US users must resolve all disputes with Waze through binding arbitration rather than in court, administered by JAMS under its rules. This means you cannot take Waze to court or participate in a class action lawsuit unless you opt out within 30 days.
This analysis describes what Waze'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 mandatory arbitration requirement establishes the procedural framework for dispute resolution and determines the forum and process by which claims will be adjudicated. This provision affects the operational structure through which Waze and users address contractual disagreements and liability claims.
The updated Terms now establish that you are binding yourself not only to the main Terms of Use but also to Waze's Content Moderation Policy, Community Terms, and Copyright Policy as integral parts of the agreement. This expands the set of rules you must comply with when using the Service. The revised terms also clarify that the Service is intended for users of legal driving age and explicitly describe Waze's advertising model: the Service is free because advertising revenue funds operations, and Waze uses your data to show you targeted ads, with controls available to manage ad personalization preferences.
View change record →Removal of mandatory arbitration significantly affects users' right to pursue class actions and access to courts, a substantial shift in dispute resolution.
View full change record →US users lose the ability to sue Waze in court or join a class action, limiting their legal recourse if harmed by Waze's products or data practices. This provision takes effect unless actively opted out within 30 days of first use.
How other platforms handle this
You may reject any change we make to section 15 (except address changes) by personally signing and sending us notice within 30 days of the change by U.S. Mail to the address in section 15.b.
the arbitration provider, National Arbitration and Mediation ("NAM"), shall not accept or administer any demand for arbitration and shall administratively close any arbitration unless the Party bringing such demand for arbitration can certify in writing that the terms...were fully satisfied.
Neither you nor we may elect arbitration of any claims seeking only individualized relief asserted by you or us in small claims court, so long as the action remains in that court and is not removed or appealed de novo...
The mandatory arbitration clause with class action waiver is administered by JAMS and governed by the Federal Arbitration Act.
Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.
Search "[your state] attorney general consumer complaint" to find your state's direct complaint form
Coinbase's User Agreement includes a mandatory arbitration clause that most users may not have reviewed. Here is what the clause states and how the opt-out process works.
561 arbitration provisions across 197 platforms. ConductAtlas tracks how dispute resolution is being restructured across the internet.
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The mandatory arbitration requirement establishes the procedural framework for dispute resolution and determines the forum and process by which claims will be adjudicated. This provision affects the operational structure through which Waze and users address contractual disagreements and liability claims.
US users lose the ability to sue Waze in court or join a class action, limiting their legal recourse if harmed by Waze's products or data practices. This provision takes effect unless actively opted out within 30 days of first use.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 206 platforms. See the full comparison.
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