The terms require users to bring any claim against Meta exclusively in federal or state courts in California, applying California law. Meta separately reserves the right to bring claims against users in courts in the user's country of residence at its sole discretion.
This analysis describes what Meta'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 provision establishes an asymmetric dispute resolution structure: users must litigate claims in California courts, while Meta retains the option to sue users in their home jurisdiction. The asymmetry may require evaluation under EU and UK consumer protection frameworks, which generally preserve consumers' right to bring proceedings in their home jurisdiction.
The updated terms apply unconditionally to all users regardless of residence. Meta removed the requirement to provide 30 days' advance notice before changing terms, replacing it with notification 'before' changes go into effect without specifying a notice period. More materially, the company consolidated all disputes to exclusive resolution in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California or San Mateo County state court under California law, removing the prior option for consumers to pursue claims in competent courts in their home countries. Meta also introduced an explicit $100 liability cap (or amount paid in prior 12 months, whichever is greater) and expanded damages exclusions to cover all consequential, special, indirect, exemplary, punitive, and incidental losses 'even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages', without the qualifying language 'to the fullest extent permissible by law' that previously applied.
View change record →The updated terms establish several operational changes affecting how disputes are handled and how the Terms themselves can be modified. For consumers, the revised dispute resolution language states that consumer claims will be resolved under the laws of the consumer's own country in courts located in that country, rather than exclusively in California courts. Meta reserves the right to pursue claims against consumers in California courts. For users employing automated data collection, the updated terms require compliance with separate Automated Data Collection Terms and explicitly state that Meta may restrict or revoke permission at any time. The Terms now require Meta to provide at least 30 days' advance notice before making changes, except when changes are required by law.
View change record →The updated terms establish a jurisdictional change for consumers. Previously, all disputes had to be resolved in California courts; now, if you are a consumer or if your country requires it, disputes must be resolved in courts within your home country under your home country's laws. For Meta's own claims against you, the agreement still requires disputes to proceed exclusively in California courts. The revised terms also now require Meta to notify you at least 30 days in advance before making changes to these Terms, and you will have the opportunity to review them before they take effect, unless changes are required by law.
View change record →⚠ User-initiated claims against Meta will be governed by California law and must be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California or San Mateo County state courts, as stated in the terms, subject to applicable law in the user's jurisdiction.
Cross-platform context
See how other platforms handle Forum Selection and Governing Law and similar clauses.
Compare across platforms →"You and Meta each agree that any claim, cause of action, or dispute between us that arises out of or relates to these Terms or your access or use of the Meta Products shall be resolved exclusively in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California or a state court located in San Mateo County. You also agree to submit to the personal jurisdiction of either of these courts for the purpose of litigating any such claim, and that the laws of the State of California will govern these Terms and any claim, cause of action, or dispute without regard to conflict of law provisions. Without prejudice to the foregoing, you agree that, in its sole discretion, Meta may bring any claim, cause of action, or dispute we have against you in any competent court in the country in which you reside that has jurisdiction over the claim.Excerpt from Meta's Terms of Service
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This provision establishes an asymmetric dispute resolution structure: users must litigate claims in California courts, while Meta retains the option to sue users in their home jurisdiction. The asymmetry may require evaluation under EU and UK consumer protection frameworks, which generally preserve consumers' right to bring proceedings in their home jurisdiction.
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