OpenAI · Usage Policies · View original document ↗

Prohibition on Critical Infrastructure Attacks

High severity Medium confidence Explicitdocumentlanguage Unique · 0 of 325 platforms
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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)

This provision establishes a binding operational boundary on permissible service use and defines a category of conduct that violates the usage agreement. It operates as a mandatory compliance requirement that applies across all users and use cases.

Interpretive note: The term 'critical safety systems' is not defined, creating ambiguity for operators in industrial, healthcare, or transportation sectors about whether their use cases approach this prohibition.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Users are required to refrain from using the service for attacks or disruptions targeting critical infrastructure or safety systems. Violation of this provision creates grounds for service suspension or termination under the terms.

How other platforms handle this

Runway Medium

You may not use Runway's tools to build or support systems designed for mass surveillance, tracking of individuals without their consent, or the unlawful monitoring of protected groups or activities.

Midjourney Medium

Do not generate images for political campaigns or to try to influence the outcome of an election. Do not generate images to spread misinformation or disinformation.

Character.AI Medium

Avoid Professional Advice: Don't seek to receive or provide medical, legal, financial, or tax advice through the platform.

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▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
Attack critical infrastructure (power grids, water systems, financial systems) or critical safety systems

— Excerpt from OpenAI's Usage Policies

Applicable regulations

CFAA
United States Federal
DMCA
United States Federal
DSA
European Union
Trump Executive Order on AI Policy Framework
US

Provision details

Document information
Document
Usage Policies
Entity
OpenAI
Document last updated
March 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
March 10, 2026
Last verified
May 12, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-009456
Document ID
CA-D-00005
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
d69a24617758e5b44e4be8eedeceb598a26dc4e280f2ab1469a45b64203e7403
Analysis generated
March 10, 2026 03:28 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: OpenAI
Document: Usage Policies
Record ID: CA-P-009456
Captured: 2026-03-10 03:28:59 UTC
SHA-256: d69a24617758e5b4…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/openai/usage-policies/prohibition-on-critical-infrastructure-attacks/
Accessed: May 20, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does OpenAI's Prohibition on Critical Infrastructure Attacks clause do?

This provision establishes a binding operational boundary on permissible service use and defines a category of conduct that violates the usage agreement. It operates as a mandatory compliance requirement that applies across all users and use cases.

How does this clause affect you?

Users are required to refrain from using the service for attacks or disruptions targeting critical infrastructure or safety systems. Violation of this provision creates grounds for service suspension or termination under the terms.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with OpenAI?

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