Terms and Conditions for #BeTheChange
Effective Date: 1/9/2024
Welcome to BeTheChange, a platform dedicated to providing a secure and anonymous environment for whistleblowing
activities. By accessing or using our website, you agree to be bound by the following Terms and Conditions.
Please read them carefully before using our services.
Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using BeTheChange (hereinafter referred to as "the Website"), you acknowledge that you have read,
understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree with these Terms, you must
immediately discontinue using the Website.
Purpose of the Website
The Website is intended to provide a secure platform for individuals to submit confidential information about
misconduct, illegal activities, or unethical behaviour. The Website is operated on a not-for-profit basis to
promote transparency and accountability.
Anonymity and Confidentiality
We strive to maintain the anonymity of all users and the confidentiality of all submissions. However, we do not
guarantee that your identity will remain anonymous, nor do we guarantee absolute confidentiality of the
information submitted. Users are responsible for ensuring their own anonymity through the use of secure networks
and devices.
No Liability for Content
The Website allows users to submit content, including but not limited to text, documents, and other media.
BeTheChange does not verify, endorse, or take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or legality of any
content submitted by users. All content is provided by users on an "as-is" basis, and BeTheChange disclaims any
and all liability for any content submitted to the Website.
The information provided on the Website is not intended as legal advice or a substitute for professional legal
counsel. BeTheChange does not provide legal representation, and users should seek independent legal advice
before taking any action based on the content submitted to the Website.
Disclaimer of Warranties
No Warranty of Accuracy
The Website and all content, materials, and information provided on or through the Website are provided on an
"as-is" and "as-available" basis. BeTheChange makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or
implied, regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of any content or information on the Website.
No Warranty of Availability
BeTheChange does not guarantee that the Website will be available at all times, or that access to the Website
will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate the Website at any
time without notice.
Limitation of Liability
General Limitation
To the fullest extent permitted by law, BeTheChange, its affiliates, directors, employees, agents, and licensors
shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including
but not limited to loss of profits, data, use, or goodwill, arising from or in connection with your use of or
inability to use the Website or any content provided on the Website.
User Responsibility
Users acknowledge that they are solely responsible for their use of the Website and any actions taken based on
the content or information provided on the Website. BeTheChange shall not be held liable for any loss or damage
arising from reliance on the content submitted by users.
Compliance with UK Laws
Data Protection
BeTheChange complies with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
concerning the processing of personal data. While we make every effort to protect users' identities, we cannot
guarantee absolute security. Users are advised to take their own precautions to maintain anonymity.
Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998
The Website operates within the framework of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, which offers protection to
whistleblowers. However, users should be aware that BeTheChange does not provide legal representation or advice,
and any submissions made via the Website are done at the user's own risk.
Protection Under Journalism Laws
Qualified Privilege and the Defamation Act 2013
BeTheChange may be afforded protection under the Defamation Act 2013, particularly under the provisions related
to "qualified privilege," which protects publications that are made in the public interest. However, BeTheChange
does not accept liability for the content submitted by users and does not guarantee that all content will be
protected under this Act.
Investigative Journalism
Content hosted on BeTheChange may be considered part of investigative journalism efforts. In accordance with the
protection granted to journalists under UK law, the publication of information that is deemed to be in the
public interest may be protected from legal action.
Additional Legal Protections
Section 10 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981
BeTheChange and its operators may be protected under Section 10 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981, which
safeguards journalists and media organisations from being compelled to disclose sources unless it is necessary
for the interests of justice, national security, or the prevention of disorder or crime.
Editorial Control and Safe Harbour
BeTheChange does not exercise editorial control over user-generated content. As such, BeTheChange may be
protected under the "safe harbour" provisions of the E-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, as incorporated into UK
law, which limits liability for platforms hosting third-party content.
Additional Limitation of Liability Provision
By using the Website, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless BeTheChange, its affiliates, directors, employees,
agents, and licensors from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses (including
legal fees) arising from your use of the Website or any violation of these Terms and Conditions.
No Assumption of Responsibility for Legal Outcomes
BeTheChange does not assume any responsibility for the legal outcomes of any investigations or actions taken by
third parties based on the content submitted to or published on the Website. Users are advised that they are
solely responsible for the legal ramifications of any information they submit.
Intellectual Property Rights
BeTheChange respects intellectual property rights and operates under the assumption that users are responsible
for ensuring that their submissions do not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others. BeTheChange
will remove content that violates intellectual property laws upon receiving valid notice.
Freedom of Expression
BeTheChange operates under the principles of freedom of expression as protected under Article 10 of the European
Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). However, this does not absolve users of responsibility for ensuring that
their content does not breach defamation laws or incite violence or hatred.
Data Retention and Disclosure
While BeTheChange makes every effort to protect user data, it reserves the right to disclose user information if
required by law, particularly in cases where it is necessary to prevent serious harm, comply with a court order,
or assist in criminal investigations.
No Warranty of Non-Infringement
BeTheChange does not warrant that any content on the Website does not infringe upon the rights of third parties.
Users are responsible for ensuring that their submissions comply with all applicable laws and do not violate the
rights of others.
Moderation and Content Removal
BeTheChange reserves the right to remove any content that is found to be in violation of these Terms and
Conditions, the law, or ethical standards. However, the removal of content does not constitute an admission of
liability or wrongdoing on the part of BeTheChange.
These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any
disputes arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions shall be subject to the exclusive
jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
Amendments to Terms
BeTheChange reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. Any changes
will be posted on this page, and your continued use of the Website after such changes have been made constitutes
your acceptance of the new Terms and Conditions.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact us when the site
launches in October 2024.
By using BeTheChange, you agree to comply with these Terms and Conditions. Please ensure that you review these
Terms regularly to stay informed of any updates or changes.
Privacy Policy for Google Analytics use
This Privacy Policy outlines how we use Google
Analytics to collect and process data about your visit
to our website. By using our website, you agree to the collection and use of information in
accordance with this policy.
We use Google Analytics to collect information about your visit to our website. This information
helps us understand how visitors interact with our site and improve our services. The data collected
may include:
Device Information: Includes details about the device used, such as browser
type, operating system, and screen resolution.
Interaction Data: Pages visited, time spent on each page, clicks, and other
interaction data.
Referral Source: Information on how you arrived at our site, such as search
engines, social media, or other websites.
Use of Data
The data collected through Google Analytics is used to:
Analyse website traffic and usage patterns.
Improve website functionality and user experience.
Optimise marketing strategies and content.
Monitor the performance of our website.
Your Choices
You have the option to opt-out of Google Analytics tracking by:
