Is Microsoft Services'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.

   Microsoft may remotely disabled software you are not licensed to use.

   bad

   High

   The service disables software that you are not licensed to use.

   Source quote / document
3. 3.

   This service gathers information about you through third parties

   bad

   High

   This Service may employ, either identifiable or non-identifiable, data collection from third party sources about you.

   Source quote / document
4. 4.

   Many third parties are involved in operating the service

   bad

   High

   Generated through the annotate view

   Source quote / document
5. 5.

   Your data may be processed and stored anywhere in the world

   bad

   High

   Your data is stored all over the world, including in countries where data protection rules may differ from the ones of the service's jurisdiction or those of your country jurisdiction.

   Source quote / document
6. 6.

   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
7. 7.

   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
8. 8.

   This service may collect, use, and share location data

   bad

   High

   Location-based information is collected and may be used and/or shared with third parties for purposes not directly related to the services provided (i.e. the Service doesn't rely on the use or share of location data to function properly).

   Source quote / document

Frequently asked questions

What is Microsoft Services's ToS;DR privacy grade?

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

Is Microsoft Services'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 Microsoft Services'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 Microsoft Services's official terms?

ToS;DR tracks "Terms of Use" at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/legal/intellectualproperty/copyright/default.aspx. Always prefer the official document over summaries.