October 24, 2026 | Technology & Digital Privacy

VRChat has updated its Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, introducing clearer rules surrounding user privacy, moderation, artificial intelligence, content creation, and data collection.

The changes, which took effect October 23, 2026, largely focus on transparency and compliance with European Union regulations. However, several updates are relevant to users and creators worldwide.

Here's a breakdown of what changed and what it means for everyday players.

1. VRChat Can Collect Recent Text Messages During Reports

When someone reports another player, VRChat may collect recent text chat messages from the reported user in that instance.

This information can be used to investigate harassment, misconduct, and other violations.

The Simple Version:
If someone reports you, VRChat may examine some of your recent text messages to investigate what happened.

This does not mean VRChat is constantly recording every conversation.

2. Automated Moderation Is More Clearly Explained

VRChat has clarified how automated systems help enforce its rules.

These systems can detect cheating, prohibited uploads, and other violations. Some content can be automatically rejected without a person reviewing it first.

Account suspensions triggered by automated systems receive human review before taking effect.

The Simple Version:
Automated systems can flag problems and block content. However, automated account suspensions require human review.

3. VRChat Explains How Content Gets Recommended

VRChat has provided additional information about how its recommendation systems work.

Worlds, avatars, groups, and instances may be recommended based on popularity, user activity, device compatibility, and other factors.

The Simple Version:
What you do in VRChat can influence what VRChat recommends to you.

Popular content and your personal activity can affect what appears in discovery.

4. Screenshots and Videos Come With Responsibilities

VRChat has clarified its rules surrounding screenshots, recordings, and sharing content.

Users can capture their experiences, but they remain responsible for obtaining any permissions legally required when sharing another creator's work.

The Simple Version:
You can still take pictures, record videos, and stream VRChat.

However, sharing someone else's copyrighted work may require permission depending on how it is used.

5. Some Creators Must Provide Business Information

VRChat has introduced additional requirements for certain creators selling products to European Union customers.

Creators operating as businesses may need to provide legal names, contact information, and business registration details.

Some information may be displayed to customers when required by law.

The Simple Version:
If you're running a business through VRChat and selling to EU customers, you may need to identify your business.

Regular players and hobbyist creators are not automatically subject to these requirements.

6. Eye Tracking and OSC Privacy Are Clarified

VRChat has explained how it handles eye movement information and data shared through OSC.

The platform says it uses simplified eye movement data rather than storing images of users' eyes.

Eye movement information is processed in real time and is not retained as movement records.

OSC can also allow users to share information with external devices and applications.

The Simple Version:
VRChat uses eye tracking to animate your avatar, not to scan or identify your eyes.

OSC can share information with external software when enabled.

This does not automatically give world creators permission to collect other players' personal information.

7. Artificial Intelligence Helps Enforce Platform Rules

VRChat has acknowledged using service providers with artificial intelligence technology to help evaluate uploaded content.

Automated systems may identify prohibited material or reject uploads that violate platform policies.

Users can appeal certain automated decisions.

The Simple Version:
AI and automated tools can help VRChat identify and reject content that breaks the rules.

This does not necessarily mean VRChat introduced a brand-new AI moderation system.

8. Deleting Your Account Doesn't Immediately Erase Everything

VRChat has expanded its explanation of how personal information is handled after account deletion.

Most information is deleted or de-identified, but some records may remain for legal reasons, fraud prevention, investigations, and enforcement.

The Simple Version:
Deleting your VRChat account does not guarantee that every record disappears immediately.

VRChat may retain certain information when legally necessary or when handling moderation cases.

9. European Users Receive Additional Rights

VRChat has added protections required by the European Union's Digital Services Act.

These include clearer explanations of moderation decisions, additional appeal procedures, and more transparency about content recommendations.

Eligible European users generally have six months to appeal covered moderation decisions.

The Simple Version:
European users receive additional protections when their accounts or content are restricted.

They also get more information about why certain moderation decisions were made.

These particular protections do not automatically apply to American users.

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What Does This Mean for the Average VRChat Player?

For most users, VRChat will continue operating much as it did before.

The biggest difference is that the company is now providing clearer explanations of how it handles personal information, investigates reports, moderates content, and manages its platform.

The Biggest Takeaways

Privacy: Recent text messages may be collected when someone reports a player.

Moderation: Automated systems can reject content, while automated account suspensions receive human review.

AI: Artificial intelligence may assist with content moderation.

Creators: Certain businesses selling to EU customers must provide additional identifying information.

Data Collection: VRChat has clarified its handling of eye tracking, OSC, and moderation evidence.

Account Deletion: Some records may remain after an account is deleted.

European Users: Additional moderation transparency and appeal protections are now documented.

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The Bottom Line

VRChat's October 23 update is largely about transparency, legal compliance, and explaining existing practices.

While the updated policies clarify how VRChat collects information and enforces its rules, they do not necessarily indicate that the platform has introduced entirely new surveillance or moderation technologies.

For players, the most important development is a clearer understanding of what information VRChat can access during investigations.

For creators, the changes provide additional guidance on intellectual property, commercial activity, and automated content enforcement.

The changes also reflect a broader shift across online platforms as companies face increasing pressure to explain how they collect data, moderate communities, and make automated decisions.

Ultimately, VRChat users now have more detailed written explanations of how the platform operates, even if much of the underlying technology remains unchanged.

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Sources

Official VRChat Legal Policies
https://hello.vrchat.com/legal

Terms of Service Changes - October 23, 2026
https://ask.vrchat.com/t/terms-of-service-changes-october-23-2026/49164

Privacy Policy Changes - October 23, 2026
https://ask.vrchat.com/t/privacy-policy-changes-october-23-2026/49165

*Independent news summary.