Terms of Service (TOS) – cci.observer

Terms of Service (TOS) – cci.observer

Terms of Service (TOS) – cci.observer

Welcome to cci.observer. By accessing or using this platform (the "Service"), you agree to the following Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use the Service. These Terms are designed to ensure a transparent, safe, and lawful use of cci.observer.

User Submissions

cci.observer may allow users to submit information or content via email or other means (collectively, "User Submissions"). By submitting content, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

  • No Publication Guarantee:Submission of content is no guarantee of publication​. cci.observer is under no obligation to publish, post, or use any User Submission. We make no guarantees regarding the publication or accuracy of content you submit.
  • Review and Rejection: All User Submissions are subject to review. cci.observer reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to accept, reject, or remove any submission for any reason or no reason, with or without notice. We may choose not to publish content that we deem irrelevant, inappropriate, or non-compliant with these Terms.
  • No Editorial Obligation: cci.observer may, but is not obligated to, moderate, fact-check, or edit User Submissions. If we do publish user-submitted information, it may be edited for length, clarity, or compliance with our standards. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any user-submitted content we share.
  • No Confidential Relationship: Providing a submission to cci.observer does not create a confidential or fiduciary relationship. Do not submit any content or information that you consider proprietary or confidential, as we are not responsible for maintaining confidentiality of submissions.

User Conduct and Moderation

When interacting with cci.observer or submitting content, you agree to uphold high standards of integrity and legality. Users must not engage in any conduct that violates these Terms or applicable laws. In particular, you agree that you will not:

  • Provide False or Misleading Information: You must not submit false, inaccurate, or misleading information​. All submissions should be truthful and based on facts to the best of your knowledge.
  • Defamatory or Unlawful Content: You must not submit content that is defamatory, libelous, harassing, hateful, or otherwise tortious towards any individual or entity​. Additionally, you agree not to submit any material that is unlawful or in violation of any applicable laws or regulations​ (including, but not limited to, intellectual property laws, privacy laws, and securities laws).
  • Compliance with Laws: You will use cci.observer in compliance with all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations​. Any attempt to use the Service for fraudulent or illegal activities is strictly prohibited.
  • No Malicious Submissions: Do not submit content that contains viruses, malware, or any other harmful code, or engage in any activity that could disrupt or damage the Service or its users.
  • Moderation: cci.observer reserves the right to moderate user-submitted content. We may remove or refuse to publish any content that, in our judgment, violates these standards or could expose us or our users to harm or legal liability. We may also cooperate with law enforcement and disclose information (if any is available) about submissions that violate the law.

By adhering to these conduct guidelines, you help maintain a trustworthy community and platform. Violation of the above rules may result in rejection of submissions, termination of your ability to submit content, or other appropriate actions.

No Data Collection (Privacy)

Your privacy is important. cci.observer is committed to minimalist data practices. We collect absolutely no personal user data through your use of the website or Service. This means:

  • No Personal Information Tracking: We do not collect IP addresses, cookies, or analytics data when you browse our site​. We do not use browser cookies or similar technologies to track your activities. There are no user accounts, login systems, or newsletters on cci.observer that would require personal information​.
  • No Account Information: Since we do not have user accounts, we do not collect any usernames, passwords, emails, or profile data from general users. You do not need to register or provide any personal details to use the public portions of our Service.
  • No Third-Party Analytics: We do not employ third-party analytics services, advertising trackers, or social media pixels that collect data about you. Your use of cci.observer is not profiled or analyzed by us or by third-party tracking tools.
  • Email Submissions: If you choose to submit information via email, we will receive whatever information you choose to provide in that email (such as your email address and the content of your submission). This information will be used solely for the purpose of reviewing the submission. We do not add your details to any database or mailing list without your consent. We will not share your email or submission details with any third party unless required by law or as part of the publication review process (e.g., verifying claims).
  • Server Logs: Our web servers may generate minimal logs for security and debugging (for example, to record that a page was accessed), but IP addresses are not stored in those logs, whenever technically feasible​. We do not tie any log information to individual users. Logs are purged regularly and are used only to ensure the service's integrity and security.
  • No Data Selling or Sharing: Since we do not collect personal data, we do not sell, rent, or share personal data with any third parties for marketing or any other purpose. In fact, we strive to operate without retaining any identifiable user information at all.

Because we intentionally do not collect personal data, cci.observer typically does not require a conventional privacy policy. However, users should understand that external websites linked from our content may have their own data practices. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of any third-party sites linked in our reports or analyses. Always review the privacy policies of external sites if you choose to follow links from cci.observer.

