Introduction

Welcome to the Lankasri News Panel. This platform offers a unique opportunity for individuals to share news and insights, contributing to a diverse and informed community. To ensure a positive and responsible environment, we have established these Terms of Use and User Policy.

Our platform is designed to empower users to publish and share news content, but with this power comes responsibility. The Terms of Use and User Policy outlined here govern your participation on the Lankasri News Panel. They are essential for maintaining the quality, legality, and integrity of the content shared, as well as the safety and privacy of all our users.

Key Aspects of the Policy:

1. User Registration and KYC: We implement a Know Your Customer (KYC) process to verify the identities of our contributors, ensuring a trustworthy community.
2. Content Ownership and Responsibility: Users are required to only post content they own or have rights to, and they are solely responsible for the content they publish.
3. Originality and Prohibition of Plagiarism: We champion original content and strictly prohibit plagiarism.
4. User Conduct and Compliance: We expect all users to adhere to high ethical standards in their interactions and content contributions.
5. Privacy and Data Security: We are committed to protecting the personal information of our users and ensuring the security of their data.

By registering and participating in the Lankasri News Panel, you agree to these terms, which are designed to protect both you and the community at large. We encourage you to read these policies carefully to understand your rights and responsibilities as a member of the Lankasri community.

User Registration and Verification

The Lankasri News Panel requires a robust and secure user registration and verification process to maintain the integrity and trustworthiness of our platform. This section outlines the steps and requirements for user registration and our Know Your Customer (KYC) policy.

User Registration Process

• Sign-Up: Users must create an account by providing essential information such as their name, email address, and a secure password.
• Profile Information: Additional details, including contact information and a brief bio, may be requested to create a user profile.

KYC Verification

• Purpose: The KYC process is crucial for validating the identity of our users. This step is essential to prevent fraudulent activities and ensure the credibility of the content shared.
• Documentation: Users are required to submit valid government-issued identification (such as a passport, national ID card, or driver’s licence). In some cases, additional documents, like utility bills or bank statements, may be requested for address verification.
• Process: The submitted documents will be reviewed for authenticity. Users may also undergo a verification interview or additional checks if deemed necessary.
• Data Privacy: All personal information and documents provided will be handled with strict confidentiality and security. We are committed to protecting your data in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable laws.

Account Activation

• Confirmation: Once the KYC process is successfully completed, the user's account will be activated, granting access to publish and interact on the platform.
• Rejection and Appeals: In cases where the KYC process fails, the user will be informed of the reasons for rejection. A process for appealing or re-submitting documents will be available.

Ongoing Verification

• Periodic Reviews: Lankasri may conduct periodic reviews to ensure continued compliance with KYC requirements.
• Updates to Information: Users are responsible for updating their personal information and documents in case of any changes.

Compliance and Reporting

• Legal Compliance: Our KYC process is designed to be compliant with local and international regulations.
• Suspicious Activities: Users are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or concerns regarding other users. Lankasri reserves the right to take necessary actions based on these reports.

By completing the registration and KYC process, users affirm their commitment to uphold the integrity of the Lankasri News Panel and its community. This process is a critical step in building a trustworthy and secure platform for all users.

Content Ownership and Responsibility

The Lankasri News Panel is committed to fostering a platform where content integrity and ownership are paramount. This section outlines the policies regarding content ownership and the responsibilities of users in relation to the content they publish on our platform.

Ownership of Content

• User Responsibility: Users are solely responsible for ensuring they have all necessary rights, licences, consents, and permissions to publish the content they submit to the Lankasri News Panel.
• Originality: Content must be original and created by the user. Republishing content from other sources, unless the user has explicit rights to do so, is strictly prohibited.
• Attribution: If the content includes any third-party material (like quotes, images, or data), proper attribution must be given, and it must be used in accordance with any applicable licences.

Content Authenticity and Accuracy

• Factual Content: Users must take all reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the news and information they publish.
• Corrections and Retractions: If a user discovers that their published content contains errors or inaccuracies, they should promptly correct or retract the content and notify the audience as appropriate.

Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

• Compliance with Laws: All content must comply with applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to those concerning libel, slander, defamation, and intellectual property rights.
• Prohibited Content: Content that is illegal, offensive, defamatory, infringing on others' rights, or promoting hate speech, violence, or discrimination is strictly forbidden.

Responsibility for Consequences

• Liability: Users are liable for any legal or regulatory consequences resulting from the violation of these content policies.
• Disputes: In the event of disputes regarding content ownership or rights, users may be required to provide additional documentation or clarification.

