Government regulation of the Internet, mobile devices and e-commerce is evolving and unfavorable changes could substantially adversely affect Wag!’s business, financial condition, and operating results.
Wag! is subject to general business regulations and laws as well as regulations and laws specifically governing the Internet, mobile devices, and e-commerce that are constantly evolving. Existing and future laws and regulations, or changes thereto, may impede the growth of the Internet, mobile devices, e-commerce, or other online services and increase the cost of providing online services, require Wag! to change Wag!’s business practices, or raise compliance costs or other costs of doing business. These regulations and laws, which continue to evolve, may address taxation, tariffs, privacy, data retention and protection, data security, pricing and commissions, content, copyrights, distribution, social media marketing, advertising practices, sweepstakes, mobile, electronic contracts and other communications, consumer protection, text messaging, Internet and mobile application access to Wag!’s offerings and the characteristics and quality of online offerings, the provision of online payment services, and the characteristics and quality of services. For more information regarding such privacy and security laws and regulations, and the impact of such laws and regulations on Wag!’s business, see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Privacy and Technology—Changes in laws, regulations, or industry standards relating to privacy, data protection, or the protection or transfer of data relating to individuals, or any actual or perceived failure by Wag! to comply with such laws and regulations or any other obligations, including contractual obligations, relating to privacy, data protection, or the protection or transfer of data relating to individuals, could adversely affect Wag!’s business.” It is not clear how existing laws governing issues such as property ownership, sales, use and other taxes, libel, and personal privacy apply to the Internet and e-commerce. In addition, if Wag! expands internationally, it is possible that foreign government entities may seek to censor content available on Wag!’s mobile applications or website or may even attempt to block access to Wag!’s mobile applications and website. Any failure, or perceived failure, by Wag! to comply with any of these laws or regulations could result in damage to Wag!’s reputation and brand, a loss in business and proceedings, or actions against Wag! by governmental entities or others, which could adversely affect Wag!’s business, financial condition, and operating results.
Wag! is subject to regulatory inquiries, claims, lawsuits, government investigations, and various proceedings and other disputes, and may face potential liability and expenses for legal claims, which could materially adversely affect Wag!’s business, operating results, and financial condition.
Wag! is or may become subject to claims, lawsuits, arbitration proceedings, government investigations, and other legal, regulatory, and administrative proceedings, including those involving pet injury, personal injury, property damage, worker classification, pay model, labor and employment, unemployment insurance benefits, workers’ compensation, anti-discrimination, commercial disputes, competition, Pet Caregiver and Pet Parent complaints, intellectual property disputes, compliance with regulatory requirements, data security, advertising practices, tax issues, and other matters. Wag! may become subject to additional types of claims, lawsuits, government investigations, and legal or regulatory proceedings as its business grows and as it deploys new services. Results of investigations, inquiries, and related governmental action are inherently unpredictable and, as such, there is always the risk of an investigation, or inquiry having a material impact on Wag!’s business, financial condition, and operating results, particularly if an investigation, or inquiry results in a lawsuit or unfavorable regulatory enforcement or other action. Any claims against Wag!, whether meritorious or not, could be time-consuming and can have an adverse impact on Wag! in light of the costs associated with cooperating with, or defending against, such matters and the diversion of management resources and other factors.
Determining reserves for Wag!’s pending litigation is a complex and fact-intensive process that requires significant subjective judgment and speculation. It is possible that a resolution of one or more such proceedings could result in substantial damages, settlement costs, fines, and penalties that could adversely affect Wag!’s business, financial condition, and operating results. These proceedings could also result in harm to Wag!’s reputation and brand, sanctions, consent decrees, injunctions, or other orders requiring a change in Wag!’s business practices. Any of these consequences could adversely affect Wag!’s business, financial condition, and operating results. Further, under certain circumstances, Wag! has contractual and other legal obligations to indemnify and to incur legal expenses on behalf of Wag!’s business and commercial partners and current and former directors and officers.
Wag! is subject to claims, lawsuits, and other legal proceedings seeking to hold Wag! vicariously liable for the actions of pets, Pet Parents, and Pet Caregivers.
Wag! is subject to claims, lawsuits, and other legal proceedings seeking to hold Wag! vicariously liable for the actions of pets, Pet Parents, and Pet Caregivers. In the ordinary course of business, Wag!’s customer service team receives claims pursuant to the Customer Claims Policy. Claims and threats of legal action that arise from pet sitting services booked through the Wag! website or applications may be sent directly to Wag!’s legal department or may be received by Wag!’s customer service team. Various parties