Is Creative Commons's Terms of Service safe?

Top concerning points

1. 1.

   The service can delete specific content without reason and may do it without prior notice

   blocker

   High

   This service can delete specific content. Usually they will claim they reserve the right to do it at their sole discretion, which is legalese for saying they won't give a specific reason. If the terms say they will not notify you, it shall be included in the quote but if it does not explicitly say they will give you a notice, it can be reasonably inferred that they can do it without telling you.

   Source quote / document
2. 2.

   This service may use your personal information for marketing purposes

   bad

   High

   The service may use your personal data for marketing, such as sending you personalised offerings.

   Source quote / document
3. 3.

   This service uses third-party cookies for statistics

   bad

   High

   For instance, Google Analytics, rather than self-hosted (first-party) statistics software.

   Source quote / document
4. 4.

   The service can delete your account without prior notice and without a reason

   bad

   High

   At any time, your account can be terminated without explanation and without warning by the service.

   Source quote / document
5. 5.

   The court of law governing the terms is in a jurisdiction that is less friendly to user privacy protection.

   bad

   High

   The Terms are governed by the applicable laws of a jurisdiction known for weak data regulations and poor user privacy protection. Usually contributors will need to explain in the Analysis view of each point linked to this Case the reason why it shall be applied.

   Source quote / document
6. 6.

   The service uses your personal data to employ targeted third-party advertising

   bad

   High

   Your Personal Information is traded and shared with advertising companies to target ads on you, either on the website you were visiting or in third party websites. Your interaction with the service and data you have shared with them may be gathered to create an advertising ID or profile.

   Source quote / document
7. 7.

   The service can sell or otherwise transfer your personal data as part of a bankruptcy proceeding or other type of financial transaction.

   bad

   High

   If the service gets acquired or is involved in a merger, bankruptcy, reorganisation or sale, your personal data may be transferred or sold.

   Source quote / document
8. 8.

   Instead of asking directly, this Service will assume your consent merely from your usage.

   bad

   High

   The Service infers your acceptance from your continued usage, instead of prompting you to read the new Terms and asking for direct consent. This doesn’t apply to services that have no way to seek consent from users through their contact details or an account.

   Source quote / document

Frequently asked questions

What is Creative Commons's ToS;DR privacy grade?

ToS;DR rates Creative Commons as Grade E. Grades range from A (best) to E (worst). See the full breakdown on ToS;DR.

Is Creative Commons's Terms of Service safe?

ToS;DR's Grade E means the terms raise serious concerns. Read the blocker and bad points carefully before accepting.

What is a top concern in Creative Commons's terms?

The service can delete specific content without reason and may do it without prior notice — This service can delete specific content. Usually they will claim they reserve the right to do it at their sole discretion, which is legalese for saying they won't give a specific reason. If the terms say they will not notify you, it shall be included in the quote but if it does not explicitly say they will give you a notice, it can be reasonably inferred that they can do it without telling you. (Source: ToS;DR approved point).

Where can I read Creative Commons's official terms?

ToS;DR tracks "Master Terms of Use" at https://creativecommons.org/terms/. Always prefer the official document over summaries.