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Instacart developer guidelines

As part of our commitment to maintaining a high standard of quality and integrity, we have established these guidelines to outline our expectations for Developers using the Instacart Developer Platform (IDP). By adhering to these guidelines, Developers help ensure a positive and safe experience for all. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in Instacart revoking a Developer’s access to the IDP.

Our Values​

At Instacart, we believe in fostering a platform that promotes safety, respect, and transparency. These values are integral to the IDP, and we expect all Developers to uphold these values when using our platform.

Safety​

To foster a safe environment, Instacart does not permit the following activities:

  • General Harm: Your application should promote a safe and positive experience, without causing harm to users, retailers, or the Instacart platform.

  • Medical Advice: If your application provides health-related services, ensure that any advice or recommendations are based on credible sources and do not replace professional medical advice.

Respect​

You must maintain a positive and respectful environment for all participants in the IDP and users of our platform. This includes:

  • No Objectionable Content: All materials posted on your sites or otherwise used in connection with the IDP must not contain or link to any objectionable content. This means the content is not illegal and does not contain or link to any material that:

    • Is harmful, defamatory, obscene, sexually explicit, or harassing;
    • Promotes violence
    • Promotes illegal activities
    • Contains profanity or otherwise contains materials we inform you that we consider objectionable.

  • Respect for Others’ Rights: Your application does not infringe on the rights of any third party, including intellectual property rights and privacy rights.

  • No Discrimination: Your application should promote equality and respect for all users. Discrimination of any kind is strictly prohibited.

  • Non-Disparagement: During your participation in the IDP and thereafter, you should refrain from making any disparaging remarks, or any remarks that could reasonably be construed as disparaging, regarding Instacart, our subsidiaries, or our officers, directors, employees, stockholders, representatives, agents, or retail partners.

Transparency​

  • Accuracy of Information: Any claims or statements made in your application are accurate and you have the necessary documentation to substantiate them.

  • Honesty: Be honest and clear about the functionality and data usage in your application. Users should understand how their data is being used and for what purpose.

  • Software Installation: Before installing any software onto a user's computer, you provide clear notice and obtain the user's express consent.

  • Fee Disclosures: Disclose any fees associated with your application.

Compliance​

  • Compliance with Laws: Your application and all related activities comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

  • Age Restrictions: Your application is not targeted to users under the age of 18. If your application includes alcohol products or references, it is not targeted to users under the age of 21.

  • Disclaimers: Include any legally required disclaimers in your application.

Other​

These IDP Developer Usage Guidelines are not comprehensive, and Instacart reserves the right to suspend or deactivate a Developer’s participation in the program based on violations of the Developer’s Agreement or for other reasons as deemed necessary in Instacart’s reasonable and good faith business judgment to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the Instacart platform. We will update these Guidelines as necessary and keep the updated version posted.

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