Summary
I am a paid subscriber (Gemini AI Ultra/Paid Tier) with active credits. Recently, my access to the Gemini Agent/Antigravity environment was suspended (Error 403 / ToS Violation) after I attempted to use the Gemini CLI via an open-source interface (OpenClaw).
The Issue
The current marketing for Gemini 3 and the Antigravity environment promotes “Agentic capabilities via CLI” as a core feature of the paid plan. However, there is a significant lack of clarity regarding the authorized clients for this access.
Lack of Transparency: Neither the terms of service for the Antigravity credits nor the marketing materials explicitly state that using open-source CLI alternatives (like OpenClaw) triggers an automatic account ban.
Discrimination against Open Source: If the backend allows official IDE extensions but blocks third-party open-source CLIs that use the same OAuth protocols, this constitutes a barrier to the “Personal Development” and “Freedom of Expression” principles.
“Modified by moderator”
Technical Context
Error: 403 Forbidden (ToS Violation).
Environment: Gemini 3 Flash/Pro via terminal integration.
Authentication: OAuth 2.0 via Google Cloud/Antigravity.
Problem: The system seems to detect the User-Agent or the binary signature of the CLI and issues a ToS block instead of a standard API rate limit or warning.
Questions to the Community/Staff
Why is there no explicit documentation on which CLI clients are “authorized” before a ban is issued?
How can a paid user exercise their Right of Access if the account is silently blocked for using an open-source tool?
Is Google planning to provide a “Safe List” for open-source agents, or is the “Agentic” future strictly locked into proprietary binaries?
The Incident
Since mid-February 2026, a significant number of developers on the Paid/Ultra Tier have reported immediate account suspensions while using Gemini 3 agentic features via open-source CLI tools like OpenClaw and OpenCode. These bans return a 403 Forbidden: ToS Violation error, effectively locking users out of the Antigravity environment and orphaning paid credits.
Technical Analysis of the “Auth Trap”
The issue seems to stem from a mismatch between Google’s marketing of Gemini as an “Open Agentic Ecosystem” and its backend security enforcement (WAF/IAM).
The Antigravity Lock-in: While Google promotes the Gemini CLI as an open tool, the agentic capabilities (file system access, tool use) are being restricted to the proprietary Antigravity wrapper without explicit documentation of this limitation.
Legal & Ethical Implications
This situation raises serious concerns regarding transparency and consumer rights
Lack of Transparency :There is no clear documentation stating that third-party, open-source CLIs are "unauthorized" clients. A "silent ban" without a "Path to Remedy" violates the principle of transparency.
Evidence & Impact
Status: Paid Tier Account (AI Ultra).
Symptom: Immediate 403 after OAuth handshake.
Trace IDs: [Insert your Trace ID here if available].
Impact: Inability to use $250+/month worth of agentic credits.
Proposed Resolutions for the Google AI Team
Clarify Client Policy: Publish an official list of authorized User-Agents and security requirements for third-party CLIs.
Implement a Warning System: Instead of immediate ToS bans for paid users, implement a "Sanction Tier" (e.g., restricted access for 24h
Real-World Impact & Damages
This is not merely a technical glitch; it is a direct hit to our professional lives and livelihoods.
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Financial Loss (Emerging Damages): We are being charged for Antigravity credits that are now inaccessible. This is unearned enrichment on Google’s part.
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Loss of Profits (Lucros Cessantes): Many of us integrated these agents into production workflows and client deliverables. The sudden, silent ban has halted our business operations, leading to quantifiable financial loss.
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Emotional and Professional Distress: The “Digital Life” of a developer is built on these tools. A sudden 403 ban, with no human review, treats paying customers like this, causing undue stress and reputational damage with our own clients.