TERMS & POLICY — EduCIP (Draft / Template)

Important: The following is a comprehensive template for EduCIP’s Terms of Service, Membership Agreement, Blacklist Use Policy, and Privacy summary. This content is written to be strong and protective of campuses while limiting liability — but you must have these documents reviewed and adapted by a qualified legal professional in your jurisdiction before publishing.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By using EduCIP services (website, membership, verification, reporting, blacklist access), you agree to these Terms & Policies. If you represent an institution, you confirm you have authority to accept on behalf of that institution.

2. Services Provided

EduCIP offers vendor verification, background checks, MoU due-diligence, procurement fraud screening, blacklist access, legal advisory summaries, and membership plans. Services are investigative and advisory in nature.

3. Membership Agreement

  • Scope: Membership provides access to verification services, blacklist, alerts, and support as per chosen plan.
  • Billing: Fees are charged as per chosen plan (monthly/annual/custom). Payments are non-refundable except as stated in Payment & Refund policy.
  • Cancellations: Members may cancel per plan terms; outstanding dues remain payable for services rendered.

4. Payment & Refund Policy

  • Payment methods accepted will be listed on the payment page.
  • Refunds: EduCIP does not guarantee refund for investigative services once work begins. Refunds may be offered at our discretion in exceptional cases. Membership subscription refunds follow the plan-specific policy.

5. User Obligations & Representations

  • You warrant that information provided is accurate and complete.
  • You will not misuse reports, or share confidential investigation material publicly without prior consent.
  • You will not use EduCIP to harass, defame, or engage in unlawful surveillance.

6. Blacklist Use & Limitations

  • EduCIP’s Blacklist is a curated list of entities flagged for suspicious or fraudulent activity after investigation.
  • Advisory Use Only: The blacklist is an advisory tool — members must use their own discretion and internal counsel before taking legal action.
  • No Guarantee: Being listed indicates risk or confirmed wrongdoing based on evidence; however, EduCIP does not assume responsibility for third-party decisions based solely on blacklist entries.

7. Confidentiality & Data Handling (Privacy Summary)

  • Data Collected: Institution contact info, vendor documents, communications, payment data, and any evidence submitted by users.
  • Use: Data is used to conduct verification, investigations, maintain membership services, and to issue alerts.
  • Storage: Data is stored securely; access limited to authorized EduCIP personnel.
  • Third Parties: We may share data with law enforcement, legal counsel, or partners only when necessary and with legal basis.
  • Retention: Data retention follows our retention policy; certain records may be retained for compliance and training.
  • User Rights: Members can request data access, correction, or deletion subject to legal and operational limits.
  • Consent: By submitting documents/reports, you confirm you have the right to share them and consent to EduCIP processing them.
  • (A full Privacy Policy with GDPR/Indian Data Protection specifics should be included separately.)

8. Intellectual Property

All EduCIP content, logos, reports, and website material are owned by EduCIP. Members receive a restricted right to use reports for institutional decision-making only. Reuse, republishing, or commercial distribution of reports requires written permission.

9. Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability

  • No Absolute Guarantee: EduCIP provides professional investigative services but cannot guarantee detection of every fraud or prevent all losses.
  • Limitation of Liability: To the maximum extent permitted by law, EduCIP’s liability for any claim arising from services is limited to the fees paid for the specific service. EduCIP is not liable for indirect, special, or consequential damages, lost profits, or reputational harm beyond fees paid.
  • Indemnity: You agree to indemnify and hold EduCIP harmless from claims arising out of your misuse of reports or false submissions.

10. Reporting Abuse / Legal Notices

To report abuse, defamation, or request legal takedown, email legal@educip.com with full details. EduCIP will review and respond per policy.

11. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of India. Any disputes will first be attempted to be resolved through mediation; unresolved matters will be subject to arbitration/courts in [Designated City], India. (Replace with your chosen jurisdiction.)

12. Modification of Terms

EduCIP may update these Terms and Policies. We will post updates on the website and notify members. Continued use after updates constitutes acceptance.

13. Contact for Legal & Policy Questions

Email: legal@educip.com

14. Final Note (Bold Recommendation)

These Terms & Policy pages are a strong, protective baseline for EduCIP. For legal enforceability and regulatory compliance (IT law, data protection, consumer protection), please have these documents reviewed and customized by a qualified legal counsel before publishing.