Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to The Sleuth Collective (the "Platform", "we", "us", or "our"). By accessing or using this website and its services, you ("User", "you", or "your") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Platform.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and The Sleuth Collective. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Your continued use of the Platform after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. We will endeavour to notify registered users of material changes via email or on-platform notification.

2. Nature and Purpose of the Platform

The Sleuth Collective is an online platform dedicated to collating, organising, and presenting information about unsolved criminal cases in Australia. The Platform serves the following purposes:

• Information Aggregation: We collect and organise publicly available information about cold cases, missing persons, and unsolved crimes from official sources including police departments, court records, and media reports.
• Community Engagement: We provide a space for community members to contribute tips, suggest cases for inclusion, share relevant information, and engage in respectful discussion about unsolved crimes.
• Community Collaboration: We aim to keep public attention focused on unsolved cases by maintaining organised, accessible case information and empowering community members to contribute responsibly.
• Educational Resource: We provide context, timelines, and analysis to help the public understand the complexities of criminal investigations and the justice system.

3. Beta Status Disclaimer

The Sleuth Collective is currently operating in a beta phase. This means the Platform is under active development and may contain bugs, incomplete features, inaccuracies, or other issues. While we make every reasonable effort to ensure the Platform functions correctly and presents accurate information, you acknowledge and accept that:

• Features may be added, modified, or removed without prior notice.
• Data, content, and case information may be updated, corrected, or revised at any time.
• Service interruptions, downtime, or performance issues may occur.
• We welcome feedback and error reports through the Platform's correction and feedback mechanisms to help improve accuracy and functionality.

4. Eligibility and Age Restrictions

4.1 Age Requirements

The Platform contains content about violent crimes, including descriptions of murder, assault, and other serious offences. This content is intended for mature audiences aged 18 years and older. By using this Platform, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years of age.

4.2 Parental Responsibility

If you are a parent or guardian and become aware that your child has accessed this Platform without your permission, please contact us immediately. We do not knowingly collect information from individuals under 18 years of age.

5. User Conduct and Prohibited Activities

You agree to use the Platform only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You agree not to:

• Harass, threaten, intimidate, or abuse any person, including victims' families, witnesses, or persons of interest
• Post content that is hateful, discriminatory, or promotes violence
• Knowingly submit false tips, fabricated evidence, or misleading information
• Post defamatory, libelous, or slanderous content about any individual
• Publish private information about individuals without consent ("doxxing")
• Make accusations of criminal conduct against individuals not convicted of crimes
• Encourage vigilante justice or extrajudicial action
• Interfere with active police investigations
• Upload, share, or distribute AI-generated images purporting to depict real persons connected to cases
• Upload content that infringes the copyright or intellectual property rights of any third party
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to the Platform or its systems
• Use the Platform for any commercial purpose without our prior written consent
• Circumvent, disable, or otherwise interfere with security-related features of the Platform

Violation of these rules may result in immediate suspension or termination of your account, removal of your content, and, where appropriate, referral to law enforcement authorities.

6. Legal Disclaimers

6.1 Presumption of Innocence

References to "persons of interest", "suspects", "alleged perpetrators", or similar terminology do not constitute accusations of guilt. Such references reflect publicly available information from law enforcement sources and do not represent determinations by The Sleuth Collective.

6.2 Opinion and Speculation

The views, opinions, theories, and analyses expressed on this Platform — whether by the Platform, its contributors, or its community members — are those of individual contributors and do not represent factual determinations. All content should be considered opinion and speculation unless explicitly cited from official sources. No content on this Platform should be taken as an assertion of fact regarding the guilt or innocence of any person.

6.3 Public Domain Information

This Platform collates and presents information available in the public domain, including police reports, court documents, media articles, and government databases. We do not create original accusations or allegations against any individual. Where case information is presented, it is drawn from publicly available sources and is attributed where reasonably practicable.

6.3.1 Data Sources and Attribution

Case file information presented on this Platform is compiled from publicly available sources including, but not limited to, Australian federal and state government missing persons registers, state and territory police force publications, coronial findings, media reports, and other publicly accessible records. We acknowledge and respect the work of these organisations in maintaining public awareness of unsolved cases.

