Microsoft Updates Terms of Service (TOS) to an Easy To Read Q&A Format – Other Companies Should Take Note!
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Microsoft recently released their newest terms of service (TOS) agreement, and it’s sweeping the internet by storm. Everyone knows what a TOS is, even if they don’t think they do. A TOS is a legal document outlining the scope to a company’s practices. In other
words, it lays out in very specific legalese what you agree to do by using their services and what the company can and can’t do.
Does this look familiar?
What about this
We see TOS agreements every time we sign up for a service online, whether it be Gmail, Facebook or Twitter. If you’ve been asked to create a username and password for a website, chances are you’ve had to agree to their TOS.
And I will also bet that you didn’t read any of it.
TOS agreements are known for being long, dry, and, well, LEGAL. They’re meant for the company to cover their behinds in the case of a lawsuit. Whether or not you understand the terms really isn’t their concern. As long as you check the box next to “I agree to the Terms and Services Agreement,” they’re good to go.
So imagine everyone’s surprise and delight when Microsoft released their entire Terms of Service Agreement in easy to read, everyday English
Instead of dense contract language, Microsoft lays out their terms in an easy to read Q & A format. They address such questions as:
•Can Microsoft change these terms after I have accepted them? (Yes they can)
• Who owns the content I upload to Microsoft’s services? (You own it, except in
special cases)
• Can Microsoft remove my content? (Yup but they will ask you first, except in
special cases)
If you have a dispute with Microsoft, the agreement is still heavily weighted in their favor, but
Articles contained here are not intended to provide legal advice, only providing general information. We encourage individuals to consult with an attorney regarding individual circumstances.