Disclaimers of Content and No Advice

cci.observer provides information for general informational purposes only. All content on this platform – including corporate ratings, analyses, reports, and commentary – is presented "as is" and without warranties of any kind. By using our Service, you acknowledge and agree to the following disclaimers:

  • Independent Research & Public Information: Our corporate ratings and analyses are based on publicly available information and our own independent research​. We strive to ensure that the data and sources we use are reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information on the site. There may be errors or omissions, and information may become outdated. Use the content at your own risk.
  • No Financial, Legal, or Investment Advice: Nothing on cci.observer constitutes or should be construed as financial, legal, or investment advice​. cci.observer is not a registered investment advisor, financial advisor, law firm, or any type of licensed professional advisor. The content provided is for informational purposes only and is not tailored to your specific situation​. You should not make any financial, investment, or legal decisions based solely on information from this site. Always consult with a qualified professional advisor before making such decisions.
  • No Professional Relationship: Your use of the Service does not create any professional-client relationship (such as attorney-client, advisor-client, or fiduciary relationship) between you and cci.observer. We provide general commentary and analysis that is available to all users under the same terms.
  • Not an Offer or Endorsement: Any references to companies, securities, markets, or organizations are for illustration or reporting purposes only and do not constitute an offer to buy or sell any securities or an endorsement of any company's products, services, or practices. We may provide opinions on corporate conduct or performance (e.g., sustainability ratings), but these are subjective views based on our analysis and should not be relied upon as certified facts or predictions.
  • No Guarantee of Outcomes: Any predictions, assessments, or forward-looking statements in our content are inherently uncertain. We make no guarantee that any expectations described in our content will prove accurate or that using our analysis will lead to particular results or outcomes. Past performance or past observations in our reports do not indicate future results.
  • Academic and Journalistic Purpose: cci.observer's content is intended for educational, research, and informational purposes in the public interest. We aim to inform readers about corporate responsibility and related topics, but our content should be viewed as one of many resources. Users are encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult multiple sources.

By using this site, you acknowledge these disclaimers. cci.observer (and its contributors) will not be liable for any actions you take or do not take based on our content. You bear full responsibility for your own decisions.

Monetization and Donations

cci.observer is a non-commercial service. We do not offer any paid services, subscriptions, or premium accounts. The platform is free to access for all users. Our approach to monetization is as follows:

  • No Fees or Paid Services: There are no subscription fees, paywalls, or charges required to use cci.observer. We do not sell any products, services, or data. There are also no user accounts to upgrade or premium tiers to purchase. All users have the same access to content.
  • Voluntary Donations: We may accept voluntary donations or contributions from users who wish to support our mission. Any donations are completely voluntary and at the donor's discretion. Donations do not create any contractual relationship or obligation between the donor and cci.observer beyond our thanks. In other words, a donation does not entitle you to any special ownership rights, services, or preferential treatment​. Donations are not required to access any area of the site or any content.
  • No Additional Benefits or Content from Donations: Unless explicitly stated otherwise (for example, if we run a public fundraiser with specific perks), making a donation will not result in additional content, services, or privileges. cci.observer does not offer “members-only” content or accounts. Every user, donor or not, sees the same site content.
  • Use of Donations: Any funds received as donations will be used at our discretion to maintain and improve cci.observer (such as web hosting costs, research resources, etc.) or further our mission of independent corporate oversight. We reserve the right to use donations in the manner we see fit to sustain operations or pursue project goals​.
  • No Refunds on Donations: Generally, donations are non-refundable. If you believe a donation was made in error, you may contact us to request a refund, and we may grant it at our sole discretion. However, once funds have been applied to our operational costs or distributed, we typically cannot return them.
  • Not Tax Advice: Accepting a donation does not imply any tax-deductible status unless explicitly noted. cci.observer is not confirmed to be a charitable organization, so consult your tax advisor about any implications of donating. We make no representations regarding tax treatment of donations.

By donating, you acknowledge that your donation is a gift given without expectation of anything in return. We appreciate your support, but we make no promises and offer no contracts in exchange for donations beyond what is stated here or on the face of the donation solicitation.

Limitation of Liability

Use of cci.observer is at your own risk. To the maximum extent permitted by law, cci.observer and its owners, contributors, and affiliates shall not be liable for any damages or losses arising from your use of the Service or reliance on the content provided. This includes, without limitation::

