Facebook has agreed to modify its terms and conditions for agencies within states across the country, removing obstacles in resolving legal issues that arise from using the social-networking site.
Changes announced Wednesday by Colorado Attorney General John Suthers, whose office led the negotiations, include striking an indemnity clause that requires users to pay legal fees to Facebook for harm or loss, unless a state’s constitution allows it.
Other changes include removing a provision that requires resolving legal disputes with Facebook in California courts, calling for the prominent display of a state agency’s website on its Facebook page and encouraging amicable resolution to disputes.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Facebook and starting a new dialogue with the people of Colorado through the company’s website,” Suthers said in a statement.
He said his agency will launch a Facebook page after nearly a year studying it and negotiating.
The changes are similar to those reached last year with federal agencies and do not affect individual accounts.
Federal agencies with Facebook accounts include the White House, the U.S. Navy and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which posted live updates on relief efforts during its response to the Haiti earthquake last January.
