Website Terms of Use: What do I need to say about Third Party Information?  

Your Website Terms of Use set out the rules for using your website. These apply to any person who visits and uses your website. Have a business lawyer review or draft your Website Terms of Use for you, so your business is not at legal risk.

Why is a ‘Third Party Information’ clause important?

If your website provides a function which allows visitors to post comments, publish articles, upload photos, or provide third party information in any form, it is important that the Website Terms of Use clearly sets out how third party information may be provided, and state that such third party information is not provided by you. This is important, as you may be held liable for any information on your website. Get your business lawyer to draft the clause in such a way that liability is reduced.

Your Website Terms of Use need to indicate that your website may contain third party information which includes, for example, comments posted by other users, guest articles which are written or published by users, and advertisements posted by another business. It must be clear, in your Website Terms of Use, that you and your business do not control third party information, and having third party information on your website does not indicate that you recommend, endorse or sponsor any of the third party information.

It is also important to explain that the website may contain links to other third parties which have no relationship with you, your business or your website. As there is no relationship between your website and third party websites, you may wish to recommend that users of your website conduct their own investigations with respect to the suitability of such third party websites. You can, if you like, reiterate that these third party websites, like third party information, are not recommended, endorsed or sponsored by your business.

If your website allows for users to post information, upload pictures, or provide content in some form, then it can be difficult for you to control third party information and links on your website. In these instances, it is particularly important for you to address the issues surrounding such third party information and links in your Website Terms of Use.

Conclusion

If you’re unsure how to go about drafting your Website Terms of Use or how to ensure that you are not held responsible for information that you did not post, you should speak to one of our business lawyers today.

At LegalVision, we have experienced business lawyers who would be happy to assist.