GitHub · GitHub Acceptable Use Policies · View original document ↗

GitHub may delete repositories straining infrastructure

High severity High confidence Explicitdocumentlanguage Common · 258 of 352 platforms
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This analysis describes what GitHub'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)

This clause means repositories can be permanently deleted at GitHub's determination, though the advance notice requirement provides users an opportunity to act before deletion occurs.

Interpretive note: The clause names two independent legal effects: the right to delete and the advance notice condition. The advance notice requirement is recorded in omitted_material but is itself a significant qualifier on the right.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

If GitHub determines your repository places undue strain on its infrastructure, it may delete it after giving you advance notice.

How other platforms handle this

Datadog Medium

Datadog reserves the right, but does not assume the obligation, to investigate any violation of these Terms or misuse of the Site.

Mailchimp Medium

Pharmaceutical products

Netflix Medium

We may take interim measures (for example, suspend voting, disqualify entries or void results) to protect voting integrity, safety or legal compliance.

See all platforms with this clause type →

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▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
We also reserve the right—after providing advance notice—to delete repositories that we determine to be placing undue strain on our infrastructure.

— Excerpt from GitHub's GitHub Acceptable Use Policies

Applicable regulations

DSA
European Union

Provision details

Document information
Document
GitHub Acceptable Use Policies
Entity
GitHub
Document last updated
May 12, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
May 20, 2026
Last verified
May 20, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-060837
Document ID
CA-D-00790
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
4cb1cc8f63e15186f39023d0124a0552f90d900ee77625b9086bf67218c19c3e
Analysis generated
May 20, 2026 21:06 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: GitHub
Document: GitHub Acceptable Use Policies
Record ID: CA-P-060837
Captured: 2026-05-20 21:06:09 UTC
SHA-256: 4cb1cc8f63e15186…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/github/github-acceptable-use-policies/provision/CA-P-060837/github-may-delete-repositories-straining-infrastructure/
Accessed: July 12, 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 GitHub's GitHub may delete repositories straining infrastructure clause do?

This clause means repositories can be permanently deleted at GitHub's determination, though the advance notice requirement provides users an opportunity to act before deletion occurs.

How does this clause affect you?

If GitHub determines your repository places undue strain on its infrastructure, it may delete it after giving you advance notice.

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 258 platforms. See the full comparison.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with GitHub?

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