Where information has been sourced from specific publications or databases, we endeavour to provide appropriate attribution within individual case files through resource links and source citations. If you are a representative of an organisation whose publicly available data appears on this Platform and you have concerns regarding its use, please contact us through the Platform's support channels.

6.4 AI-Assisted Content — Accuracy and Limitations

The Sleuth Collective employs AI tools to assist with various aspects of the Platform, including but not limited to: case summaries, timeline generation, data organisation, content formatting, and analytical features. While we make every reasonable effort to review AI-assisted content for accuracy, you acknowledge and agree that:

• AI-generated or AI-assisted content may contain errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or outdated information.
• AI tools may misinterpret, misattribute, or incorrectly summarise source material.
• AI-generated content does not constitute verified fact and should not be relied upon as the sole source of information about any case, person, or event.
• We do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or currency of any AI-assisted content.
• Users should independently verify important information through official sources such as police departments, court records, and government registers.

We are committed to continuous improvement of our content accuracy and welcome corrections through the Platform's case correction feature and feedback mechanisms. Where errors are identified, we will endeavour to correct them promptly.

6.5 Community-Contributed Content — Accuracy and Responsibility

The Sleuth Collective enables registered users to contribute content including tips, evidence, photographs, case corrections, timeline entries, discussion posts, and comments. You acknowledge and agree that:

• Community-contributed content reflects the views, knowledge, and opinions of individual contributors and has not necessarily been independently verified by The Sleuth Collective.
• Contributors may make honest mistakes, hold incorrect beliefs, or submit information that is incomplete or inaccurate.
• While we employ moderation processes (including pre-publication review for certain content types), moderation does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any user-submitted content.
• The Sleuth Collective does not endorse, adopt, or take responsibility for the accuracy of community-contributed content.
• We provide correction mechanisms throughout the Platform to allow users to flag and request corrections to factual information.

If you identify any content on the Platform that you believe to be inaccurate, misleading, defamatory, or otherwise inappropriate, please use the Platform's reporting and correction features or contact us directly. We will review all reports and take appropriate action in a timely manner.

6.6 Moderation and Content Review

The Sleuth Collective employs a combination of automated tools and human moderators to review content submitted to the Platform. Our moderation processes are designed to maintain the integrity, accuracy, and respectfulness of Platform content. However, you acknowledge that:

• No moderation system is perfect, and some inaccurate, inappropriate, or harmful content may not be detected or removed immediately.
• Moderation decisions are made in good faith and to the best of our ability, but may not always reflect the views or expectations of every user.
• We reserve the right to remove, edit, or refuse to publish any content at our sole discretion, without prior notice or explanation.
• We are not obligated to monitor all content at all times, though we endeavour to maintain reasonable oversight.

6.7 No Legal or Professional Advice

Nothing on this Platform constitutes legal, investigative, or professional advice. The information provided is for general educational and informational purposes only. You should not act or refrain from acting based on any content on this Platform without seeking appropriate professional advice.

6.8 No Investigation Authority

The Sleuth Collective is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency and has no authority to investigate crimes, make arrests, or determine guilt. All tips and information about crimes should be reported directly to the appropriate authorities. If you have information about a crime, please contact your local police or Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000).

6.9 Third-Party Links and External Content

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites, resources, or services. These links are provided for convenience and reference only. We do not control, endorse, or assume responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites. Accessing third-party links is at your own risk.

7. User-Generated Content and Intellectual Property

7.1 Your Content

By submitting content to the Platform (including tips, evidence, photographs, comments, discussion posts, case corrections, and any other materials), you:

• Represent and warrant that you own or have the necessary rights, licences, and permissions to submit such content.
• Represent and warrant that your content does not infringe the intellectual property rights, privacy rights, or any other rights of any third party.
• Represent and warrant that your content is not defamatory, misleading, deceptive, unlawful, or in breach of these Terms.
• Grant The Sleuth Collective a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable licence to use, reproduce, modify, display, distribute, and store your content in connection with the operation and promotion of the Platform.
• Acknowledge that your content may be subject to moderation and may be edited, removed, or refused publication at our discretion.

