This analysis describes what Google'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 provision operationalizes Google's compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and equivalent age-protection regulations by establishing a contractual requirement that parental authorization precede account creation and use by minors. This requirement structures Google's legal obligation to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children.
The updated terms establish that Google provides services 'using reasonable skill and care,' a positive warranty commitment that replaces the prior blanket 'AS IS' disclaimer language. Under the revised policy, if service quality falls below that standard, users are invited to report the issue and Google commits to working toward resolution. The terms now state that Google's only commitments are those in the warranty section, service-specific terms, and non-waivable law, which is narrower than the prior language but more explicit about what consumers can expect. This change provides a clearer operational standard for service delivery and a stated pathway for addressing failures.
View change record →The updated terms state that Google provides services using 'reasonable skill and care' rather than disclaiming warranties entirely under 'as is' language. Previously, the terms disclaimed all warranties except those explicitly stated in service-specific terms. The revised language now acknowledges that both law and the terms give users rights to a certain quality of service and ways to fix problems if things go wrong. The terms establish a process in which users are expected to notify Google if service quality falls short, and Google commits to working with users to resolve the issue. This represents a shift from a liability-limiting warranty structure to one that acknowledges affirmative quality obligations.
View change record →The updated terms materially reduce service quality commitments. The revised language replaces Google's prior commitment to provide services using "reasonable skill and care" with an explicit as-is disclaimer stating that services are provided "without any express or implied warranties" unless stated in service-specific terms. The updated terms now explicitly apply to all users whether signed in to a Google account or not, extending their scope. Google also clarifies that its Privacy Policy applies to service use. These changes establish that users have fewer contractual recourse options if services fail to function as expected, except where service-specific additional terms or applicable law provide otherwise.
View change record →Users under the required age threshold must obtain documented parental or legal guardian permission before establishing or using a Google Account. The terms apply as written upon account creation, meaning continued use by a minor without such permission constitutes a breach of the service agreement.
How other platforms handle this
We want our Services to be as useful and enjoyable as possible for everyone in our community. For that reason, Discord requires users to be at least 13 years of age to access the Services. If you are between the ages of 13 and 18, you may only use Discord with the consent of your parent or legal gua...
You may not become a Subscriber if you are under the age of 13. Steam is not intended for children under 13 and Valve will not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13. Additional age restrictions may apply in your country.
The Services are not directed at children under the age of 13. If you are under the age of 13, you may not use the Services. If you are between the ages of 13 and 18 (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction), you may use the Services only with the consent of your parent or legal guardian. By usi...
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"You may use our services only if you can form a binding contract with Google and are not barred from using our services under applicable law. If you're under the age required to manage your own Google Account, you must have your parent or legal guardian's permission to use a Google Account. Please have your parent or legal guardian read these terms with you.— Excerpt from Google's Google Terms of Service
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The provision operationalizes Google's compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and equivalent age-protection regulations by establishing a contractual requirement that parental authorization precede account creation and use by minors. This requirement structures Google's legal obligation to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children.
Users under the required age threshold must obtain documented parental or legal guardian permission before establishing or using a Google Account. The terms apply as written upon account creation, meaning continued use by a minor without such permission constitutes a breach of the service agreement.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 1 platforms. See the full comparison.
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