Authograph Terms of Use

Introduction

Authograph is a repository where creators can store and display the authorship and creative processes behind various forms of content.

To promote ethical practices in content creation and foster transparency between creators and their audiences, we ask our users to use this service in the spirit of authenticity and responsibility, ensuring that the information they provide is accurate and true to the best of their knowledge.

By using Authograph, you agree to adhere to these Terms of Use, which are designed to ensure a trustworthy environment for all our users.

1. Definitions

Authograph Record: A document created by users that includes information about the authorship and the creative process behind a specific work. A link to it is attached to the work to provide certified information about its origin.
User Information: The following items are considered User Information and are critical for user identification and interaction within the Authograph service:
- Display Name: The public-facing name chosen by the user, displayed alongside the User ID on the Authograph service to identify the user in interactions and record attributions.
- Email: The email address provided by the user for account registration, communication, and service updates. It is used for administrative purposes and is not publicly displayed.
- User ID: The unique alphanumeric identifier assigned to each user for identification on the Authograph service.

2. User Responsibilities

At Authograph, we are committed to maintaining a service that upholds the highest standards of authenticity, transparency, and integrity. To achieve this, we ask all our users to adhere to the following responsibilities:

a. Authenticity of Records

Record Uniqueness: You must ensure that each record you create is unique and original. For updates and corrections to existing records, you agree to use the amendment feature instead of creating a new record for the same content.
Attribution Completeness and Accuracy: Accurately attribute all contributors to your creative work by listing them in the record or clearly attributing them within the work itself. Ensure that authorship and contributions are correctly represented.
Contribution Significance: When attributing creative categories, affirm that each listed human or AI contributor has made a significant and meaningful contribution to the work.

b. Account Management

Account Uniqueness: Create and operate only one Authograph account. Multiple accounts per individual or entity are not permitted and can lead to service restrictions or account termination.
Display Name Integrity: Choose a display name that is respectful, non-deceptive, and does not impersonate others. The display name should foster a sense of trust and authenticity within the community.

c. Prohibited Actions

Use your account solely for the intended purpose of documenting and displaying authorship and creative process information on Authograph. Any misuse of the account, including but not limited to spamming, harassment, or engaging in fraudulent activities, is strictly prohibited and will result in appropriate action, including potential account suspension or termination.

d. Usage of Authograph Record Links

The label in Authograph record links embedded in external content to which it is applied must accurately reflect the label as displayed in the corresponding Authograph record.
In the event an amendment to the Authograph record alters the label, users are responsible for updating the label text wherever it has been published.

By using Authograph, you agree to these responsibilities and acknowledge that failure to comply with them may result in the restriction, suspension, or termination of your access to the service. We rely on our community to help us maintain the integrity and purpose of Authograph, and we appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines.

3. Content Ownership and Rights

At Authograph, we respect and uphold the intellectual property rights of all creators and contributors. It is important for our users to understand the nature of content ownership and rights as they relate to the use of our service.

a. Nature of Authograph Records

Authograph records serve as informational ‘index cards’ that provide insights into the creative process behind various works. These records detail the contributors, their roles, and the scope of their involvement, whether as individuals, AI entities, or collaborative efforts.
The records themselves do not represent a claim to intellectual property ownership of the content described therein. They are meant to document, not to own.

b. User Responsibilities for Content

As a user, you are responsible for ensuring that you have the appropriate rights to any content you include in your records. This includes text, images, hyperlinks, and any other materials that may be subject to intellectual property laws.
When using Authograph to create records, you agree to respect the intellectual property rights of others and to refrain from including content that infringes upon these rights.

c. Rights Granted to Authograph

By creating a record on Authograph, you grant us a perpetual, non-exclusive right to store, display, and use the record within the scope of our service. This does not extend to the intellectual property rights of the content described in the records, which remain with you or their respective owners.
Authograph does not claim ownership of the content you submit but requires the right to use the submitted information for the purpose of providing the service.

d. Liability for Content

Authograph acts as a notarization service and does not verify the accuracy or legality of the content in the records. The responsibility for the content’s accuracy and legality rests solely with the user who created the record.

4. Data Privacy and Usage

Authograph is committed to protecting the privacy and security of our users’ data. This section outlines our practices regarding data collection, usage, and protection, to ensure you understand and feel confident about how your personal information is handled.

a. Data Collection

We collect minimal personal information necessary for the effective operation of our service. This includes your chosen display name and your email address for account creation, service updates, and, if opted in, our newsletter. We also store the records you create.
No other personally identifiable information is collected unless voluntarily provided by you.

b. Data Usage

Each user is assigned a unique User ID which is used in conjunction with your chosen Display Name for identification purposes on our service.
Your User ID and Display Name are associated with your records and visible to the public.
The personal information collected is used solely for the purposes of account management, service communication, and as described in these Terms of Use. We do not use your personal data for marketing or advertising purposes.
Emails regarding important service updates will be sent as necessary, and newsletters will be sent only to users who have subscribed to them.

c. Data Protection

We employ industry-standard practices and technologies to ensure the security of your personal data. This includes secure cloud storage solutions and hashing passwords for added security.
We are committed to protecting your data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction.