7.2 Photo and Media Uploads

When uploading photographs or other media to the Platform, you additionally acknowledge and agree that:

• You are solely responsible for ensuring you have the legal right to upload and share the content.
• You must not upload AI-generated images purporting to depict real persons.
• All uploaded photographs must be authentic and accurately represent what they claim to depict.
• You accept full legal responsibility for any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from your uploaded content, including but not limited to claims of defamation, breach of privacy, or copyright infringement.
• Uploaded media may be subject to moderation approval before being publicly displayed.

7.3 Platform Content

All content created by The Sleuth Collective (including but not limited to case summaries, website design, logos, graphics, and software) is the intellectual property of The Sleuth Collective and is protected by Australian and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from Platform content without our prior written consent.

8. Defamation and Content Complaints

8.1 Our Commitment

The Sleuth Collective takes defamation concerns seriously. We are committed to ensuring that content on the Platform does not unlawfully defame any person. We maintain active moderation processes and provide multiple avenues for reporting concerns.

8.2 Complaints and Takedown Procedure

If you believe that any content on the Platform is defamatory, infringes your rights, or is otherwise unlawful, you may submit a complaint through the Platform's contact and reporting mechanisms. Your complaint should include:

• A clear identification of the content you believe is problematic, including the URL or location on the Platform.
• An explanation of why you believe the content is defamatory, infringing, or unlawful.
• Your full name and contact details.
• A statement that you have a good faith belief that the content should be removed or corrected.

We will review all complaints promptly and take appropriate action, which may include removing or modifying the content, contacting the contributor, or seeking legal advice. We aim to respond to complaints within 5 business days.

8.3 Concerns Notice Under Australian Defamation Law

If you wish to issue a formal concerns notice under Australian uniform defamation legislation, please send it to us through the Platform's contact channels. We will handle all concerns notices in accordance with the applicable defamation laws of the relevant Australian state or territory.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless The Sleuth Collective, its owners, operators, officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or in connection with:

• Your use of the Platform or any content you submit, post, or share on the Platform.
• Your violation of these Terms or any applicable law.
• Your infringement of any intellectual property, privacy, or other rights of any third party.
• Any defamatory, misleading, or unlawful content you submit to the Platform.
• Any claim by a third party arising from your uploaded photographs, media, tips, evidence, or other contributions.

This indemnification obligation survives the termination of your account and these Terms.

10. Indigenous Cultural Sensitivity

10.1 Cultural Sensitivity Warning

In some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, viewing images, hearing voices, or seeing names of deceased persons may cause sadness, distress, or offend against cultural prohibitions. The Sleuth Collective acknowledges these cultural protocols and provides this warning to enable users to make informed decisions about their engagement with the Platform.

We recognise that cultural sensitivities regarding deceased persons vary across different Indigenous communities and may depend on factors including age, initiation status, ceremonial status, clan relationships, and family connections. Users are encouraged to exercise their own cultural judgment when engaging with content on this Platform.

10.2 Our Commitment to Cultural Respect

The Sleuth Collective is committed to presenting information about cases involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons with cultural sensitivity and respect. This commitment includes:

• Providing prominent warnings before users encounter images, voices, or names of deceased persons.
• Respecting the dignity and privacy of deceased persons and their families.
• Acknowledging that certain cases may be sensitive to particular Indigenous communities.
• Responding promptly and respectfully to concerns raised by Indigenous community members regarding the presentation of case information.
• Considering the removal or modification of content at the request of affected Indigenous communities where legally and ethically appropriate.

10.3 Community Engagement and Feedback

If you are a member of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community and have concerns about the presentation of information on this Platform, or if you believe that content should be removed or modified out of respect for cultural protocols, please contact us through the Platform's support channels. We will review all concerns and engage respectfully with community members to address legitimate cultural sensitivities.

10.4 Acknowledgement of Protocols

The Sleuth Collective acknowledges the protocols and guidelines established by Indigenous communities, institutions, and organisations, including but not limited to the ATSILIRN (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Librarians' Network) Protocols and the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research. We are committed to evolving our practices in line with best-practice standards for Indigenous cultural respect.

