Disclaimer or Terms & Conditions: Which Is Better?

Last updated: 16 June 2024

From a risk management perspective, it is essential that all websites include a Disclaimer on their site. A Website Disclaimer aims to protect a website owner from foreseeable and unforeseeable claims that a website user claims to suffer due to their reliance on the information on the site.

Although most website owners will always endeavour to include the most current information, there may be times when it contains incorrect or non-current information or an inadvertent error. As a website owner cannot control who accesses their site and information, how visitors use this information and how visitors may rely on the information on the site, there should always be a Website Disclaimer limiting the site and owner’s liability from reliance on the information contained on the website for protection.

A Website Disclaimer is a broad statement found on all websites, while Terms and Conditions are more specific and not necessarily essential for all websites. The Disclaimer, on the other hand, is essential as a minimum requirement.

Terms and Conditions are generally required when a product, service or advice is provided to a website visitor or customer. Some sites require acknowledgement and acceptance of these Terms and Conditions before using the site or before any purchase.

For example, before purchasing any goods, you may be asked to agree to the Terms and Conditions, which outline the responsibilities and rights of parties in a sale, such as who is responsible for the condition of or loss of goods while they are being shipped and any warranties or guarantees on the goods.

That is why it is important to have clear and well-written Terms and Conditions on your website to ensure a clear understanding of the Terms of sale.

Specific Terms …

Other websites may include Terms and Conditions that are more specific to the sale or purchase and require acknowledgement before you can access the website.

One example is an online website that sells alcohol in Australia. Before entering the site, visitors must verify their age. Being 18 years or older is a condition of use for this type of website.

A further consideration may be a website that deals in trading securities where having a membership to the site is a condition for trading on the site. This is also an example where there should be a strict and strong Disclaimer to ensure all regulatory requirements and financial commitments may be met.

In summary, it is not always essential for many or all types of websites to have Terms and Conditions. It is, however, recommended for most sites. In addition, it is highly recommended and quite essential to have a Website Disclaimer as a minimum inclusion on your website, irrespective of your type of online business or service. Terms and Conditions offer further protection and normally include a Disclaimer, which will further protect your liability as a website owner and your website ideas and content from being copied.

About the Author: Vanessa Emilio

Vanessa Emilio (BA Hons, LLB, ACIS, AGIA) is the Founder and CEO of Legal123.com.au and Practice Director of Legal123 Pty Ltd. Vanessa is a qualified Australian lawyer with 20+ years experience in corporate, banking and trust law. Click for full bio of Vanessa Emilio or follow on LinkedIn.

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