Shopify prohibits using its platform to facilitate human trafficking, sexual exploitation, or child exploitation in any form, including through product listings, content, or services that support such activities.
This analysis describes what Shopify'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 a zero-tolerance stance on content and commerce facilitating human trafficking and exploitation of minors, aligning with federal law including the FOSTA-SESTA framework and CSAM statutes, and violations may trigger both account termination and law enforcement referral.
This provision prohibits the use of Shopify's platform for any commerce or content facilitating human trafficking, sexual exploitation, or child exploitation, providing a baseline platform safety standard relevant to all users who interact with Shopify-hosted storefronts.
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"You may not use the Shopify Services to engage in the following activities: Illegal activity: Using the Shopify Services in furtherance of any activity that constitutes or facilitates the commission of a crime or other illegal activity, including human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and child exploitation.— Excerpt from Shopify's Shopify Acceptable Use Policy
(1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision directly engages federal statutes including the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA-SESTA, 2018), the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, and 18 U.S.C. provisions governing child exploitation material (CSAM). Platforms that knowingly facilitate such activities face significant civil and criminal liability. NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) CyberTipline reporting obligations apply to electronic service providers under 18 U.S.C. 2258A. (2) GOVERNANCE EXPOSURE: High, given the severity of potential legal exposure. However, for legitimate merchants, this provision is largely a codification of existing legal obligations rather than a novel compliance requirement. (3) JURISDICTION FLAGS: US federal law creates the primary compliance framework, but international merchants face additional obligations under applicable national laws regarding trafficking and exploitation. EU law also imposes obligations on platforms regarding illegal content under the Digital Services Act. (4) CONTRACT AND VENDOR IMPLICATIONS: Platform operators and developers building on Shopify's API or app ecosystem should ensure their integrations do not facilitate prohibited content or transactions, as this provision applies to all users of Shopify services. (5) COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Legal and trust and safety teams should review content moderation policies and reporting mechanisms to ensure compliance with NCMEC reporting obligations and applicable federal law. Any discovery of potential CSAM or trafficking-related content must be handled under mandatory reporting requirements, not solely as an AUP enforcement matter.
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This provision establishes a zero-tolerance stance on content and commerce facilitating human trafficking and exploitation of minors, aligning with federal law including the FOSTA-SESTA framework and CSAM statutes, and violations may trigger both account termination and law enforcement referral.
This provision prohibits the use of Shopify's platform for any commerce or content facilitating human trafficking, sexual exploitation, or child exploitation, providing a baseline platform safety standard relevant to all users who interact with Shopify-hosted storefronts.
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