OpenAI's usage rules don't just come from this policy document — they also come from a separate 'model spec' document that governs how its AI models behave, and that document can change independently.
The actual capabilities and restrictions of OpenAI's AI models are partly governed by a separate document (the model spec) that can change without direct notice to you — meaning what ChatGPT will or won't do for you today may change in the future without any formal announcement.
Cross-platform context
See how other platforms handle Model Spec Incorporation by Reference and similar clauses.
Compare across platforms →Because the model spec is incorporated by reference and can evolve without formal versioning or user notification, the behavioral rules governing what OpenAI's AI will and won't do are effectively a moving target for both users and developers building on the API.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: This incorporation-by-reference mechanism engages FTC Act Section 5 (potentially deceptive if users are not adequately informed that governing rules exist in a separate, living document), EU GDPR Article 13 (transparency obligations requiring clear disclosure of data processing rules), and the EU AI Act Articles 12-13 (transparency and information obligations for AI systems, particularly high-risk systems). The FTC, EU Data Protection Authorities, and EU AI Office are relevant enforcement bodies.
Compliance intelligence locked
Regulatory citations, enforcement risk, and due diligence action items.
Watcher: regulatory citations. Professional: full compliance memo.