Cultural Knowledge & Heritage Policy

Last updated: February 2026

IKS recognises that indigenous knowledge may be collectively held by communities rather than individuals. This policy governs how cultural knowledge is shared on the Platform.

1. Collective Ownership

Some knowledge:

Belongs to communities
May be sacred, restricted, or ceremonial
May not be appropriate for public dissemination

Users are solely responsible for ensuring they have the authority to share any cultural knowledge they submit.

2. Contributor Responsibility

By posting cultural content, you represent that:

You have appropriate authority or permission
Sharing does not violate community customs
Sharing does not breach confidentiality or sacred restrictions

IKS does not independently verify cultural permissions.

3. Community Objections

If a recognised community representative contacts IKS and asserts that content:

Violates cultural norms
Is sacred or restricted
Was shared without authority

IKS may remove the content at its discretion.

4. Respect for Cultural Sovereignty

IKS supports the principle that indigenous communities have the right to define how their knowledge is preserved and shared.

We reserve the right to remove content that undermines cultural dignity or sovereignty, even if it does not violate copyright law.

5. No Ownership Claim

IKS does not claim ownership of user-submitted cultural knowledge. Users retain ownership of their contributions, subject to the license granted in the Terms of Service.