  • Indirect or Consequential Damages: We will not be responsible for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits or revenues, whether incurred directly or indirectly, resulting from (a) your use of or inability to use the Service; (b) any action you take based on the information on the site; or (c) any errors or omissions in our content.
  • Third-Party Use of Content: Once cci.observer publishes information (such as reports or ratings), it becomes public. We are not responsible for how third parties use, interpret, or distribute our data or reports​. If another website, media outlet, researcher, or any third party uses our content, that use is beyond our control. We do not endorse, guarantee, or assume liability for any third-party's interpretations, analyses, or actions taken with the information from our site.
  • No Liability for User Submissions: cci.observer is not liable for content submitted by users or third parties that appears on the site. While we strive to moderate submissions, any user-contributed content is the sole responsibility of the person who submitted it. We expressly disclaim liability for any offensive, defamatory, or illegal content provided by users. If you see content that you believe violates these Terms or your rights, please notify us and we will review it.
  • Use of Donations: Any funds received as donations will be used at our discretion to maintain and improve cci.observer (such as web hosting costs, research resources, etc.) or further our mission of independent corporate oversight. We reserve the right to use donations in the manner we see fit to sustain operations or pursue project goals​.
  • No Warranty: cci.observer is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. We make no warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied, about the Service. This includes, but is not limited to, warranties of accuracy, reliability, non-infringement, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose. We do not guarantee that the Service will be uninterrupted, error-free, secure, or free of viruses or other harmful components.
  • Technical Limitations: We are not responsible for any technical issues or failures of the Service, such as downtime, data loss, or breaches, though we take reasonable measures to maintain security. You are responsible for ensuring you have appropriate hardware, software, and security measures when accessing the Service.
  • External Links: Our content may include links to external websites or references to third-party content. These links are provided for convenience and informational purposes. cci.observer has no control over external sites and is not responsible for their content, availability, or privacy practices. We do not endorse any external websites. If you choose to access third-party links, you do so at your own risk.

In jurisdictions that do not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain warranties or liabilities, the scope and duration of any such warranty and the extent of liability shall be the minimum permitted under applicable law.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

cci.observer is intended to operate in compliance with the laws of the jurisdictions in which it is offered. These Terms are designed to be flexible and universally applicable to the extent possible, rather than being tied to any one country's laws. By using this Service, you agree that:

  • Applicable Laws: These Terms and any dispute arising from them will be governed by the applicable laws of the relevant jurisdiction(s) where cci.observer operates and/or where you access the Service, without regard to conflict of law principles. In other words, cci.observer Sites are governed by the laws applicable in the respective jurisdictions where we operate​. We make no representation that the content is appropriate or available in all locations, and accessing the Service from territories where the content is illegal is prohibited.
  • Local Compliance: You are responsible for compliance with local laws if you access or use the Service from outside our primary country of operation. Use of the Service may not be lawful by certain persons or in certain countries. cci.observer's inclusion of the flexible governing law clause is to ensure that our Terms do not conflict with mandatory provisions of law in the countries where our Service is accessible.
  • Jurisdiction: In the event of a legal dispute, claims may be brought in a competent court of an appropriate jurisdiction. We have not designated a specific forum (such as a particular state or country's courts) in these Terms in order to maintain flexibility. However, we reserve the right to specify a jurisdiction or method of dispute resolution in the future if necessary (such as arbitration or a particular venue) by updating these Terms.
  • International Use: If you are located in a jurisdiction outside of the United States, please be aware that you are responsible for adherence to any and all local laws that may apply to you. Nothing in these Terms will affect any rights you may have under mandatory local laws.

This Governing Law section ensures that cci.observer's Terms remain applicable and enforceable wherever the Service is legally provided, while not unlawfully extending any particular jurisdiction's laws to another.

Changes and Updates to These Terms

cci.observer reserves the right to modify, update, or change these Terms of Service at any time. Changes will typically be made to address new features, adjust to legal requirements, or improve clarity. When we update the Terms:

  • Posting of Revised Terms: If we make changes, we will post the updated Terms on this page with a new "Last Updated" date. All changes are effective immediately upon posting unless otherwise specified. We encourage you to review this Terms of Service page periodically to stay informed of any updates​.
  • Notice of Material Changes: For substantial or material changes to the Terms, we may provide additional notice of the update, such as a notification on our website's homepage or a prominent announcement. However, it remains your responsibility to check for updates.
  • Acceptance of Changes: By continuing to access or use cci.observer after changes to these Terms are posted, you agree to be bound by the revised Terms​. If you do not agree with any updated terms, you should stop using the Service.
  • Versioning: For reference and transparency, we may keep an archive or change log of significant revisions to these Terms (available upon request or posted on our site). This allows users to see how the Terms have evolved.
  • No Retroactive Changes to Dispute Resolution: (If applicable) If we ever introduce an arbitration clause or any change to dispute resolution procedures, such changes will not apply retroactively to legal disputes of which we have actual notice on or before the date the change is posted.

By using cci.observer, you acknowledge that it is your responsibility to review and understand the Terms of Service as updated from time to time.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments about these Terms of Service, you may contact us at legal@cci.observer. We value transparency and will do our best to address any inquiries regarding our Terms.By accessing or using cci.observer, you affirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms of Service. Thank you for using cci.observer responsibly and in accordance with these terms.