Terms and Conditions May Apply

Most of us skim terms and conditions without reading a word, yet those small agreements quietly shape who can access your data and how it can be used. This documentary reframes that everyday moment into a warning about power and privacy. It traces how providers collect information through websites, apps, and devices, then exposes the legal levers behind those policies. By talking to software makers, activists, and ordinary users, the film shows who benefits from data harvesting and what it means for personal autonomy. No dramatic twists are revealed here, just a clear map of the tradeoffs hidden in plain sight when you click I accept. It reveals the quiet but growing pressure to protect privacy in a connected world.

Directed by Cullen Hoback and released in 2013, Terms and Conditions May Apply surveys the dark side of online agreements. It relies on public documents and conversations with tech figures and advocates to unpack how data is policed and sold.

Box office details are not widely publicized for this documentary, which had a limited theatrical release and relied on festival screenings, streaming platforms, and broadcast runs to reach audiences. It positioned itself as a thoughtful, accessible look at data practices.

The film helped bring privacy concerns into mainstream conversations about data collection and consent, highlighting how everyday services rely on user agreements. Its use of real world examples and interviews makes the topic tangible. It also spurred regulatory discussions in policy circles. For viewers, that means raised questions about safeguards.

Critics generally acknowledged the film's clear exposition of a complex topic, balancing interviews with accessible examples while warning that awareness alone may not change industry practices. Some critics praised its clarity and its practical take on protecting personal data. Its influence lies in teaching audiences to question terms and data.