Want the ‘TLDR’ on a site’s terms of service? There’s a bill for that

Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call is the author of the photo.

Democrats and Republicans are getting behind a new bill that would make it easier for consumers to understand tech companies' terms of service agreements.

The terms of service labeling, design and readability act would require websites to provide a summary statement for users before they agree to a terms of service agreement The statement would summarize the legal jargon into something more understandable by the average user, along with revealing any recent data breeches from the three years. The summary would explain if a consumer can remove their data and how to do it.

One of the bill's lead sponsors said that blanket terms of service agreements have forced consumers to either agree to all of a company's conditions or lose access to a website or app entirely. No real choice, no negotiation, and no alternative.

No real choice, no negotiation, and no alternative.

The bipartisan push for greater transparency into tech comes after Facebook faced months of criticism from lawmakers over how the company may harm users. After leaving the social media company, Facebook whistle-blower, Frances Haugen, testified before Congress multiple times, detailing a series of leaks she released. Lawmakers used these disclosures to demand more transparency from the social media company and others.

As of publication, it is not known if lawmakers have received any additional internal reports from any large tech companies.

The TLDR Act does not apply to some small businesses. The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general would be able to take action against websites that break the law.

Users shouldn't have to read through pages of legal jargon in a website's terms of services to know how their data will be used, said Sen. Bill Cassidy. It is long past time for companies to provide an easy to understand summary of their terms.