Terms of Service for Cross-Econ

1. Eligibility

To use the Cross-Econ platform, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Minimum Age: You must be at least 13 years old to create an account or interact with public content. If you are under the age of majority in your province or territory, you must have permission from your parent or legal guardian to use the platform.
• Organizational Access: Features that allow for organizational profile management, fundraising, data uploads, and analytics tools are intended solely for authorized representatives of recognized entities such as charities, nonprofits, businesses, and public sector organizations.
• Advertiser Access: Only individuals or entities that meet the requirements of our Advertiser Agreement may submit advertisements for publication on our platform. Cross-Econ reserves the right to request business verification documentation prior to approving advertiser accounts.
• Jurisdictional Compliance: You may only use the platform if doing so complies with all applicable laws in your jurisdiction. It is your responsibility to ensure that your use of the platform is lawful.

We reserve the right to restrict, suspend, or terminate access to the platform for any user who does not meet these eligibility requirements or who violates these Terms.

2. Account Registration and Security

To access certain features of the Cross-Econ platform, you must register for an account and provide truthful, current, and complete information. By creating an account, you agree to the following:

• Accurate Information: You will maintain accurate and up-to-date information within your account profile, including your contact details, affiliations, and payment credentials if applicable.
• Confidentiality of Credentials: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your username and password. You must not share your login credentials with anyone else, and you agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use or suspected security breach.
• Account Activity: You are solely responsible for all activity that occurs under your account. Cross-Econ is not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to safeguard your credentials.
• Organizational Accounts: Organizations must designate authorized representatives to manage and access their organizational account. Only authorized individuals may modify the organization's profile, content, or data. Cross-Econ may request verification of representative status.
• Multiple Roles: If you are both an individual user and a representative of an organization, you must comply with the obligations applicable to both types of users. You must not misuse administrative privileges or misrepresent your identity or authority.
• Account Security: We implement measures to help secure your account, but ultimate responsibility lies with you. We recommend using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication (if offered), and logging out when accessing your account from shared devices.

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that contain false information, are suspected of unauthorized access, or otherwise violate these Terms or applicable laws.

3. User Conduct and Acceptable Use

Users are expected to use the Cross-Econ platform in a respectful, lawful, and responsible manner. By using the platform, you agree to:

• Use the platform only for its intended purposes, including networking, sharing community data, engaging with organizational profiles, and accessing content in a manner consistent with our mission.
• Interact with other users, organizations, and communities in good faith and with civility.
• Follow all applicable local, provincial, and federal laws, as well as any relevant regulations or codes of conduct.

Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Violating applicable laws or third-party rights, including privacy, intellectual property, and contractual rights.
• Posting or sharing content that is false, misleading, fraudulent, harmful, threatening, harassing, defamatory, obscene, or discriminatory.
• Using the platform to promote hate speech, violence, illegal activity, or misinformation.
• Uploading or distributing viruses, malware, or any malicious code that may disrupt or damage the platform or other users' devices.
• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to systems, data, user accounts, or features through hacking, password mining, or any other unlawful method.
• Submitting quiz content, data visualizations, or AI-generated articles containing fabricated data, unverified claims, or content that breaches another's confidentiality or privacy.
• Circumventing moderation systems, impersonating others, or misrepresenting your affiliation with any organization or institution.
• Using AI tools provided by Cross-Econ to generate inappropriate, abusive, or policy-violating content.

Cross-Econ may investigate and take appropriate action in response to violations, including removing content, suspending accounts, and reporting conduct to law enforcement where required.

Cross-Econ reserves the right to remove content or suspend accounts that violate these Terms or our Community Guidelines.

4. Content Ownership and Licenses

• You retain all ownership rights in and to the content you submit to the platform, including but not limited to text, images, videos, data visualizations, and reports.
• By submitting content, you grant Cross-Econ a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, publicly perform and display such content in connection with operating, promoting, and improving the platform and our services.
• This license continues even if you stop using the platform, unless you request deletion of your content and such request is feasible, lawful, and does not conflict with legitimate platform or legal obligations.
• You represent and warrant that you have all necessary rights, licenses, and consents to upload and share your content and that it does not violate any laws, third-party rights, or contractual obligations.
• You are solely responsible for your content and its accuracy. This includes any data uploaded to support dashboards, articles, profiles, or quiz entries.
• Cross-Econ may, but is not obligated to, moderate, review, or remove any content submitted to the platform. We reserve the right to take down content that violates our Terms, Community Guidelines, or applicable law.
• Content may be publicly visible and searchable depending on the settings you or your organization choose. Content associated with public profiles or data visualizations may be indexed by search engines.
• Organizational users are responsible for the content and data uploaded through their administrative account(s), including verifying the accuracy of uploaded datasets, permissions to use media, and legality of all content shared under their profile.

