Why “Consent” in Big Tech Agreements May Not Mean What You Think

When you sign up for a new app or platform, you’re often asked to “agree” to the terms of service and privacy policies. But what does that consent mean, and is it meaningful?

In 2025, researchers at Stanford’s Center for Internet and Society published a study analyzing over 200 tech platform terms of service. The finding? The vast majority of agreements rely on blanket consent, meaning that once you click “I agree,” the company claims permission to collect, process, and share your data in ways most users don’t fully understand.

The Problem With Blanket Consent

These agreements typically:

• Use dense legal language that is difficult for non-lawyers to interpret.
• Bundle together necessary terms (such as those needed to provide the service) with broad permissions for data use, including sharing with third parties.
• Make opting out of certain data uses nearly impossible without giving up the service entirely.

“Consent, as it’s currently framed in many tech policies, is more about protecting companies from liability than empowering users,” says Dr. Laila Grant, co-author of the Stanford study.

Why This Matters

Relying on blanket consent undermines meaningful privacy choices. Users may think they’ve agreed to one thing — say, using an app to chat with friends — when in fact they’ve signed away rights to have their messages analyzed for ad targeting or AI training.

This approach can disproportionately harm vulnerable groups, including minors, older adults, and non-native speakers, who may struggle even more with complex terms.

What You Can Do

• Read summaries or privacy highlights, and many consumer advocacy groups provide simplified guides.
• Push for change support efforts calling for “granular consent,” where users can agree to essential terms but opt out of non-essential data uses.
• Stay alert to updates; companies often change terms, and staying informed helps you protect your rights.

Final Thought

True consent should mean informed, specific choices, not a checkbox at the end of a 10,000-word document. Until that standard becomes the norm, staying aware is your best defense.