Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Grabbed by the EULA ~ The Coming EULA Apocalypse

Have you ever stopped to think about how many terms of service, and privacy policies you have agreed to on binding legal terms? From simply using a Windows computer to browsing the internet, and even doing blogging like I am now we have all signed our rights away to companies who could, if they deem it necessary, sue us in a court of law. Ultimately sending us off to prison, or fining us to the point of bankruptcy. Between the lines there are so many words, and loopholes that allow for even the smallest companies to secure their business, and even in some cases abuse their ability to conduct business with you. The usual line where it says the company reserves the right to change the agreement you agreed to at any point during your use of their service, or product leaves you open to all sorts of potential legal problems. Stuff, that once you sign on for, will cost you the right to contest said agreement, and anything that is legally binding within it, indefinitely.

The reason I bring this up, and the reason for the doom and gloom title is that I've noticed that companies in the collective sense seem to be getting ready for something. It's as if they are anticipating an eventual business collapse in which they have the potential to lose everything. Of course with the EULA fail safe in place they could turn on the customer, and sue them to make up for that lost money. I know that may sound far fetched to you, but if you've ever read these agreement clauses you will know it's not so impossible. In fact you'll begin to realize it's highly plausible.

With companies conducting business in bad ways, and throwing themselves under the bus for politically motivated reasons you can bet your bottom dollar these companies wouldn't think twice about suing a long time fan over a simple infraction. They are a business after all, and at the end of the day they have to make enough bank to stay financially afloat. That is their aim first and foremost. The customer, or fan be damned.

Being a blogger, and freelance reviewer this worries me tremendously for related reasons. Going on behind the scenes we've been having to sign-up for EULA inclusive mailer accounts just to be able to get review material. These accounts that have become mandatory include terms of service agreements, a privacy statement, and ask you for identifiable information including your full birthday, and mailing address. While this may seem routine, coupled with the latest industry dealings, and reviewer based controversies it is a lawsuit just waiting to happen. If a company gives a review code for a game, and person doesn't follow through with a positive review (for example) it might just lead to that company seeking legal action. If you doubt it then google "Jim Sterling Lawsuit", and you'll see just how in the realm of possibility this kind of corporate abuse, and control through lawsuits is.

While your favorite reviewers face the financial repercussions of their actions, or lack thereof on a continual basis so too do you. Most anyone who owns a computer or online device is tied down by countless end user license agreements. To that, privacy agreements, and specific service conditions. You overstep your bounds in the eyes of the companies you sign on with, and you are legally liable by law. Believe me when I say the wording in these binding agreements are so vague, and nondescript a majority of the time that the companies making them mandatory hold absolute control on what it is you can or cannot do. Once you click the "Yes" button, or sign on the dotted lines you are bound by the terms of service, by the privacy policy, and by the agreement in full.

So, the next time you see a user agreement I urge you to read in detail the legal lines that bind. Read it as carefully as a lawyer who would be representing the company suing you would. If the terms are too vague don't sign on. I don't care if it's the latest greatest free-to-play game at stake. Do not agree to that which could cost you your freedom, and your money.

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