5. Memberships, Donations, and Payments

Cross-Econ enables users to financially support organizations listed on the platform through memberships, donations, and other forms of payment. The following terms apply:

• Membership Tiers: Individual users may purchase memberships to nonprofit organizations, charities, public institutions, or other verified groups listed on the platform. Membership tiers and benefits are determined by the respective organization.
• Exclusive Content and Recognition: Members may receive access to exclusive content, digital badges, profile visibility features, and other benefits designated by the organization.
• Gifting and Transfers: Users may gift memberships or make donations on behalf of other users, provided that recipient account details are correct and the transfer complies with platform rules.
• Revenue Share: Cross-Econ may retain a service fee or platform commission from each membership or donation transaction. The applicable rate will be disclosed before transaction completion.
• Payment Processing: All payments are processed through third-party providers. By submitting a payment, you agree to the third-party provider's terms and privacy policy. Cross-Econ does not store full payment card details.
• Taxes and Fees: You are responsible for any applicable taxes associated with payments made through the platform. Fees are listed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.
• Refunds: Payments are non-refundable unless explicitly stated otherwise, or required by law. In cases of technical error or unauthorized transaction, users may contact us to request a review.
• Fraud Prevention: Cross-Econ reserves the right to suspend, hold, or cancel any payment or membership that appears to be fraudulent or unauthorized. Users may be required to verify their identity or payment method.
• Donation and Membership Records: Donors and members will receive receipts or transaction records. Organizations receiving funds must ensure compliance with applicable fundraising, tax, and donor disclosure regulations.

6. Organizational and Advertiser Responsibilities

For Organizations:

• Organizations using Cross-Econ must ensure all content uploaded or shared through their accounts complies with applicable laws, including privacy, intellectual property, and fundraising regulations.
• Organizations are responsible for ensuring that they have proper authority and permissions to post data, visuals, logos, articles, and third-party materials.
• Organizations must designate authorized users and manage their internal access permissions securely and responsibly.
• If organizations use Cross-Econ's AI tools, they must verify the accuracy of outputs before publishing and confirm that AI-generated materials do not include or imply false or misleading information.
• Organizations must not use the platform to collect unauthorized personal data from users, and are responsible for handling any personal information in accordance with Canadian privacy legislation (e.g., PIPEDA).
• Any failure to comply may result in suspension or removal of the organization's profile and related data.

For Advertisers:

• Advertisers must comply with the Cross-Econ Advertiser Agreement, Canadian advertising standards (e.g., Competition Act, Canadian Code of Advertising Standards), and any applicable sector-specific regulations.
• Advertisers are solely responsible for the accuracy, legality, and appropriateness of submitted advertisements.
• All advertising content is subject to review and approval by Cross-Econ. We may reject, edit, or remove any advertisement that violates our policies, appears misleading, or is deemed inappropriate for our audience.
• Cross-Econ does not guarantee any particular results, engagement levels, or ad placements. Performance metrics are provided for reference only.
• Advertisers must not submit political ads unless authorized by law and compliant with jurisdictional election advertising regulations.
• Business verification documentation may be required prior to approval.
• All ad content must be family-friendly and community-appropriate in tone and visuals.

Violations of these terms may result in account termination, ad removal, or further legal action depending on the severity and consequences of the breach.

7. Use of AI and Data Tools

Cross-Econ provides users, particularly organizations, with access to AI-powered tools and data processing environments designed to support profile creation, data visualization, reporting, and content generation. By using these features, you agree to the following terms:

• Accuracy and Oversight: All AI-generated outputs, including articles, visualizations, summaries, or recommendations, must be reviewed and verified for accuracy before being published or relied upon. Users remain fully responsible for the use and dissemination of AI-generated content.
• Permitted Uses: AI tools are intended for lawful, educational, analytical, and community-focused purposes only. They must not be used to produce misleading, harmful, discriminatory, or unlawful content.
• Confidential Data: Users must not input personal health information, personal financial data, or other sensitive or regulated information into AI or data environments unless such data has been properly anonymized and its use complies with all applicable privacy laws.
• Data Storage and Processing: By uploading data to the Cross-Econ platform, you grant us the right to store and process that data as needed to deliver AI and data tool functionality. We will apply appropriate security controls to protect such data.
• Training and Improvement: Unless otherwise stated, Cross-Econ does not use user-submitted data to train its AI models. Where user content may be used for training or improvement of AI tools, we will obtain separate consent.
• Limitations and Risks: You acknowledge that AI technologies are evolving and may generate imperfect or unpredictable results. Cross-Econ does not guarantee the factual accuracy, legal sufficiency, or usefulness of any AI-generated output.
• Suspension of Access: Cross-Econ reserves the right to suspend access to AI or data features for any user that misuses the tools, uploads prohibited content, or violates these Terms.