Authograph does not share your personal data with third parties for marketing, advertising, or similar purposes.
Any sharing of data will be done in compliance with legal requirements or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Authograph, our users, or the public.

e. Public Nature of Records

Please be aware that any information included in a published record is accessible to the public. We urge you to consider carefully what personal or sensitive information you include in these records.
Authograph is not responsible for any personal or sensitive information you choose to make public through your records.

By using Authograph, you consent to the collection, use, and protection of your data as outlined in this section. We are dedicated to maintaining your trust and confidence in our handling of your personal information.

5. Amendment and Deletion Policy

Authograph values the integrity and permanence of the records created by our users. Our Amendment and Deletion Policy is designed to accurately preserve the history of the records.

a. Amendment of Records

Users can amend their published records to update or correct information. Amendments are a crucial feature of Authograph, allowing you to refine and evolve your records over time.
When you amend a record, the original version remains accessible. This provides a transparent and historical view of how the record has developed.

b. No Deletion of Published Records

Once a record is published, it cannot be deleted. This policy underscores our commitment to maintaining a permanent and authentic account of the creative process.
The inability to delete published records ensures that the history of contributions and authorship is preserved, fostering trust and transparency within the Authograph community.

c. Draft Records Management

Records in ‘draft’ status can be edited or deleted at your discretion. Draft records are not visible to the public and can be modified until you are ready to publish them.

d. Responsibility and Accuracy

By creating and amending records on Authograph, you are self-certifying that the information is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
We encourage you to consider the information you share carefully, as it contributes to the collective understanding of the creative journey.

This policy is in place to ensure that Authograph serves as a reliable and truthful chronicle of creativity and authorship. We appreciate your adherence to these guidelines, which help make Authograph a valuable resource for all users.

6. Dispute Resolution and Liability

Authograph aims to foster a trustworthy and respectful community. In the event of disputes or legal matters arising from the use of our service, we adhere to the following policies.

a. Handling Disputes

In case of a dispute arising from user-generated content or interactions on Authograph, we encourage users to first attempt to resolve the issue amicably among themselves.
If direct resolution is not possible, users can contact Authograph for assistance. We will act in a mediator role, striving to resolve the issue fairly and efficiently, though our decisions are not binding.

b. Limitation of Liability

Authograph is as a service for users to create and share records about their creative processes. We do not actively monitor, verify, or endorse the content submitted by users.
The responsibility for the accuracy, legality, and integrity of the content in the records rests solely with the user who created the record. Authograph is not liable for any inaccuracies, misrepresentations, or legal issues arising from user-generated content.

c. Content Verification Disclaimer

While Authograph facilitates the documentation and notarization of creative work, we do not guarantee the veracity or legality of the content in the records. Users should exercise discretion and conduct due diligence when relying on information found in the records.

d. Legal Compliance

In circumstances where Authograph is legally compelled by a court order or other legal process, we may be required to disclose your email address or other information associated with your account. This disclosure will only occur when legally obligated to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others.

e. Changes in Terms and Service Updates

Authograph reserves the right to modify these Terms of Use and our services. Changes will be communicated to users via their registered email address and will be effective upon posting to our website.
Continued use of the service after changes have been made constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

By using Authograph, you agree to these terms, acknowledging that while we strive to maintain a high-quality service, we cannot be held liable for the content created and shared by users.

7. Service Changes and User Notification

We may occasionally update our services and policies to better serve our users and to respond to changing technological and legal landscapes. It is important for our users to be aware of and understand these changes.

a. Notification of Changes

Any significant changes to our services or these Terms of Use will be communicated directly to users via their registered email address.
Additionally, the most current version of the Terms of Use will always be available on our website at https://authograph.com/terms.

b. Effect of Changes

Changes to the Terms of Use or service features will become effective immediately upon their posting on our website or communication to users, unless stated otherwise.
We encourage users to regularly review the Terms of Use and stay informed about any updates.

c. Acceptance of Changes

Continued use of Authograph after changes have been made to the Terms of Use or services constitutes acceptance of those changes.
If you do not agree to the updated terms or service changes, you should discontinue your use of Authograph.

d. Feedback and Inquiries

We value user feedback and are open to suggestions. If you have any questions or feedback regarding changes to our service or Terms of Use, please feel free to contact us.

Conclusion

By adhering to these Terms of Use, you contribute to Authograph being a trusted and valuable service for documenting the authentic processes and contributions behind creative works and other forms of content. Thank you for your commitment to upholding these ethical principles.