SiteTrust Terms and Conditions

1. DEFINITIONS

1.1 Key Terms

For purposes of these Terms, the following definitions apply:

• "Certification" means the formal verification that an organization meets the SiteTrust AI Transparency Standard at a specified tier level.
• "Badge" means the SiteTrust certification badge, logo, or other visual indicator of certification status.
• "Member Portal" means the password-protected area of the SiteTrust website accessible to certified organizations.
• "Public Registry" means the publicly searchable database of certified organizations maintained by SiteTrust.
• "AI Transparency Standard" means the certification requirements, policies, and procedures established by SiteTrust for evaluating organizational AI transparency practices.

2. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

2.1 Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using the Services, you represent and warrant that: (a) you have the legal authority to enter into these Terms on behalf of your organization; (b) you are at least 18 years of age; (c) all information you provide is accurate and complete; and (d) you will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

2.2 Updates to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated to active members via email at least 30 days prior to the effective date, when possible. Continued use of the Services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree to the modified Terms, you must discontinue use of the Services. No exceptions.

3. SERVICES DESCRIPTION

3.1 Certification Services

SiteTrust provides AI transparency certification services across three tiers:

• Tier 1 (Committed): Foundation transparency through public policy commitments, including published AI Usage Policy (we have ours tailored for you), point-of-use disclosure, transparency contact, public registry listing, and SiteTrust badge.
• Tier 2 (Verified): All Tier 1 benefits plus verified practices through third-party audit, enhanced AI policy, consumer recourse process, annual transparency report, and priority registry placement.
• Tier 3 (Certified): All Tier 2 benefits plus advanced compliance with technical verification (C2PA), real-time monitoring, advanced governance, quarterly reporting, and legal/regulatory advisory.

3.2 Member Resources

Certified organizations receive access to templates, policies, implementation guides, training materials, communication resources, and ongoing support through the Member Portal.

3.3 Service Modifications

SiteTrust reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Services at any time, with or without notice. We will make reasonable efforts to notify active members of material changes to certification requirements or standards.

4. ACCOUNT REGISTRATION AND ACCESS

4.1 Account Creation

To access certain Services, you must create an account by providing accurate and complete registration information. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account.

4.2 Account Security

You agree to: (a) immediately notify SiteTrust of any unauthorized use of your account; (b) ensure your password is kept secure and confidential; and (c) log out from your account at the end of each session. SiteTrust is not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to maintain account security.

4.3 Account Accuracy

You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and certification application processes. You agree to promptly update your account information if it changes. Providing false or misleading information may result in account termination and certification revocation.

5. FEES, PAYMENT, AND REFUNDS

5.1 Certification Fees

Annual certification fees are as follows:

• Tier 1 (Committed): $2,500 per year
• Tier 2 (Verified): $10,000 per year
• Tier 3 (Certified): $25,000+ per year (pricing varies based on organization size and complexity)

Fees are subject to change with 90 days' written notice to active members. Current certified organizations will have the option to renew at their existing rate or accept the new pricing.

5.2 Payment Terms

Payment is due in full at the time of certification application or renewal. We accept payment via credit card, debit card, ACH transfer, or wire transfer through our payment processor (NMI), or as updated from time-to-time. All fees are non-refundable except as specifically provided in Section 5.3.

5.3 Refund Policy

If your certification application is denied and you have not yet received access to Member Portal resources, you may request a refund within 30 days of the denial. Refunds will be processed within 14 business days of approval. Once access to Member Portal resources has been granted or certification has been issued, all fees are non-refundable, no exceptions.

5.4 Renewal and Expiration

Certifications are valid for one year from the date of issuance. You will receive renewal notifications beginning 60 days prior to expiration. Failure to renew by the expiration date will result in: (a) removal from the Public Registry; (b) suspension of badge usage rights; and (c) loss of Member Portal access. You may reapply for certification at any time by submitting a new application and paying applicable fees.

5.5 Taxes

All fees are exclusive of applicable taxes, which you are responsible for paying. If we are required to collect taxes, they will be added to your invoice.

