Apple to change UK terms and conditions following criticism
updated 01:30 pm EST, Fri November 27, 2009
Company rebuked by Office of Fair Trading
Apple has agreed to change their terms and conditions for UK customers, following criticism from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), according to Tech Digest. The trade group rebuked the California-based company for infringing upon the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulation 1999 (UTCCRs). Apple will reportedly revise its local terms and conditions for clarity and compliance with the regulations.
"The contract or terms of use between a company and a consumer, whether they are found online or on paper, must be clear, fair and easy to understand. In particular, it is important that consumers are given clear and accurate information about their consumer rights in case things go wrong," said Jason Freeman, Legal Director of the OFT Consumer Markets Group.
The modified terms and conditions are said to adopt language ensuring the company will not exclude liability for misrepresented or defective products. Consumer rights detailed in the Distance Selling Regulations will also be considered. Wording will be improved for clarity and intelligibility, while the company will not grant itself the right to change products and prices after an agreement is made.
"We have worked closely with Apple to secure these changes and we believe they will improve confidence and clarity for consumers," said Freeman.
