License Agreements/ Terms of Use

[ccharles]

Does checking a box while installing a computer program, that says "I agree to the Terms of Use" violate the fourth precept, if you didn't actually read the Terms of Use?

[Khalil Bodhi]

Tricky one...I always think of this and do consider it breaking a precept despite the fact that no one reads EULAs etc.

[Cittasanto]

Does checking a box while installing a computer program, that says "I agree to the Terms of Use" violate the fourth precept, if you didn't actually read the Terms of Use?

if you are agreeing to abide by the terms of use, not reading them yet agreeing to keep them is not a breach of the precept as you aren't saying you won't try to keep them, nor are you asked if you have read them (in your example).
If you are asked if you have read them then not reading them yet indicating you have would breach the precept.

[James the Giant]

I used to just click Yes. I never read those End User Agreements. And now Microsoft owns my kidneys, and the devil owns my soul.

[SDC]

I don't think so. You're agreeing without reading because reading is hard and boring and you want what they are offering right now and could care less even if you promised your first born. Who knows what I owe half these major corporations.

[SarathW]

It is impossible to read and understand those agreements unless you are a lawyer. We all assume that we understand the content based on our expectation and we are doing the right thing. I don’t think I am breaking the five precepts.
But I broke my bank once!!!!.
I signed a document sent by the bank without realising that I have mortgaged my house to them!

[LonesomeYogurt]

In my opinion, agreeing to EULA by saying you've read it is not a lie because neither party expects the claim to be truthful; it's a mutually agreed-upon fiction that exists for legal purposes, not a declaration of truth.