When a company submits their Terms & Conditions to FairPrint, our AI reviewer scores them against 10 criteria. Each criterion represents a pattern we've seen companies use against consumers — and a corresponding standard for what fair looks like. Here's the full list.
1. Plain Language
A T&C document that requires a law degree to understand is a T&C designed to be misunderstood. Plain language means key terms (what you're agreeing to, what you're paying, how to cancel) are stated clearly, in ordinary words, without requiring the reader to cross-reference five other documents.
Why it matters: "You agreed to the terms" is only meaningful if a reasonable person could have understood those terms.
2. Data Collection Transparency
What data does the company collect? For what purpose? How long is it retained? A fair T&C answers these questions specifically, not with phrases like "information necessary to provide the service."
Why it matters: GDPR and CCPA both require this — but legal compliance doesn't equal clarity. Many T&Cs technically comply while remaining practically opaque.
3. No Data Selling
Specifically: does the company sell personal data to third parties for their own commercial use? This is distinct from sharing data with service providers (payment processors, email platforms) who act on the company's behalf. If data is sold, it should be disclosed and opt-outable.
Why it matters: The California Consumer Privacy Act gives California residents the right to opt out of data sales. Many T&Cs bury this or make opt-out difficult to find.
4. Easy Cancellation
Cancellation should be available through the same channel used to sign up, in two steps or fewer, without requiring a phone call. This criterion also checks whether the cancellation process is described clearly in the T&Cs.
Why it matters: The FTC's "Click-to-Cancel" rule codified what common sense already said. If you can subscribe in one click, you should be able to cancel in one click.
5. Fair Refund Policy
An all-sales-final policy for subscription services is aggressive. A fair refund policy provides some recourse for unused portions of a paid period — or at minimum, is explicit about what happens if you cancel mid-cycle.
Why it matters: Most subscription companies charge for a full period even if you cancel on day 2. Some don't disclose this clearly until you're trying to get your money back.
6. Auto-Renewal Disclosure
Auto-renewal must be clearly disclosed — not buried in paragraph 15, not described in legalese, but stated plainly at the point of purchase and in a reminder before the renewal date. This criterion also checks whether the price of renewal is clearly stated.
Why it matters: Surprise renewals are one of the top consumer complaints. The FTC has pursued companies whose auto-renewal disclosures were technically present but practically invisible.
7. No Hidden Fees
Every fee associated with the service — including processing fees, service fees, fees for canceling, fees for paper statements — should be disclosed upfront. "Additional fees may apply" is not a disclosure.
Why it matters: Hidden fees damage trust in a way that's hard to recover from. Companies that disclose all fees upfront convert better and retain better.
8. Account Deletion
A genuine right to delete your account and associated personal data, with a defined process and timeline. "We may retain data for legitimate business purposes" with no further specification does not satisfy this criterion.
Why it matters: The right to be forgotten is enshrined in GDPR and increasingly expected by consumers. Companies that honor it proactively build trust.
9. Dispute Resolution
Does the T&C include mandatory arbitration clauses? Class action waivers? This criterion doesn't require companies to offer jury trials — but it checks whether consumers have some meaningful recourse beyond a company-controlled arbitration process.
Why it matters: Mandatory arbitration clauses prevent consumers from joining together against a company, even when the harm affects millions of people. They're powerful protection for companies and a significant loss of rights for consumers.
10. Change Notification
If the company changes its T&Cs materially, how will you know? A fair policy requires proactive notification (email, not just a website update) with a reasonable window to cancel if you don't agree to the new terms.
Why it matters: The standard "continued use constitutes acceptance" clause means you can agree to a contract today that's materially different by next month — without ever knowing it changed.
Companies that score well across all 10 criteria receive a FairPrint badge and a certified company page. The review is free and the report is yours regardless of outcome.