Terms & Conditions
These Terms & Conditions govern access to and use of the Orfid platform. By accessing, submitting information, or using any Orfid service, you agree to be bound by these terms. If you do not agree, you must discontinue use of the platform.
1. Eligibility and account responsibility
Users must provide accurate and truthful information where required and must not impersonate others, misrepresent authority, or create fraudulent accounts. You are responsible for safeguarding login credentials and any devices authorised to access your account.
2. Tiered access and permissions
- Tier 1 – Public and citizen journalists: Basic access.
- Tier 2 – Registered journalists and investigators: Enhanced tools.
- Tier 3 – Legal professionals: Legal-facing tools and compliance outputs.
- Tier 4 – Organisations: Multi-user licences and administrative dashboards.
- Ghost Tier – Regulators: Read-only oversight with full audit logging.
3. Acceptable use
You must not misuse the Orfid platform. Prohibited activities include:
- submitting unlawful, malicious, or knowingly false content;
- attempting unauthorised access or introducing malware;
- interfering with platform security, availability, or integrity;
- harassment, intimidation, or abuse of others;
- attempting to re-identify protected or anonymised individuals.
4. Content submission and ownership
You retain ownership of content you submit. By submitting material, you grant Orfid a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to store, analyse, process, transform, and publish that content where lawful and subject to editorial, legal, and compliance review.
5. Compliance and automated decisions
Automated systems may restrict, delay, or prevent publication where legal, ethical, or security risks are identified. Where appropriate and lawful, human review may be requested.
6. Complaint handling
Complaints relating to platform use or published material are managed through GEB, with immutable audit trails governed by THOTH.
7. Confidentiality and source protection
Source confidentiality and journalistic protections are upheld unless lawfully overridden by a valid court order or statutory authority.
8. Suspension and termination
Orfid may suspend or terminate access where necessary, including in cases of:
- breach of these Terms;
- security compromise or abuse;
- legal or regulatory obligation;
- unmanageable legal or reputational risk.
9. Liability
To the extent permitted by law, Orfid excludes liability for indirect or consequential loss. Nothing in these Terms limits liability where such limitation would be unlawful.
10. Changes to these Terms
These Terms may be updated from time to time. Versions are controlled and logged via THOTH, and significant changes may be communicated through HORUS.
11. Governing law
These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
12. Indemnity
You agree to indemnify Orfid against claims, liabilities, and costs arising from misuse of the platform, unlawful submissions, or breach of these Terms.