Terms of Use

PLOS significantly broadened its definition of 'Online Tools' to explicitly include Editorial Manager, the Institutional Portal, billing/payment functions, and giving institutions/consortia access to manuscript reports and data. It also added a new right to audit user activity in these tools and extended existing termination, liability-limitation, and modification clauses to explicitly cover the API and Online Tools (not just the main website). A few cosmetic fixes (date, email, link formatting) were also made.

Manuscript data now shared with institutions and consortiaPLOS now explicitly says the Online Tools are used to give institutions and consortia…

PLOS now explicitly says the Online Tools are used to give institutions and consortia (e.g. universities, funders, libraries) access to manuscript reports and related data. If you submit a manuscript through these tools, your related data may now be visible to these outside organizations in ways that weren't previously spelled out.

“providing institutions and consortia with access to manuscript reports and related data”

DATA SHARING

New right to audit your activity in the portalPLOS added a new right to monitor and audit what you do inside the Online Tools (like…

PLOS added a new right to monitor and audit what you do inside the Online Tools (like Editorial Manager or the Institutional Portal). This is a new form of oversight of your activity that wasn't mentioned before.

“PLOS reserves the right to audit user activity in the portal.”

USER OBLIGATIONS

Suspension/termination power now explicitly covers billing and manuscript toolsPLOS's right to cut off your access without notice now explicitly extends to the Online…

PLOS's right to cut off your access without notice now explicitly extends to the Online Tools, which include billing/payment functions and manuscript submission systems — not just the main website. This means access to things like your billing account or manuscript portal could be suspended without warning.

“PLOS reserves the right to limit, suspend or terminate your access and use of the PLOS Sites, PLOS API and Online Tools at any time without notice.”