11. Sensitive Content and Emotional Distress

By using this Platform, you acknowledge that:

• The content may be confronting, distressing, or triggering, particularly for victims, families of victims, and individuals with lived experience of crime or trauma.
• You access this content voluntarily and at your own risk.
• The Sleuth Collective is not liable for any emotional distress, psychological harm, or other adverse effects arising from your use of the Platform.
• If you are experiencing distress, we strongly encourage you to contact the support services listed below.

12. Support Resources

If you are experiencing distress, mental health concerns, or need to report information about crimes, please contact:

13. Account Termination and Suspension

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account and access to the Platform at any time, with or without notice, for any reason, including but not limited to:

• Violation of these Terms or any applicable law.
• Posting defamatory, harmful, or prohibited content.
• Repeated submission of inaccurate or misleading information.
• Harassment of other users, victims' families, or any person.
• Conduct that, in our sole judgement, is harmful to the Platform, its users, or the integrity of case information.

Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately. Provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination (including indemnification, limitation of liability, and intellectual property provisions) shall survive.

14. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING THE AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER LAW:

• THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.
• THE SLEUTH COLLECTIVE DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE PLATFORM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, SECURE, OR FREE FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS.
• THE SLEUTH COLLECTIVE DOES NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, RELIABILITY, OR CURRENCY OF ANY CONTENT ON THE PLATFORM, WHETHER GENERATED BY AI, SOURCED FROM PUBLIC RECORDS, OR CONTRIBUTED BY COMMUNITY MEMBERS.
• THE SLEUTH COLLECTIVE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE PLATFORM.
• THE SLEUTH COLLECTIVE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE ACTIONS, OMISSIONS, OR CONTENT OF THIRD PARTIES, INCLUDING OTHER USERS OF THE PLATFORM.

To the extent permitted by law, our total aggregate liability to you for all claims arising out of or relating to the use of the Platform shall not exceed the amount you have paid to us in the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the event giving rise to the claim, or AUD $100, whichever is greater.

15. Consumer Rights Under Australian Law

15.1 Consumer Guarantees

Under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), you have certain rights when purchasing services from us. These consumer guarantees include that our services will be:

• Provided with due care and skill
• Fit for any specified purpose
• Provided within a reasonable time (when no time is specified)

Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any consumer guarantee, right, or remedy conferred on you by the ACL or any other applicable law that cannot be excluded, restricted, or modified by agreement.

15.2 Remedies

If our services fail to meet a consumer guarantee under the Australian Consumer Law, you may be entitled to a remedy depending on whether the failure is major or minor.

Major Failures: For a major failure, you can choose to cancel the service and receive a refund for the unused portion, or keep the service and receive compensation for the reduction in value.

Minor Failures: For a minor failure, we will remedy the issue within a reasonable time. If we fail to do so, you may be entitled to further remedies as provided under the ACL.

How to Request a Remedy: To request a remedy under the Australian Consumer Law, please contact us through the Platform's contact form or support channels. We will respond within 5 business days.

15.3 Subscription and Cancellation Terms

Subscription Periods: Paid memberships are offered on monthly or annual subscription terms as displayed at the time of purchase.

Auto-Renewal: Subscriptions automatically renew at the end of each billing period unless cancelled. You will be charged the then-current subscription fee at renewal.

How to Cancel: You may cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings or by contacting us. Cancellation will take effect at the end of your current billing period, and you will retain access to paid features until that date.

Mid-Cycle Cancellation: If you cancel mid-cycle, your access continues until the end of your current billing period. No further charges will be applied.

15.4 Payment Terms

Currency: All prices are displayed and charged in Australian Dollars (AUD) unless otherwise specified.

Payment Methods: We accept major credit cards and other payment methods as displayed at checkout. Payment is processed securely through our third-party payment provider (Stripe).

Payment Timing: For subscriptions, payment is taken immediately upon signup and then at the start of each renewal period.

Failed Payments: If a payment fails, we may retry the payment or suspend your access until payment is successfully processed. We will notify you of any payment issues.

