Pinterest: Terms of Use You Didn't Read

This month's "Terms of Use You Didn't Read" focuses on Pinterest and the terms of use that you've agreed to by using Pinterest.

Pinterest Terms of Use: More Simply Put

First, the these Terms of Use use a really cool thing that I've actually considered doing in some of the contracts that I write. They have a "more simply put" section under each section in their Terms of Use. This is basically two or three sentences that explain the paragraph in easy to use language. You'll have to check it out yourself I think it's very helpful for people when they are actually reading the Terms of Use.

Pinterest's Business Requirements

Next in Pinterest Terms of Use you will see that if you are using Pinterest in connection with a business, you must create a business account and agree to Pinterest's Business Terms.

Who Owns the Content You Post to Pinterest?

Pinterest's stance on copyright ownership of content is pretty clear. They say you own everything that you post to Pinterest, but you give Pinterest permission to share it on the website. By posting, you also give users permission to save it to their boards and save that content. But, it's still yours -- the content that you post is still yours.

What Happens if you Delete Content

Next, Pinterest wants to make sure you understand that if you delete content it might remain on users’ boards; in other words users might have saved that content. Even though you deleted it it might remain on users boards because they've saved a copy. The ol' what happens on the internet stays on the Internet conundrum.

Limitation of liability.

Remember my discussion about limitation of liability in my post about the WordPress Terms of Use? Essentially, if you have a claim against Pinterest for breach of the Terms of Use, then the most you're going to get out of them is a hundred bucks.

Pinterest Terms of Use Explains Third-Party Links

Finally Pinterest has the best ever explanation of third-party content that I've seen on a Terms of Use. Usually a website's Terms of Use will talk about third-party content and third-party links; in other words links to sites that are controlled by someone that isn't the owner of the platform. Usually those terms of use say "we don't take any responsibility for the content found at those third-party links or the privacy practices of those third parties" (etc.)

The "more simply put" two-sentence explanation of that section is:

Pinterest Terms of Use explanation of third-party links, which says: Pins link to content off Pinterest. Most of that stuff is awesome, but we're not responsible when it's not.

Pretty straightforward, huh?

I hope this gives you a little sneak peek on the Terms of Use that you've agreed to by using Pinterest.