https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-08/canadian-farmer-pay-92k-fine-after-emoji-confusion/102579514 Skip to main content ABC News Homepage Search Loading More from ABC More from ABC Close menuABC * ABC Home * News * Local * listen * iview * Everyday * More Editorial Policies Read our editorial guiding principles * Accessibility * Help * Contact Us * About the ABC * Privacy Policy * Terms of Use * (c) 2023 ABC * * * * * Just In * Watch Live * Voice Referendum * Politics * World * Business * Analysis * Sport * Science * Health * Arts * Fact Check * Coronavirus * Other News HomeABC News Homepage Canadian farmer ordered to pay more than $92,000 after confusion over the meaning of a thumbs-up emoji Share Canadian farmer ordered to pay more than $92,000 after confusion over the meaning of a thumbs-up emoji Posted 12h ago12 hours agoSat 8 Jul 2023 at 10:25am, updated 3h ago3 hours agoSat 8 Jul 2023 at 7:21pm A photo of a phone displaying a thumbs up emoji in a text message box A Canadian judge ruled that a thumbs-up emoji could be considered an agreement to a contract.(ABC News) Share this article abc.net.au/news/canadian-farmer-pay-92k-fine-after-emoji-confusion/ 102579514 Link copied Copy linkShare A Canadian judge has ordered a farmer to pay more than $CAD82,000 ($92,000) in damages following a legal battle over what the thumbs-up emoji means. Chris Achter, the owner of a farming company in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, had sent a thumbs-up emoji in response to a photograph of a flax-buying contract from a grains buyer in 2021. Months later, the buyer -- which had been doing business with Mr Achter for several years -- did not receive the flax as expected. That started a dispute that led to "a far-flung search" to unearth what the thumbs-up emoji means, according to the June court ruling that surfaced in local media this week. The buyer, South West Terminal, argued that the emoji implied acceptance of contractual terms, while Mr Achter said he used it only to indicate that he had received the contract, but not to indicate his agreement. In a summary judgement that contained 24 instances of the emoji, Judge T J Keene resolved the issue by ruling that a thumbs-up emoji is enough to accept contractual terms. He said: "I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that Chris okayed or approved the contract just like he had done before except this time he used a thumbs-up emoji." "In my opinion the signature requirement was met by the thumbs-up emoji originating from Chris and his unique cell phone," the judge said. Reuters Posted 12h ago12 hours agoSat 8 Jul 2023 at 10:25am, updated 3h ago3 hours agoSat 8 Jul 2023 at 7:21pm Share * Copy link * Facebook * Twitter * Related Stories * 'Mad idea' for emu beanie pays off as piece could end up in art gallery A crocheted emu head wearing a beanie. * Pizza's possible 'distant ancestor' found painted in the ruins of Pompeii A close-up of a fresco painted on a damaged wall, depicting a table with various foods placed on top of it. 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