6. CERTIFICATION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS

6.1 Application Process

Certification applications are submitted through the Member Portal. You must provide complete and accurate information, including but not limited to: organization details, AI usage practices, published AI policies, point-of-use disclosure examples, and transparency contact information. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

6.2 Review Timeline

SiteTrust will review applications according to the following timelines:

• Tier 1: 5-7 business days
• Tier 2: 4-6 weeks (includes third-party audit coordination)
• Tier 3: 6-10 weeks (includes comprehensive technical verification)

These timelines are estimates and may vary based on application volume, complexity, and responsiveness to information requests.

6.3 Certification Standards

Certification is granted based on compliance with the SiteTrust AI Transparency Standard as published on our website and detailed in our Standardization Policy. SiteTrust reserves the right to update certification requirements with reasonable notice to ensure standards remain current with regulatory developments and industry best practices.

6.4 Denial and Appeal

If your application is denied, you will receive detailed feedback explaining the deficiencies. You may resubmit your application after addressing the identified issues at no additional cost within 90 days of the denial. You may also appeal a denial decision by submitting a written appeal within 15 days. Appeals will be reviewed by an independent panel not involved in the original review.

6.5 Ongoing Compliance

Certified organizations must maintain compliance with all certification requirements throughout the certification period. SiteTrust reserves the right to conduct spot checks, request updated documentation, and verify ongoing compliance. Failure to maintain compliance may result in certification suspension or revocation.

7. BADGE USAGE AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

7.1 License Grant

Subject to compliance with these Terms, SiteTrust grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to display the SiteTrust certification badge during your active certification period. This license is personal to you and may not be sublicensed, assigned, or transferred.

7.2 Badge Usage Requirements

When displaying the badge, you must:

• Link the badge to your Public Registry profile
• Display the badge in accordance with our brand guidelines
• Not modify, distort, recolor, or alter the badge in any way
• Accurately represent your certification tier level
• Remove the badge immediately upon certification expiration, suspension, or revocation

7.3 Intellectual Property Ownership

The SiteTrust name, logos, badges, trademarks, service marks, and all content on our website and Services are the exclusive property of Site Trust, LLC, our assignees or our licensors. You may not use any SiteTrust intellectual property except as expressly authorized in these Terms.

7.4 Misuse and Enforcement

Unauthorized use of the badge, misrepresentation of certification status, or violation of badge usage requirements will result in immediate termination of your license and may result in certification revocation. SiteTrust reserves the right to take legal action to protect its intellectual property rights.

8. USER RESPONSIBILITIES AND PROHIBITED CONDUCT

8.1 General Responsibilities

You agree to use the Services only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You are responsible for all activity conducted through your account.

8.2 Prohibited Activities

You may not:

• Provide false, misleading, or inaccurate information in any application or communication
• Misrepresent your certification status or tier level
• Use the Services to violate any applicable law or regulation
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any portion of the Services or related systems
• Interfere with or disrupt the Services or servers or networks connected to the Services
• Use any automated system to access the Services without our express written permission
• Disparage, defame, or harm the reputation of SiteTrust or our certified organizations

8.3 Consequences of Violations

Violations of these Terms may result in: (a) warning and opportunity to cure; (b) temporary suspension of Services access; (c) permanent termination of account and certification; (d) removal from Public Registry; and/or (e) legal action for damages. The specific consequences will depend on the severity and frequency of violations.

9. AI-SPECIFIC DISCLAIMERS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

9.1 Nature of Certification

SiteTrust certification verifies that an organization has implemented AI transparency practices in accordance with our published standards. Certification does not: (a) guarantee the accuracy, safety, or ethical nature of an organization's AI systems; (b) constitute an endorsement of an organization's products, services, or AI implementations; or (c) create any warranty regarding AI system performance or outcomes.

9.2 AI Usage in SiteTrust Services

SiteTrust uses artificial intelligence systems to support certain aspects of our Services, including but not limited to: content generation, data analysis, and administrative functions. All AI usage by SiteTrust is disclosed in our AI Usage Policy available at sitetrust.com/ai-policy. AI-generated or AI-assisted content is clearly labeled and subject to human oversight and review. Please note that we cannot independently certify ourselves but we do honor and live up to all the certification and registry requirements.

