Ask HN: Do I need a terms of service?
I have a free mobile app for a niche community (~1300 users and growing) that requires user registration. I don't show ads, but I do use mixpanel for analytics. I have a growing concern that I am exposed somehow, but am having trouble finding resources that clarify best practices with regards to web services and the law.
At what point do I need to have a terms of service, where can I find a good terms of service boilerplate, and are there any good resources for tech and law?
Thanks in advance for any help.
3 comments
[ 3.0 ms ] story [ 9.2 ms ] threadThe Privacy Policy is also required by Mixpanel. If you're using the tracking tool it means that you're agreeing with the terms of Mixpanel (https://mixpanel.com/terms/). The terms require you to inform users that you are using Mixpanel. You also need to inform users about the opt-out policy of Mixpanel.
>>> include a notice about the Mixpanel opt-out for Customer’s site and the Mixpanel opt-out link in Customer’s privacy policy or in a notice on Customer’s website(s). >>> Terms of Use of Mixpanel
The Terms of Service agreement isn't usually required by law but you can use it to include guidelines and rules for users to agree with and follow if they want to join your community (i.e. no spamming other users, no abusive accounts etc.)
Hopefully our two presentations on these agreements will help you:
1. What's a Privacy Policy --> https://www.slideshare.net/termsfeed/the-privacy-policy-agre...
2. What's a Terms & Conditions --> https://www.slideshare.net/termsfeed/whats-a-terms-and-condi...
Also, it's important to research how to integrate and get consent to the legal agreements you make available to your users. For this, research "clickwrap".
I'll look into your provided resources before asking any follow-ups. Thank you.