TERMINATION

20260903_rev01 → 20261006_rev01COLOUR MARKS THE SEVERITY OF A FLAGGED CLAUSE · + AND − MARK ADDED AND REMOVED

+_Last updated: June 26, 2026_
+_Last updated: October 5, 2026_
+##### These Terms of Use are a legally binding agreement between you and Public Library of Science ("PLOS"). PLOS operates www.plos.org and related websites (together, the "PLOS Sites") through which it strives to make the world's scientific and medical literature a freely available public resource. By accessing or using the PLOS Sites or any products or services available through them (including the PLOS API, defined below), you agree to these Terms of Use. If you do not agree, do not access or use the PLOS Sites.
+##### These Terms of Use are a legally binding agreement between you and Public Library of Science ("PLOS"). PLOS operates www.plos.org and related websites (together, the "PLOS Sites") through which it strives to make the world's scientific and medical literature a freely available public resource. By accessing or using the PLOS Sites or any products or services available through them (including the Online Tools and PLOS API, defined below), you agree to these Terms of Use. If you do not agree, do not access or use the PLOS Sites.
 ### License to use articles and related content
+Unless otherwise indicated, articles and accompanying materials, including peer reviews, and other content published by PLOS on the PLOS Sites are licensed by the respective authors for use and distribution by you subject to citation of the original source in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license or other comparable license that allows free and unrestricted use (such as [Creative Commons 1.0 Universal (CC0](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)) or [Open Governmental License](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/)).
+Unless otherwise indicated, articles and accompanying materials, including peer reviews, and other content published by PLOS on the PLOS Sites are licensed by the respective authors for use and distribution by you subject to citation of the original source in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license or other comparable license that allows free and unrestricted use (such as [Creative Commons 1.0 Universal (CC0)](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) or [Open Governmental License](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/)).
 ### Ownership of content
+The copyright in the material contained on the PLOS Sites belongs to PLOS or its licensors. The trademarks and other elements appearing on the PLOS Sites are owned by PLOS and protected by California, US, and international copyright, trade dress, patent, and trademark laws, international conventions and other relevant and applicable laws.
+The copyright in the material contained on the PLOS Sites and Online Tools belongs to PLOS or its licensors. The trademarks and other elements appearing on the PLOS Sites and Online Tools are owned by PLOS or its Licensors and protected by California, US, and international copyright, trade dress, patent, and trademark laws, international conventions and other relevant and applicable laws.
 ### Use of PLOS' online tools and services
+PLOS provides access on its websites to certain software tools and functionality ("Online Tools") for the purposes of allowing and facilitating the submission or posting of content, including articles in whole or part, manuscripts, comments, reviews of such content and related material. When you use the Online Tools, you agree not to interfere with them or disrupt how they operate. This includes introducing malware, attempting unauthorized access, tampering with the Online Tools, probing for vulnerabilities, or trying to bypass security or authentication measures on the PLOS Sites or Online Tools.
+PLOS provides access on its websites to certain software tools and functionality, including but not limited to Editorial Manager and the Institutional Portal ("Online Tools") for various purposes including: allowing and facilitating the submission or posting of content, including articles in whole or part, manuscripts, comments, reviews of such content and related material; billing and payment functions; providing institutions and consortia with access to manuscript reports and related data. When you use the Online Tools, you agree not to interfere with them or disrupt how they operate. This includes introducing malware, attempting unauthorized access, tampering with the Online Tools, probing for vulnerabilities, or trying to bypass security or authentication measures on the PLOS Sites or Online Tools.
+Usernames, passwords, authentication tokens, and other login credentials issued for access to any PLOS Online Tools, are personal to the authorized user and may not be shared, disclosed, transferred, assigned, or otherwise made available to any other individual or entity. PLOS reserves the right to audit user activity in the portal. Authorized users acknowledge that the information contained within the Online Tools is confidential and shall not be shared with any third parties.
 ### PLOS API
+PLOS makes certain application programming interfaces available through the PLOS Sites (the "PLOS API"). You agree not to use the PLOS API in an unauthorized way or interfere with how it works. You also agree not to use excessive bandwidth or place an unreasonable burden on PLOS's servers. The PLOS API is provided "as is," without support or warranties of any kind, and PLOS does not guarantee that it will always be available. PLOS may modify or discontinue the PLOS API at any time, temporarily or permanently, with or without notice. PLOS will not be liable to you or any third party for any modification, suspension, or discontinuance of the PLOS API. You can find more information about the PLOS API [here](http://api.plos.org/api-display-policy/).
