- James D. Ford Gaicd published an article on Nexus Law Group
Yes, it is advisable to have terms and conditions of use for users of a website, and in particular an online business website.
A website's terms and conditions are essentially the contract between you and the users of the website, and may contain as many or as few terms as you wish.
The terms and conditions set out the way in which you provide the information to your customers, and the limits you are placing on any representations. For instance, if your online business sells products online, the terms and conditions may set out the likelihood of pricing changes, delivery times, billing arrangements, payment terms, your returns policy and limits to your liability (where they don't conflict with a buyer's rights under the Australian Consumer Law).
If for example your website re-directs traffic to another website, your terms should include disclaimers against warranting the goods or services provided by that 3rd party website, as well as any other restrictions.
If you are providing advice or services, your terms and conditions could, for instance, state that users should not rely on the general information provided without a personalised consultation.
Finally, your terms and conditions can be used to protect your intellectual property in the website so that users don't have a right to copy your material.