BT, Dropbox, Google and Mozy change cloud storage terms

BT, Dropbox, Google and Mozy have agreed to be clearer about their terms and conditions in positive news for the cloud industry and a move that should give cloud users fairer deals.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has worked with the four companies to ensure cloud storage users are made aware of any changes to the services they offer.

Each firm has committed to:

Give adequate notice before making any significant changes to their prices, services or contracts.

Make sure customers know how to cancel if they don’t want to accept proposed changes, and when they can get refunds.

Limit circumstances in which they can suspend or cancel their service.

Give notice before they automatically renew fixed-term contracts.

Nisha Arora, CMA senior director for consumer enforcement, said: “People increasingly rely on cloud storage as a safe and convenient place to keep family photos, music and important documents, so it is vital that they are treated fairly and are not hit by unexpected changes to price or storage levels.

“We are pleased that these four companies have followed three others (JustCloud, Dixons Carphone and Livedrive) which agreed commitments earlier this year to improve their terms and conditions, providing a better service for their customers.

“We want to ensure that companies treat their customers fairly and comply with consumer law – those that don’t are at risk of enforcement action.”

CMA research published earlier this year found three in 10 British adults use cloud storage. Cloud use is also widespread in the public and private sectors.

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