Terms of Service

Last Updated: [DATE TO BE FILLED]

1. Agreement and Acceptance

Welcome to the IPNOnline platform (“Platform”) operated by the Ismaili Professionals Network (“IPN,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). IPN provides professional networking services to the global Ismaili community and allied professionals.

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) constitute a legally binding agreement between you (“user,” “you,” or “your”) and IPN. By signing up to use IPNonline during account registration—or otherwise affirmatively agreeing to these Terms—you consent to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, do not use or access the Platform.

IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS, DO NOT USE THE PLATFORM.

2. Description of Service

2.1 Platform Purpose

IPNOnline is a professional networking platform designed to connect Ismaili professionals worldwide and facilitate meaningful professional relationships, mentorship, and career development opportunities.

2.2 Core Features

The Platform provides:

• Professional profile creation and management
• Enhanced search functionality to discover professionals
• Peer-to-peer messaging capabilities
• Event registration and management
• Professional networking opportunities
• Community resources and information

2.3 User Categories

• Ismaili Users: Full access to all platform features
• Non-Ismaili Users: Limited access with restricted functionality as determined by IPN

3. Eligibility and Registration

3.1 Eligibility Requirements

To use the Platform, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Provide accurate and complete registration information
• Maintain the confidentiality of your account credentials
• Be responsible for all activities under your account

3.2 Account Verification

All accounts are subject to verification by IPN on a case-by-case basis. IPN reserves the right to:

• Request additional verification documentation
• Approve or deny registration applications
• Suspend or terminate accounts that fail verification
• Modify user access levels based on verification status

3.3 Account Responsibility

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining accurate and current profile information
• Protecting your login credentials
• All activities that occur under your account
• Immediately notifying us of any unauthorized access

4. Acceptable Use Policy

4.1 Professional Conduct

The Platform is intended for professional networking. Users must:

• Maintain professional and respectful communication
• Use the Platform solely for professional networking purposes
• Respect the diversity and dignity of all community members
• Follow the principles and values of the Ismaili community

4.2 Prohibited Activities

You may not use the Platform to:

4.2.1 Commercial Restrictions

• Engage in commercial solicitation or advertising
• Promote business opportunities, sales, or marketing without IPN's approval
• Use the Platform for lead generation or customer acquisition
• Offer goods or services for sale (except through approved events)

4.2.2 Content Restrictions

• Post inappropriate, offensive, or discriminatory content
• Share content that violates intellectual property rights
• Upload malicious software, viruses, or harmful code
• Distribute spam, unsolicited messages, or chain letters

4.2.3 Behavioral Restrictions

• Harass, bully, intimidate, or threaten other users
• Impersonate another person or entity
• Create fake or duplicate accounts
• Interfere with the Platform&aposs operation or security

4.2.4 Legal Violations

• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Engage in fraudulent or deceptive practices
• Infringe on others' rights of privacy or publicity
• Use the Platform for any unlawful purpose

IPN reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to determine what constitutes prohibited content or conduct beyond the foregoing list.

5. Messaging and Communication

5.1 Messaging Features

The Platform provides asynchronous messaging capabilities between users. Messages are:

• Stored on our servers for platform functionality
• Subject to automated content moderation for inappropriate content
• Reportable by users for policy violations

5.2 Content Moderation

We employ:

• Automated filtering for inappropriate content
• User reporting mechanisms for policy violations
• Human review of reported content
• Progressive enforcement measures for violations

5.3 Communication Guidelines

When using messaging features:

• Maintain professional and respectful communication
• Do not share personal contact information in initial messages
• Report inappropriate behavior or content
• Respect others' privacy and communication preferences

6. Events and Payment Processing

6.1 Event Registration

The Platform facilitates registration for IPN events, including:

• Professional development workshops
• Networking events
• Educational seminars
• Community gatherings

6.2 Payment Terms

For paid events:

• All payments are processed securely through Stripe, Inc.
• We do not store your payment information
• Event fees are non-refundable unless otherwise specified
• Additional terms may apply for specific events

You agree not to initiate a chargeback for any event fee for which you received the service in full, and to notify IPN first of any dispute.

6.3 Payment Disputes and Failed Transactions

In case of payment issues:

• Contact us immediately for failed transactions
• Disputed charges should be addressed through your payment provider
• We will work with you to resolve legitimate payment issues
• Refunds, when applicable, will be processed through the original payment method

6.4 Refund Policy

[TO BE FILLED - Create separate refund policy document]

7. Privacy and Data Protection

7.1 Privacy Policy

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and protection of your personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which forms an integral part of these Terms.