8. Third-Party Services and Links

The Cross-Econ platform may contain links to third-party websites, services, tools, or content that are not owned or controlled by Cross-Econ. These third-party services may include payment processors, social media plugins, embedded content, data visualizations, or external references.

By using the platform, you acknowledge and agree that:

• No Endorsement: The inclusion of a link or integration does not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation by Cross-Econ. We do not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or suitability of any third-party content.
• Third-Party Terms: You may be subject to additional terms and conditions imposed by third parties. It is your responsibility to review and accept those terms before interacting with or using those services.
• Privacy and Data Handling: Cross-Econ is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party sites. Your use of third-party tools may involve the collection, use, or disclosure of your personal information outside of our control. Refer to the applicable privacy policies of those third parties.
• Risks of Use: You assume all risk associated with accessing or using third-party services. Cross-Econ shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from or related to your use of third-party websites or services.
• Embedded and Interactive Content: Where Cross-Econ allows embedding of third-party content or services (e.g., charts, reports, social media feeds), you must ensure that such use is lawful and does not violate any terms of the third-party provider.

Cross-Econ reserves the right to remove or disable access to any third-party service, feature, or content if it violates our Terms, is unreliable, or poses a risk to users or the platform.

9. Intellectual Property

All content, features, and functionality available through the Cross-Econ platform—including but not limited to text, graphics, user interfaces, visual interfaces, software, code, designs, documentation, and logos—are the intellectual property of Cross-Econ or its licensors, and are protected by applicable copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, and other intellectual property laws.

• Platform Materials: Except as expressly authorized by Cross-Econ, you may not reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works of, publicly display, publicly perform, republish, download, store, or transmit any of the material on our platform.
• Trademarks: Cross-Econ's name, logo, and all related names, logos, product and service names, designs, and slogans are trademarks of Cross-Econ or its affiliates. You must not use such marks without prior written permission.
• Limited License: We grant users a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to access and use the platform and its features for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms.
• Third-Party IP: Certain content or tools on the platform may be the property of third parties and used by Cross-Econ under license. Such content is protected by its respective intellectual property rights.
• Prohibited Use: You may not use the platform or any materials obtained from it to build a competing product or service or to reverse engineer any aspect of our platform.

10. Disclaimer of Warranties

The Cross-Econ platform and all services, content, features, and tools are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Cross-Econ disclaims all warranties, representations, and conditions of any kind, whether express, implied, statutory, or otherwise, including but not limited to:

• Any warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, or arising from a course of dealing, usage, or trade practice.
• Any warranty that the platform or its features will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free.
• Any warranty that the content, data, or information provided through the platform is complete, accurate, or current.
• Any warranty related to the performance or reliability of third-party links or embedded services.

You acknowledge and accept that:

• The platform may experience temporary outages, delays, or interruptions.
• Use of AI-generated content, user-submitted content, or community-contributed information involves inherent risks regarding accuracy and reliability.
• You are solely responsible for evaluating and verifying the results and outputs you obtain through the platform.

Your use of the platform and its services is at your sole risk. No oral or written information or advice given by Cross-Econ or its representatives will create any warranty not expressly stated herein.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall Cross-Econ, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, or licensors be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive damages, or for any loss of profits, revenues, data, goodwill, or other intangible losses arising out of or related to:

• Your access to or use of (or inability to access or use) the platform;
• Any conduct or content of any user or third party on the platform;
• Any content obtained from the platform or reliance thereon;
• Any unauthorized access, use, or alteration of your content or data;
• Errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in data provided through AI or user submissions;
• Use of or inability to use platform tools, visualizations, or software services.

This limitation applies regardless of the legal theory (warranty, contract, tort, negligence, or otherwise) and even if Cross-Econ has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

In jurisdictions that do not allow exclusion or limitation of liability for certain damages, Cross-Econ's liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

Where permitted by law, the total liability of Cross-Econ for any claims under these Terms shall not exceed the amount paid by you, if any, to Cross-Econ in the six (6) months preceding the event giving rise to the liability.

12. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Cross-Econ and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, contractors, licensors, service providers, successors, and assigns from and against any and all claims, demands, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, debts, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from or related to:

• Your use of or access to the platform and services;
• Your violation of any term of these Terms or any applicable law or regulation;
• Your content or data submissions, including claims that such content infringes or misappropriates the intellectual property rights, confidentiality, or privacy rights of any third party;
• Any activity that occurs under your account, including by unauthorized users, if caused by your negligence or failure to secure your credentials;
• Your use of Cross-Econ's AI or data tools in a manner inconsistent with our policies or applicable law;
• Your misuse of payment, donation, or membership features offered by or through the platform;
• Any misrepresentation or omission made in your capacity as an organization, advertiser, or other contributing party.

Cross-Econ reserves the right, at your expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter subject to indemnification, and you agree to cooperate with us in asserting any available defenses.

13. Suspension and Termination

Cross-Econ may suspend, restrict, or terminate your access to all or part of the platform or its services, at our sole discretion, under the following circumstances:

• If you violate any provision of these Terms, the Privacy Policy, the Community Guidelines, or any other applicable policy or supplemental agreement;
• If you engage in conduct that Cross-Econ reasonably believes is harmful to the platform, its users, or the public interest;
• If we are required to do so by law, court order, or regulatory requirement;
• In cases of suspected fraud, misuse, unauthorized access, or security breach;
• Upon request by a verified organizational account holder, if you are using an affiliated account improperly.

We may also suspend or terminate services without prior notice where the security or integrity of the platform is at risk or where urgent technical maintenance is required. In such cases, reasonable notice may be provided after the fact.

You may terminate your account at any time through your account settings or by contacting us directly. Upon termination:

• Your license to use the platform will immediately cease;
• We may retain certain data as required by law or to fulfill legitimate business obligations, as described in our Privacy Policy;
• Any unpaid amounts owed by you will remain due and payable;
• We may delete or anonymize your content, or retain it for continued use where you have granted us license rights that survive termination.

Termination of your access does not limit any of Cross-Econ's other rights or remedies at law or in equity.

14. Modifications to the Platform

Cross-Econ reserves the right to modify, update, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the platform or its services at any time, with or without notice. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Changing, adding, or removing platform features, tools, or services;
• Updating pricing, membership plans, or service tiers;
• Making changes to how data is processed or presented, including AI-generated content;
• Introducing or retiring specific integrations, datasets, or visualizations.

We are not liable to you or any third party for any modification, price change, suspension, or discontinuation of any part of the platform. Where feasible, Cross-Econ will provide reasonable advance notice for material changes that significantly affect user access or usage.

Continued use of the platform following such changes constitutes your acceptance of the modified terms, functionalities, or pricing. If you do not agree to the modifications, your sole remedy is to discontinue use of the platform.

15. Changes to These Terms

Cross-Econ may revise and update these Terms of Service at any time in its sole discretion. When we do, we will update the "Effective Date" at the top of this page and, where legally required or materially impactful, provide notice through the platform, via email, or other reasonable means.

You are responsible for reviewing the Terms periodically to ensure you understand the latest terms that apply to your use of the platform. Your continued access or use of the platform after the effective date of any updated Terms constitutes your acceptance of those revised Terms.

If you do not agree to the amended Terms, your sole remedy is to stop using the platform and terminate your account. You may contact us with questions or clarification requests regarding changes to the Terms.

Previous versions of the Terms may be archived and made available upon written request to support transparency and compliance.

16. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms and any dispute arising out of or relating to them, the platform, or any related services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein, without regard to conflict of laws principles.

You agree that any claim, dispute, or controversy between you and Cross-Econ, its affiliates, or its officers, directors, employees, and agents, shall first be attempted to be resolved through good-faith negotiations. If the dispute cannot be resolved through informal negotiations within thirty (30) days, either party may initiate formal legal proceedings.

Unless otherwise prohibited by applicable law, the parties agree that:

• Any unresolved dispute shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration conducted in Toronto, Ontario, pursuant to the rules of the Arbitration Act, 1991 (Ontario), as amended from time to time;
• The arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator with relevant subject matter expertise and shall be held in English;
• Each party shall bear its own costs unless the arbitrator determines otherwise;
• Judgment on the arbitration award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cross-Econ reserves the right to seek injunctive or equitable relief in any competent court to prevent actual or threatened misuse, abuse, or infringement of its intellectual property, platform, or data systems.

You agree that any legal action or proceeding against Cross-Econ arising from or relating to these Terms must be brought within one (1) year after the cause of action arises, failing which such claim or cause of action shall be forever barred.