Reporting and Enforcement

• Monitoring: While Lankasri may not monitor content proactively, we reserve the right to review content based on user reports or legal obligations.
• Violation of Policy: In cases where content is found to be in violation of these terms, Lankasri reserves the right to take appropriate actions, including but not limited to the removal of content, suspension of user accounts, or legal action.

User Declaration

• Agreement to Terms: By submitting content to the Lankasri News Panel, users agree to these terms and affirm that they hold all necessary rights to the content they publish.

Originality and Plagiarism

At Lankasri News Panel, we prioritise originality and intellectual integrity in all published content. This section of our policy is dedicated to outlining our stance on originality and our zero-tolerance approach towards plagiarism.

Commitment to Original Content

• Definition of Originality: Content published on Lankasri should be the original work of the user. It should not be copied or substantially derived from existing sources without proper authorization or attribution.
• Creative Expression: Users are encouraged to express their unique perspectives and insights, ensuring their content is not only original but also adds value to our readers.

Prohibition of Plagiarism

• Definition of Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own without proper acknowledgement. This includes copying text, images, videos, or any other type of content without permission and/or adequate citation.
• Consequences: Any instance of plagiarism will be taken seriously. Violating this policy can result in content removal, account suspension, or even legal action, depending on the severity of the infringement.

Measures to Prevent Plagiarism

• Plagiarism checks: Lankasri may use plagiarism detection tools to screen content for originality before publication.
• User Vigilance: While we perform checks, the responsibility also lies with the user to ensure that their content is original and properly cited.

Guidelines for Using External Sources

• Citations and References: When using direct quotes, data, images, or ideas from external sources, users must provide proper attribution and references.
• Fair Use and Permissions: Users should understand and adhere to fair use principles. If content falls outside of fair use, users must obtain permission from the copyright holder.

User Declaration

• Acknowledgement of Policy: By submitting content to Lankasri, users acknowledge their understanding of and commitment to our originality and plagiarism policy.

Reporting Plagiarism

• Community Responsibility: Users are encouraged to report suspected plagiarism to Lankasri administrators for further investigation.
• Review Process: Upon receiving a plagiarism report, Lankasri will conduct a thorough review and take appropriate actions as necessary.

This policy is integral to maintaining the credibility and integrity of the Lankasri News Panel. We depend on our contributors to uphold these standards and help us foster a platform built on trust, originality, and intellectual honesty.

Content Standards and Guidelines

The Lankasri News Panel is dedicated to upholding high standards for the content shared on our platform. This section outlines the guidelines that all users must follow to ensure that their contributions are appropriate, respectful, and valuable to our community.

Types of Acceptable Content

• News and Information: Articles, reports, and news updates that are timely, factual, and relevant.
• Opinion Pieces: well-argued and respectful opinion articles on current events, policies, or societal issues.
• Educational Content: Informative pieces that educate and enlighten the audience on various topics

Quality and Presentation Standards

• Accuracy: All factual statements must be verifiable. Users should strive for accuracy and honesty in their reporting and analysis.
• Clarity and Coherence: Content should be well-written, clear, and logical. Proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation are expected.
• Formatting: Adherence to any specified formatting guidelines, such as article length, paragraph structure, and use of multimedia.

Prohibited Content

• Illegal Content: Any content that promotes, depicts, or encourages illegal activities.
• Hate Speech and Discrimination: Content that promotes hatred, violence, or discrimination against individuals or groups based on race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or age.
• Harassment and bullying: No form of harassment, bullying, or targeting of individuals or groups is tolerated.
• Misinformation and Fake News: Spreading false or misleading information is strictly prohibited.
• Obscene or offensive material: content that is pornographic, excessively violent, or offensive in nature.

Ethical Considerations

• Conflicts of Interest: Users must disclose any conflicts of interest related to their content.
• Respect for Privacy: Respect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals. Avoid sharing personal or sensitive information without consent.

User-Generated Content

• Moderation: User-generated content may be subject to review and moderation to ensure compliance with these standards.
• Feedback and Revisions: Users may be asked to revise their content to meet these guidelines before publication.

Responsibility and Liability

• User Accountability: Users are accountable for the content they publish. Violating these guidelines can result in content removal, account suspension, or other actions.

Updating Guidelines

• Dynamic Standards: These guidelines may be updated periodically to reflect changing norms and regulations. Users are expected to stay informed of any changes.

By adhering to these content standards and guidelines, users contribute to a respectful, informative, and engaging community on the Lankasri News Panel. It is through these shared standards that we can ensure a high-quality experience for all users and readers.

User Conduct

The Lankasri News Panel is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and engaging community. This section outlines the expected conduct for all users participating on our platform to ensure a positive and productive environment.

