§8.2 Terms and conditions

85. Terms and conditions provide a framework for governing the relationship between the provider of the online platform and its users. They set out the rules and expectations for online behaviour and play an important role in establishing a safe, secure and privacy respecting environment (96). 86. The Commission recalls the obligations for all providers of intermediary services as regards terms and conditions set out in Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, which includes the obligation for providers of intermediary services to explain the conditions for, and any restrictions on, the use of the service in a clear, plain, intelligible, user-friendly and unambiguous language. In addition, Article 14(3) of that Regulation specifies that intermediary services primarily directed to minors or predominantly used by them, should provide this information in a way that minors can understand (97) (98). 87. Moreover, the Commission considers that providers of online platforms accessible to minors should ensure that the terms and conditions of the service they provide: (a) Include information about: (i) The steps that users need to take from account creation to its deletion. (ii) Community guidelines that promote a positive, safe and inclusive atmosphere and that explain what conduct is expected and prohibited on their service, and what the consequences of non-compliance are. (iii) The types of content and behaviour that are considered to be harmful for minors’ privacy, safety and/or security. This includes but is not limited to illegal content that is harmful for minors’ privacy, safety and/or security and the dissemination of this content. (iv) How minors are protected from this content and behaviour. (v) The tools that are used to prevent, mitigate and moderate content, conduct and features that are illegal or harmful for the privacy, safety and security of minors, and the complaints process. (b) Are easy to find and searchable throughout the user’s experience on the platform. (c) Do not unduly restrict any rights of minors, including their right to freedom of expression and information. (d) Are upheld and implemented in practice. 88. In addition, the Commission considers that the providers of online platforms accessible to minors should ensure changes to the terms and conditions are logged and published (99). Good practice HappyExplore is an online platform where minors can play games, create and explore creatures and worlds that they can share with each other. HappyExplore has a character called ‘Pixel Pioneer’ which teaches users how to be responsible explorers. All users are encouraged to take the ‘Kindness pledge’, where they learn and promise to behave kindly and safely online. Pixel Pioneer also explains the importance of moderation and safety decisions to the users as they explore the platform, such as why they should think carefully before sharing their creatures or worlds.

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Source: EUR-Lex (Cellar) · retrieved 2026-09-07