Customers required to waive right to sue. In the face of ongoing attacks by computer hackers, some companies that store their customers’ personal data are adopting a new defensive tactic: If your information is stolen, they’re not legally responsible. Across the Internet, retailers and other service providers that handle consumer transactions are requiring customers to sign agreements waiving any right to sue the companies if the businesses are hacked, regardless of how secure their systems are. The waivers are contained in lengthy terms-of-use agreements that consumers often click to accept without reading closely. “You agree to assume all risk and liability arising from your use of Verizon Wireless’s online services, including the risk of breach in the security” of its system, according to the mobile-phone giant’s use agreement if you choose to use its online billing system. American Airlines’ Web site sports similar language, warning that it is not liable for break-ins by outsiders “regardless of whether American Airlines was given . . . notice that damages were possible.” Full Story
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