Terms Of Use

1 Scope of Agreement

This Terms of Use (“Agreement”) by and between the Global CISO Council, Inc (“we”, “us”, “our” or “GCC”) and you (“you” , “your” or “User”) governs your use of the Global CISO Council website together with all information, content, products, materials and services made available to you through the same by us and/or third parties (which together with the Site shall be collectively referred to as the “Services”). By using or otherwise accessing the Services, or any component thereof, in any manner whatsoever, you agree to be bound by and comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. If you do not agree to this Agreement, do not access or use the Services in any manner.

Global CISO Council is a 501 (c) (6) incorporation, organized to promote the advancement of the collective interests of cybersecurity leaders and professionals worldwide.

When we refer to the “use” of the Services in this Agreement, we mean any actual or attempted access or use of the Services, including, without limitation, any transmission, exchange of information or communication associated with the Services. These terms and conditions, together with the other terms of use applicable to other GCC-owned or controlled websites and any other policies, rules and provisions which are described, linked or otherwise referred to and form a part of this Agreement, including, without limitation our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and us, superseding any and all prior or inconsistent understandings, representations or agreements regarding the Services.

GCC reserves the right to modify the terms of this Agreement at any time and will post a notice of such changes. The changes become effective immediately upon posting (the “Effective Date”). If any change to the Agreement is not acceptable to you, you must stop using the Services. Your use of the Services after the Effective Date shall constitute your acceptance of such changes. If we make any new products or services available, they will be considered a part of the Services and your use of them will be governed by the terms and conditions of this Agreement unless we notify you that different terms and conditions apply. You must also comply with any additional terms which apply to third-party content, material, information, software or other services.

2 Definitions

2.1

The Term “Affiliate” or “Affiliates” means any entity that controls, in controlled by, or is under common control with GCC, as well as any entity that provides operational, administrative, or support services to GCC. “Control” means the power to direct the management or policies of an entity, whether through ownership, contractual arrangements, or otherwise.

2.2

The term “Chapter” or “Chapters” means any GCC-recognized local, regional, or national group established or authorized by GCC to deliver programs, events, networking opportunities, or other Member-facing activities. Chapters operate under GCC’s authority and in accordance with Chapter policies established by GCC; they do not confer independent Membership status.

2.3

The term “GCC” refers to GLOBAL CISO COUNCIL, INC.

2.4

The term “GCC Content” refers to copyrighted content owned by GCC or other copyrighted content made available to GCC by third-party partners of GCC.

2.5

The term “GCC Intellectual Property” refers to, all text, graphics, images, trademarks, logos, button icons, programs, software and other data, content, information and materials, tangible and intangible, and all intellectual property rights in and to the same which are owned by GCC or licensed or otherwise made available to GCC. This includes but is not limited to GCC Content and GCC Trademarks.

2.6

The term “GCC Trademark(s)” refers to all trademarks and service marks owned, licensed or otherwise made available to GCC,

2.7

The term “Interactive Services” refers to message boards, chat boards, blogs, virtual communities, and other interactive media that may be facilitated or designated by GCC from time to time, including through third-party platforms, programs, or events, and which may be accessed through links or references provided on the Site. Such Interactive Services are operated by third parties and are subject to their own applicable terms and policies.

2.8

The term “Member” or “Members” means any individual or entity that has been accepted into membership with GCC in accordance with GCC’s applicable membership policies, has paid all required membership fees, and remains in good standing. Members may be entitled to access certain features, content, benefits, or services that are not available to non-members.

2.9

The term “Services” refers to all information, content, products, materials and services made available to you by GCC and/or affiliated third parties via the Site.

2.10

The term “Site” refers to the website Global CISO Council website, [MD2.1]which is owned and operated by Global CISO Council, Inc.

2.11

The term “User Content” refers to any content submitted by Users in connection with GCC community or engagement activities, whether on the Site or through third-party platforms designated by GCC.

