Copyright & DMCA Policy

Open Civic Systems (OCS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving historical integrity. We respect the intellectual property rights of others and expect our users to do the same.

1. Service Provider Information

This policy applies to all websites and services owned and operated by Open Civic Systems, including but not limited to:

  • Primary Sites: opencivicsystems.org | opencivicsystems.com

  • Project Sites: gathermedia.org | factkeeper.org | factkeeper.ai

  • Tools & Assets: visualizer.gathermedia.org | visualizer.factkeeper.org | ocs-assets.org | gm-assets.ocs-assets.org

2. Designated DMCA Agent

In accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), OCS has registered a Designated Agent with the U.S. Copyright Office.

Registration Number: DMCA-1069530
Designated Agent: DMCA Agent
Address: 1110 Via Regina, Santa Barbara, Ca 93111
Email: dmca@opencivicsystems.org
Phone: 1-805-669-0828

3. Notice of Infringement

If you believe that content hosted on our platform infringes your copyright, please send a written "Takedown Notice" to our Designated Agent. Per 17 U.S.C. § 512(c)(3), your notice must include:

  1. Signature: A physical or electronic signature of the copyright owner or authorized agent.

  2. Identification of Work: A description of the copyrighted work you claim is being infringed.

  3. Location of Material: The specific URL(s) on our site where the infringing material is located.

  4. Contact Info: Your name, address, telephone number, and email address.

  5. Good Faith Statement: A statement that you have a "good faith belief" that the use of the material is not authorized by the owner, agent, or law.

  6. Accuracy Statement: A statement, under penalty of perjury, that the info in your notice is accurate and you are authorized to act for the owner.

4. Future-Proofing & Content Policy

While our platforms primarily utilize existing public records, this policy applies equally to user-uploaded documents, metadata, and AI-assisted curation currently on our project roadmaps.

5. Repeat Infringer Policy

OCS maintains a "Repeat Infringer Policy." We reserve the right to terminate the accounts of users, curators, or administrators who are found to repeatedly infringe the copyrights of others.