9.3 Evolving Standards

AI technology and related regulatory frameworks are rapidly evolving. SiteTrust will update certification standards as necessary to remain aligned with industry best practices and regulatory requirements. We will provide reasonable notice, as possible, of material changes to certification requirements.

9.4 AI Usage Policy Incorporation

Our comprehensive AI Usage Policy, available at sitetrust.com/ai-policy, is incorporated into these Terms by reference and governs all AI-related aspects of our Services. The AI Usage Policy provides detailed information about our AI systems, data practices, limitations, consumer rights, and legal provisions specific to AI usage. By using our Services, you agree to be bound by the terms of our AI Usage Policy as if fully set forth herein.

9.5 User Obligations Regarding AI

When interacting with AI-powered features or AI-assisted content in our Services, you agree to: (a) provide accurate and complete information to AI systems; (b) use AI features only for their intended purposes; (c) exercise independent judgment and verify important information, particularly for business-critical decisions; (d) not rely solely on AI-generated or AI-assisted content without appropriate verification; (e) not attempt to manipulate, exploit, reverse engineer, or circumvent AI systems; (f) report errors, concerns, or inappropriate AI outputs promptly to info@sitetrust.com; and (g) acknowledge that AI outputs may contain errors, inaccuracies, biases, or omissions despite our quality controls and human oversight.

9.6 Force Majeure - AI Systems

SiteTrust shall not be liable for any failure, delay, degradation, or interruption in the performance of AI systems or AI-related Services caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to: (a) third-party AI service provider outages, failures, or changes; (b) internet service disruptions or degradation; (c) cyber attacks, security incidents, or data breaches affecting AI systems or providers; (d) changes in AI provider terms, pricing, or availability; (e) acts of God, natural disasters, pandemics, or other force majeure events; (f) governmental actions, regulations, or restrictions affecting AI systems; or (g) technical failures, errors, or limitations inherent in AI technology. This provision applies even if such events or circumstances were foreseeable or within our knowledge. We will make commercially reasonable efforts to restore affected Services but shall have no liability for any consequences arising from such AI system failures or interruptions.

9.7 No Guarantee of AI Performance or Accuracy

SITETRUST MAKES NO GUARANTEES, REPRESENTATIONS, OR WARRANTIES REGARDING THE PERFORMANCE, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, COMPLETENESS, OR APPROPRIATENESS OF ANY AI SYSTEMS, AI-GENERATED CONTENT, OR AI-ASSISTED SERVICES. AI systems have inherent limitations and may: produce incorrect, incomplete, misleading, or nonsensical outputs; reflect biases present in training data; misinterpret context or nuance; fail to understand complex or ambiguous situations; experience technical failures or performance degradation; or generate content that appears plausible but is factually incorrect. You acknowledge these limitations and agree to use AI features at your own risk. SiteTrust's implementation of human oversight and quality controls does not eliminate these inherent AI limitations or create any warranty regarding AI outputs.

10. WARRANTIES AND DISCLAIMERS

10.1 Your Warranties

By using the Services, you represent and warrant that: (a) all information you provide is accurate, complete, and current; (b) you have the authority to bind your organization to these Terms; (c) your use of the Services complies with all applicable laws; and (d) you will maintain compliance with certification requirements throughout your certification period.

10.2 Service Disclaimer

THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, SITETRUST DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, AND TITLE.

SITETRUST does not warrant that: (a) the Services will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free; (b) defects will be corrected; (c) the Services are free of viruses or other harmful components; or (d) certification will result in any particular business outcome.

10.3 Third-Party Content

The Services may contain links to third-party websites or resources. SiteTrust is not responsible for the availability, content, or practices of third-party websites. Links do not constitute an endorsement by SiteTrust.

11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

11.1 Damages Cap

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, SITETRUST'S TOTAL LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THESE TERMS OR THE SERVICES SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO SITETRUST FOR YOUR CURRENT CERTIFICATION TIER IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO LIABILITY.

