Article 14

Terms and conditions

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Evaluation scenarios 5
Paragraph 1
Obligations (1)
Terms Content Moderation Info
Evaluator scenario High Priority
The provider must include detailed content moderation information in their terms and conditions
1 evaluation scenario
Evaluation scenarios (1)
Terms Content Moderation Info
1 scenario
Given

A browser accessing the platform's home page anonymously

When

We search for and access the platform's terms and conditions

Then
  • The terms and conditions are easy to find (no more than 3 clicks from homepage or footer)
  • The terms explicitly describe policies, procedures, and tools for content moderation, including both algorithmic decision-making and human review
  • The rules of the internal complaint handling system are documented within the terms or clearly linked from them
  • The terms are available in a machine-readable format (e.g., HTML, JSON, XML) and written in clear, plain, intelligible, user-friendly and unambiguous language
Platform types
all
Paragraph 2
Obligations (1)
Terms Change Notification
Evaluator scenario Medium Priority
The provider must inform recipients of significant changes to terms and conditions
1 evaluation scenario
Evaluation scenarios (1)
Terms Change Notification
1 scenario
Given

Access to the platform's terms change notification templates and delivery logs

When

We review notification content and delivery records for terms and conditions updates

Then
  • Users receive notifications when significant changes are made to terms and conditions
  • Notifications clearly identify what has changed and when the changes take effect
  • Notifications are delivered through accessible channels (e.g., email, in-app notification, dashboard alert)
Platform types
all
Paragraph 3
Obligations (1)
Minor Friendly Terms
Evaluator scenario High Priority
Providers serving minors must explain terms and conditions in child-friendly language
1 evaluation scenario
Evaluation scenarios (1)
Minor Friendly Terms
1 scenario
Given

A browser accessing the platform's home page anonymously

When

We search for and access the platform's terms and conditions

Then
  • Key restrictions and policies are explained using age-appropriate language suitable for minors
  • Support materials (e.g., summaries, videos, icons, simplified explanations) help minors understand the terms
  • The terms avoid complex legal jargon and use examples relevant to young users
Platform types
all
Paragraph 4
Obligations (1)
Proportionate Enforcement
Manual evidence High Priority
The provider must apply content restrictions in a diligent, objective and proportionate manner
Evidence guidance

Upload the terms of service, community guidelines, and any content-moderation policies you publish. Highlight passages showing that enforcement is objective and proportionate, and that freedom of expression, media pluralism, and other fundamental rights are accounted for. Additional policies (e.g. appeals, hate-speech) can be attached to strengthen the record.

Evaluation scenarios
No evaluation scenarios
None are defined for this paragraph.
Paragraph 5
Obligations (1)
VLOP Terms Summary
Evaluator scenario High Priority
VLOPs must provide a concise, accessible summary of terms and conditions
1 evaluation scenario
Evaluation scenarios (1)
VLOP Terms Summary
1 scenario
Given

A browser accessing the platform's home page anonymously

When

We search for and access the platform's terms and conditions

Then
  • A concise summary of the terms and conditions is provided alongside or prominently linked from the full terms
  • The summary includes key information about available remedies and redress mechanisms
  • The summary is available in a machine-readable format and uses clear, unambiguous language
  • The summary is accessible (can be accessed by assistive technologies)
Platform types
social_media marketplace content_sharing online_advertising
Paragraph 6
Obligations (1)
VLOP Multilingual Terms
Evaluator scenario Medium Priority
VLOPs must publish terms and conditions in all official languages of Member States where they offer services
1 evaluation scenario
Evaluation scenarios (1)
VLOP Multilingual Terms
1 scenario
Given

A browser accessing the platform's home page anonymously

When

We search for and access the platform's terms and conditions

Then
  • The terms and conditions are available in the official language of each EU Member State where the platform offers services
  • A language selection mechanism makes it easy to access localized versions
  • Translations appear complete and up-to-date (not machine-translated placeholders)
Platform types
social_media marketplace content_sharing online_advertising