Terms of Service
These terms describe permitted use of the kihubstat observational environment. They set expectations for how users may interact with the site and its documentation features, how primary records and associative layers are handled, and what observers and requesters should expect when requesting exports or documentation. The platform is presented as a neutral archival environment. Use of the site constitutes acceptance of these terms for the purposes of accessing informational materials, submitting observation records (where applicable), and making documentation requests. Users who do not agree with any provision should refrain from submitting records or requests and may contact the documentation team for clarification. The terms are intended to describe operational behaviour, data handling practices, and access arrangements rather than to create advisory or prescriptive obligations. Readers should consult the Privacy Policy for details about data processing, cookies, and retention policies. These terms are governed by the governing law stated in the Contact section below and apply to interactions with the site and to any exported bundles prepared in response to requests.
Permitted use and acceptable conduct
The site is provided for informational and archival purposes. Users may read documentation materials, consult reference examples, and submit structured information requests via the Contact page. Where users submit primary observational records through authorised ingestion interfaces, submissions should be accurate representations of observed activity and must not contain illegal material, personally sensitive information beyond what is necessary for the record, or content that violates applicable laws. Observers and requesters must adhere to local and organisational rules for record collection and must not use the platform to publish content that would contravene lawful obligations. The archival team may refuse to process requests that seek to export or share material in ways that conflict with retention rules, legal obligations, or documented access controls. Automated access that interferes with site availability is not permitted. The company reserves the right to suspend access where unacceptable use is identified and to take steps required by law in response to unlawful conduct. These constraints preserve neutrality, record fidelity, and the integrity of archival processes.
Records, associative layers, and exports
Primary records captured or ingested into the system are stored as immutable objects to preserve original observation state. Annotations, curated groupings, and link objects are stored as associative layers that reference primary records without altering them. Export operations prepared in response to requester enquiries typically include a canonical extract that maps normalized fields and a separate raw bundle preserving original payloads. Exports include provenance metadata and audit trails that document the origin and handling of included items. The archival team applies configured retention settings when preparing and delivering exports and will document the contents and structure of any export bundle. Requesters must provide sufficient scope information, canonical identifiers if available, and permitted delivery instructions. The company documents export operations and retains records of export preparation and delivery as part of its audit practices to preserve traceability and compliance with retention policies.
Access control, audit, and security
Access to the platform's administrative and editorial features is role-based and limited to authorised personnel. All editorial actions that modify associative layers, prepare exports, or change grouping objects are recorded in an audit log containing the actor, timestamp, and descriptive rationale. Security measures include encryption for data in transit and administrative controls around export and disclosure operations. The company maintains procedures for incident response and documents any disclosure events involving third parties in the audit trail. Third-party services used for hosting or delivery are selected for appropriate security practices and contractual safeguards. Users are expected to protect their access credentials; the company is not responsible for unauthorised activity resulting from compromised user credentials where the user has failed to follow reasonable security measures.
Limitation of liability and disclaimers
Materials provided on the site are for informational, archival, and reference use. The platform is framed as a neutral repository and archival toolset. The company makes reasonable efforts to ensure that documentation and exported bundles preserve provenance and fidelity, but users accept that the service is provided 'as is' for informational purposes. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the company disclaims liability for indirect, special, or consequential losses arising from use of the site or from reliance on archival exports. This limitation is designed to clarify the role of the system as a record-keeping and reference environment rather than a provider of advice or guarantees. Users who require contractual assurances should pursue separate arrangements with the company and formalise any required terms in an appropriate agreement. Nothing in these terms limits statutory rights that cannot be excluded by law.
Termination, changes to terms, and governing law
The company may suspend or terminate access for users who violate these terms or whose conduct poses a risk to the integrity of records or the availability of the platform. The company may update these terms to reflect operational, legal, or regulatory changes; updated terms will be posted on this page. Continued use of the site after publication of revised terms constitutes acceptance of the updated terms. These terms are governed by the law of England and Wales and any disputes relating to these terms or to the platform's operation will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts specified by that governing law, save where local mandatory rules provide otherwise.
Contact for legal or operational enquiries
How to request exports or raise concerns
Submit export requests via the Contact page with clear scope and canonical identifiers where available. For concerns about record handling, security, or compliance, contact the documentation team. The company will respond with procedural steps and any verification required to process the request while preserving auditability and retention rules.