Respect and Professionalism

• Civility: Users must interact with others on the platform in a respectful and courteous manner.
• Professionalism: Engage in discussions and debates professionally without resorting to personal attacks or derogatory language.

Ethical Behaviour

• Honesty and Integrity: Users should conduct themselves with honesty and integrity, avoiding any form of deceptive or unethical behaviour.
• Transparency: Be transparent about your intentions and avoid misrepresenting your identity or affiliations.

Respect for Diversity and Inclusivity

• Inclusiveness: Embrace diversity and inclusivity, respecting people from all backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.
• Non-Discrimination: Avoid any content or behaviour that discriminates against individuals or groups based on factors such as race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or age.

Community Engagement

• Constructive Participation: Contribute positively to discussions, offering constructive criticism and feedback.
• Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment where diverse opinions are welcomed and valued.

Compliance with Platform Rules

• Adherence to Policies: Users must comply with all Lankasri News Panel policies, including content guidelines and privacy rules.
• Reporting Violations: Users are encouraged to report any violations of these conduct guidelines or other platform policies.

Conflict Resolution

• Addressing Disputes: In cases of disputes or disagreements with other users, attempt to resolve the issue amicably and respectfully.
• Seeking Assistance: If a resolution cannot be reached, users should seek assistance from Lankasri moderators or administrators.

Accountability for Actions

• Responsibility for Conduct: Users are responsible for their actions on the platform and will be held accountable for any violations of these conduct guidelines.
• Consequences of Misconduct: Engaging in prohibited conduct may result in actions such as content removal, account suspension, or other appropriate measures.

Continuous Improvement

• Feedback and Self-Reflection: Users are encouraged to provide feedback on the platform and reflect on their own behaviour to continuously improve the community experience.

By adhering to these conduct guidelines, users help ensure that the Lankasri News Panel remains a safe, respectful, and vibrant community for all. It is through collective adherence to these standards that we can foster a positive and enriching environment for sharing news, opinions, and insights.

Monitoring and Compliance

To maintain the integrity and quality of the Lankasri News Panel, we implement a monitoring and compliance framework. This section outlines our approach to ensuring adherence to our platform’s policies and standards.

Content Monitoring

• Regular Reviews: Content posted on Lankasri may be subject to regular review to ensure it adheres to our content standards and guidelines.
• Automated Systems: We may use automated tools and algorithms to help identify potential policy violations, such as plagiarism, prohibited content, or hate speech.
• User Reports: User contributions to monitoring content are invaluable. We encourage users to report any content they believe violates our guidelines.

Compliance Checks

• User Behaviour: Monitoring extends to user behaviour and interactions on the platform to ensure adherence to our conduct guidelines.
• KYC Verification: Continued compliance with our Know Your Customer (KYC) process is vital for maintaining user account validity.

Handling Policy Violations

• Immediate Action: In cases of severe violations, immediate action may be taken, such as content removal or user account suspension.
• Review Process: When a potential violation is identified, a thorough review process is initiated. This may involve reaching out to the user for clarification or additional information.
• Consequences: Depending on the severity and nature of the violation, consequences may include warnings, content modification or deletion, temporary suspension, or permanent banning from the platform.

Dispute Resolution

• Fair Hearings: Users have the right to a fair hearing in case of a dispute over content or behaviour. This may involve presenting their case or providing additional evidence or context.
• Appeal Process: Users can appeal decisions made by the platform moderators or administrators, following a defined procedure.

Transparency and Reporting

• Policy Updates: Any changes to our monitoring and compliance policies will be communicated to users in a timely and transparent manner.
• Compliance Reports: Regular reports on compliance and monitoring activities may be published to maintain transparency with our user community.

User Cooperation

• User Responsibility: Users are expected to cooperate with monitoring and compliance efforts and comply with requests from Lankasri administrators or moderators.
• Feedback and Suggestions: User feedback on the monitoring and compliance process is welcome, as it helps us improve and adapt our practices.

Legal Compliance

• Adherence to laws: Our monitoring and compliance procedures are designed to be in line with local and international legal standards and regulations.
• Collaboration with Authorities: If necessary, we may collaborate with legal authorities in cases involving illegal activities or law enforcement requests.

This monitoring and compliance framework is essential for maintaining a safe, respectful, and legally compliant environment on the Lankasri News Panel. It reflects our commitment to upholding high standards and ensuring a positive experience for all users.

Liability and Indemnification

The Liability and Indemnification section of our policy is crucial in defining the legal responsibilities and protections for both the users and the Lankasri News Panel. It outlines the extent of liability for content posted on the platform and the indemnification provisions that users agree to by participating on the site.

