When you make a repository public on Hugging Face, every other user of the platform automatically receives a permanent, irrevocable license to use, copy, share, and build on your content, including models, datasets, and code.
This analysis describes what Hugging Face'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 license is perpetual and irrevocable, meaning that once a repository is made public, the license granted to all platform users cannot be withdrawn, even if the repository is later set to private or deleted.
Any model, dataset, or code published in a public Hugging Face repository is subject to a permanent, irrevocable license granted to all platform users, covering use, reproduction, distribution, and creation of derivative works; this cannot be undone after the fact.
How other platforms handle this
Paid Subscribers can select whether Content is public or private.
Microsoft reserves the right to restrict the export of data that may compromise the security of the services or Microsoft's intellectual property.
Datadog reserves the right, but does not assume the obligation, to investigate any violation of these Terms or misuse of the Site.
"If you decide to set your Repository public, you grant each User a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license to use, display, publish, reproduce, distribute, and make derivative works of your Content through our Services and functionalities.Excerpt from Hugging Face's Terms of Service
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision implicates copyright law and intellectual property frameworks across jurisdictions, including the U.S.
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This license is perpetual and irrevocable, meaning that once a repository is made public, the license granted to all platform users cannot be withdrawn, even if the repository is later set to private or deleted.
Any model, dataset, or code published in a public Hugging Face repository is subject to a permanent, irrevocable license granted to all platform users, covering use, reproduction, distribution, and creation of derivative works; this cannot be undone after the fact.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 263 platforms. See the full comparison.
No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Hugging Face.