+PLOS makes certain application programming interfaces available through the PLOS Sites (the "PLOS API"). You agree not to use the PLOS API in an unauthorized way or interfere with how it works. You also agree not to use excessive bandwidth or place an unreasonable burden on PLOS's servers. The PLOS Online Tools and PLOS API are provided "as is," without support or warranties of any kind, and PLOS does not guarantee that they will always be available. PLOS may modify or discontinue the PLOS Online Tools and PLOS API at any time, temporarily or permanently, with or without notice. PLOS will not be liable to you or any third party for any modification, suspension, or discontinuance of the PLOS Online Tools or PLOS API. You can find more information about the PLOS API [here](http://api.plos.org/api-display-policy/).
+### Ownership of sites
+### Ownership of sites, API and online tools
+Unless otherwise indicated, the PLOS Sites are owned by PLOS. You acknowledge that the PLOS Sites, including software used to operate them, may contain proprietary and confidential information protected by intellectual property and other applicable laws. All code and technical specifications made available through the PLOS Sites remain subject to any stated or implied licenses that apply to them.
+Unless otherwise indicated, the PLOS Sites, PLOS API and Online Tools are owned by PLOS. You acknowledge that the PLOS Sites, PLOS API and Online Tools, including software used to operate them, may contain proprietary and confidential information protected by intellectual property and other applicable laws. All code and technical specifications made available through the PLOS Sites remain subject to any stated or implied licenses that apply to them.
 ### Privacy
+For information about how we collect, use, disclose, and otherwise process personal data in connection with the PLOS Sites and Online Tools, please review our [Privacy Policy](https://plos.org/privacy-policy/) and [Cookie Policy](https://plos.org/cookies-policy/), which are incorporated into these Terms of Use.
+For information about how we collect, use, disclose, and otherwise process personal data in connection with the PLOS Sites, PLOS API and Online Tools, please review our [Privacy Policy](https://plos.org/privacy-policy/) and [Cookie Policy](https://plos.org/cookies-policy/), which are incorporated into these Terms of Use.
 ### General practices regarding use
+PLOS reserves the right to limit, suspend or terminate your access and use of the PLOS Sites at any time without notice.
+PLOS reserves the right to limit, suspend or terminate your access and use of the PLOS Sites, PLOS API and Online Tools at any time without notice.
 ### Article and content submission
 If you submit manuscripts, peer reviews, comments, or other content for posting, review, or publication on the PLOS Sites, you agree to follow these Terms of Use and any PLOS policies, journal guidelines, or submission requirements that apply.
 You also agree that the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license will apply to submitted content where specified by PLOS or other comparable license that allows free and unrestricted use (such as [Creative Commons 1.0 Universal (CC0](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)) or [Open Governmental License](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/)), and that you will provide any information PLOS reasonably requires as part of the submission, review, or publication process. You represent and warrant that you have all rights, permissions, consents, and authority needed to submit the content and grant the rights described in these Terms of Use, and that your submission does not violate any law or infringe, misappropriate, or otherwise violate any third party's rights. You remain responsible for all content you submit to the PLOS Sites.
 If you submit manuscripts, comments, peer reviews, supplementary files, or other content for publication on a PLOS Site, you grant PLOS a royalty-free, non-exclusive, irrevocable right to publish, reproduce, distribute, transmit, display, store, translate, adapt, and otherwise use that content, in whole or in part and/or to incorporate it in other works in any form, manner, format, or medium, whether now known or hereafter developed, worldwide and in any language, for the entire duration of any such right. You also allow PLOS to permit others to do any or all of the foregoing. To the extent permitted by law, you waive all moral rights in your review. If you cannot waive those rights, you agree not to assert them.
 PLOS will determine in its sole discretion whether to publish your content and we reserve the right not to publish anything that does not meet our standards, guidelines or policies. In addition, PLOS may also remove, modify, update, correct, retract, or otherwise address content published on its Sites that does not meet our standards, guidelines or policies.
 ### Impermissible acts
+As a condition to your use of the PLOS Sites, you agree not to:
+As a condition to your use of the PLOS Sites, PLOS API and Online Tools, you agree not to:
 - Upload, post, email, transmit or otherwise make available any information, materials or other content that is illegal, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or offensive; or that infringes another's rights, including any intellectual property rights
 - Impersonate any person or entity or falsely state or otherwise misrepresent your affiliation with a person or entity; or obtain, collect, store or modify personal information about other users