2.12

The terms ”you”, “your” and/or ”user” refer to any individuals and/or entities accessing the Site for any reason.

3 Age and Parent/ Guardian Consent Requirements

By using GCC’s website, you represent and warrant that: (a) you are of the legal age of majority in your jurisdiction of residence or citizenship and agree to be bound by this Agreement; (b) If you are under 13 years of age, you are not permitted to use this website or access the Services; (c) if you are 13 years of age or older but below the age of majority, you have obtained verifiable consent from your parent or legal guardian; and (d) your use of GCC’s website does not violate any applicable law or regulation.
Your access to GCC’s website may be terminated without notice if we determine, in our sole discretion, that you are under the legal age of majority and have not obtained verifiable parental or guardian consent.

If you are a parent or legal guardian and you consent to your child’s use of GCC’s website, you agree to be bound by this Agreement in connection with your child’s use of the website.

You may not use the GCC Sites and Services if:

3.1

1. You lack legal capacity to enter into binding agreements, including due to mental incapacity, intoxication, being under the age of 18, or any other circumstance that affects your legal ability to contract.

3.2

2. You are not a member in good standing of GCC, whether because your membership has expired, been suspended, or you have not yet been admitted as a member.

3.1

You are accepting these Terms of Service on behalf of a company, organization, government entity, or other legal entity without proper authority. By using the GCC Sites and Services on behalf of such an entity, you represent and warrant that you are duly authorized to bind that entity to these Terms of Service.

4 Ownership and use of GCC Intellectual Property

4.1

Ownership and Use. GCC Intellectual Property, which excludes the User Content you upload, post or otherwise transmit, if any, via Interactive Services (the “GCC Intellectual Property”), is owned by GCC or licensed to, or otherwise made available to, GCC by its third-party partners. GCC Intellectual Property does include, however, any content developed and/or made available via the Interactive Services that has been created in whole or in part by GCC. You have no rights in or to such GCC Intellectual Property and you agree you will not copy, retransmit, reproduce, publish, create derivative works based upon or otherwise transmit any GCC Intellectual Property, except as specifically permitted under this Agreement.

4.2

GCC Content. You may have access to certain GCC Content. Unless otherwise specifically set forth on the Site, or we give you written permission, you may only access and download the GCC Content for your personal use, and you agree you will not alter, erase or otherwise obscure our copyright, proprietary or other notices on the GCC Content. You may not do or allow anyone else to do anything with the GCC Content which is not specifically permitted under this Agreement. You acknowledge and agree that the GCC Content is made available for informational and educational purposes only without representation or warranty of any kind and is not a substitute for legal advice or your professional judgment. Your reliance upon GCC Content obtained by you on or through the Services is solely at your own risk. All rights not expressly granted in this Agreement are reserved to GCC.

4.3

Reproduction Restrictions. Except as expressly permitted in these Terms of Use, you may not copy, reproduce, distribute, publish, display, modify, create derivative works of, or otherwise use any GCC Content without GCC’s prior written authorization.

4.4

Trademarks: The GCC Trademarks (“Marks”) appearing on this site may not be used in any advertising or publicity, or otherwise to indicate GCC’s sponsorship of or affiliation with any product or service, without GCC’s prior express written permission. You are prohibited from using GCC Marks or any names, marks, or other materials in a manner that is likely to cause confusion or dilute or damage the reputation or image of GCC. You agree you will not alter any GCC Mark in any manner to make it appear that GCC is endorsing, sponsoring, authorizing or affiliated with you, your company, or any third party, except as expressly permitted in writing by GCC. Additionally, you agree to be bound by and to follow the terms of the applicable Trademark Usage Guidelines[MD3.1], the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Agreement.