User Liability

• Content Responsibility: Users are solely responsible for the content they post on Lankasri. This includes ensuring the accuracy, legality, and appropriateness of the content.
• Legal Consequences: Users accept that they may be held legally accountable for any content that violates laws or infringes on the rights of others, including intellectual property, privacy, and defamation laws.
• Direct and indirect damages: Users acknowledge that they are responsible for any direct or indirect consequences that arise from their use of the platform.

Indemnification by Users

• Scope of Indemnification: Users agree to indemnify and hold harmless Lankasri, its affiliates, officers, agents, and employees from any claim, demand, loss, liability, or expense, including legal fees, arising out of or related to their use of the platform, their content, or their violation of these terms.
• Defence and Settlement: Users agree to cooperate with Lankasri in the defence of any matter for which they are required to indemnify Lankasri.

Limitation of Liability for Lankasri

• Platform Liability: Lankasri, its affiliates, officers, agents, and employees will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including loss of profits, data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses, resulting from (i) user access to or use of or inability to access or use the platform; (ii) any conduct or content of any third party on the platform; (iii) any content obtained from the platform; and (iv) unauthorised access, use, or alteration of user transmissions or content.
• Jurisdictional Variations: The liability of Lankasri may be limited as per the laws of the jurisdiction in which it operates.

Exceptions and Limitations

• Jurisdictional Compliance: The above limitations of liability and indemnification may not apply as prohibited by law. Users should be aware of the legal framework in their jurisdiction.
• Intent and Gross Negligence: Nothing in this agreement excludes or limits liability for gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or anything else that cannot be excluded or limited by law.

User Acknowledgment

• Acceptance of Terms: By using Lankasri, users acknowledge and agree to these liability and indemnification terms.
• Review by Legal Counsel: Users are advised to review these terms with legal counsel to understand their rights and obligations.

This section is vital for protecting the platform and its users against potential legal issues and clarifying the extent of responsibility borne by each party. It ensures that users are aware of their legal obligations and the platform's limitations on liability.

Intellectual Property

The Intellectual Property section of our policy is designed to protect and respect the rights of creators and rights holders. This section outlines the guidelines regarding the use and ownership of intellectual property (IP) on the Lankasri News Panel.

Respect for Intellectual Property Rights

• Compliance with IP Laws: Users must ensure that their content does not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others. This includes respecting copyrights, trademarks, patents, and other forms of intellectual property.
• Use of Third-Party Content: When using third-party content, users are responsible for obtaining the necessary permissions and for providing appropriate attribution.

User Content Ownership

• Ownership Retained by Users: Users retain ownership of the intellectual property rights to the content they submit to the platform.
• Licence to Lankasri: By posting content on Lankasri, users grant the platform a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free licence (with the right to sublicense) to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, publicly perform, and display such content in connection with the platform's operation.

Protection of User IP

• User Responsibilities: Users should take appropriate steps to protect their intellectual property rights, as Lankasri is not responsible for monitoring or policing IP infringements by third parties.
• Reporting Infringements: Users are encouraged to report any suspected intellectual property infringements on the platform for appropriate action.

Content Removal for IP Violations

• IP Infringement Claims: Upon receiving a legitimate intellectual property infringement claim, Lankasri may remove or disable access to the infringing content.
• Notification of Removal: Users will be notified if their content is removed due to an IP infringement claim and will be provided with information on how to contest the claim.

Disclaimer

• No Endorsement of User Content: Lankasri does not endorse any user content or any opinion, recommendation, or advice expressed therein and expressly disclaims any and all liability in connection with user content.
• No Responsibility for Third-Party IP Infringements: Lankasri is not responsible for the misuse of any intellectual property rights by third parties on the platform.

Acknowledgement and Agreement

• User Agreement: By using the Lankasri News Panel, users acknowledge and agree to respect the intellectual property rights of others and to be responsible for any IP-related issues arising from their content.

This intellectual property policy plays a crucial role in fostering a creative, respectful, and legally compliant environment in Lankasri. It ensures that the rights of creators and rights holders are protected while enabling users to share and express their work responsibly.

Contact and Support

You may contact us via email for any queries at all. We review all the communications we receive. Unfortunately, due to the large amount of correspondence we receive, we only respond to emails when there is a need.

News: news@lankasri.com

You may send news articles to this email. Please refer to our process and guidelines before submitting any articles. News should be in email or Microsoft Word format and not in a PDF file. Any photos should be attached as separate files in the email and should not be pasted inside the article body. Our news team will review the content you submitted and publish it if it is appropriate. Please note that we will not send an email to confirm that the article has been accepted or rejected. You must check the web platform regularly to see if your content has been published.