7.2 Profile Information

By creating a profile, you consent to:

• Display of your professional information to other verified users
• Use of your information for platform functionality
• Processing of your data as described in our Privacy Policy

7.3 Data Security

While we implement robust security measures, you acknowledge that:

• No online platform is 100% secure
• You use the Platform at your own risk
• You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account

8. Intellectual Property Rights

8.1 Platform Rights

The Platform, including its design, functionality, content, and trademarks, is owned by IPN and protected by intellectual property laws. You may not:

• Copy, modify, or distribute Platform content
• Use IPN trademarks or branding without permission
• Reverse engineer or attempt to extract source code
• Create derivative works based on the Platform

8.2 User Content

Currently, the Platform does not facilitate user-generated content beyond profile information and messages. Any content you provide:

• Must be accurate and legally compliant
• Must not infringe on third-party rights
• May be used by IPN for platform operation
• Remains your responsibility regarding accuracy and legality

8.3 Third-Party Content

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for:

• The content or practices of linked sites
• Any transactions with third parties
• The accuracy or reliability of external content

9. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

9.1 Platform Availability

The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available.” We do not guarantee:

• Uninterrupted or error-free service
• Complete accuracy of all information
• Compatibility with all devices or browsers
• Availability of specific features at all times

9.2 User Interactions

IPN is not responsible for:

• Interactions between users on or off the Platform
• The conduct, background, or intentions of Platform users
• Business relationships formed through the Platform
• Disputes arising from user interactions

9.3 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IPN SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

• ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
• LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, OR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
• DAMAGES ARISING FROM THIRD-PARTY CONDUCT
• DAMAGES EXCEEDING THE FEES PAID BY YOU IN THE PRECEDING 12 MONTHS

9.4 Professional Advice Disclaimer

The Platform is for networking purposes only and does not provide:

• Professional, legal, financial, or medical advice
• Employment or business guarantees
• Endorsement of user qualifications or capabilities
• Verification of professional credentials beyond basic identity confirmation

10. Termination

10.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by:

• Contacting our support team
• Following account closure procedures in your profile settings
• Providing reasonable notice of termination

10.2 Termination by IPN

We may suspend or terminate your account immediately if you:

• Violate these Terms or our policies
• Engage in behavior harmful to the community
• Provide false or misleading information
• Fail to respond to verification requests
• Use the Platform for prohibited purposes

10.3 Effects of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your access to the Platform will cease
• Your profile will be removed from public view
• Certain information may be retained as described in our Privacy Policy
• These Terms will survive termination where applicable

11. Third-Party Services

11.1 Integrated Services

The Platform integrates with third-party services including:

• Stripe: Payment processing for events
• Google Analytics: Usage analytics and platform improvement
• Email Service Providers: Communication and newsletters

11.2 Third-Party Terms

Your use of integrated third-party services is subject to their respective terms of service and privacy policies. We are not responsible for third-party service practices or policies.

12. Modifications to Terms

12.1 Right to Modify

IPN reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective:

• Immediately upon posting for non-material changes
• 30 days after notice for material changes affecting user rights
• As specified in the notice for other changes

12.2 Notice of Changes

We will notify you of material changes through:

• Email notification to your registered address
• Prominent notice on the Platform
• In-platform notifications

12.3 Acceptance of Changes

Your continued use of the Platform after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree to changes, you must discontinue use of the Platform.

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 Informal Resolution

Before pursuing formal dispute resolution, please contact us to attempt informal resolution of any disputes or concerns.

13.2 Binding Arbitration

Any disputes arising from or relating to these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, except where prohibited by law.

13.3 Class Action Waiver

You agree to resolve disputes individually and waive any right to participate in class action lawsuits or class-wide arbitration, except where prohibited by law.

14. General Provisions

14.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of [JURISDICTION TO BE FILLED BASED ON IPN'S LOCATION], without regard to conflict of law principles.

14.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

14.3 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and IPN regarding the Platform and supersede all prior agreements.

14.4 Assignment

You may not assign your rights or obligations under these Terms. IPN may assign these Terms in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

14.5 Waiver

No waiver of any term or condition will be effective unless in writing and signed by IPN. No failure to exercise any right will constitute a waiver of that right.

14.6 Force Majeure

IPN will not be liable for any delay or failure to perform obligations due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, terrorism, or government actions, including errors or delays due to third-party service providers.

15. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at:

These Terms of Service are effective as of [DATE] and govern your use of the IPNOnline platform operated by the Ismaili Professionals Network. Nothing in these Terms creates any joint venture, partnership, or agency relationship between you and IPN.

By using the IPNOnline platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy.