So this isn’t directly Linux related, but I’m just getting so tired of looking at new software and finding that I really do have to read the fine print, especially with stuff originating in the US.
It beggars belief what people are being asked to agree to just in order to use software that is being offered, often for free and often when presented as Open Source. I’m hearing some companies trying to offer up excuses for their legal documentation on the basis of it’s what they have to do … which is b******t.
So … next time you sign up to try something out, maybe a free online service of some kind, take a look at the terms and conditions and in particular the bit about how you will indemnify them against any costs they may incur (specifically legal fees … in the US (!)) under various circumstances. Some relatively / seemingly innocuous like if your account were to be compromised in some way. (i.e. something beyond your control)
I know these are seemingly edge cases that will never happen, however, if this is the case, why include them in the terms and conditions??
I’d love to hear how people fee l about this … am I paranoid, or is a potential open-ended legal bill from a US company, too high-a price to pay just to try out a free on-line service?
… for me, this is yet another reason why centralized services seem to be doomed.
1 post - 1 participant
