Last week, Google updated its terms of service in response to the European Union courts’ orders. The company wants to make sure the terms are clear but is extending them by 2,000 words.
The update is the largest since 2012 and will come into effect on March 31, 2020.
“Broadly speaking, we give you permission to use our services if you agree to follow these terms, which reflect how Google’s business works and how we earn money,” the terms say.
Google says it has not changed anything fundamental in the document. The company rather aims to provide users with clear information about the conditions of use of its services. Although the new terms are 2,000 words longer, they use plain language and also contain a list of definitions.
The terms now also cover Google Chrome and Google Drive. In addition to the general terms and conditions, the document contains additional terms for the use of these specific services.
Google has also modified the terms of how it will change or stop providing its services. In such cases, the company says it will try to notify users in time.
Furthermore, Google has modified terms for business users and organizations. For example, Google specified what it is not responsible for – “loss of profits, revenues, business opportunities, goodwill, or anticipated savings”.
On the other hand, Google’s privacy policy is separate and is not changing at the moment. Last time the privacy policy was updated was in 2018 when the company responded to extensive European privacy laws.
The update comes as scrutiny of the tech giants such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter heats up in the U.S. and Europe. Facebook updated its terms of service last year already to clarify how it makes money from user data.
