Is Encyclopedia Britannica'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 keeps a license on user-generated content even after users close their accounts.

   bad

   High

   The service may still use your content and display it after you stopped using it by closing your account. The case applies to terms requiring users to grant them a perpetual license over that content.

   Source quote / document
3. 3.

   This service can license user content to third parties

   bad

   High

   By posting content through the Services, users grant them a transferable and/or sublicensable right, which allows user content to be licensed to third parties.

   Source quote / document
4. 4.

   Users have a reduced time period to take legal action against the service

   bad

   High

   If you wish to bring legal action against a service about a past incident, you may not be able to do so if the Terms you agreed to implied a limited amount of time. As a result it may be worthy to carefully read that section of the Terms to know exactly how much time you might have before your right to take legal action expires.

   Source quote / document
5. 5.

   You waive your right to a class action.

   bad

   High

   The right to be represented in a class action (or representative action) exists in the US and some European countries. It allows people who have been similarly injured by the same accused to take legal action by a single lawsuit instead of individually. Some Terms of Service try to limit that right. By agreeing to them, you could waive (= renounce to) your right to a class action, which might reduce your chances to be successful in a case.

   Source quote / document
6. 6.

   This service shares your personal data with third parties that are not involved in its operation

   bad

   High

   Your personal data is or may be given to third parties nonessential to the service’s operation. This could be a business partner that receives your data to provide targeted advertisements.

   Source quote / document
7. 7.

   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
8. 8.

   This service forces users into binding arbitration in the case of disputes

   bad

   High

   This service forces users to use their own contracted arbitrator and forces users to waive their rights to jury trial.

   Source quote / document

Frequently asked questions

What is Encyclopedia Britannica's ToS;DR privacy grade?

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

Is Encyclopedia Britannica'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 Encyclopedia Britannica'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 Encyclopedia Britannica's official terms?

ToS;DR tracks "Terms of Use" at https://corporate.britannica.com/termsofuse.html. Always prefer the official document over summaries.