.:: Do you even read it? I doubt, 8 in 10....doesn't.. ::.

I've been noticing something about how most my friends & people around me or practically the majority of the general public does not do it. Perhaps you would be thinking by now what the hell am I talking about? I am talking about those long winded and wordy Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy that we see every so often everywhere. Be it signing up for a free email account at live.com or yahoo.com, you see it there and you click yes carelessly without any second thoughts. Some are more aware but most are not. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Most of the people and friends I asked regarding this overlooked part often replies with the same tone of answer - "It's too troublesome, why bother?"


By doing so, you have just surrendered certain of your rights to that specific website/corporation without really knowing what rights you're surrendering. Allowing them access to personal info that you and I so willingly divulge in order to get their service/offer.

Honestly, if you ask me, I'd also think that it's rather troublesome to have to read every single line of sentences that for most parts are riddled with unfamiliar jargons and deep sentences that twist and turn. But it's still worth a few minutes or two to look into certain important portions of these terms and conditions such as Privacy, Copyright and basically how your data/info will be used and collected as well as your legal rights when disputes or whatever arises.

Basically, be more aware and alert about the liabilities and rights within the usage of their service that you agreed to be bound to.

Another thing about this rather overlooked part is that your information are usually retained for a few years even if you had ceased their service or terminate your account. Okay, you may think that you're not a famous person or celebrity but the risk of identity theft is always there. Imagine your private information being shared among unknown strangers or being used for some malicious purpose without you knowing.

The extent of personal information collected (online activities, web history, visited sites etc) are afterall valuable commodities that should belong to each individuals in my opinion. Although these informations are only supposed to be used with our informed consent, how sure are you? Some may argue otherwise but nothing is really totally safe & secure nowadays - more true about the Internet itself. You be the judge.

Lastly please help me do a little survey here. For those who does read or doesn't read and click without second thoughts please leave a comment saying "I read" or "I don't" and if you wish to add in your own reason or opinion, feel free to do so. :)

Be more aware. Have a nice day.

When things happens • For those essentially concerned