DeepL · DeepL Terms and Conditions · View original document ↗

Free API May Store Content Perpetually

High severity High confidence Explicitdocumentlanguage Common · 275 of 352 platforms
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This analysis describes what DeepL'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)

Unlike paid tiers, the free API Developer plan carries no deletion or retention limit, meaning submitted and processed content may be kept by DeepL without any time constraint.

Interpretive note: The excerpt identifies this as a derogation from Section 3.1.2 sentence 1, implying a different default rule applies to other plans, but the content of that default rule is not quoted and cannot be stated.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Users of the free DeepL API Developer plan have no contractual guarantee that their submitted Content or Processed Content will ever be deleted.

How other platforms handle this

Adobe Medium

Some online content may remain accessible publicly even after Adobe fulfils a request to delete the poster's personal information.

HubSpot Medium

Your posts and certain profile information may remain even after you terminate your account. We urge you to consider the sensitivity of any information you may disclose in this way.

Upwork Medium

Developer must promptly and securely delete all Upwork User Data collected from Upwork users upon request of the Upwork user, when the Upwork user deactivates or uninstalls the Developer Application, when the Upwork user closes their account with Developer...

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▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
In derogation from Section 3.1.2 sentence 1, DeepL API Developer reserves the right to perpetually store any Content or Processed Content.

— Excerpt from DeepL's DeepL Terms and Conditions

Applicable regulations

CCPA/CPRA
California, USA
GDPR
European Union
Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act
US-IN

Provision details

Document information
Document
DeepL Terms and Conditions
Entity
DeepL
Document last updated
May 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
May 20, 2026
Last verified
May 20, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-044960
Document ID
CA-D-00449
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
d1609857ce95917e69ae41f91e9eb648d2a71d4094bc790166b60a2ddd87b296
Analysis generated
May 20, 2026 23:29 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: DeepL
Document: DeepL Terms and Conditions
Record ID: CA-P-044960
Captured: 2026-05-20 23:29:36 UTC
SHA-256: d1609857ce95917e…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/deepl/deepl-terms-and-conditions/provision/CA-P-044960/free-api-may-store-content-perpetually/
Accessed: July 13, 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 DeepL's Free API May Store Content Perpetually clause do?

Unlike paid tiers, the free API Developer plan carries no deletion or retention limit, meaning submitted and processed content may be kept by DeepL without any time constraint.

How does this clause affect you?

Users of the free DeepL API Developer plan have no contractual guarantee that their submitted Content or Processed Content will ever be deleted.

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 275 platforms. See the full comparison.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with DeepL?

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