Crackdown on small print in online contracts

Table of contents

• What are the legal frameworks regarding small print in online contracts?
• Is small print in online contracts enforceable?
• Why does the government feel that it is necessary to crackdown on small print contracts online?
• What new rules has the government introduced in this area as part of the Spring Budget 2017 and what should lawyers take note of?
• What are the current trends in this area and have you got any predictions for the future?

Article summary

Commercial analysis: With some terms and conditions in online contracts reportedly longer than Shakespeare’s Hamlet, it comes as no surprise that the UK government feels the need to get involved in protecting consumers from unfair treatment by businesses. Ben Nicholson, associate, and Oliver Bray, partner, both at RPC, discuss the reasons as to why the government wishes to combat small print contracts and what the likely implications are in the future.