Amazon Is Prepared For A Zombie Apocalypse

Walker – The Walking Dead  Season 6, Episode 3 – Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC

Most people do not read the terms of service associated with the numerous services they sign up to. I know I don’t!

But obviously some people have, or maybe Amazon’s legal team either have a sense of humour or way too much time on their hands .. Who knows?

In any case the terms of service for Amazon’s AWS currently includes a rather interesting clause specifically to deal with a zombie outbreak.

No, I am not making this up. Here’s the relevant clause (emphasis added):

57.10 Acceptable Use; Safety-Critical Systems. Your use of the Lumberyard Materials must comply with the AWS Acceptable Use Policy. The Lumberyard Materials are not intended for use with life-critical or safety-critical systems, such as use in operation of medical equipment, automated transportation systems, autonomous vehicles, aircraft or air traffic control, nuclear facilities, manned spacecraft, or military use in connection with live combat. However, this restriction will not apply in the event of the occurrence (certified by the United States Centers for Disease Control or successor body) of a widespread viral infection transmitted via bites or contact with bodily fluids that causes human corpses to reanimate and seek to consume living human flesh, blood, brain or nerve tissue and is likely to result in the fall of organized civilization.

Yes, while the term “zombie” does not appear in the text that’s what it’s referring to.

Zombies, of course, are very popular. The Walking Dead is one of the most successful TV franchises in recent years and the many zombie or undead related TV shows and movies seem to do well. I’ve no idea why, but at least it’s made reading terms of service that little more amusing .. (Oh and it’s still legally binding .. )