5 Registered Users And Membership

5.1

In consideration of your use of the Site, you represent and warrant that you are of legal age to form a binding contract and are not a person barred from receiving services under the laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdiction. You also agree to: (a) provide true, accurate, current and complete information about yourself when submitting information or forms through the Site (the “Submitted Information”) and (b) promptly notify GCC of any material changes to such information where relevant to your engagement, application, or participation, if requested by GCC. [MD4.1]If you provide any information that is untrue, inaccurate, not current or incomplete, or GCC has reasonable grounds to suspect that such information is untrue, inaccurate, not current or incomplete, GCC has the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Site and refuse any and all current or future use of the Site, or any portion thereof.

5.2

Certain features, content, and services offered on the Site are available only to individuals or entities who have become Members of GCC and who remain in good standing under the applicable membership policies. Access to member-only areas, benefits, or Chapter activities may require payment of membership fees, adherence to ethical requirements, and compliance with GCC’s membership policies, codes of conduct, and other guidelines applicable to Members, as may be published by GCC from time to time. Membership fees are set and administered by GCC. Members must pay applicable fees to obtain or maintain access to Member benefits. Participation in any GCC Chapter is additionally subject to these Terms of Use and any applicable membership policies, codes of conduct, and Chapter policies established by GCC.

6 Fees And Payments

6.1

If you choose to join GCC as a member of a GCC chapter, you will be granted access to the GCC Sites, and you agree to pay all fees associated with your membership. Access to the GCC Sites is available only to members in good standing.

6.2

When ordering any service, you will have the opportunity to review and accept the applicable fees. Prices, availability, and other purchase terms are subject to change. GCC reserves the right, without prior notice, to modify or discontinue services or adjust pricing and specifications on or outside the GCC Sites without incurring any obligation to you. All fees may be subject to applicable taxes.

6.3

You are responsible for providing true, accurate, current, and complete information when purchasing services through the GCC Sites or by any other means. Payment must be received before any order is accepted. GCC may verify the information you provide prior to accepting an order and may cancel or limit an order at any time after it has been placed.

7

7.1

Links to Third Party Sites. The Site may contain links to other websites or resources owned and operated by third parties. Because we have no control over such sites and resources, you acknowledge and agree that we are not responsible for the availability of such external sites or resources, and do not endorse and are not responsible or liable for any content, advertising, products, services or other materials on or otherwise made available via such sites or resources. You further acknowledge and agree that we 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 use of or reliance on any such content, goods or services made available on or through any such site or resource.

7.2

Linking to GCC[MD5.1]. You may link to the Site provided that such linking (a) does not imply any affiliation, endorsement, or sponsorship by GCC, and (b) complies with these Terms and all applicable laws. GCC reserves the right to require the removal of any link at its sole discretion.

8 Message Boards, Chat Boards, Blogs, Virtual Communities And Other Interactive Media ("Interactive Services")

8.1

In connection with your use of the Services, you may have access to and use of discussion groups, chat rooms, message boards, blogs, virtual communities, wikis and other collaborative websites, and other interactive functionality (“Interactive Services”) facilitated or designated by GCC, including through third-party platforms, programs, or events, and not necessarily hosted on the Site. If you participate in or use any Interactive Services, you are responsible for User Content you upload, post, link to or otherwise transmit (collectively “transmit”) and the consequences thereof. If you choose to transmit any User Content using such Interactive Services, you represent and warrant that you own or have the necessary rights to transmit such User Content on the applicable platform and do so solely for lawful purposes and in compliance with all applicable laws. You expressly agree that GCC has no responsibility for or control over User Content transmitted by Users through Interactive Services, particularly where such services are operated by third parties. Additionally, GCC does not represent, warrant or guarantee the truthfulness, accuracy, quality, or reliability of any of the User Content transmitted through Interactive Services, and does not endorse any opinions expressed therein. You agree that you bear all risks associated with reliance on any such User Content.

8.2

Although GCC does not actively monitor, regulate or pre-screen Interactive Services, GCC reserves the right (but not the obligation), where technically and contractually feasible, to remove, move or edit any User Content it considers in its sole discretion to be harmful, unlawful, or in violation of this agreement. GCC has no liability for performance of such moderation activities.

