Arbitration removes your ability to have disputes heard by a judge or jury in a public court, and outcomes are generally final with very limited appeal rights.
Consumer impact
Yelp's Terms significantly limit how users can resolve disputes β binding arbitration and a class action waiver mean most users cannot sue Yelp in court or join group lawsuits. Users also grant Yelp a broad, royalty-free license to use any content they post, including photos and reviews. You can opt out of the arbitration agreement by sending written notice to Yelp within 30 days of first accepting the Terms.
What you can do
β οΈ These actions may provide transparency or partial mitigation but may not fully address the underlying issue. Effectiveness varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances.
Opt Out of Arbitration
Within 30 days
Send a written opt-out notice to Yelp's Legal Department within 30 days of first accepting the Terms. Your notice must include your name, address, and a clear statement that you are opting out of the arbitration agreement.
Applicable agencies
FTC
The FTC monitors unfair or deceptive practices including mandatory arbitration clauses that may disadvantage consumers.