# Compliance & Legal

## Overview for Data Buyers

As a data buyer on Opendatabay, it's important to understand your rights, responsibilities, and the legal framework governing data purchases. This page provides a summary of key compliance and legal considerations. For complete terms, please refer to our [full legal documentation](https://www.opendatabay.com/legal).

## Your Rights as a Data Buyer

### Data Quality and Accuracy

Data providers on Opendatabay are responsible for ensuring that:

* All datasets are accurate, complete, and lawful
* Datasets match their descriptions
* Any known limitations or biases are disclosed
* Data format and structure align with documentation

### Data Provider Verification

Opendatabay requires data providers to:

* Be the original creator or have obtained necessary rights to sell the data
* Collect data through legal and ethical means
* Maintain proper records of data collection methods
* Have authority to grant the licenses specified in listings

### Prohibited Data Types

The following data types are **strictly prohibited** on Opendatabay:

**Personal Information:**

* Personally Identifiable Information (PII) without proper anonymisation
* Email addresses, phone numbers, or contact databases
* Social security numbers, government IDs
* Medical records with PII
* Financial information or credit card data

**Restricted Sources:**

* Data obtained without explicit consent
* Scraped data violating terms of service
* Stolen or illegally obtained datasets
* Data under non-disclosure agreements

**Harmful Content:**

* Malicious code, malware, or viruses
* Content promoting illegal activities
* Discriminatory or hate-related content
* Fraudulent or misleading data
* Adult content or explicit material

## Your Responsibilities

### Due Diligence

As a data buyer, you should:

* Review dataset descriptions and documentation carefully
* Verify that the data meets your specific requirements
* Ensure your intended use complies with applicable laws
* Report any suspected violations to Opendatabay

### Compliance with Laws

You are responsible for ensuring your use of purchased data complies with:

* **GDPR** (for EU-related data)
* **CCPA** (for California-related data)
* **Sector-specific regulations** (HIPAA, FERPA, etc.)
* **Local data protection laws** in your jurisdiction
* **AI-specific regulations** (EU AI Act, export controls) where applicable

### License Terms

Each dataset purchase includes specific licensing terms that govern:

* Permitted uses (training, analytics, commercial use, etc.)
* Redistribution rights
* Attribution requirements
* Duration of access

**Review license terms carefully before purchase.** See our [AI Licensing Overview](https://github.com/Opendatabay/Docs/blob/main/for-data-buyers/link-to-ai-licensing-overview/README.md) for AI training-specific licenses.

## Platform Guarantees and Limitations

### What Opendatabay Provides

* A marketplace connecting data buyers and sellers
* Platform for secure transactions
* Basic verification of data provider accounts
* Support for dispute resolution

### What Opendatabay Does NOT Guarantee

* Accuracy, completeness, or suitability of datasets for specific purposes
* That datasets are error-free or will meet your requirements
* Specific outcomes or performance results from data use
* Third-party content or linked external sources

**Important:** Data licenses are granted **directly by data providers**, not by Opendatabay. We act as the conduit, not the licensor.

### Limitation of Liability

* Information and materials are provided "as is" without warranty
* You use datasets entirely at your own risk
* Opendatabay is not liable for inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law
* Your responsibility to verify that datasets meet your specific requirements

## Reporting Issues

### If You Encounter Problems

Report the following issues immediately to <support@opendatabay.com>:

* Dataset contains prohibited data types (PII, malicious code, etc.)
* Data quality significantly differs from description
* Suspected intellectual property violations
* Privacy law violations
* Fraudulent or misleading listings

### Dispute Resolution

If disputes arise between you and a data provider:

* Contact Opendatabay support for assistance
* Opendatabay acts as a neutral intermediary
* Refunds may be considered based on terms of service
* Legal disputes are subject to England and Wales law

## Key Terms Summary

| Term                    | What It Means                                        |
| ----------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| **Data Provider**       | Individual or entity selling data on the platform    |
| **Data Consumer/Buyer** | You - the entity purchasing and using data           |
| **Listing**             | Dataset available for purchase on the marketplace    |
| **License**             | Legal agreement governing your use of purchased data |

## Privacy and Data Protection

### Platform Privacy

* Opendatabay uses cookies to monitor browsing preferences
* Your account and transaction information is stored securely
* We may contact you regarding platform updates and operational matters
* Opt-out options available for non-essential communications

### GDPR Compliance

* Data providers must comply with GDPR for EU-related datasets
* Users of Opendatabay have rights to access, rectify, and request to delete personal account data
* Contact our Data Protection Officer for privacy concerns

## Governing Law

All marketplace use and disputes are subject to the laws of **England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales**.

Disputes will be resolved in accordance with UK jurisdiction.

## Updates to Terms

Opendatabay reserves the right to update terms at any time. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of modifications. Data buyers will be notified of significant changes at least 30 days in advance.

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## Full Legal Documentation

For complete terms and conditions, please review:

* [**Platform Terms of Service**](https://www.opendatabay.com/legal/terms) - General marketplace usage terms
* [**Data Provider Rights and Responsibilities**](https://www.opendatabay.com/legal/right) - What sellers must guarantee
* [**Listing Requirements**](https://www.opendatabay.com/legal/listing) - Dataset quality standards
* [**Platform Fees**](https://www.opendatabay.com/legal/fees) - Commission structure and payment terms
* [**AI Training Licenses**](https://github.com/Opendatabay/Docs/blob/main/for-data-buyers/link-to-ai-licensing-overview/README.md) - Specialised licenses for AI use cases

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## Need Help?

For compliance questions, legal clarifications, or to report violations:

**Email:** <support@opendatabay.com>

**Registered Office:**\
Opendatabay Ltd\
7 Hungate, Beccles\
NR349TT, United Kingdom\
Company Registration: 15711573 (England and Wales)

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**Last Updated:** December 31, 2025

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