Medium
Medium Terms of Service
Medium is an online publishing platform where users can read, write, and share articles and stories on a wide range of topics.
Analyzed May 21, 2026
Key findings
Summary
Medium's Terms are largely standard for a publishing platform: users retain content ownership but grant a broad license to display and distribute it, arbitration is mandatory but includes an opt-out and small claims carveout, and termination can occur without notice. Liability is capped at a low fixed amount, which is common but user-unfavorable.
Category Breakdown
The Terms defer data collection details to a separate Privacy Policy, with the Terms themselves only addressing data processing and transfer generally.
From: TERMS OF SERVICEIn order for us to provide our Services, you agree that we may process, transfer and store information about you in the US and other countries, where you may not have the same rights and protections as you do under local law.View source document
The Terms do not describe third-party advertising or sale of user data, instead prohibiting users themselves from selling personal information obtained from other users.
From: TERMS OF SERVICEYou further agree not to sell any Personal Information, where the term "sell" has the meaning given to it under applicable laws.View source document
Users retain ownership of their content but grant Medium a broad, worldwide, sublicensable license to use, modify, and distribute it across the Services.
From: TERMS OF SERVICEyou grant Medium a nonexclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, fully paid, and sublicensable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, publicly perform and display your content and any name, username or likeness provided in connection with your content in all media formats and distribution methods now known or later developed on the Services.View source document
Medium reserves broad discretion to suspend or terminate user access with or without notice.
From: TERMS OF SERVICEWe reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Services with or without notice.View source document
Mandatory arbitration via JAMS applies with a class-action waiver and jury trial waiver, but the Terms include a small claims court carveout, a 30-day opt-out option, and a one-year claim limitation period.
From: TERMS OF SERVICEYou have the right to opt out of binding arbitration within 30 days of the date you first accepted the terms of this section by sending an email of your request to trust@medium.com.View source document
This document does not include any subscription, payment, or auto-renewal provisions, which are covered in a separate Membership Terms of Service document.
View source document