Terms of Service

Effective Date: June 1, 2026

Welcome to the High-Value Data Network (HVDNet). By accessing or using our website at highvaluedata.net (the "Site") or any associated services, metadata schemas, and APIs (collectively, the "Services"), you agree to comply with and be bound by the following Terms of Service ("Terms").

Please read these Terms carefully before using the Site. If you do not agree to all of these Terms, you are not authorized to use the Site or Services.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By visiting our Site, you agree that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, as well as our Privacy Policy. These Terms apply to all visitors, users, and others who access or use the Services.

2. Description of Services

HVDNet is an open initiative that aims to make high-value data discoverable, accessible, and usable by both humans and machines in accordance with the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles. The Site provides information, links, documentation, metadata descriptions, and access to prototype software APIs.

We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the Site or Services at any time without notice or liability.

3. Intellectual Property and Open Licensing

Content Provided by HVDNet

Unless otherwise stated, all documentation, metadata specifications, code snippets, and web content created and published by HVDNet on this Site are released under open, permissive licenses (such as Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International or similar open-source licenses specified on respective repositories).

Third-Party Data and Resources

The Site links to and describes datasets, metadata, and APIs hosted by third parties (including our data and strategic partners). Access to and use of these third-party materials are subject to the respective terms and licenses established by those third-party providers. You are responsible for complying with any applicable licenses or restrictions when using third-party data.

4. User Conduct

You agree to use the Site and Services only for lawful purposes. You are prohibited from:

• Using the Services in any manner that could disable, overburden, damage, or impair the Site or interfere with any other party's use of the Services.
• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to, interfere with, damage, or disrupt any parts of the Site, the server on which the Site is stored, or any server, computer, or database connected to the Site.
• Using any automated means (such as bots or scrapers) to access the Services for any malicious purpose.

5. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE SITE AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS. HVDNET MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE OPERATION OF THE SITE OR THE ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, COMPLETENESS, OR TIMELINESS OF THE CONTENT, METADATA, SOFTWARE, OR APIS PROVIDED.

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE BY APPLICABLE LAW, HVDNET DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

6. Limitation of Liability

IN NO EVENT SHALL HVDNET, ITS LEADERSHIP, COLLABORATORS, PARTNERS, OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES) ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR ACCESS TO, USE OF, OR INABILITY TO USE THE SITE OR SERVICES, WHETHER BASED ON WARRANTY, CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

7. Links to Other Websites

Our Services may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by HVDNet. We have no control over, and assume no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites or services. You acknowledge and agree that HVDNet shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any such content, goods, or services available on or through any such websites or services.

8. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to modify or replace these Terms at any time. If a revision is material, we will provide at least 30 days' notice prior to any new terms taking effect by posting the updated terms on the Site. By continuing to access or use our Services after those revisions become effective, you agree to be bound by the revised terms.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

High-Value Data Network
Email: info@highvaluedata.net