Terms of Service

1. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to use the Platform.

By using the Platform, you represent and warrant that:

• You are at least 18 years of age;
• You have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement; and
• Your use of the Platform does not violate any applicable laws.

2. Nature of the Platform

IKS is a user-generated content platform designed to allow individuals to share and discover indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, historical narratives, and related materials.

We are a hosting platform only. We:

• Do not create most content on the Platform;
• Do not independently verify the accuracy of user submissions;
• Do not endorse user statements or claims;
• Are not responsible for user-generated content.

All content is provided by users for informational and cultural purposes only.

3. No Professional Advice

Content on the Platform may include references to traditional medicine, agricultural practices, spiritual customs, or historical interpretations. Such content:

• Is provided for informational purposes only;
• Is not medical, legal, agricultural, or professional advice;
• Does not create any professional-client relationship.

You agree that you rely on any content at your own risk. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on medical or health-related information.

4. User Accounts

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your credentials;
• All activity occurring under your account.

We may suspend or terminate accounts for:

• Violations of these Terms;
• Security concerns;
• Legal risk exposure;
• Any other reason at our sole discretion.

5. User-Generated Content

You retain ownership of content you submit.

By posting content, you grant IKS a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, transferable license to host, store, display, reproduce, distribute, format, and otherwise make your content available on the Platform. This license exists solely for operating and improving the Platform.

You represent and warrant that:

• You own the content or have permission to share it;
• Your content does not violate any law or third-party rights;
• Your content does not infringe intellectual property rights;
• You have authority to share any cultural or community-based knowledge included.

6. Cultural Knowledge Responsibility

You acknowledge that certain indigenous knowledge may belong collectively to communities rather than individuals. By submitting content, you represent that:

• You have appropriate permission or authority to share the knowledge;
• Sharing does not violate community customs, sacred restrictions, or confidentiality obligations.

IKS does not independently verify cultural permissions. We reserve the right to remove content if:

• A community representative objects;
• We reasonably believe the content may infringe cultural rights;
• Continued hosting poses legal or reputational risk.

7. Verification Badge Disclaimer

IKS may offer identity verification badges. Verification means only that we have confirmed a user's identity based on submitted documentation. Verification:

• Does not confirm expertise;
• Does not confirm accuracy of content;
• Does not imply endorsement;
• Does not represent community authority.

You agree not to rely on verification badges as proof of credibility or expertise.

8. Messaging and User Interactions

The Platform may allow private messaging. We:

• Do not actively monitor private messages;
• Are not responsible for user interactions;
• May review messages if reported for policy violations.

You are solely responsible for your interactions with other users.

9. Prohibited Conduct

You may not:

• Post unlawful content;
• Post hate speech or harassment;
• Share knowingly false or harmful misinformation;
• Infringe intellectual property rights;
• Impersonate others;
• Share restricted or sacred knowledge without authority;
• Upload malicious software;
• Attempt to bypass security features.

We may remove content or terminate accounts at our sole discretion.

10. Content Removal & Moderation

We reserve the right, but not the obligation, to:

• Remove or restrict content;
• Suspend or ban users;
• Edit formatting for technical purposes;
• Investigate reported violations.

Moderation decisions are final.

11. Disclaimers

The Platform is provided "as is" and "as available."

We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including:

• Merchantability;
• Fitness for a particular purpose;
• Non-infringement;
• Accuracy or reliability of content;
• Uninterrupted or error-free service.

We do not guarantee that the Platform will be secure or free from vulnerabilities.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, IKS and its operators shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, loss of profits, loss of data, or personal injury arising from reliance on content.

Our total liability shall not exceed $2 USD.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless IKS and its operators from any claims, damages, liabilities, losses, or expenses arising from:

• Content you submit;
• Your violation of these Terms;
• Your violation of any law;
• Your infringement of intellectual or cultural rights.

14. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your access at any time, with or without notice, for any reason. Upon termination:

• Your license to use the Platform ends immediately;
• We may retain certain information as required by law.

15. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Washington, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.

16. Mandatory Arbitration & Class Action Waiver

Any dispute arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved through binding arbitration in the State of Washington. You agree:

• Arbitration shall be conducted on an individual basis;
• You waive any right to participate in class actions;
• You waive the right to a jury trial.

The Federal Arbitration Act governs this section.

17. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.