Submit media: media@lankasri.com

You may submit any photos or videos to be published to this email. They can be sent as attachments in the email. Do not include the images inside a Word document or email body. Please note that we will not send an email to confirm that the media has been accepted or rejected. You must check on the web platform regularly to see if your content has been published.

News Complaints:

If you want to complain about a piece we have published on our network, please use the ‘report us’ link found at the top of every article to report the errors. Lankasri is a platform run by a community of registered authors. Lankasri does not monitor every article that is published by its users. Therefore, only when you report an error will our team investigate and take the appropriate action. This will ensure that Lankasri is a safe and relevant platform for Tamil audiences worldwide.

Legal Complaints: legal@lankasri.com

You may send any legal inquiries to this email. However, please note that the news content on our platform is not our responsibility. Registered users submit their content after agreeing to bear full responsibility for their submissions. If a registered user is deemed to be violating any community standards, immediate action will be taken by suspending the user or taking additional actions.

Additional Provisions

The Additional Provisions section is designed to address specific aspects and unique scenarios that may not be fully covered in the standard policy sections. This part of the policy includes various clauses and stipulations that provide further clarity and guidance to users of the Lankasri News Panel.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

• Specific Jurisdictions: The laws of Sri Lanka and India are specified as the governing laws for the terms and conditions of the Lankasri News Panel. This choice reflects the platform's operation and significant user base in these countries.
• Application: These laws will apply to all matters concerning the use of the platform, including but not limited to the interpretation, enforcement, and disputes arising from the terms of service.

Compliance with Governing Law

• Adherence to Legal Standards: Lankasri commits to operating in compliance with the laws of Sri Lanka and India. This includes any overlapping or distinct legal requirements of each country.
• User Responsibility: Similarly, users of the platform, irrespective of their location, are expected to adhere to the laws of Sri Lanka and India in their interactions and content sharing on Lankasri.

Jurisdiction for Disputes

• Dispute Resolution Location: The section should specify that any legal disputes or proceedings arising from the use of the Lankasri News Panel will be subject to the jurisdiction of the competent courts in Sri Lanka and India.
• Determination of Jurisdiction: In cases of disputes, the appropriate jurisdiction will be determined based on the nature of the dispute and the locations of the involved parties.

Legal Proceedings and Enforcement

• Legal Actions: The clause should outline the process and location for initiating legal proceedings related to the terms of service.
• Enforcement of Judgments: It should also cover the enforcement of judgements, considering the legal frameworks of both Sri Lanka and India.

User Acknowledgment

• Acceptance of Jurisdiction: Users must acknowledge and agree to the application of Sri Lankan and Indian laws and the jurisdiction of their courts for any disputes arising from their use of Lankasri.

This dual-jurisdiction approach in the Governing Law and Jurisdiction section is crucial for a platform like Lankasri that operates across multiple legal territories. It ensures legal clarity and provides a framework for resolving disputes, offering protection and predictability to both the platform and its users.

Severability

• Validity of Terms: In the event that any part of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms will continue to be in effect.
• Adjustments to Invalid Terms: Any invalid or unenforceable terms will be replaced by terms that are valid and enforceable and that most closely match the intent of the original terms.

Assignment

• Transfer of Rights: Users may not transfer or assign their rights and obligations under these terms without prior written consent from Lankasri.
• Assignment by Lankasri: Lankasri retains the right to transfer or assign its rights and obligations under these terms as necessary.

Changes in Business Ownership

• Notification of Changes: In case of a change in ownership, merger, acquisition, or sale of Lankasri assets, users will be notified in advance.
• Continuity of Service and Terms: Assure users of the continuity of services and the terms under the new ownership.

Force Majeure

• Exemption for Unforeseen Events: Lankasri will not be liable for any failure to perform its obligations due to unforeseen circumstances or causes beyond its reasonable control, such as natural disasters, war, terrorism, riots, embargoes, acts of civil or military authorities, fire, floods, accidents, strikes, or shortages of transportation facilities, fuel, energy, labour, or materials.

Entire Agreement

• Completeness of the Agreement: These terms constitute the entire agreement between Lankasri and its users regarding the use of the platform and supersede any prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral.

Acknowledgement by Users

• Agreement to Terms: By using the Lankasri News Panel, users acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to these additional provisions along with the rest of the terms.

These additional provisions ensure that all possible scenarios are addressed, providing a comprehensive framework for the operation of the Lankasri News Panel. They play a crucial role in safeguarding the interests of both the platform and its users, ensuring a stable and reliable environment for content sharing and community interaction.