WWTBAM Bored

Google's terms of service, while ignored by the vast majority of users, contain a pretty shocking clause: Under 18's are not permitted to use any of Google's web properties. Thats right kids - no search, YouTube, Gmail, news, or images.

Full story:
http://www.news.com/newsblog/8301-10784 ... 548-7.html

I'm okay.

I am not a goat.

made me laugh

Bob Juch wrote:Google's terms of service, while ignored by the vast majority of users, contain a pretty shocking clause: Under 18's are not permitted to use any of Google's web properties. Thats right kids - no search, YouTube, Gmail, news, or images.

Full story:
http://www.news.com/newsblog/8301-10784 ... 548-7.html

As the spokesperson pointed out:

"We're not in a position to verify the age or legal status of any user, given the tremendous number of users accessing Google services.

Which, of course, is true, as far as it goes. And I doubt that anyone would get their knickers in a twist over searching (though the topic of the search might be a problem). Still, the spokesperson also said:

That said, when we become aware of a user who is violating our Terms of Service, including not being of proper age to accept the the Terms of Service, we take appropriate action, which could include the termination of the user's Google Account."

I suspect Google will be re-evaluating their TOS and making changes forthwith.

earendel wrote:I suspect Google will be re-evaluating their TOS and making changes forthwith.

I don't know about that. As the article concludes:

Why does the site include anti-kid legalese that none of its competitors have opted to include?

The answer, for now, will remain unknown. Google's PR people tow the company line, and its lawyers, well, remain lawyers.

MarleysGh0st wrote:

earendel wrote:I suspect Google will be re-evaluating their TOS and making changes forthwith.

I don't know about that. As the article concludes:

Why does the site include anti-kid legalese that none of its competitors have opted to include?

The answer, for now, will remain unknown. Google's PR people tow the company line, and its lawyers, well, remain lawyers.

From a quick Google search, it appears that "tow the line" has become commonplace, but I believe the proper expression is "toe the line."

TheCalvinator24 wrote:

MarleysGh0st wrote:

earendel wrote:I suspect Google will be re-evaluating their TOS and making changes forthwith.

I don't know about that. As the article concludes:

Why does the site include anti-kid legalese that none of its competitors have opted to include?

The answer, for now, will remain unknown. Google's PR people tow the company line, and its lawyers, well, remain lawyers.

From a quick Google search, it appears that "tow the line" has become commonplace, but I believe the proper expression is "toe the line."

No reaction to the lawyers remaining lawyers part?

Interesting. I know that Google use is taught in schools, I wonder if they are aware of this rule.

TheCalvinator24 wrote:From a quick Google search, it appears that "tow the line" has become commonplace, but I believe the proper expression is "toe the line."

"Toe" the line makes much more sense than "tow" the line.