 - Upload, post, email, transmit or otherwise make available any unsolicited or unauthorized advertising, promotional materials, "junk mail," "spam," "chain letters," "pyramid schemes" or any other form of solicitation
+- Modify, adapt or hack the PLOS Sites or falsely imply that some other site is associated with the PLOS Sites or PLOS
+- Use the PLOS Sites or PLOS API for any illegal or unauthorized purpose. You must not, in the use of the PLOS Sites or PLOS API, violate any laws in the applicable jurisdictions (including but not limited to copyright laws)
+- Modify, adapt or hack the PLOS Sites or Online Tools or falsely imply that some other site is associated with the PLOS Sites, Online Tools or PLOS
+- Use the PLOS Sites, Online Tools or PLOS API for any illegal or unauthorized purpose. You must not, in the use of the PLOS Sites, Online Tools or PLOS API, violate any laws in the applicable jurisdictions (including but not limited to copyright laws)
+- Share, disclose, transfer, assign, or otherwise make available to any other individual or entity your credentials to the Online Tools
 ### Violation of these terms of use
+PLOS is not required to pre-screen or monitor your access to or use of the PLOS Sites, the PLOS API, or any content made available through them, but it may do so. PLOS may correct, redact, remove or delete any entries, information, materials, or other content that violates these Terms of Use or that PLOS otherwise considers objectionable.
+PLOS is not required to pre-screen or monitor your access to or use of the PLOS Sites, the PLOS API, Online Tools or any content made available through them, but it may do so. PLOS may correct, redact, remove or delete any entries, information, materials, or other content that violates these Terms of Use or that PLOS otherwise considers objectionable.
 ### Modifications to the PLOS sites and terms of use
+PLOS reserves the right to modify or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, the PLOS Sites (or any part thereof) with or without notice at any time. You agree that PLOS shall not be liable to you or to any third party for any modification, suspension or discontinuance of the PLOS Sites or PLOS API.
+PLOS reserves the right to modify or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, the PLOS Sites, PLOS API and Online Tools (or any part thereof) with or without notice at any time. You agree that PLOS shall not be liable to you or to any third party for any modification, suspension or discontinuance of the PLOS Sites, PLOS API or Online Tools.
 PLOS may also update these Terms of Use by posting a revised version on this page. By continuing to access the PLOS Sites or receiving any PLOS services after the updated Terms of Use take effect, you accept the revised Terms of Use.
 ### Links
 The PLOS Sites may provide links to other web sites or resources. You acknowledge and agree that PLOS is not responsible for the availability of such external sites or resources, and that PLOS does not endorse and is not responsible or liable for any content, advertising, products or other materials on or available from such sites or resources. Your business dealings with any third-parties through the PLOS Sites, including payment and delivery of related goods or services, and any other terms, conditions, warranties or representations associated with such dealings, are solely between you and such third party. You further acknowledge and agree that PLOS shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with use of or reliance on any such content, goods or services available on or through any such site or resource.
 Attn: Legal
 Public Library of Science
 Mission Street
 Suite 103 #188 San Francisco, CA 94103
 Phone: (415) 624-1200
+Email:[\[email protected\]](https://plos.org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bbd8d4cbc2c9d2dcd3cffbcbd7d4c895d4c9dc)
+Email:copyright@plos.org
 You can also go to [https://journals.plos.org/plosone/s/licenses-and-copyright](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/s/licenses-and-copyright) for further information.
 ### Disclaimer of warranties
+YOUR USE OF THE PLOS SITES, THE PLOS API, AND ANY WEB SITE TO WHICH THEY LINK IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. THE PLOS SITES, THE PLOS API, AND THEIR CONTENT ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, PLOS MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE PLOS SITES, PLOS API OR THEIR CONTENT AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.
+YOUR USE OF THE PLOS SITES, THE PLOS API, ONLINE TOOLS AND ANY WEB SITE TO WHICH THEY LINK IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. THE PLOS SITES, THE PLOS API, ONLINE TOOLS AND THEIR CONTENT ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, PLOS MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE PLOS SITES, PLOS API, ONLINE TOOLS OR THEIR CONTENT AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.
 NO ADVICE OR INFORMATION, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, OBTAINED BY YOU FROM PLOS OR THROUGH OR FROM THE PLOS SITES OR PLOS API SHALL CREATE ANY WARRANTY NOT EXPRESSLY STATED IN THE TERMS OF USE.
 ### Indemnification, limitation of liability
+You agree to indemnify and hold harmless PLOS and its subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, agents, co-branders, partners, and employees from any claim, demand, loss, liability, or expense (including attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to your use of the PLOS Sites or PLOS API, your violation of these Terms of Use, your violation of another person's rights, or your breach of the foregoing representations, warranties and covenants. You are solely responsible for your actions when using the PLOS Sites, including, but not limited to, costs incurred for Internet access. PLOS may, at its own expense, assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter for which you must indemnify PLOS, and you agree to cooperate with that defense.