8.3

Additionally, you agree to:
• not post, email, upload, transmit or otherwise make available any content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, tortious, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, libelous, invasive of another’s privacy, hateful, or racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable;
• not impersonate any person or entity;
• not post, email, upload, transmit or otherwise make available any content that harms minors in any way;
• not forge headers or otherwise manipulate identifiers in order to disguise the origin of any User Content transmitted through the Site;
• not post, email, upload, transmit or otherwise make available any content that you do not have a right to make available under any law or under contractual or fiduciary relationships (such as inside information, proprietary and confidential information learned or disclosed as part of employment relationships or under nondisclosure agreements);
• not post, email, upload, transmit or otherwise make available any content that infringes the intellectual property rights of any party;
• not post, email, upload, transmit or otherwise make available any content comprising any unsolicited or unauthorized advertising, promotional materials, “junk mail,” “spam,” “chain letters,” “pyramid schemes,” or any other form of commercial solicitation;
• not post, email, upload, transmit or otherwise make available any content comprising any material that contains software viruses or any other computer code, files or programs designed to interrupt, destroy or limit the functionality of any computer software or hardware or telecommunications equipment;
• not disrupt the normal flow of dialogue, cause a screen to “scroll” faster than other users of the Site are able to type, or otherwise act in a manner that negatively affects other users’ ability to engage in real-time exchanges;
• Use any AI-enabled features made available through Interactive Services to generate or disseminate content that impersonates another person or entity, or that materially deceives about source or authenticity.
• Upload or prompt AI Features with content you have no right to use (including confidential or proprietary information you are contractually bound to protect).
• not interfere with or disrupt the Site or servers or networks connected to the Site, or disobey any requirements, procedures, policies or regulations of networks connected to the Site;
• not intentionally or unintentionally violate any applicable local, state, national or international law;
• not provide material support or resources (or to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, or ownership of material support or resources) to any organization(s) designated by applicable laws;
• not “stalk” or otherwise harass any person;
• not collect or store personal data about other users; or,
• not advertise or solicit anyone to buy or sell products or to make donations of any kind absent prior written approval from GCC, as set forth in more detail in Section 6 below.
• not to make negative or disparaging references to GCC, its services or its members or otherwise compare GCC, its services or its members unfavorably to others

8.4

License to GCC. You hereby grant to GCC a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual license (with right to sublicense) to reproduce, distribute, transmit, display, perform, and create derivative works from any User Content you submit via the Interactive Services, solely for the purposes for which such User Content was submitted. You retain ownership of your User Content, and nothing in this Agreement transfers ownership of such User Content to GCC.

8.5

Use of Content Posted by Other Users. Copyright in the User Content posted, if any, shall remain with the User or third party who has posted or consented to posting the User Content on the Site or through applicable Interactive Services. You have no rights in or to such User Content posted by other Users and you agree you will not copy, reproduce, publish, create derivative works based upon or otherwise retransmit any User Content without the express written permission of the owner of such User Content. Except as expressly permitted by the owner of the applicable User Content, nothing in these Terms grants any User a license or right to use, modify, distribute, or otherwise exploit User Content submitted by another User.

9 Copyright Compliance And Complaints

9.1

GCC respects the intellectual property rights of others. GCC may, under appropriate circumstances and at its discretion, disable and/or terminate access to or use of the Service for those users who may be infringing the intellectual property rights of others. You agree to abide by the terms of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and refrain from the following: (a) circumventing GCC’s access control measures to copyrighted works; (b) posting or otherwise offering circumvention technology through GCC’s website or web services; (c) posting links or references to an online location that contains circumvention technology; or (d) engaging in other activities in violation of the DMCA. GCC has the right to terminate the membership of any User found in violation of the DMCA or other provision of the copyright laws.

