Should We Read Terms and Conditions?

By: N. Jannuzzi

Every time we download an app, buy something online or even sign up for a website we are all asked to one thing: Agree to the Terms and Conditions. However, most of us don’t hesitate and continue to scroll through those endless paragraphs and click on “Accept” and continue doing whatever we are doing. Nevertheless, have you ever stopped to wonder “What exactly am I agreeing to?” 
So why don’t we read them? 
 Let’s be honest, many of us do think they are quite boring, as they are rather long, confusing and full of complex legal terms. We also quite often make the mistake of trusting these companies, but maybe by reading this article you might change your mind. 
You may not believe it, however some companies have tried to sneak ridiculous clauses into their own Terms and Conditions! Some examples include Amazon’s Zombie Apocalypse rule. Amazon once had a rule in their game software terms and conditions, stating that all rules would be lifted if a zombies took over the world. It was meant to be a joke, however it quickly raised concerns about legal documents and its relevance to people. Another example was made by a store called Gamestation, and in one of their legal documents, they stated a rule that was that anyone buying agreed to give their immortal souls, it was supposed to be an April Fool’s Joke. Yet, many felt threatened. Finally, many companies have recently tried to add in their terms difficult cancellation polices, which tend to aim in an older public who might have some difficulties with that.  However not all companies used these Terms for bad: a company once wrote in their terms that anyone that was using their Wi-Fi, would have to perform a good deed, such as giving someone a compliment etc., and many did! A company also offered free money to whoever read their terms.  

Companies have been known to hide those ridiculous, sneaky and unfair clauses to their legal terms. Some might do them as a joke like you can see in the examples stated above. However, even though it might be boring and sending a message of no harm, it’s always good to read those Terms & Conditions and keep an eye out to avoid real consequences and serious issues.