Google Chrome: The Fine Print

The new Web browser from the Googleplex is a brand new beta, but its most problematic feature isn't found in the technology. It's in the license agreement.Chrome's technology may be cutting edge, some of the things in the license agreement you accept when you install it are sharp enough to make you bleed. Here are some things observers have identified already, including Art Wittman at InformationWeek and Daya Baran at WebGuild:

1. Google reserves the right to automatically update the browser, without your explicit permission!

The software which you use may automatically download and install updates from time to time from Google. These updates are designed to improve, enhance and further develop the services and may take the form of bug fixes, enhanced functions, new software modules and completely new versions. You agree to receive such updates (and permit Google to deliver these to you) as part of your use of the services.

That should be a big red flag for anyone. The software you download now may not be the software on your computer at a later date, and you may not even know it.

2. Google reserves the a perpetual, nonrevocable, transferable license to any content that runs through Chrome!

11.1 ...By submitting, posting, or displaying the content, you give Google a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, and non-exclusive license to reproduce, adapt, modify, translate, publish, publicly perform, publicly display and distribute any Content which you submit, post or display on or through, the Services. This license is for the sole purpose of enabling Google to display, distribute, and promote the Services and may be revoked for certain Services as defined in the Additional Terms of those Services.