9.2

In compliance with the DMCA’s notice-and-takedown provision, GCC’s policy for removing infringing content and terminating subscribers who are repeat offenders is as follows:

A copyright owner who believes his/her work has been used on the Site in any manner that constitutes copyright infringement must notify GCC’s designated agent by written notice. The notice must include the following information: (a) the owner’s name, address, telephone number, email address, and an electronic or physical signature; (b) a description and a copy of the work that is allegedly being infringed, or a website where the work may be found; (c) identification of the location of the infringing material on the Site; (d) a statement that the owner has a good faith belief that the use of the copyrighted material was not authorized by the owner or his/her authorized agent; and (e) a statement, under penalty of perjury, that the information in the notification is accurate and made by the copyright owner of the material allegedly infringed or authorized to act on the copyright owner’s behalf. Upon receiving the proper notification, GCC will remove, or disable access to, the allegedly infringed material from the Site[MD6.1].

9.3

GCC’s copyright agent for notices of claims of copyright infringement is Ms. Urvashi Barman and can be reached at [email protected].

10 Compliance With The Can-spam Act

10.1

The User agrees to abide by the CAN-SPAM Act (15 U.S.C. §§7701-13) when utilizing the Site. The User may not use the Site, including, but not limited to, any Interactive Services, to send or facilitate the sending of uninvited commercial email, sexually explicit commercial email, or to engage in any activity that violates the CAN-SPAM Act, including but not limited to: (a) harvesting email addresses or other contact information from the Site; (b) falsifying, forging, or using misleading header information; or (c) using deceptive or misleading subject lines. The User may not promote GCC’s products or services through uninvited commercial emails without the express written consent of GCC.

10.2

GCC will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages of any kind resulting from Users’ failure to adhere to the CAN-SPAM Act or any other applicable laws. The User agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless GCC, its Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, consultants, and agents from any and all third party claims, liability, damages, and/or costs (including, but not limited to, attorneys’ fees) arising from the User’s activities in violation of the CAN-SPAM Act or any other applicable laws. The terms of this Agreement will inure to the benefit of GCC’s successors, assignees, and licensees. The User covenants to cooperate fully in the defense of any claim. However, GCC reserves the right, at its own expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by User and User shall not in any event settle any matter without the written consent of GCC.

11 Privacy And Security

11.11

Your use of the Site is subject to GCC’s Privacy Policy available at [URL[MD7.1]]. GCC may share membership or participation information with GCC Chapters and affiliated bodies solely for membership administration, event participation, governance, or compliance purposes.

11.2

You are solely responsible for maintaining the strict confidentiality of your User IDs and passwords and for any charges, damages, liabilities or losses incurred or suffered as a result of your failure to do so. We are not liable for any harm caused by or related to the theft of your User IDs/passwords, your disclosure of your User IDs/passwords, or your authorization to allow another person to access and use the Services using your User IDs/passwords. You agree to immediately notify us if you become aware of any unauthorized use of your User IDs/passwords or other need to deactivate a User ID/password due to security concerns.

12 Ec-council Store

12 Disclaimer Of Warranties

Except as expressly set forth herein, the content on the site (including but not limited to all GCC intellectual property, text, materials, software, functions, services, and information made available herein or accessed by means hereof) is provided as is, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to, warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Under no circumstances will GCC be liable in any way for any content, including, but not limited to, any errors or omissions in such content, or for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of any content posted, e-mailed, transmitted or otherwise made available via any interactive services. GCC does not warrant or guarantee uninterrupted access to the site, or any site linked to the site. You assume full responsibility and risk of loss resulting from your use of this site and any information on this site. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties. Accordingly, some of the above exclusions may not apply to you.

13 Limitation Of Liability And Release

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, neither GCC, its licensors, suppliers, partners, affiliates or third-party service providers shall be liable to you or any third party for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages, or any other form of damages in any manner arising out of or in connection with this agreement or your use of the site and services, regardless of the form of action or the basis of the claim or whether or not GCC has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow the limitation or exclusion of liability for incidental or consequential damages. Accordingly, some of the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you.

