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AT&T Denies Censorship, Won't Change Contract

Posted by kdawson on from the trust-us-we're-good-guys dept.

Vox writes "As we discussed here a few days back, AT&T's Terms of Service has very broad language giving them the right to terminate the account of any AT&T Internet service customer who criticizes the company. Ars Technica notes that such broad language is not unusual in ISPs' terms of service, and that AT&T told them they won't be changing the contract. A company spokesman said it's not a big deal because they have no intent to censor criticism. AT&T claims to respect its subscribers' right to voice their opinions and says that the contract is aimed at stopping the exploitation of children, and other tangible wrongs. As the article notes, taking the company on faith after the spying scandal is asking maybe a little too much."

4 of 170 comments (clear)

  1. open container law by Gothmolly · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Translation:

    Even though we can, we won't bust you or censor you... unless we want to, then we have a contract to point at. PLUS, if Uncle Sugar sends in the FBI to snoop you, we can point to the contract that YOU signed, saying we could. So we're indemnified.

    --
    I want to delete my account but Slashdot doesn't allow it.
  2. Le Sigh by TubeSteak · · Score: 4, Interesting

    AT&T claims to respect its subscribers' right to voice their opinions and says that the contract is aimed at stopping the exploitation of children, and other tangible wrongs. Then put that specific language into the contract.
    The only reason to use broad statements is so that you have wiggle room later on.

    Lawyers love vague contract terms... Judges not so much.
    --
    [Fuck Beta]
    o0t!
  3. Online Bill of rights? by porkrind · · Score: 5, Interesting

    So are we going to have to draft a bill of rights and ask all online providers, from ISP's to online service companies, to sign it? Is that even remotely possible?

    Here's a stab at some of the rights I'd like to see protected:

    1. You may not restrict the right to access, download, store, manage, edit, and publish my data on the platform and web site of my choosing. Period.
    2. You may not terminate my account for political statements, inappropriate language, statements of sexual nature, religious commentary, or statements critical of your service, with exceptions for specific laws, eg. hate speech, where they apply

    Hmm... that's a good start. Any others to add?

    -John Mark

    --
    Hyperic Community Manager
  4. Don't worry, we'll never use that option! by Kelson · · Score: 4, Interesting

    "Hey, what's this about owing you my first-born child?"

    "Oh, that's standard contract language. Don't worry about it. We won't exercise it, we just make sure we have the option to."

    "Oh, okay, then."

    5 years later....

    "We've come for Billy."

    "What do you mean?"

    "We have a contract saying you'd give us your firstborn as an apprentice. You signed it."

    "But you said you'd never use that clause!"

    "New management. I don't know what you're complaining about. You signed it without duress, and initialed the clause indicating you'd read and understood it."

    "Mommy?"

    "Sorry, honey, you have to go away with the nice Sith Lord. I'll text you every day, I promise."