+You agree to indemnify and hold harmless PLOS and its subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, agents, co-branders, partners, and employees from any claim, demand, loss, liability, or expense (including attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to your use of the PLOS Sites, PLOS API, or Online Tools, your violation of these Terms of Use, your violation of another person's rights, or your breach of the foregoing representations, warranties and covenants. You are solely responsible for your actions when using the PLOS Sites, PLOS API or Online Tools, including, but not limited to, costs incurred for Internet access. PLOS may, at its own expense, assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter for which you must indemnify PLOS, and you agree to cooperate with that defense.
+IN NO EVENT SHALL PLOS OR ITS EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, SUPPLIERS OR CONTRACTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OF ANY NATURE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF INCOME OR PROFIT, LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, LOSS OF GOODWILL, USE, DATA OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, CLAIMS OF THIRD PARTIES, OR ANY OTHER LOSS, COST, CLAIM OR EXPENSE OF ANY KIND OR CHARACTER ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF THE PLOS SITES, THE PLOS API, THEIR CONTENT OR ANY WEB SITE WITH WHICH THEY ARE LINKED.
+IN NO EVENT SHALL PLOS OR ITS EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, SUPPLIERS OR CONTRACTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OF ANY NATURE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF INCOME OR PROFIT, LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, LOSS OF GOODWILL, USE, DATA OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, CLAIMS OF THIRD PARTIES, OR ANY OTHER LOSS, COST, CLAIM OR EXPENSE OF ANY KIND OR CHARACTER ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF THE PLOS SITES, THE PLOS API, ONLINE TOOLS, THEIR CONTENT OR ANY WEB SITE WITH WHICH THEY ARE LINKED.
 ### Special considerations for international use
 Recognizing the global nature of the Internet is global, you agree to comply with all applicable laws and local rules relating to your online conduct. This includes laws governing the transmission of technical data exported from the United States or from the country in which you reside.
 ### Payment terms
 To the extent applicable, payments made to PLOS for publishing or other services are governed by PLOS' [Payment Terms and Conditions](https://plos.org/payment-terms-and-conditions/), which are incorporated into these Terms of Use by reference.
 The Payment Terms apply to authors who pay individually, as well as to institutions, funders, libraries or consortia that pay on behalf of authors or other institutions.
 ### General terms
+These Terms of Use constitute the entire agreement between you and PLOS regarding your use of the PLOS Sites and replace any prior agreements between you and PLOS (or understandings on that subject, including earlier versions of these Terms of Use) and any prior representations by PLOS.
+These Terms of Use constitute the entire agreement between you and PLOS regarding your use of the PLOS Sites, PLOS API, and Online Tools and replace any prior agreements between you and PLOS (or understandings on that subject, including earlier versions of these Terms of Use) and any prior representations by PLOS.
 These Terms of Use are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of laws principles. Any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms of Use must be brought in a federal or state court located in San Francisco, California, and each party irrevocably submits to that jurisdiction and venue and waives any objection based on inconvenient forum.
 EACH PARTY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OF USE.
 If PLOS does not enforce a right or provision in these Terms of Use, that does not waive that right or provision. If any provision of the Terms of Use is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the parties nevertheless agree that the court should endeavor to give effect to the parties' intentions as reflected in the provision, and the other provisions of the Terms of Use remain in full force and effect.
+To the extent permitted by law, any claim or cause of action arising out of or relating to the PLOS Sites, PLOS services or these Terms of Use must be filed within one (1) year after it arises, or it will be permanently barred. Section headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. Electronic records and communications may be used to satisfy any writing or notice requirement under these Terms of Use.
+To the extent permitted by law, any claim or cause of action arising out of or relating to the PLOS Sites, PLOS API, Online Tools, PLOS services or these Terms of Use must be filed within one (1) year after it arises, or it will be permanently barred. Section headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. Electronic records and communications may be used to satisfy any writing or notice requirement under these Terms of Use.
+Terms of use archive: [https://www.plos.org/terms-of-use-archive](https://plos.org/terms-of-use-archive/)
+Terms of use archive: [https://www.plos.org/terms-of-use-archive](https://www.plos.org/terms-of-use-archive)