Topic: Terms Of Service

Amazon Web Services (AWS) sent a formal notice to Parler suspending its account due to 98 reported examples of posts inciting violence. Amazon claimed Parler lacked an effective moderation process and rejected the platform's plan to use volunteers for content review. The suspension took effect on January 10, 2021, forcing Parler to migrate its data to new infrastructure.

Major platforms like Amazon Music, Google, and Stitcher are moving toward exclusive content and restrictive licensing agreements. These contracts often include "morality clauses" and grant platforms the right to modify, transcode, or create derivative works from podcast files. The No Agenda Show maintains a policy against signing such agreements to preserve editorial independence and avoid unauthorized monetization of their content.

The Zelle payment service includes strict terms of service that prohibit transactions related to firearms, ammunition, tobacco, and adult services. The platform reserves the right to monitor, block, and reverse payments that violate these internal regulations or general laws. This level of oversight is cited as evidence of increasing financial censorship and the loss of transactional privacy in digital banking.

Microsoft, Facebook, Google, and Twitter have issued a joint statement on combating coronavirus misinformation. However, reports have surfaced of Google Drive blocking private documents related to Chloroquine research, citing "Terms of Service" violations and raising concerns about automated AI scanning of private cloud storage.

The hosts provide historical context for modern de-platforming, noting that pressure tactics and advertiser boycotts were pioneered by the Christian Right decades ago. They review Skype's terms of service, which allow the company to block communications or close accounts to enforce content standards.

Google has enabled a feature allowing users to make charitable donations via Google Assistant voice commands. The hosts warn against using the service due to Google's restrictive terms of service and historical issues with Google Wallet, advocating instead for direct "Value for Value" support.

The risks of using platforms like Patreon and PayPal are compared, noting that PayPal recently added a non-disparagement clause to its terms of service. The hosts argue that Patreon acts as an unnecessary middleman that can be pressured by payment processors like Mastercard. They emphasize the importance of maintaining direct contact with donors through mailing lists.

GlaxoSmithKline has invested $300 million in 23andMe to gain access to its database of 5 million customers for drug research. The hosts warn that DNA data is the ultimate personal information and express concern that these databases will inevitably be hacked or sold to "bad actors" in the pharmaceutical industry.

The terms of service for Nest thermostats include a requirement that users must be at least 13 years old to operate the device. The hardware requires a constant internet connection to function properly, leading to concerns about reliability and corporate control over home climate systems.

Microsoft updated its code of conduct to prohibit offensive language and fraudulent activity across its services, including Xbox and potentially Skype. The hosts discuss the implications for free speech and the possibility of targeted bans. The segment also touches on Apple's recent focus on the education sector with iPads, leading to speculation that Apple may eventually spin off the Macintosh division to focus entirely on mobile devices.

Twitter has implemented new policies regarding violence, abuse, and hateful conduct, including the ability to unverify users. A notable clause allows for "newsworthy" content that might otherwise violate rules to remain on the platform if it is in the public interest. This exception is interpreted as a way for Twitter to avoid banning high-profile figures like President Donald Trump.

John C. Dvorak recounts his brief experience on Mastodon and discusses the platform's strict terms of service regarding "harassment" and "brigading." The hosts argue that these rules are being used to create ideological safe spaces that effectively ban dissenting viewpoints.

The term "sea lioning" is introduced, referring to a comic strip where a sea lion incessantly demands civil conversation and evidence to annoy others. The hosts discuss how Mastodon instances use "Terms of Service" to ban xenophobia and homophobia, questioning how an "open system" can function if it pre-emptively blocks certain viewpoints or feelings.

The hosts explain their refusal to use Patreon for listener support, citing high fees (5%), restrictive terms of service, and the platform's ability to "pull the plug" on creators. They highlight an indemnification clause in Patreon's contract that makes users liable for lawsuits against the company. The hosts prefer PayPal for its banking-like functionality and direct control over their own producer and "knighthood" programs.

The hosts analyze the new Google Play podcasting terms of service, noting that Google reserves the right to run ads after shows without sharing revenue with creators. They also highlight restrictive content policies regarding "hate speech" and "promotional content," which they believe would prevent No Agenda from operating freely on the platform.

The United Nations Broadband Commission released a report on "Cyber VAWG" (Violence Against Women and Girls), claiming that 73% of women have experienced online abuse. The report calls for "effective terms of service" to combat what it describes as a pandemic of online violence. Critics argue that the UN's definition of "violence" is being expanded to include speech, potentially threatening global internet freedom.

The definition of the word "share" has evolved from physical distribution or division to digital communication and data transfer. Silicon Valley companies utilize this semantic shift in their terms of service to distinguish between "sharing" and "selling" user information. The transition from file sharing to social media sharing reflects broader changes in digital culture.

Google attempted to file portions of a class-action lawsuit under seal to hide allegations that the company illegally monitors private messages. The lawsuit argues that while Gmail users may agree to terms of service, non-Gmail users who send emails to Gmail accounts have not consented to having their correspondence read or profiled by Google.

Google is reportedly confirmed to bring gigabit fiber internet service to Austin, Texas, competing with established providers like Time Warner. The service is expected to cost approximately $70 per month for internet or $120 for a bundle including television and a tablet. Concerns are raised regarding the level of data control Google maintains over its subscribers through these infrastructure projects.