This analysis describes what Medium'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 breadth of permitted uses—including modification, derivative works, sublicensing, and worldwide distribution—means Medium can use user content extensively without paying royalties.
The updated terms establish that Medium may stop providing the Services or any of its features within its sole discretion. The prior language focused on subscription account sign-up mechanics; the new provision creates an explicit contractual reservation allowing Medium to discontinue platform features or the entire service without conditions tied to a specific event or timeline. The terms do not specify advance notice requirements, transition periods, or user remedies if the service is discontinued.
View change record →The updated terms expand a data collection warranty to apply to all personal information users provide to Medium, not limited to newsletter editor submissions. Users now represent and warrant that any personal information they submit has been lawfully collected and that all required notices and consents were obtained before collection. This means the warranty applies whether data is provided through newsletters, account profiles, submissions, or other Medium features. If a user provides personal information collected without proper notice or consent, they may be in breach of this representation.
View change record →Users who post content permit Medium to reproduce, modify, adapt, translate, distribute, sublicense, and publicly display that content without compensation.
How other platforms handle this
Except for the license you grant below, you retain all rights in and to your Marketing Content, as between you and ActiveCampaign.
You do not have any rights in relation to Member Content, and, unless expressly authorized by Tinder, you may only use Member Content to the extent that your use is consistent with our Services' purpose...
We hereby grant you a limited, revocable, non-transferable, non-sublicensable license under the rights licensable by us to use the services and use Content from our services solely for your personal use...
"You grant Medium a nonexclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, fully paid, and sublicensable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, publicly perform and display your content...Excerpt from Medium's Terms of Service
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The breadth of permitted uses—including modification, derivative works, sublicensing, and worldwide distribution—means Medium can use user content extensively without paying royalties.
Users who post content permit Medium to reproduce, modify, adapt, translate, distribute, sublicense, and publicly display that content without compensation.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 256 platforms. See the full comparison.
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