to read this ToS
CodeSandbox's fine print is longer than you think.
🎧Longer than your Spotify Wrapped — for ALL of last year.
The 5 things you actually need to know
⏱️ Saved you 42 min 18s- 1
They can use your code and data to train AI models, even after you stop using the app.
- 2
Your account and data vanish if you lose access to your linked GitHub/Google/Apple account.
- 3
They can share your personal info with third parties if you violate their terms or if legally required.
- 4
Canceling your subscription means you lose access to everything, no refunds for unused time.
- 5
They can change the terms anytime with just 30 days notice, and you have to object fast or agree.
Generated by AI from the actual contract — but for the lawyer-level breakdown, scroll down 👇
AI training
- Severity 4
"User is expressly prohibited from using the data and information specified above for any purpose that falls outside the intended scope and purpose of the Services as presented by CodeSandbox, including but not limited to the training and improvement of ‘Large Language Models’ and other solutions driven by artificial intelligence or comparable technologies."
CodeSandbox prohibits users from using provided data and information to train AI models or similar technologies outside the intended scope of the Services.
This prevents your data from being used to improve CodeSandbox's AI features or those of its partners.
Auto-renewal
- Severity 2
"The Service Plan will be applicable for the duration specified in the relevant Service Plan Offer. After that initial duration (hereinafter “Initial Period”) be automatically and tacitly renewed for successive periods of the same duration as the Initial Period (hereinafter: “Renewal Periods”), unless either Party provides the other Party with a written notice of non-renewal at least."
CodeSandbox automatically renews your Service Plan for the same duration unless you provide written notice of non-renewal.
You will be automatically charged for continued service unless you actively cancel before the renewal date.
- Severity 2
"Service Plans are concluded by User’s acceptance of a relevant Service Plan Offer by way of its Account on the Platform, and subsequent receipt by User of a written purchase confirmation from CodeSandbox, automated or otherwise."
CodeSandbox confirms the conclusion of a Service Plan when it sends a written purchase confirmation after the user accepts an offer on the platform.
This clarifies when your agreement officially begins and you are committed to the service.
Price hikes
- Severity 3
"CodeSandbox is authorized to adjust its rates and pricing for ongoing Agreements on an annual basis on (i) the basis of the CBS (“Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek”) consumer price index (all households) or (ii) five percent (5%)."
CodeSandbox can increase its rates annually by either the CBS consumer price index or five percent, whichever is higher.
Your subscription costs may increase each year by a set amount or by inflation.
- Severity 3
"Service Plan Renewal Periods shall be under the same terms and conditions as the Initial Term, unless CodeSandbox has provided written notice to User of any amended terms and conditions and/or pricing of the Service Plan i in which event, the amended terms and conditions and/or pricing shall apply to the Renewal Period, provided the notice was given at least."
CodeSandbox may change the terms and pricing for renewal periods if it provides you with advance written notice.
Your renewal costs and contract terms could increase or change without your explicit agreement.
Data residency
No flags in this category.
Termination friction
- Severity 3
"User acknowledges that by terminating the Agreement, it will permanently lose access to any Service Plans active at the time of termination. User will not have a right to refunds or restitutions in the event a (paid) Service Plan is applicable to the Agreement at the moment of termination, unless the Agreement was terminated as described in Article 10.3, in which case CodeSandbox will provide User with a refund in proportion to the part of the Service Plan that User was not able to use as result of the termination."
Terminating the agreement means you permanently lose access to active Service Plans and will not receive refunds, except in specific circumstances outlined in Article 10.3.
You forfeit any remaining value of paid services if you cancel the agreement outside of the specified refund conditions.
- Severity 3
"In the event of dissolution (‘ontbinding’) of the Agreement, applicability of section 6:271 et seq. of the Dutch Civil Code is excluded, and CodeSandbox shall not be obliged to repay amounts paid by User."
If the agreement is dissolved, CodeSandbox is not obligated to refund any amounts already paid by the user.
You will not get your money back for the period after dissolution, even if you cannot use the service.
Liability caps
- Severity 4
"In the event a free Service Plan applies, or if the Parties have otherwise not concluded a paid Service Plan, CodeSandbox shall – given the free of charge nature of the Services provided – not be liable for any loss and/or damages. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that Services provided under any free Service Plans, are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis."
CodeSandbox is not liable for any loss or damages if you are using a free Service Plan.
You have no recourse if you experience issues or data loss while using free services.
- Severity 3
"CodeSandbox's liability for loss and/or damages resulting from a failure in the performance of the Agreement, an unlawful act or otherwise is limited to the amount (excluding VAT) that User has paid CodeSandbox under the Agreement during the three (3) months prior to the event that caused the damages, where a series of related events counts as one event."
CodeSandbox's liability for damages is limited to the amount you paid in the three months before the damage occurred.
Your ability to recover losses from CodeSandbox is capped at a relatively small amount.
- Severity 3
"CodeSandbox can only be liable towards User for direct damages as a result of an attributable failure in the performance of the Agreement. CodeSandbox' liability for indirect damages is excluded. For the purposes of this Agreement, indirect damages include lost savings, loss of data, loss of profit, damage to reputation and damage due to business interruption."
CodeSandbox is only liable for direct damages resulting from its failure to perform the agreement and excludes liability for indirect damages.
You cannot claim compensation for consequential losses like lost profits or business interruption.
Indemnification
- Severity 3
"User shall indemnify CodeSandbox and hold CodeSandbox harmless against any third-party claims based on the assertion that the materials stored or distributed by User using the Services infringe on third-party rights or are otherwise unlawful."
You must defend CodeSandbox against any third-party claims that your use of the Services infringes on rights or is unlawful.
You are responsible for legal costs and damages if your actions lead to lawsuits against CodeSandbox.
Silent term changes
- Severity 3
"CodeSandbox is authorized to amend these Terms and Conditions and will announce any such amendments to User at least thirty (30) days in advance. Amendments also apply to Agreements already entered into."
CodeSandbox can change the Terms and Conditions and will notify you at least thirty days in advance, with changes applying to existing agreements.
The rules governing your use of the service can change, and you must be aware of these updates to comply.
Better alternatives
Higher-rated vendors in developer tooling that may be safer than CodeSandbox.
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