Terms of Service

The terms and conditions governing your use of Archipelag.io services.

Last updated: January 26, 2026

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of Archipelag.io’s website, platform, APIs, and services (collectively, the “Services”). By accessing or using our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account or using our Services, you agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, do not use our Services. If you are using the Services on behalf of an organization, you represent that you have authority to bind that organization to these Terms.

2. Description of Services

Archipelag.io provides a distributed compute platform that connects consumers who need AI inference capabilities with Islands who contribute computing resources. Our Services include:

  • For Consumers: Access to AI models (LLM chat, image generation) via web interface and API
  • For Islands: Software to contribute compute resources and earn credits
  • Credit System: Digital credits used to pay for compute services

3. Account Registration

3.1 Account Creation

To use most features, you must create an account. You agree to:

  • Provide accurate and complete information
  • Maintain the security of your account credentials
  • Promptly update any changes to your information
  • Accept responsibility for all activities under your account

3.2 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials. Notify us immediately at hey@archipelag.io if you suspect unauthorized access.

3.3 Account Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms, engage in fraudulent activity, or for any other reason at our discretion with reasonable notice.

4. User Conduct

4.1 Acceptable Use

You agree to use the Services only for lawful purposes. You will not:

  • Violate any applicable laws or regulations
  • Infringe intellectual property rights of others
  • Submit malicious code, viruses, or harmful content
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to systems or data
  • Interfere with or disrupt the Services or servers
  • Use the Services to generate illegal, harmful, or abusive content
  • Circumvent usage limits or access controls
  • Resell or redistribute the Services without authorization

4.2 Content Guidelines

When using AI models through our Services, you agree not to generate content that:

  • Is illegal in your jurisdiction
  • Depicts child sexual abuse material (CSAM)
  • Promotes violence, terrorism, or self-harm
  • Constitutes harassment, hate speech, or discrimination
  • Infringes on others’ privacy or intellectual property
  • Is deceptive, fraudulent, or misleading

4.3 Enforcement

We reserve the right to review content and suspend accounts that violate these guidelines. Serious violations may be reported to law enforcement.

5. Island Terms

5.1 Island Requirements

To participate as an Island (compute contributor), you must:

  • Have legal authority to operate computing equipment at your location
  • Ensure your hardware meets minimum specifications
  • Maintain adequate internet connectivity
  • Comply with local laws regarding electricity usage and business operations

5.2 Cargo Execution

As an Island, you agree to:

  • Run only approved, signed Cargos from our platform
  • Not inspect, copy, or retain consumer data processed through Cargos
  • Maintain the security and isolation of Cargo containers
  • Report any security incidents immediately

5.3 Earnings and Payouts

  • Earnings are calculated based on compute time and hardware tier
  • Minimum payout threshold is $25 USD
  • Payouts are processed monthly via Stripe
  • You are responsible for any applicable taxes on earnings

6. Credits and Payments

6.1 Credit Purchases

  • Credits are purchased in packages as displayed on our pricing page
  • All purchases are final and non-refundable except as required by law
  • Unused credits do not expire
  • Credits have no cash value and cannot be transferred

6.2 Credit Usage

  • Credits are deducted based on actual compute usage
  • Usage rates vary by Cargo type and are displayed before submission
  • We reserve the right to adjust pricing with 30 days notice

6.3 Refunds

  • Refunds for unused credits may be requested within 30 days of purchase
  • Partially used credit packages are not eligible for refunds
  • Contact hey@archipelag.io for refund requests

7. Intellectual Property

7.1 Our Property

The Services, including software, APIs, documentation, and branding, are owned by Archipelag.io and protected by intellectual property laws. You receive a limited, non-exclusive license to use the Services in accordance with these Terms.

7.2 Your Content

You retain ownership of content you submit to the Services. By submitting content, you grant us a license to process that content as necessary to provide the Services.

7.3 Output Content

Content generated by AI models through our Services is provided as-is. You are responsible for ensuring your use of generated content complies with applicable laws.

8. Privacy and Data

Your use of the Services is subject to our Privacy Policy, which describes how we collect, use, and protect your information.

9. Disclaimers

9.1 Service Availability

The Services are provided “as is” and “as available.” We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation. We may modify, suspend, or discontinue features at any time.

9.2 AI Output

AI-generated content may contain errors, biases, or inappropriate material. You are responsible for reviewing and validating any output before use. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of AI-generated content.

9.3 Third-Party Services

The Services may integrate with third-party services (Stripe, GitHub, etc.). Your use of those services is subject to their respective terms and privacy policies.

10. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

  • We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
  • Our total liability for any claims arising from these Terms or the Services shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the 12 months preceding the claim
  • We are not liable for any loss of data, profits, or business opportunities

These limitations apply regardless of the theory of liability (contract, tort, strict liability, or otherwise).

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Archipelag.io, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from:

  • Your use of the Services
  • Your violation of these Terms
  • Your violation of any third-party rights
  • Content you submit through the Services

12. Dispute Resolution

12.1 Informal Resolution

Before filing any formal dispute, you agree to contact us at hey@archipelag.io and attempt to resolve the dispute informally for at least 30 days.

12.2 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Netherlands, without regard to conflict of law principles.

12.3 Jurisdiction

Any disputes not resolved informally shall be resolved in the courts of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

13. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be notified via email or prominent notice on our website at least 30 days before taking effect. Your continued use of the Services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

14. General Provisions

14.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Archipelag.io regarding the Services.

14.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect.

14.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision does not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.

14.4 Assignment

You may not assign your rights under these Terms without our consent. We may assign our rights at any time.

14.5 Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

15. Contact

For questions about these Terms, contact us at:

By using Archipelag.io, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.