Oct 10, 2007 08:08 PM
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Earlier today we let you know that AT&T would be changing their Terms of Service following some bad publicity regarding their limits of freedom of speech...that we swear we had nothing to do with. Now the company has just followed up with a finalized draft of the new TOS, and it looks like the rainbows are shining just a little brighter over AT&T customers today.
Here's their old, super evil TOS:
5.1 Suspension/Termination...AT&T may immediately terminate or suspend all or a portion of your Service, any Member ID, electronic mail address, IP address, Universal Resource Locator or domain name used by you, without notice, for conduct that AT&T believes...(c) tends to damage the name or reputation of AT&T, or its parents, affiliates and subsidiaries.Now here's the new, Diet Coke of evil alteration:
5.1 Suspension/Termination. AT&T respects freedom of expression and believes it is a foundation of our free society to express differing points of view. AT&T will not terminate, disconnect or suspend service because of the views you or we express on public policy matters, political issues or political campaigns.Can you believe that speak is in a Terms of Service agreement? It reads more like a mission statement. Hats off to AT&T for making the change. And to everyone else, let's celebrate.
Continue on for the entire, unabridged statement from AT&T:
"AT&T will clarify the language in its Internet Terms of Service agreements to reiterate the company's commitment to freedom of speech and open dialogue...whether that be via the Internet or elsewhere on the AT&T network.AT&T's Terms of Service follow the company's longstanding respect for our customers' freedom of speech, and clarifies that we will not terminate or suspend a customers' Internet access service based upon their political views or criticism of AT&T. Our Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy are designed to protect our customers, the public, and our network and the facilities used to provide service. As a responsible corporate citizen, we will review any complaints surrounding material that's in violation of the law, compromises our network, or is abusive or otherwise threatening to the safety of any individual or group.
Specifically, the adjusted language will read:
5.1 Suspension/Termination. AT&T respects freedom of expression and believes it is a foundation of our free society to express differing points of view. AT&T will not terminate, disconnect or suspend service because of the views you or we express on public policy matters, political issues or political campaigns. However, AT&T may immediately terminate or suspend all or a portion of your Service, any Member ID, electronic mail address, IP address, Universal Resource Locator or domain name used by you, without notice, for conduct that AT&T believes (a) violates the Acceptable Use Policy; or (b) constitutes a violation of any law, regulation or tariff (including, without limitation, copyright and intellectual property laws) or a violation of these TOS, or any applicable policies or guidelines. Your Service may be suspended or terminated if your payment is past due and such condition continues un-remedied for thirty (30) days. Termination or suspension by AT&T of Service also constitutes termination or suspension (as applicable) of your license to use any Software. AT&T may also terminate or suspend your Service if you provide false or inaccurate information that is required for the provision of Service or is necessary to allow AT&T to bill you for Service.
We feel that the clarifying language better reflects our actual long-held policy, which respects AT&T's customers' rights to freely voice their opinions and concerns.
In addition, we are in the process of reviewing our entire Terms of Service to ensure it reflects AT&T's ongoing and unblemished commitment to freedom of expression as outlined in the language above.
Our customers are our highest priority and we regret any confusion this may have caused."
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