Arbitration Agreement, except that you may assert individual claims in small claims court, if your claims qualify. JAMS will administer the arbitration and will select the arbitrator as described below. The Federal Arbitration Act governs the validity and enforcement of this Arbitration Agreement. You and Character.AI agree that, by entering into these Terms, you and Character.AI are each waiving the right to a trial by jury or to participate in a class action. Your rights will be determined by a neutral arbitrator, not by a judge or a jury.

— Excerpt from Character.AI's Character.ai Terms of Service

Provision details

Document information
Document
Character.ai Terms of Service
Entity
Character.AI
Document last updated
May 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
May 7, 2026
Last verified
May 10, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-000794
Document ID
CA-D-00121
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
46f6e1a8e8b7e96332c5e7584411513fca3c44e2ecf77571159e9be67a01a2a4
Analysis generated
May 7, 2026 23:51 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Character.AI
Document: Character.ai Terms of Service
Record ID: CA-P-000794
Captured: 2026-05-07 23:51:07 UTC
SHA-256: 46f6e1a8e8b7e963…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/characterai/characterai-terms-of-service/mandatory-arbitration-class-action-waiver/
Accessed: July 4, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Character.AI's Mandatory Arbitration & Class Action Waiver clause do?

The arbitration mechanism establishes a procedural framework in which disputes are adjudicated by a neutral arbitrator under the Federal Arbitration Act rather than through the court system. This provision defines the exclusive dispute resolution pathway for claims arising from the Terms, the Website, Services, or the relationship between the parties.

How does this clause affect you?

Under this clause, users agree that claims must proceed through individual binding arbitration before JAMS, with arbitrator selection conducted according to JAMS procedures. Users waive participation in class action proceedings and jury trials, with rights determined by the arbitrator rather than a judge or jury, except that small claims court remains available if claims qualify.

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 10 platforms. See the full comparison.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Character.AI?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Character.AI.