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How do I write a liability disclaimer for member behavior on my website?

We run a website that brings people together for activities, but we don't supervise members. Is it possible to add a clause stating we're not responsible for anything members do and that users participate at their own risk?

Answer

Yes, you can include a liability disclaimer in your Terms of Service that limits your responsibility for member behavior and user interactions. This type of clause can state that your platform does not control users and that participation is at the user's own risk.

However, like most liability clauses, it has limits. It works best when the language is clear, specific, and users actively agree to it.

What should a website liability disclaimer include?

A strong disclaimer explains that your website does not supervise or control member actions. It states that you are not responsible for user conduct, whether online or in person.

It should also make clear that users accept the risks of interacting with others and participating in activities arranged through the platform. The language should be simple, direct, and easy to find.

How do you make the liability disclaimer more enforceable?

Users should actively agree to the terms, such as through a click-to-accept (clickwrap) process before using the site. This helps show they understood and accepted the risks.

The clause should be visible and not buried in fine print. Clear wording and proper user consent improve the chances that the disclaimer will hold up if a dispute arises.

What to do next...

  1. Add a clear liability disclaimer to your Terms of Service.
  2. State that you do not control or supervise member behavior.
  3. Require users to accept risks before participating.
  4. Use a click-to-accept agreement during signup or use.

What to consider in your specific situation

While these disclaimers can reduce risk, how effective they are depends on your platform and how it operates.

  • The type of activities users arrange through your site.
  • How much control or involvement your platform has.
  • The exact wording and placement of your terms.
  • Local laws that apply to online platforms and liability.
  • How users agree to and interact with your terms.
  • The seriousness of potential harm from user interactions.

Clear terms and user acknowledgment can help manage risk while keeping your platform running smoothly. Since every situation is different, consider more information through Rocket Copilot, a Legal Pro, or a legal document review to move forward with confidence.

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Pro Reviewed
Published on 04/19/2026
Reviewed by Rustin B. Duncan, Esq.

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Please note: This page offers general legal information, but not legal advice tailored for your specific legal situation. Rocket Lawyer Incorporated isn't a law firm or a substitute for one. For further information on this topic, you can Ask an Attorney.

Laura Bojart
Laura Bojart
Editorial Researcher and Copywriter

Laura Bojart is an SEO copywriter and editor at Rocket Lawyer. She researches legal and business topics and translates complex ideas into clear, practical content for everyday readers. With her background in journalism and endless curiosity, she approaches each subject by asking the questions readers are likely to have first, making legal information approachable and easy to understand even to those with no legal background.

Discover more articles: FAQs about Risk and Liability Clauses