Is IMDb's Terms of Service safe?

Top concerning points

1. 1.

   The service can delete specific content without prior notice and without a reason

   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.

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

   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
3. 3.

   You are forced into binding arbitration in 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
4. 4.

   Your personal data may be sold or otherwise transferred 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
5. 5.

   Third-party cookies are used for statistics

   bad

   High

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

   Source quote / document
6. 6.

   Third-party cookies are used for advertising

   bad

   High

   The service's website sets third-party cookies (cookies that do not belong to their domain) for purposes not including statistics and analytics.

   Source quote / document
7. 7.

   This service gives your personal data to third parties involved in its operation

   bad

   High

   Your personal data is or may be given to third parties essential to the service’s operation. This could be an external spam detection service for an internet forum.

   Source quote / document
8. 8.

   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

Frequently asked questions

What is IMDb's ToS;DR privacy grade?

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

Is IMDb'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 IMDb's terms?

The service can delete specific content without prior notice and without a reason — 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 IMDb's official terms?

ToS;DR tracks "Terms of Service" at https://www.imdb.com/conditions. Always prefer the official document over summaries.