This is Dropbox's legal agreement that sets the rules for using their file storage and sharing service. By using Dropbox, you agree that they can access your files to run the service, that disputes must be resolved through arbitration rather than court, and that your ability to sue them as part of a group is waived. It's important to know that Dropbox can suspend or close your account if they believe you've violated their rules.
Technical Summary
This document constitutes Dropbox's Terms of Service governing the use of its cloud storage and productivity platform for individual and business users. Key obligations include compliance with Dropbox's Acceptable Use Policy, restrictions on sharing illegal or harmful content, and user responsibility for content uploaded to the platform. Notable provisions include a binding arbitration clause with class action waiver (for US users), limitations on Dropbox's liability, intellectual property licensing terms that grant Dropbox a broad license to user content for service operation, and account termination rights reserved by Dropbox. The terms also address data handling, DMCA compliance, and distinct provisions for business versus personal accounts.
Institutional Analysis
The terms engage GDPR and CCPA compliance obligations through their privacy policy by reference, and include a mandatory arbitration clause with class action waiver that poses consumer rights exposur…
The terms engage GDPR and CCPA compliance obligations through their privacy policy by reference, and include a mandatory arbitration clause with class action waiver that poses consumer rights exposure under FTC unfair practices standards. Business account provisions create distinct data processing …
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If you have a dispute with Dropbox, you must resolve it through binding arbitration rather than going to court. This applies to US users and means a private arbitrator — not a judge or jury — will decide your case.
You agree not to participate in any class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration against Dropbox. Each user must pursue claims individually, not as part of a group.
Dropbox limits how much money it can be required to pay you if something goes wrong — typically capped at the amount you paid them in the past 12 months. They are not responsible for loss of data, service outages, or indirect damages.
When you upload files to Dropbox, you grant the company a license to use, copy, and display your content as needed to provide and improve the service. You still own your content, but Dropbox gets broad rights to use it.
Dropbox can suspend or permanently close your account if it believes you have violated the Terms of Service or Acceptable Use Policy, sometimes without prior notice.
Dropbox can change these terms at any time and will notify you by email or through the service. Continuing to use Dropbox after changes are made means you agree to the new terms.
Dropbox prohibits using the service to store or share illegal content, malware, content that violates others' rights, or other harmful material. Violations can result in account suspension or termination.
You agree to defend and compensate Dropbox if a third party sues them because of something you did — such as violating someone's copyright or uploading harmful content.
Dropbox will remove content from user accounts if it receives a valid copyright takedown notice under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Users can file a counter-notice if they believe the removal was wrongful.
These terms are governed by the laws of the state of California, USA. For users outside the US, different terms or local laws may apply depending on your location.