Why these Terms of Use exist

These Terms of Use exist to make the basic ground rules plain. Evidence Matters is built around public claim review, source links, and reader verification. That kind of work depends on clarity. Readers should know what the site is, what the site is not, what kinds of submissions are allowed, and what responsibilities stay with the user.

This page is written in plain language on purpose. It is still a legal terms page, but it should be readable by regular people. If you need legal advice about your specific situation, talk to a licensed attorney.

1. Terms of Use acceptance

By accessing or using this website, you agree to these Terms of Use. If you do not agree, do not use the site.

2. Terms of Use and what this site is

Evidence Matters publishes analysis of public claims and links to sources so readers can audit the work. The site may include opinion and commentary, but it is presented as a claim audit and civic education project, not as professional advice.

If you want to understand how the review process works, start with How We Verify and Evidence vs Rumors.

3. Not legal, medical, financial, or professional advice

Content is provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice, medical advice, financial advice, or professional services. You are responsible for your own decisions and actions.

4. Terms of Use for user conduct

You agree not to:

• Use the site for unlawful purposes.
• Attempt to disrupt the site or gain unauthorized access to systems or accounts.
• Post or submit content that is harassing, defamatory, hateful, or threatening.
• Submit personal data you do not have the right to share, including private addresses, phone numbers, or private medical information.
• Impersonate another person or misrepresent your affiliation.

5. Terms of Use for submissions and tips

If you submit a claim, link, screenshot, or tip, you represent that you have the right to share it. Do not submit illegal content or private personal information.

We may review, edit, refuse, or remove submissions at our discretion. We do not guarantee publication, response time, or outcomes.

If you are submitting a claim for review, the best starting point is the Submit Evidence page.

6. Intellectual property

Unless otherwise noted, site content is owned by Evidence Matters or used with permission. You may share links to pages and quote short excerpts with attribution. You may not copy, republish, or sell substantial portions of site content without written permission.

7. Terms of Use for third party links

This site links to third party websites and documents for evidence and reference. We do not control those sites and are not responsible for their content, policies, or availability.

Common reference sources may include public records, government agencies, court databases, and major reporting outlets such as AP and Reuters.

8. Terms of Use disclaimers

The site is provided “as is” and “as available.” We make no warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not warrant that the site will be uninterrupted, secure, or error free.

9. Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Evidence Matters and its operators will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits or revenues, whether incurred directly or indirectly, arising from your use of the site.

10. Changes to these terms

We may update these Terms of Use from time to time. Changes take effect when posted on this page. Continued use of the site means you accept the updated terms.

11. Terms of Use contact

Questions about these terms can be sent through the contact page.

Contact Evidence Matters