Independent Analysis of Online Learning Platform Agreements
Online learning platforms provide access to courses, certifications, and educational content. Their Terms of Service govern critical aspects including course access duration, certificate validity, refund policies, content ownership for instructors, and subscription terms.
Our attorneys have reviewed the complete Terms of Service for each major platform, evaluating consumer fairness across key criteria specific to online education services.
| Platform | Score | Grade | Key Concern | Refund Policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LinkedIn Learning Best in Category | 65/100 | B- | Microsoft ecosystem data sharing | Subscription-based, cancel anytime |
| Coursera | 58/100 | C+ | Certificate revocation rights | 14-day refund window |
| Skillshare | 52/100 | C | Content access loss on cancellation | 7-day free trial, limited refunds |
| Udemy Lowest Rated | 45/100 | C- | Instructor payment disputes | 30-day refund policy |
Most platforms reserve the right to remove courses at any time. Purchased content may become unavailable with no guarantee of refunds for removed courses.
Platforms can revoke certificates post-completion for policy violations. Some certificates have limited recognition or expiration policies.
Content creators face concerning terms around revenue sharing, content licensing, and platform rights to use instructor content in perpetuity.
Complex subscription models with automatic renewals. Cancellation doesn't always provide refunds for unused portions of billing periods.
Scores are based on my Consumer Fairness Index, which evaluates Terms of Service across multiple factors including readability, consumer rights preservation, data practices, refund policies, and dispute resolution fairness. Education platform reviews additionally consider course access duration, certificate validity, instructor rights, and content availability guarantees. All reviews are conducted by licensed attorneys and updated when terms change.
Looking for education apps for kids? See our specialized reviews covering COPPA compliance, parental controls, and child data protection.
View Children's Apps ToS Reviews →Need help understanding your rights or resolving a platform dispute?