Terms governing participation in the Slack Developer Program and use of Developer Tools
Overall Score
Risk by Category
The Slack Developer Program Terms of Service outline the rules for developers building and distributing apps on Slack. It covers eligibility, use of Developer Tools, app submission and approval, data handling, ownership rights, restrictions on use, termination, disclaimers, liability limitations, and dispute resolution via arbitration. Key focuses include compliance with laws, responsible data use, no warranties on tools, and indemnification for breaches. Developers grant Slack broad licenses for app distribution and must adhere to Slack's branding and policies.
Developers grant Slack perpetual, worldwide licenses to host, distribute, and modify apps and content.
Mandatory arbitration for disputes, waiving class actions and jury trials.
Slack can terminate access anytime without notice for violations.
Structured guidelines for app submission, testing, and approval ensure quality.
Developer Tools provided at no cost with documentation.
Developers retain ownership of their apps and content.
Spotify collects the following categories of personal data. High Risk categories are used for advertising profiling or involve sensitive personal information.
Apps collect data from Slack Workspaces with user consent.
Developers must comply with privacy laws; no direct collection by Slack Developer Program.
Your data serves the following purposes. Mandatory purposes cannot be disabled without canceling the service. Opt-out available purposes allow some user control.
Apps may access Workspace data as permitted by users; Slack does not access app data directly.
Slack collects usage data from Developer Tools for improvement.
Spotify shares data with several categories of third parties. Sharing with advertising partners is extensive and represents the primary commercial use of your behavioral data.
Slack may share with affiliates and service providers.
Apps shared publicly via Slack App Directory.
The following rights may be available to you depending on your region. EU/EEA users have the broadest protections under GDPR. Non-EU users have more limited guarantees.
Users control app permissions; developers must respect revocation.
No explicit portability; relies on API exports.
Data is retained for different periods depending on category, and security disclosures vary in depth. The policy highlights the following retention and transparency points.
Retention Periods
Slack may retain data as needed for legal/compliance after termination.
Usage analytics retained indefinitely in anonymized form.
Security & Transparency
Developers must secure their apps; Slack provides API security.
No mention of encryption standards or breach notification timelines.
Source Text
Prohibits reverse engineering, unauthorized access.
Interpretation
Limits developer activities to protect Slack IP.
Source Text
Irrevocable license for Slack to use app content.
Interpretation
Slack gains extensive rights over developer submissions.
Source Text
Immediate cessation of access.
Interpretation
Slack has unilateral termination power.
Source Text
Binding arbitration in San Francisco.
Interpretation
Favors company by limiting user recourse.
Yes, but if using Developer Tools, must comply with terms; public distribution via App Directory requires approval.