If a third party or government authority takes legal action against Google because of something you did on its services, you are responsible for covering Google's legal costs and defending Google in that proceeding.
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
This clause allocates legal defense costs and liability exposure to users for claims connected to their own violations or unlawful conduct, rather than requiring Google to bear those costs. The provision operates as a cost-shifting mechanism for third-party legal proceedings.
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 →Removal of explicit user indemnification obligation for third-party claims significantly reduces user liability exposure for legal proceedings related to their service use or terms violations.
View full change record →If your use of Google's services — for example, sharing content that a rights holder claims is infringing, or conduct that attracts a regulatory inquiry — causes a third party to sue Google or a government authority to investigate, you become contractually obligated to cover Google's legal costs, which could be substantial.
How other platforms handle this
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You agree, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, to indemnify, defend, and hold Grindr (and its affiliated companies, contractors, employees, agents, suppliers, licensors, successors, and assigns) harmless from any and all claims, demands, suits, actions, losses, costs, damages, and ...
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"To the extent permitted by applicable law, you'll defend and indemnify Google, and its directors, officers, employees, and contractors, against any third-party legal proceedings (including actions by government authorities) arising out of or relating to your unlawful use of the services or violation of these terms or service-specific additional terms.— Excerpt from Google's Google Terms of Service
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: User indemnification clauses in B2C contracts engage the EU Unfair Contract Terms Directive (93/13/EEC), which prohibits clauses requiring consumers to indemnify the seller for third-party claims in a manner that is disproportionate. UK Consumer Rights Act 2015 Schedule 2 lists terms that may be unfair, including those requiring consumers to bear costs that should properly rest with the business. FTC Act Section 5 applies to clauses that may constitute unfair practices by shifting litigation costs to consumers. Enforcement: EU national consumer authorities, UK CMA, FTC.
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This clause allocates legal defense costs and liability exposure to users for claims connected to their own violations or unlawful conduct, rather than requiring Google to bear those costs. The provision operates as a cost-shifting mechanism for third-party legal proceedings.
If your use of Google's services — for example, sharing content that a rights holder claims is infringing, or conduct that attracts a regulatory inquiry — causes a third party to sue Google or a government authority to investigate, you become contractually obligated to cover Google's legal costs, which could be substantial.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 11 platforms. See the full comparison.
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