Terms & Conditions

Last updated: January 1, 2026

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) apply to your use of Citizen Journalism Platform (“the Platform”). By registering as a user, reporter, or moderator, or by submitting content, you agree to these Terms.

1. Platform Status (Prototype)

Citizen Journalism Platform is currently operating as a prototype / minimum viable product (MVP).

This means:

  • Features may be incomplete or change over time
  • Content workflows, policies, and incentives may evolve
  • The platform may be modified, paused, or discontinued

Participation during this stage is voluntary and helps test and improve the platform.

2. User Accounts

You are responsible for:

  • Providing accurate registration information
  • Keeping your login credentials secure
  • All activity that occurs under your account

We reserve the right to suspend or remove accounts that violate these Terms or platform guidelines.

3. Reporters and Moderators

Reporters

Reporters may submit local news content for review and possible publication.

Moderators

Moderators review submitted content and may approve or reject reports based on editorial criteria.

Roles, permissions, and responsibilities may change as the platform evolves.

4. Editorial Review and Discretion

All submitted content is subject to editorial and moderation review.

Citizen Journalism Platform reserves the right to:

  • Approve or reject submissions
  • Edit content for clarity, accuracy, or compliance
  • Remove published content if concerns arise

Publication is not guaranteed.

5. Content Responsibility

By submitting content, you confirm that:

  • The content is original or you have the right to submit it
  • The content is accurate to the best of your knowledge
  • The content does not violate privacy, laws, or platform policies

You remain responsible for the content you submit.

6. Prohibited Content

The following content is not allowed:

  • Hate speech or discrimination
  • Harassment, threats, or incitement to violence
  • Graphic, obscene, or abusive material
  • False or misleading information
  • Content that violates Canadian laws or local bylaws
  • Plagiarized or copyrighted material without permission

7. Credits and Compensation (Prototype)

During the prototype stage:

  • Reporters and moderators may earn platform credits
  • Credits are not money and have no monetary value
  • Credits cannot be redeemed, transferred, or exchanged for cash
  • Credits do not represent wages or payment

Compensation models may change in future versions of the platform.

8. No Employment or Contractor Relationship

Participation as a reporter or moderator does not create an employment, contractor, or agency relationship with Citizen Journalism Platform.

You participate independently and voluntarily.

9. Account Suspension or Removal

We may suspend or terminate accounts if:

  • These Terms are violated
  • Content guidelines are repeatedly ignored
  • Platform integrity or community trust is compromised

This may occur with or without prior notice.

10. Changes to These Terms

These Terms may be updated as the platform develops.

Continued use of the platform after changes means you accept the updated Terms.

11. Limitation of Liability

Citizen Journalism Platform is provided “as is” during the prototype stage.

We are not responsible for:

  • Loss of data
  • Platform downtime
  • Decisions based on published content

12. Contact

For questions about these Terms, please use the Contact page on the platform.

Final note

These Terms are intended to clearly explain how the prototype works and what participants can expect. They will be reviewed and expanded before any full commercial release.