We Overhauled Our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy - Zed Blog
zed.dev
From the Zed Blog: Effective March 2, 2026, we're updating our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and related documentation. Our privacy commitments have not changed.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/43801404

Following in the footsteps of Hashicorp, Hudson, etc. Zed has chosen to cash in the good will of its now substantial user base and start going to full corporate enshittification. Among other things like minimum age nonsense, they have also added binding mandatory opt-OUT arbitration.

I find such agreements very troubling, because it gives up public funded dispute resolution for private which nearly unanimously benefits larger entities, it lowers transparency to near zero, and eliminates the abilities to act as a class and to appeal. But I worry most will just accept it, as is the norm.

You can however opt out by emailing arbitration-opt-out@zed.dev with full legal name, the email address associated with your account, and a statement that you want to opt out.

I’ll just consider my days of advocating for Zed as an interesting new editor over and go back to Neovim bliss.

  • XLE@piefed.socialEnglish
    2·
    15 days ago

    For anybody wondering “what is a Zed, and why would I need it”:

    Zed is a minimal code editor crafted for speed and collaboration with humans and AI.

    A code editor built on an industry burning through venture capital? Great.

    Arbitration. The updated Terms include a binding arbitration clause with a class action waiver. Arbitration provides a faster, lower-cost resolution process for disputes between individual users and Zed compared to traditional litigation. We recognize this is a meaningful legal trade-off, which is why we include a 30-day opt-out window after you accept the Terms. Section 15 has the full details, including how to opt out.

    I like how they try to frame arbitration as efficient.

    • richmondez@lemdro.idEnglish
      3·
      15 days ago

      They never state who it’s more efficient and cost effective for, so I’m sure it’s true… from a certain point of view.

      • GreenBeard@lemmy.caEnglish
        2·
        15 days ago

        That’s the big secret. Efficient at what is never discussed. It’s very efficient [… at lowering legal costs, and avoiding consequences and accountability]. As long as no one says the quiet part out loud, everything is “fine” [… for them].

        • pdxfed@lemmy.worldEnglish
          2·
          15 days ago

          Dictatorships can be very efficient, tons of time saved by no meetings, delays, stakeholders, rights, debate or considerations needed.

    • AbidanYre@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      15 days ago

      I’ve never felt the need to sue a text editor. It’s concerning that they’re so worried about it.

      • MagicShel@lemmy.zipEnglish
        1·
        15 days ago

        VC Lawyers insist. Not worth it for the company to fight for something (not going to arbitration) that no one will notice or care about if it doesn’t change. Or maybe they didn’t care.

        I’m just saying capitalism ruins everything because investors only care about maximizing profit and minimizing risk, this forces bullshit like this onto everyone downstream. One solution is not to use the product. Better solution is to change the law to make mandatory arbitration illegal. Best solution is to throw billionaires into the ocean and stir the solution until the solid is fully dissolved.