Website Terms
Website terms, often called ‘Website T&Cs’ or simply ‘Terms and Conditions’ are a set of terms that outline the rights and obligations for users who visit and interact with a website. They govern the relationship between the user and the owner of the website. They typically cover user behaviour, content usage, intellectual property rights, disclaimers, liabilities, privacy policies and cookie use. Website terms are almost always drafted with the intention of being contractual, with acceptance of the terms occurring by the website visitor accessing the website (although it's not always clear whether a contract is formed).
You need website terms whenever you operate a website! They establish clear guidelines and boundaries for visitors to your website and help protect your interests and reputation.
What's their importance?
Website terms are used to set an expectation regarding acceptable behaviour, content usage and interactions on the website. They also explain how site users can and cannot use the intellectual property on the site and making clear who owns intellectual property on the website. The terms also provide an opportunity for website owners to commit to compliance with any rules and regulations relating to content and usage. The terms should aim to set out how site users can post content to the site and how any content will be moderated.
They also protect site owners from legal disputes by outlining limitations of liability and disclaimers relating to the accuracy of information, user generated content and any potential damages on the website, as well as specifying dispute resolution processes which will work to resolve conflict.
Two items frequently associated with website terms are privacy notices and cookie policies. Unlike website terms, these items are not ‘terms’ i.e. something intended to have contractual affect and be the subject of agreement. Instead, these items provide required information to individuals under UK GDPR and PECR.
How can we help?
We specialise in providing cost-effective legal solutions clearing your path to success, which means our bread and butter lies in crafting, reviewing, and dissecting commercial contracts. From T&Cs to aaS agreements and commercial negotiations, we support the likes of Onfido, Multiverse, and Office & Dragons - ensuring they can build, break, or bolster their commercial relationships.
In need of support from commercial contract lawyers in the UK? Get in touch with our team.