15.5 Founding Member Lifetime Access — Definition and Scope

The Sleuth Collective offers a Founding Member tier, which provides access to the Platform's premium features in exchange for a one-time payment of AUD $200 (or such other amount as displayed at the time of purchase). By purchasing a Founding Member membership, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms:

(a) Definition of "Lifetime": The term "Lifetime Access" (or "lifetime membership") refers exclusively to access for the operational life of the Platform — that is, the period during which The Sleuth Collective continues to operate and provide its services. It does not mean the natural lifetime of the member, nor does it guarantee perpetual or indefinite access regardless of circumstances.

(b) Platform Discontinuation: If The Sleuth Collective ceases to operate, is permanently discontinued, is wound up, or otherwise permanently ceases providing its services (whether voluntarily, due to insolvency, or for any other reason), your Founding Member access will end upon the date of discontinuation. The Sleuth Collective will endeavour to provide members with no less than thirty (30) days' written notice prior to any planned permanent discontinuation of the Platform.

(c) No Refund Upon Discontinuation: You acknowledge and agree that the one-time Founding Member fee purchases access to the Platform's premium features for the duration the Platform remains operational. The fee is consideration for access provided from the date of purchase until the date the Platform ceases to operate. In the event the Platform is permanently discontinued, no refund, partial refund, or credit of the Founding Member fee (or any portion thereof) will be payable, as the service will have been fully provided for the period of the Platform's operation. You accept that The Sleuth Collective's liability to you does not extend beyond the operational life of the Platform.

(d) Value Acknowledgement: You acknowledge that by purchasing a Founding Member membership, you have received value from the date of purchase in the form of access to premium features, and that the longer the Platform operates, the greater the value received. You accept the inherent risk that the Platform may cease operations at any future point, and that this risk was factored into your purchase decision.

(e) Consumer Guarantees Preserved: Nothing in this clause excludes, restricts, or modifies any consumer guarantee, right, or remedy conferred on you by the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)) that cannot be excluded, restricted, or modified by agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, while the Platform remains operational, you retain all rights under the consumer guarantees, including the right to a remedy if the service fails to meet the guarantees of due care and skill, fitness for purpose, or supply within a reasonable time.

(f) Temporary Interruptions Distinguished: This clause applies only to the permanent discontinuation of the Platform. Temporary outages, scheduled maintenance, feature changes, or service interruptions do not constitute discontinuation and are not grounds for termination of your Founding Member access.

(g) Transfer and Assignment: Founding Member access is personal to the account holder and is non-transferable, non-assignable, and non-refundable except as required by law. In the event the Platform is acquired by or transferred to a successor entity, we will use reasonable endeavours to ensure your Founding Member access is honoured by the successor.

16. Privacy and Data Protection

Your use of the Platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which describes how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information. By using the Platform, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in our Privacy Policy.

Given the sensitive nature of the content on this Platform, we take additional care to:

• Protect the privacy and dignity of crime victims and their families.
• Not publish private information about individuals that is not already in the public domain.
• Respond promptly to requests from individuals to remove personal information where appropriate.
• Comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and applicable Australian Privacy Principles.

17. Dispute Resolution

In the event of any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms or your use of the Platform, the parties agree to first attempt to resolve the dispute through good faith negotiation. If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation within 30 days, either party may refer the dispute to mediation administered by the Resolution Institute (or its successor body) in Queensland, Australia.

Nothing in this clause prevents either party from seeking urgent interlocutory relief from a court of competent jurisdiction.

18. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid or unenforceable provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable while preserving its original intent.

19. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other policies referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and The Sleuth Collective regarding your use of the Platform. These Terms supersede all prior agreements, understandings, and representations, whether written or oral.

20. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Queensland, Australia. You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Queensland for resolution of any disputes, subject to the dispute resolution procedure set out in Section 17.

21. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, complaints, or wish to submit a formal concerns notice about these Terms or any content on the Platform, please contact us through the Platform's support channels.

For urgent matters relating to defamation, privacy, or content removal requests, please clearly mark your correspondence as "URGENT — Legal Matter" to ensure prompt attention.