Connecticut Science Center Terms & Conditions: 4 Critical Legal Risks and How to Fix Them | Erayaha

## When Legal Gaps Become Financial Liabilities: Connecticut Science Center’s T&C Under the Microscope

Imagine facing a $2 million class action lawsuit or a GDPR fine of up to €20 million—all because of overlooked clauses in your website’s terms. Our analysis of the Connecticut Science Center’s Terms & Conditions reveals four critical legal and logical issues that could expose the organization to significant regulatory and financial risk.

1. Ambiguous Consent for Children’s Data Collection The T&C states that children under 12 must have parental consent for most data collection, but allows newsletter subscriptions with only a parent’s email and an opt-out notice. This approach risks non-compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which requires verifiable parental consent for all personal data collection from children under 13. Failure to comply can result in FTC fines of up to $43,792 per violation.

Legal Analysis

critical Risk

Removed

Added

A verifiable parental consent form is not required when a child subscribes to email newslettersfor any collection of personal information from the Connecticut Science Center. If a childchildren 12 years old or younger provides his or her email address to receive an email newsletter, the child is also required to submit theincluding for email address of a parent or guardiannewsletter subscriptions. The parentConnecticut Science Center will not collect or guardian is sentuse a notice by email and given the option to unsubscribe the child from the email newsletter’s personal information for any purpose, including newsletters, without first obtaining verifiable parental consent in compliance with COPPA.

Legal Explanation

The original clause does not meet COPPA’s strict requirements for verifiable parental consent for all personal data collection from children under 13. The revision ensures compliance and reduces regulatory risk.

2. Unclear Third-Party Data Sharing and Vendor Liability The policy allows sharing user data with third-party vendors but only requires that vendors impose “reasonable safeguards.” There is no clear contractual obligation for vendors to comply with privacy laws or indemnify the Science Center in case of a breach. This exposes the organization to indirect liability and potential class action suits if a vendor mishandles data—costs that can easily exceed $500,000 per incident.

Legal Analysis

high Risk

Removed

Added

The Museum occasionally uses trusted 3rdrequires all third-party providers to provide its services or communicateenter into written agreements that mandate compliance with you. For exampleall applicable privacy laws (including GDPR and CCPA), we may use a vendor to send emails on our behalf. Therequire prompt notification of any data breach, and include indemnification provisions protecting the Museum only uses providers that we believe impose reasonable safeguards onfrom liability arising from the privacy of your informationprovider’s actions or omissions.

Legal Explanation

The original language lacks enforceable obligations and does not require vendors to indemnify the Museum or comply with privacy laws. The revision provides clear legal protection and risk allocation.

3. Vague Opt-Out and Data Deletion Rights The opt-out section gives the Science Center discretion to delete user data instead of honoring specific opt-out requests. This ambiguity may violate GDPR and CCPA requirements for clear, actionable data subject rights, risking regulatory penalties and reputational damage.

Legal Analysis

high Risk

Removed

Added

In our sole discretion, we may elect to delete your electronic information entirely rather than implementingUpon receiving a request tovalid opt-out of certainor data uses while continuing othersdeletion request, the Museum will comply in accordance with applicable privacy laws (including GDPR and CCPA), ensuring users can exercise their rights to access, correct, restrict, or delete their personal data without undue delay or arbitrary denial.

Legal Explanation

The original clause gives the Museum unilateral discretion and does not guarantee compliance with data subject rights under privacy laws. The revision ensures enforceability and regulatory compliance.

4. Insufficient Security Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability While the T&C mentions encryption and security measures, it also broadly disclaims responsibility for data breaches without specifying any limitation of liability or user remedies. Courts have found such blanket disclaimers unenforceable, and the lack of a clear liability cap could result in uncapped damages in the event of a breach—potentially millions in exposure.

Legal Analysis

medium Risk

Removed

Added

Notwithstanding ourWhile the Museum implements industry-standard security measures, no method of transmission over the Internetliability for unauthorized access or electronic storage methoddata breaches is 100% securelimited to the maximum extent permitted by law. AccordinglyUsers are entitled to remedies as required under applicable privacy regulations, we cannot guaranteeand the security of information provided viaMuseum will promptly notify affected individuals in the Internet or through our websiteevent of a breach.

Legal Explanation

The original disclaimer is overly broad and potentially unenforceable. The revision introduces a reasonable limitation of liability and clarifies user remedies, aligning with legal best practices.

---

Key Takeaways & Next Steps Our examination shows that these issues are not just theoretical—they present real, quantifiable risks. Proactively updating the T&C with enforceable, compliant language can prevent regulatory fines, litigation, and reputational harm.

Are your contracts exposing you to hidden liabilities? How would your organization withstand a regulatory audit or class action? What steps can you take today to ensure airtight legal protection?

---

This analysis is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For actual legal guidance, consult with a licensed attorney. This assessment is based on publicly available information and professional legal analysis. See erayaha.ai’s terms of service for liability limitations.