How companies weaponize the terms of service against you
From Decoder with Nilay Patel by The Verge
May 14, 2026 · 55 min
About this episode
Brendan Ballou discusses the implications of forced arbitration and how it affects consumers, as detailed in his book.
Brendan Ballou is founder of the Public Integrity Project and author of the new book, When Companies Run the Courts, about the rise of forced arbitration. Forced arbitration is similarly everywhere in modern life, and there have been some very high-profile cases these past few years highlighting how deeply unfair these clauses are to consumers. Brendan’s book delves into how and why we got here — spoiler: we can blame Antonin Scalia for some of it — but also, most importantly, how we may be able to fight back in the future. Read the full interview transcript on The Verge. Links: When Companies Run the Courts | Hachette Private equity bought out your doctor and bankrupted Toys ‘R Us | Decoder Press freedom groups demand access to Paramount records | The Wrap Disney gives up on trying to use Disney+ to settle wrongful death suit | The Verge Samsung, corruption, and you (2017) | The Verge The surprising case for AI judges | Decoder Subscribe to The Verge to access the ad-free version of Decode Credits: Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. Decoder is produced by Kate Cox and Nick Statt and edited by Ursa Wright. Our editorial director is…
People in this episode
Guest: Brendan Ballou
Topics covered
- forced arbitration
- consumer rights
- legal system
- corporate power
- public integrity
- court system
Keywords
- forced arbitration
- consumer rights
- legal clauses
- corporate accountability
- Antonin Scalia
- public integrity
- court system
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Public Integrity Project, The Verge, Vox Media Podcast Network, Breakmaster Cylinder
Books & works: When Companies Run the Courts
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