In the event you have any dispute with one or more third parties as a result of your use of the site or services, or are in any way damaged as a result of any third party in connection therewith, you hereby release and covenant not to sue or otherwise make a claim, demand or file any legal action or institute any legal or regulatory proceedings against us, our affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives and suppliers from, for any claims, actions, demands or damages (whether direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential), of whatever kind or nature, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, whether foreseeable or not, disclosed or undisclosed.

14 Indemnity

You agree to defend, indemnify and hold us harmless against any losses, expenses, costs or damages (including our reasonable attorneys’ fees, expert fees’ and other reasonable costs of litigation) arising from, incurred as a result of, or in any manner related to any claim or action based upon (a) your breach of the terms and conditions of this agreement, (b) your use of the services, and/or (c) the use of the services by any other person using your ids. We may, if necessary, participate in the defense of any such claim or action and any negotiations for its settlement or compromise. No settlement which may adversely affect our rights or obligations shall be made without our prior written approval. We reserve the right, at our own expense and upon notice to you, to assume exclusive defense and control of any such claim or action and then your corresponding indemnification obligation will end.

15 Right To Terminate And/Or To Block Access

GCC reserves the right to terminate, block or restrict your access to or use of the site for any breach or violation of any term(s) of this agreement. In such event, we may terminate this agreement, restrict, suspend or terminate your access to and use of the services immediately and without notice or liability, with or without cause, and it will not limit any other rights or remedies which are available to us. You may terminate this agreement by providing us with written notice of your termination and ceasing to use or access the services. Termination is your sole right and exclusive remedy if you are not satisfied with the services. Upon the effective date of any such termination, your right to access and use the services shall immediately cease.

16 Third-Party Artificial Intelligence Offerings

From time to time, GCC may present, link to, or make available offers for artificial-intelligence products or services provided by independent third parties (“Third-party ai”). If you choose to engage with any third-party ai, you do so under that provider’s terms and entirely at your own risk. GCC does not control, operate, or host third-party ai and is not responsible for its availability, accuracy, functionality, or security. Any exchange of data, payments, or commitments occurs solely between you and the third-party provider. GCC may discontinue presenting or supporting access to any third-party ai at any time without notice.

17 Governing Law/Jurisdiction/Disputes

17.1

This agreement shall be governed in accordance with the laws of the state of Delaware. Additionally, you also agree that the Un convention on contracts for the international sales of goods and the Uniform computer information transactions act (Ucita) will not apply to this agreement or any interpretation or disputes relating thereto.

17.2

All disputes under this agreement shall be resolved by litigation in the federal or state courts of the state of Delaware including the federal courts therein and the parties all consent to the jurisdiction of such courts, agree to accept service of process by mail, and hereby waive any jurisdictional or venue defenses otherwise available to it.

18 Assignability

This agreement is personal to you, and you may not assign this agreement or the rights and obligations hereunder to any third party without the prior express written approval of GCC.

19 Waiver

No waiver by either party of any default shall be deemed as a waiver of prior or subsequent default of the same of other provisions of this agreement.

20 Severability

If any term, clause or provision hereof is held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the validity or operation of any other term, clause or provision and such invalid term, clause or provision shall be deemed to be severed from the agreement.

21 Survival Of Terms

Any provision of this agreement which by its nature must survive the termination of this agreement in order to give effect to its meaning shall survive such termination, including but not limited to the ownership, intellectual property rights and licensing provisions set forth in this agreement.

22 Limitation On Actions

You agree that regardless of any applicable law providing for a statute of limitations to the contrary, any claim or cause of action arising out of or related to the use of the site or services, or otherwise relating to this agreement, must be filed within one (1) year after the claim or cause of action arose, or will be forever barred.

23 Entire Agreement

This agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties and revokes and supersedes all prior agreements between the parties and is intended as a final expression of their agreement. It shall not be modified or amended except in writing signed by the parties hereto and specifically referring to this agreement. This agreement shall take precedence over any other documents that may conflict with this agreement, including any terms or conditions posted by users in connection with any interactive services.