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As one of Anaconda’s millions of users, naturally you want to know when you’re using open source with Anaconda and how to use it worry free. Previously, if Anaconda’s Terms of Service (ToS) changed after installation, users weren’t automatically notified or prompted to accept the updates. To solve that concern, we’re introducing the conda-anaconda-tos plugin, a command line tool that ensures you stay informed about ToS changes and requirements throughout your conda workflow while also facilitating ToS acceptance.
What does the plugin do?
The conda-anaconda-tos plugin integrates with conda to notify users when they’re accessing Anaconda channels or packages covered by our Terms of Service (ToS). It automatically works with common conda commands like create, search, and install, showing a clear prompt when ToS acceptance is required. The plugin activates when users access Anaconda’s ToS-governed resources, letting normal conda operations proceed without interruption. When a user first attempts to access an Anaconda channel or package covered by our ToS, the plugin will prompt the user to accept or reject the ToS in the command line. If the user accepts the ToS, the user can proceed and a record of that acceptance is sent to Anaconda. If the user rejects the ToS, they cannot proceed with accessing the channel or package. This creates a seamless way to manage ToS acceptance while users work with packages and channels.
Automated Workflows
If you use conda in automated workflows, don’t worry—your builds won’t break. The plugin automatically detects continuous integration (CI) environments and won’t interrupt your automated processes with consent prompts. Instead, when the plugin runs in a CI environment, it prints a clear notice that using Anaconda packages or channels in that environment means you’re implicitly agreeing to our ToS.
How does this help?
We’re making it easier to know when our ToS applies to you, eliminating confusion about which packages or channels require acceptance. This plugin provides clear visibility when you’re about to use Anaconda resources that require ToS acceptance, so you can make informed decisions with confidence. The plugin also alerts you when the ToS has changed and requires re-acceptance, keeping you up to date over time. If you need additional tools or have suggestions for better integration into your workflow, create an issue to let us know—we’re here to help.
Who does this help?
The plugin serves users of Anaconda Distribution or Miniconda who work with Anaconda’s channels and packages through the conda command line interface (CLI), Navigator, or Notebooks. The plugin doesn’t affect conda users who only use community channels—it activates only when accessing Anaconda ToS-governed resources. Miniconda is not governed by Anaconda’s ToS, so you will not be required to accept the ToS when installing Miniconda.
Transparency
We love building in the open here at Anaconda; it’s at the core of our mission, vision, and values. The plugin maintains transparency under the BSD 3-Clause License, with all code available for public review. Use the issue template to open questions about the conda-anaconda-tos plugin or check out other issues in the GitHub repository to see what else has been asked. The conda-anaconda-tos plugin focuses on tracking the user’s acceptance of the ToS and can be integrated into any workflow that surfaces user prompts via the command line. Being open source, it serves as a reference implementation that the conda community can use to add ToS opt-in functionality to their own channels.
