Terms of Service

Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Last Updated: June 5, 2026

Foundation Layer Institute Terms of Service

Welcome to Foundation Layer Institute.

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of FoundationLayer.org, DigitalFluency.Tech, ShareTheMicInCyber.com, and any affiliated websites, online resources, applications, publications, educational materials, research initiatives, events, programs, newsletters, or services operated by Foundation Layer Institute ("Foundation Layer," "we," "our," or "us").

By accessing or using our websites or services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of our websites and services.

1. About Foundation Layer

Foundation Layer Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening digital resilience across the systems, institutions, markets, communities, and individuals affected by emerging technologies.

Our work includes research, education, public-interest initiatives, convenings, fellowships, publications, digital fluency resources, cybersecurity awareness efforts, and related programs.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old, or the age of majority in your jurisdiction, to use portions of our services that require registration, participation, or submission of information.

Certain educational resources may be designed for younger audiences, caregivers, educators, or students. Any participation involving minors may be subject to additional consent requirements.

3. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms periodically.

Updated versions will be posted on our website with a revised effective date. Continued use of our websites or services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

4. Use of the Website

You agree to use our websites and services only for lawful purposes.

You may not:

  • Violate any applicable law or regulation

  • Interfere with website operations or security

  • Attempt unauthorized access to systems or data

  • Introduce malicious software or code

  • Harvest user information without authorization

  • Misrepresent your identity or affiliation

  • Use the website to distribute unlawful, defamatory, abusive, fraudulent, or harmful content

  • Engage in activities that could damage Foundation Layer or its users

We reserve the right to suspend or restrict access for conduct that violates these Terms.

5. Educational and Informational Purposes

The content provided through Foundation Layer websites and programs is intended for educational, informational, research, and public-interest purposes only.

Nothing on the website constitutes:

  • Legal advice

  • Investment advice

  • Financial advice

  • Cybersecurity consulting advice specific to your circumstances

  • Professional services engagement

  • Regulatory compliance certification

You should consult qualified professionals regarding your specific circumstances.

6. Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise indicated, all website content is owned by or licensed to Foundation Layer Institute.

This includes:

  • Articles

  • Reports

  • Research

  • Publications

  • Graphics

  • Videos

  • Toolkits

  • Educational materials

  • Logos

  • Branding

  • Website content

  • Program materials

Such content is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

7. Limited License

Foundation Layer grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use website content for personal, educational, nonprofit, research, and informational purposes.

You may not:

  • Sell website content

  • Republish substantial portions without permission

  • Create derivative commercial works

  • Remove copyright or attribution notices

  • Use Foundation Layer intellectual property in a misleading manner

Reasonable quotations with attribution are permitted.

8. Research, Publications, and Educational Materials

Foundation Layer may publish research, reports, educational resources, toolkits, and other materials.

These materials are provided "as is" and may evolve as technologies, regulations, and best practices change.

Foundation Layer does not guarantee that information will remain complete, current, or applicable to every circumstance.

9. User Submissions

You may submit:

  • Applications

  • Research responses

  • Surveys

  • Fellowship materials

  • Event registrations

  • Feedback

  • Comments

  • Case studies

  • Stories

  • Other content

By submitting content, you grant Foundation Layer a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, distribute, modify, publish, and display such content for organizational, educational, research, operational, and promotional purposes, unless otherwise specified in a separate agreement.

You represent that you have the necessary rights to submit such content.

10. Community Standards

If Foundation Layer offers discussion forums, community spaces, events, webinars, or collaborative initiatives, participants agree to engage respectfully.

We may remove content or restrict participation for behavior that:

  • Harasses or threatens others

  • Promotes discrimination or hate

  • Violates applicable laws

  • Disrupts community participation

  • Misuses Foundation Layer platforms

Foundation Layer reserves sole discretion in enforcing community standards.

11. AI and Emerging Technology Content

Foundation Layer's work frequently addresses artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital governance, and emerging technologies.

Any forecasts, analyses, recommendations, frameworks, or educational materials represent informed perspectives at a particular point in time and should not be interpreted as guarantees of future outcomes.

Technology, policy, and risk landscapes change rapidly, and users should independently evaluate information before relying upon it.

12. Third-Party Services and Links

Our websites may link to third-party websites, services, platforms, events, publications, or resources.

Foundation Layer does not control and is not responsible for:

  • Third-party content

  • Security practices

  • Privacy practices

  • Availability

  • Accuracy

Accessing third-party services is done at your own risk.

13. Donations and Contributions

Donations made to Foundation Layer support the organization's mission and activities.

Unless expressly stated otherwise:

  • Donations are non-refundable to the extent permitted by law.

  • Foundation Layer retains discretion regarding allocation of donated funds.

  • Restricted gifts may be used consistent with donor restrictions and applicable law.

14. Events and Programs

Participation in Foundation Layer events, fellowships, workshops, roundtables, webinars, educational programs, or convenings may be subject to additional terms.

Foundation Layer reserves the right to:

  • Modify schedules

  • Substitute speakers

  • Change venues or formats

  • Limit participation

  • Cancel events when necessary

15. Privacy

Your use of Foundation Layer services is also governed by our Privacy Policy.

Please review our Privacy Policy for information regarding how we collect, use, and protect personal information.

16. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE WEBSITE, CONTENT, PROGRAMS, AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE."

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, FOUNDATION LAYER DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING:

  • MERCHANTABILITY

  • FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE

  • NON-INFRINGEMENT

  • ACCURACY

  • AVAILABILITY

  • SECURITY

WE DO NOT GUARANTEE THAT:

  • SERVICES WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED

  • CONTENT WILL BE ERROR-FREE

  • DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED

  • WEBSITES WILL BE FREE OF HARMFUL COMPONENTS

17. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, FOUNDATION LAYER, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, FELLOWS, ADVISORS, PARTNERS, AND AFFILIATES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE WEBSITE OR SERVICES.

IF LIABILITY IS FOUND TO EXIST, FOUNDATION LAYER'S TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED U.S. DOLLARS ($100).

Some jurisdictions do not allow certain liability limitations, so portions of this section may not apply.

18. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Foundation Layer Institute and its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, advisors, fellows, partners, and affiliates from claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses arising from:

  • Your use of the website

  • Your violation of these Terms

  • Your submitted content

  • Your violation of applicable law

  • Your infringement of another party's rights

19. Copyright and Intellectual Property Complaints

If you believe content on our website infringes your copyright or intellectual property rights, please provide notice containing:

  • Identification of the copyrighted work

  • Identification of the allegedly infringing material

  • Your contact information

  • A statement of good-faith belief

  • A statement made under penalty of perjury regarding your authority to act

Notices may be submitted to:

legal@foundationlayer.org

20. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the District of Columbia, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

21. Dispute Resolution

The parties agree to attempt to resolve disputes informally before pursuing litigation.

If a dispute cannot be resolved informally, exclusive jurisdiction shall lie in the state or federal courts located in the District of Columbia, unless otherwise required by law.

22. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is determined to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

23. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any additional terms applicable to specific programs or services, constitute the entire agreement between you and Foundation Layer regarding your use of the website and services.

24. Contact Information

Foundation Layer Institute

Website: FoundationLayer.org

Email: info@foundationlayer.org

For questions regarding these Terms, please contact us using the information above.