11.2 Exclusion of Consequential Damages

IN NO EVENT SHALL SITETRUST BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOST PROFITS, LOST DATA, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, OR REPUTATIONAL HARM, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

11.3 Exceptions

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain warranties or damages. In such jurisdictions, our liability will be limited to the greatest extent permitted by law. Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, death or personal injury caused by negligence, or any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited under applicable law.

12. INDEMNIFICATION

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless SiteTrust, Site Trust, LLC, and our officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees), arising out of or related to: (a) your violation of these Terms; (b) your use or misuse of the Services; (c) your breach of any representation or warranty in these Terms; (d) your violation of any third-party rights; (e) any false or misleading information you provide; or (f) your AI practices or implementations. This indemnification obligation survives termination of these Terms.

13. DATA COLLECTION AND PRIVACY

13.1 Privacy Policy

Our collection, use, and disclosure of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, available at sitetrust.com/privacy. By using the Services, you consent to the practices described in the Privacy Policy.

13.2 Public Registry Information

By obtaining certification, you consent to the display of certain information in our Public Registry, including but not limited to: organization name, website URL, certification tier and date, link to your AI Usage Policy, and transparency contact information. This information is publicly accessible and searchable.

14. TERM AND TERMINATION

14.1 Term

These Terms commence when you first access or use the Services and continue until terminated as provided in this section.

14.2 Termination by You

You may terminate these Terms at any time by discontinuing use of the Services and closing your account. Termination does not entitle you to a refund of any fees paid.

14.3 Termination by SiteTrust

SiteTrust may terminate or suspend your access to the Services immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including but not limited to: (a) breach of these Terms; (b) failure to maintain certification compliance; (c) providing false or misleading information; (d) engaging in prohibited conduct; or (e) at our discretion if we cease operating the Services. Termination by SiteTrust does not entitle you to a refund of any fees paid.

14.4 Effect of Termination

Upon termination: (a) your right to use the Services immediately ceases; (b) your certification is revoked; (c) you must immediately remove all badges from your website and materials; (d) you will be removed from the Public Registry; and (e) all provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination shall survive, including but not limited to ownership provisions, warranty disclaimers, indemnification, and limitations of liability.

15. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

15.1 Governing Law

These Terms and any dispute arising out of or related to these Terms or the Services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

15.2 Jurisdiction and Venue

You agree that any legal action or proceeding arising out of or related to these Terms or the Services shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Summit County, Ohio, and you irrevocably consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of such courts.

16. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

16.1 Informal Resolution

Before initiating any formal dispute resolution proceeding, you agree to first contact SiteTrust at legal@sitetrust.com or info@sitetrust.com to attempt to resolve the dispute informally. We will work in good faith to resolve disputes through direct communication.

16.2 Waiver of Class Actions

YOU AGREE THAT ANY DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEEDINGS WILL BE CONDUCTED ONLY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND NOT IN A CLASS, CONSOLIDATED, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION. You expressly waive any right to pursue claims on a class or representative basis.

17. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

17.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, our AI Policy and any other policies referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and SiteTrust regarding the Services and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

17.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

17.3 Waiver

No waiver of any term or condition of these Terms shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or any other term. SiteTrust's failure to assert any right or provision under these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

17.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or any rights or obligations hereunder without SiteTrust's prior written consent. SiteTrust may freely assign or transfer these Terms. Any attempted assignment in violation of this section is void.

17.5 Force Majeure

SiteTrust shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to causes beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, labor disputes, governmental actions, or internet service provider failures.

17.6 Independent Contractors

Nothing in these Terms creates a partnership, joint venture, agency, or employment relationship between you and SiteTrust. Each party is an independent contractor.

17.7 Notices

All notices required under these Terms shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth in Section 18. Notices to you may be delivered via email to the address associated with your account. You are responsible for maintaining current contact information.

18. CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have questions about these Terms or the Services, please contact us:

Site Trust, LLC (DBA SiteTrust)
2725 Abington Road, Suite 202
Fairlawn, Ohio 44333
Email: legal@sitetrust.com or info@sitetrust.com
Website: https://sitetrust.com
Phone: email or website contact only please