This analysis describes what Substack'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
The minimum age restriction establishes a categorical bar on use by minors under 16, which has implications for account eligibility and potential liability for underage use.
Interpretive note: The second item in what_this_means ('you represent that you are at least 16') is a reasonable restatement of the user-side effect of the prohibition, but the excerpt does not contain an explicit representation clause; this is noted here and not stated in reader-facing prose as a separate right or obligation.
Users who are under 16 years old are not permitted to use Substack.
How other platforms handle this
Except as set forth below, or as otherwise approved by us, the services are for your personal, non-commercial use unless you enter into a separate agreement with us for your commercial use.
You may not display any personal contact, banking, or peer-to-peer payment information, whether in relation to you or any other person (for example, names, home addresses or postcodes, telephone numbers, email addresses, URLs, credit/debit card...)
You agree that Promotional Codes: (a) must be used in a lawful manner; (b) must be used for the intended audience and purpose; (c) may not be duplicated, sold or transferred in any manner...
"you may not and must not use Substack if you are under 16 years old.Excerpt from Substack's Terms of Use
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The minimum age restriction establishes a categorical bar on use by minors under 16, which has implications for account eligibility and potential liability for underage use.
Users who are under 16 years old are not permitted to use Substack.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 282 platforms. See the full comparison.
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