When was the last time you read the Terms of Service (ToS) before clicking “Agree” on a website or app? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably “never.” It has become a common practice to quickly skim through those lengthy legal documents and proceed without giving them much thought. But should we be more cautious about this casual approach? Let’s delve into the importance of reading and understanding the terms we agree to when using online services.
Protecting Your Rights
Terms of Service agreements outline the rights and responsibilities of both users and service providers. By carefully reading the terms, you can ensure that your rights are adequately protected. For example, the agreement might include clauses regarding the collection and use of your personal data, intellectual property rights, dispute resolution mechanisms, and limitations of liability. Familiarizing yourself with these terms empowers you to make informed decisions about sharing your information and protecting your interests.
Preserving Your Privacy
In an era where data breaches and privacy concerns abound, understanding a website’s data handling practices is crucial. Terms of Service often detail how your personal information is collected, stored, and shared. By reading and comprehending these clauses, you gain insight into whether your data will be shared with third parties, how it will be used for marketing purposes, and what security measures are in place to protect it. Being aware of these aspects allows you to make informed decisions about the platforms you engage with and how much personal information you disclose.
Legal Recourse and Dispute Resolution
In the event of a disagreement or dispute with a website or app provider, the Terms of Service can play a vital role in determining your legal rights and options for recourse. These agreements often include clauses that outline the jurisdiction, venue, and methods of dispute resolution, such as arbitration or litigation. By familiarizing yourself with these terms in advance, you can better understand your options if a problem arises and be prepared to take appropriate action.
Changes and Updates
Website owners have the right to update their Terms of Service from time to time, and it is essential to stay informed about any modifications. Some changes may significantly impact your rights and obligations as a user. By regularly reviewing the updated terms, you can make informed decisions about whether you wish to continue using the platform under the revised conditions or explore alternatives that better align with your preferences.
Your Responsibilities as a User
Terms of Service agreements are not only about the rights and protections afforded to users but also about the responsibilities and obligations expected from them. By reading these terms, you understand the dos and don’ts when using a particular website or app. This knowledge helps you avoid violating the terms, which could result in account suspension, termination, or even legal consequences.
While it is true that ToS agreements are often lengthy and filled with legal jargon, it is worth taking the time to read and understand them. However, if you find it challenging to navigate the complexities, there are resources available that can help simplify the language or provide summaries of important points. Additionally, some browser extensions and services can analyze and highlight key sections of Terms of Service agreements to draw your attention to significant provisions.
Conclusion
Reading every website’s Terms of Service may seem like a daunting task, but it is essential for protecting your rights, privacy, and legal recourse. By familiarizing yourself with these agreements, you can make informed decisions about the platforms you engage with and better understand your rights and responsibilities as a user. Remember, your online experience should be guided by knowledge and informed consent.
Video Transcript
Do You Read the Terms of Service of Every Website You Use?
Okay. So this is the topic of what is called shrink-wrap contracts. This is where, even before the internet, did you ever have this where you open up a box and inside are some terms of service and a warranty, and you are like, “Well, hey, I already bought this. How could I be bound to this contract?”
Well, there is actually what is called shrink-wrap law. And that simply says, after you have bought something if you open up the shrink wrap and see the product inside, and then there are some contractual rights that you have, you have a reasonable period of time, sometimes it is limited by the language in the contract, to return the product if you disagree with it.
Why Do I Share That?
Because, by analogy, websites are the same thing. If you go to a website and there is some sort of terms of use, and you have to check the box, or maybe you download an app, and you have to approve the terms and conditions, usually you have a reasonable period of time. And by the way, what is reasonable? Prompt. So it might be a day, it might be a few days, but it is not a month. It is not a year. You have a reasonable period of time to return that product or delete the app or go away from the website.
So do I, as a lawyer, read those? Absolutely not. I mean, let’s face it. It is pages, if not hundreds of pages, on some of these, and there is no way that we can possibly spend all of our time doing that.
So realistically, it is not possible to read it, but every once in a while, I will, especially when the terms are really important.
So, for example, if something costs a lot of money. I might take a look at the terms and conditions then, or if my health and life, and safety might be at risk.
I went whitewater rafting in Northern Wisconsin a few years ago. There is a resort there that offers incredible whitewater rafting comparable to what you could find in like the Colorado River, but it is right here in Wisconsin. And before I signed the waiver on that, I read through it just to make sure there wasn’t anything that I wouldn’t feel comfortable with.
You might say, “Well, what are you looking for? What wouldn’t you feel comfortable with?” Well, for example, if they are negligent, I don’t want to be responsible for that. I am willing to be responsible for myself my own negligence, but if they are negligent, especially if they are grossly negligent, I think they should be responsible for that. Not me. So that kind of thing.
So as a lawyer, do I read the terms of service of every website I use? No. It is pretty rare when I do. And when I do it is when there is a lot of money or a lot of risk involved.
All right. That wraps it up for today. If you are interested in being notified about future live sessions, usually, we send out a notice a couple of days in advance. You can get that notice in two ways. You can subscribe to this YouTube channel and turn on notifications, or you can get our emails. To do that, go to aaronhall.com/free. Enter your email address, and you will know about these free live YouTube sessions, and you will also get access to exclusive videos that aren’t available to the public.
It was a pleasure having you here today. I look forward to seeing you next time.
