The new Google Chrome browser looks nice, but did you read the Terms Of Service (TOS)? I didn’t. I usually just tick the checkbox and install the software etc etc. However its come to light that the TOS are not very consumer friendly.
I had a look across the blogosphere and came up with some interesting strories. here are just a few:
Read The Fine Print On Google Chrome - Did you check out Google Chrome? Did you read the fine print? It is 11 pages long, 117 paragraphs, 375 line, 4302 words and 25801 characters. 1. Google reserves the right to automatically update and install Chrome. …
Google Chrome Fine Print - As the furore over Google’s Chrome browser dies down, what is left behind are questions about some dubious terms found in the EULA. Here are a few things which stand out from the agreement: Google has a right to use ANY content you …
The biggest potential issue identified is section 11.1 where it states:
You retain copyright and any other rights you already hold in Content which you submit, post or display on or through, the Services. By submitting, posting or displaying the content you give Google a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, and non-exclusive license to reproduce, adapt, modify, translate, publish, publicly perform, publicly display and distribute any Content which you submit, post or display on or through, the Services. This license is for the sole purpose of enabling Google to display, distribute and promote the Services and may be revoked for certain Services as defined in the Additional Terms of those Services.
Other contentious issues blogged about are:
- Google reserves the right to automatically update and install Chrome.
- You will potentially see more ads
However Google do certainly seem to be responding to public feedback (dissent) and have released an update to their TOS.
In addition and very importantly Matt Cutts has done a splendid post on his blog where he points out that Google have actually changed the terms of service because of public feedback. You can read it here.
So it looks like the main issue is resolved. Until the TOS are updated I will restrict my Chrome usage to browsing and once updated depending on how much I like it I may use it for all my browser needs!
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