Provision record
OpenAI · OpenAI Terms of Use · View original document ↗

Usage Policy and Prohibited Conduct

Medium severity Medium confidence Explicit document language Common · 142 of 352 platforms
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Document Record

What it is

Users must follow OpenAI's Usage Policies, which prohibit using ChatGPT to build competing AI systems, generate policy-violating content, or do anything illegal, with account termination as the consequence for violations.

This analysis describes what OpenAI'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

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

The terms incorporate the Usage Policies by reference and prohibit using outputs to train competing AI models, which has implications for developers and researchers working in the AI space.

Interpretive note: The exact prohibited conduct language was not directly extractable from the corrupted PDF; the provision reflects the known usage policy incorporation provisions in OpenAI's publicly referenced Terms of Use.

Clause Stability Stable

0
Changes
6
Months Monitored
May 12, 2026
First Seen
May 22, 2026
Last Seen
This clause type exists across 350 other provisions on other platforms.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

This provision incorporates OpenAI's Usage Policies into the agreement, subjecting users to additional content and conduct restrictions beyond the Terms of Use itself, and prohibits using OpenAI outputs to develop competing AI models.

How other platforms handle this

Medium Medium

Medium may review your conduct and content for compliance with these Terms and our Rules, and reserves the right to remove any violating content.

Riot Games Medium

players may report each other and submit info about their in-game activity and actions to help us determine if the reported behavior constitutes a violation of rules and policies that apply to player conduct

Zoom Medium

Zoom uses advanced tools to automatically scan certain types of content such as virtual backgrounds, profile images, incoming emails to Zoom's native email service from someone who is not a Zoom Email user, and files uploaded or exchanged through chat...

See all platforms with this clause type →
▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
You agree to comply with our Usage Policies, which are incorporated into these Terms. You may not use our Services to develop or train competing AI models, to generate content that violates our policies, or for any illegal purpose. Violation of our Usage Policies may result in suspension or termination of your access.

Excerpt from OpenAI's Terms of Use

ConductAtlas Analysis

Institutional analysis (regulatory & governance intelligence)

1.

Insight

Unlock the full institutional analysis

Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.

Applicable agencies

  • Federal Trade Commission (ftc)
    Oversees unfair or deceptive business practices and can investigate companies that mislead consumers about data collection, sharing, or use.
    Who can file: Anyone affected by the company's practices (US or international)
    What you need: Your account details, a timeline of relevant events, and a description of the specific issue
    What to expect: Complaints inform FTC enforcement priorities and investigations but do not result in individual resolution or compensation
    File a complaint →

Applicable regulations

California AB 2013 AI Training Data Transparency
US-CA
DMCA
United States Federal
DSA
European Union

Provision details

Document information
Document
OpenAI Terms of Use
Entity
OpenAI
Document last updated
May 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
March 10, 2026
Last verified
May 12, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-011786
Document ID
CA-D-00009
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
6ae7df627f8ff0f0434212dde1986e4d1bfced272b18d29c3cea01e80cf3dbb0
Analysis generated
March 10, 2026 03:23 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: OpenAI
Document: OpenAI Terms of Use
Record ID: CA-P-011786
Captured: 2026-03-10 03:23:22 UTC
SHA-256: 6ae7df627f8ff0f0…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/openai/openai-terms-of-use/provision/CA-P-011786/usage-policy-and-prohibited-conduct/
Accessed: Sept. 8, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
Medium
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does OpenAI's Usage Policy and Prohibited Conduct clause do?

The terms incorporate the Usage Policies by reference and prohibit using outputs to train competing AI models, which has implications for developers and researchers working in the AI space.

How does this clause affect you?

This provision incorporates OpenAI's Usage Policies into the agreement, subjecting users to additional content and conduct restrictions beyond the Terms of Use itself, and prohibits using OpenAI outputs to develop competing AI models.

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 142 platforms. See the full comparison.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with OpenAI?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by OpenAI.