“Use any content, data, or text in any form in the Services for text or data mining purposes, or develop or train any application, software, code, or data models including but not limited to generative artificial intelligence...”
This analysis describes what Coursera'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
The prohibition expressly covers generative AI development and training, preventing users from leveraging Coursera's content to build or improve AI systems.
The updated terms establish a new condition under which Coursera may deny refund requests: when a significant portion of course content has been accessed before the refund request is submitted. This means users who have already viewed or engaged with substantial course material may not be eligible for refunds, even if they request one shortly after enrollment. The policy does not define what constitutes a 'significant portion,' leaving the determination to Coursera's discretion.
View change record →The updated terms establish that canceling a Coursera subscription stops future billing but does not automatically issue a refund; refunds must be requested separately. Additionally, the revised policy now states that 'Refunds will not be provided for renewal charges on annual subscription plans,' eliminating refund eligibility for annual plan renewals. For specialization subscriptions, the refund window is clarified as 'within the applicable 7-day refund period or before earning a certificate, whichever occurs first.' These changes shift the refund process from automatic to manual and restrict refund availability for annual renewals. You can request a refund through Coursera's Support Services if you believe you are eligible under the stated refund windows.
View change record →The updated terms remove the guarantee of a 7-day free trial for all subscriptions and instead state that 'certain subscriptions may come with a free trial period' with details provided at checkout. This means trial availability and duration now vary by subscription type rather than being standardized. The obligation to cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges remains, but users can no longer rely on a fixed 7-day window; they must check the specific checkout page for each subscription to determine whether a trial is offered and how long it lasts.
View change record →Users are prohibited from using any content, data, or text from Coursera's services to mine data or to develop or train any software, application, or AI model, including generative AI.
How other platforms handle this
We also require third parties to pay licensing fees for access to larger quantities of content and information.
You will not access or attempt to access the Web Services through any automated means, including scripts or web crawlers, except through APIs or other interfaces specifically provided for this purpose.
make available the Bundled Service to Customer's end users...and (b) demonstrate the Bundled Services to potential End Users.
"Use any content, data, or text in any form in the Services for text or data mining purposes, or develop or train any application, software, code, or data models including but not limited to generative artificial intelligence...Excerpt from Coursera's Terms of Use
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The prohibition expressly covers generative AI development and training, preventing users from leveraging Coursera's content to build or improve AI systems.
Users are prohibited from using any content, data, or text from Coursera's services to mine data or to develop or train any software, application, or AI model, including generative AI.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 102 platforms. See the full comparison.
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