Terms and Conditions
Effective Date: October 21, 2025
IMPORTANT: These terms contain dispute resolution requirements in Section 10 that affect your legal rights. Please read carefully.
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using Snopes.com or the Snopes mobile applications (the "Apps"), you agree to these Terms of Service ("Terms").
If you do not agree, do not use the Site or Apps.
These Terms apply to all visitors and users of the Site and Apps.
Your use of the Site or Apps is also governed by our Privacy Policy.
2. Changes to Terms
We may modify these Terms at any time by posting the revised Terms on this page with an updated effective date.
Changes apply prospectively only and govern your use of the Site and Apps after the effective date.
Your continued use after such changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.
If you do not agree, your sole remedy is to stop using the Site and Apps.
3. Description of Service
Snopes provides fact-checking, investigative reporting, and news content through both its website and mobile applications.
The Site and Apps are supported by advertising and use cookies, analytics, and similar technologies as described in our Privacy Policy.
4. User Conduct
You agree not to:
Violate any applicable laws or regulations.
Impersonate any person or entity.
Interfere with or disrupt the operation of the Site or Apps.
Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems.
Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) without written permission.
File frivolous or bad-faith legal claims.
5. Intellectual Property
All content on the Site and Apps — including text, graphics, logos, images, and software — is owned by Snopes, Inc. or its licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.
You may view and print content for personal, non-commercial use only.
You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works without written permission.
6. Third-Party Links and Content
The Site and Apps may contain links to third-party websites, advertisements, or external services.
We do not control and are not responsible for third-party content, privacy practices, or terms.
Your interactions with third parties are solely between you and them.
7. Disclaimers
THE SITE AND APPS, AND ALL CONTENT, ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.
WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE SITE OR APPS WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR SECURE, OR THAT DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED.
While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees about completeness, reliability, or accuracy of content.
You rely on all content at your own risk.
8. Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, SNOPES, INC., AND ITS AFFILIATES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, DATA, OR USE, ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE SITE OR APPS.
OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS SHALL NOT EXCEED $100.
Some jurisdictions do not allow certain limitations, so these may not apply to you.
9. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Snopes, Inc., and its affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from:
Your use of the Site or Apps.
Your violation of these Terms.
Your violation of any third-party rights.
Your violation of applicable laws.
10. Dispute Resolution
READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY — IT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS.
10.1 Pre-Litigation Notice Requirement (Mandatory)
Before filing any lawsuit or proceeding, you must first provide written notice and allow 60 days for informal resolution.
Your written notice must include:
Your name, mailing address, email, and phone number.
Description of the facts giving rise to your claim.
The legal basis for your claim.
The relief you are seeking.
A statement that the claim is made in good faith.
Send notice to:
Email: legal@snopes.com
Certified Mail: Snopes, Inc., Attn: Legal Department, 8 The Green, Suite 8298, Dover, DE 19901
After receiving your complete notice, we have 60 days to investigate, respond, and attempt resolution.
You may not file any lawsuit during this period.
Failure to comply may result in dismissal of your claim and recovery of our legal fees.
10.2 Optional Mediation
After completing the pre-litigation process, either party may propose non-binding mediation.
If both sides agree:
A mediator will be jointly selected.
Costs will be split equally.
Either side may terminate at any time.
Mediation communications are confidential.
Mediation is optional and requires mutual consent.
10.3 Litigation
If informal resolution and mediation do not resolve the dispute, you may file a lawsuit subject to the following:
10.3.1 Forum Selection and Venue
Any lawsuit must be filed in:
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, or
The Superior Court of California, County of San Diego.
You consent to personal jurisdiction and waive objections to venue.
Small claims actions may be filed in the applicable small claims court.
10.3.2 Individual Claims Only
You agree to bring claims only in your individual capacity. You may not:
Bring or participate in any class, collective, or representative action.
Seek relief on behalf of others.
If this restriction is found unenforceable, any class or consolidated claim must proceed in arbitration under JAMS rules, not public court.
If arbitration for class claims is also found unenforceable, this clause will be severed and all other provisions remain valid.
10.3.3 Statute of Limitations
You must commence any legal action within two (2) years after the claim accrues, unless a shorter period applies by law.
10.3.4 Attorneys’ Fees and Costs
The prevailing party may recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.
Frivolous or bad-faith claims may result in sanctions and fee awards.
10.4 Arbitration (Available But Not Required)
Arbitration is available only if both parties agree in writing.
If agreed:
Administered by JAMS under its Streamlined Arbitration Rules.
Conducted by a single arbitrator applying applicable law.
The decision will be binding and enforceable in court.
10.5 Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles.
10.6 Severability
If any part of this dispute resolution section is found unenforceable, the remainder remains in effect.
11. General Provisions
Entire Agreement: These Terms and our Privacy Policy form the full agreement between you and Snopes, Inc. regarding your use of the Site and Apps.
Waiver: Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver.
Severability: If any provision is invalid, the rest remain effective.
Assignment: You may not assign these Terms; we may assign to affiliates or successors.
No Agency: These Terms do not create an agency or partnership relationship.
Force Majeure: We are not liable for events beyond our reasonable control.
Interpretation: Headings are for convenience only.
12. Contact Information
General Inquiries:
Email: legal@snopes.com
Pre-Litigation Notices:
Email: legal@snopes.com
Mail: Snopes, Inc., Attn: Legal Department
8 The Green, Suite 8298
Dover, DE 19901
By using the Site or Apps, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.