Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of the Terms of Service

This website, thegeofight.com (the “Site”), is owned and operated by 4GFC (the “Organization,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), an Illinois-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. By accessing, browsing, or using the Site — including submitting information via our whistleblower portals or making donations — you (“User,” “you,” or “your”) acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”), our Privacy Policy, and all applicable laws and regulations. If you do not agree to these Terms, you are prohibited from using the Site and must discontinue use immediately.

2. The GeoFight Initiative & Site Purpose

The Site serves as the primary digital platform for the GeoFight Initiative, a program of 4GFC dedicated to environmental advocacy, atmospheric research, and public interest investigation. The Site is provided for educational, research, and advocacy purposes only.

3. No Legal Advice; No Attorney-Client Relationship

The Site does not provide legal services or legal advice. 4GFC is a 501(c)(3) advocacy organization — we are not a law firm.

• Use of this Site, including the submission of whistleblower tips, plaintiff intake forms, or claims, does not create an attorney-client relationship, a fiduciary relationship, or a solicitor-client relationship.
• Information on thegeofight.com is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. If you require legal advice, you must consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
• Because no attorney-client relationship is formed by using the Site, any information you submit may not be protected by attorney-client privilege.

4. No Medical or Scientific Advice

Any health-related, medical, or scientific content on the Site — including data regarding atmospheric elements, environmental health, or biological impacts — is for general informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. You should seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any health concerns.

5. Whistleblower Submissions and Data

The Site provides channels for the voluntary submission of information (“Submissions”). All Submissions are made at your own risk.

• Non-Confidentiality: Unless otherwise agreed to in a separate, written, and signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), the Organization does not guarantee the confidentiality of your Submissions.
• Right to Share: By providing a Submission, you grant the Organization the right to review and share that information with legal experts, researchers, and partner advocates to evaluate potential public interest actions.
• Prohibited Content: You are strictly prohibited from submitting information that is Classified, Proprietary, or subject to a Governmental Secrecy Order. You assume full legal liability for any breach of third-party contracts or laws resulting from your Submissions.
• Independent Counsel: We strongly recommend you consult with independent whistleblower counsel before submitting sensitive data that could impact your employment or legal standing.

6. Donations and Charitable Contributions

All donations made via thegeofight.com support the mission of 4GFC.

• Tax Status: Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
• No Quid Pro Quo: Donations are voluntary contributions. A donation does not guarantee that the Organization will take any specific legal action on your behalf, nor does it entitle the donor to influence the Organization's research or advocacy priorities.
• Refund Policy: All donations are final and non-refundable.

7. Intellectual Property Rights

The “GeoFight” name, logos, website design, text, graphics, and all software and code (collectively, “Content”) are the exclusive property of 4GFC or its licensors.

• Limited License: You are granted a limited, revocable, non-exclusive license to view and download Content for personal, non-commercial use only.
• Restrictions: You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from the Site Content without prior written authorization from the Organization.

8. Acceptable Use and Prohibited Conduct

You agree to use thegeofight.com only for lawful purposes. Prohibited activities include:

• Interference: Attempting to bypass security, hacking, or disrupting the Site's functionality.
• Automation: Using bots, spiders, or scrapers to harvest data without permission.
• Malware: Transmitting viruses, worms, or any malicious code.
• Impersonation: Falsely claiming to be a representative of the Organization, a government official, or another user.
• Harassment: Using the Site to harass, threaten, or defame any individual or entity.

9. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE SITE AND ALL CONTENT ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS. 4GFC DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE SITE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR FREE OF VIRUSES. YOUR USE OF THE SITE IS AT YOUR OWN SOLE RISK.

10. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL 4GFC, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF, OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH, YOUR USE OF THE SITE. THIS INCLUDES, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, OR STRICT LIABILITY, EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IF YOU ARE DISSATISFIED WITH ANY PORTION OF THE SITE, YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY IS TO DISCONTINUE USE.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless 4GFC and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, arising out of or in any way connected with:

• Your access to or use of the Site
• Your violation of these Terms
• Any Submission you provide
• Your infringement of any third-party rights, including intellectual property or privacy rights

12. Governing Law and Exclusive Jurisdiction

These Terms and your use of thegeofight.com shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

Exclusive Venue: Any legal action, suit, or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Site shall be instituted exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Cook County, Illinois. You hereby irrevocably consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts and waive any objection to the laying of venue in such courts (including forum non conveniens).

13. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason, such provision shall be eliminated or limited to the minimum extent possible, and the remaining provisions of the Terms will continue in full force and effect.

14. Entire Agreement

These Terms, our Privacy Policy, and any specific legal disclaimers posted on the Site constitute the sole and entire agreement between you and 4GFC regarding thegeofight.com and supersede all prior understandings or agreements.

15. No Waiver

No waiver by the Organization of any term or condition set forth in these Terms shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or condition or a waiver of any other term or condition.

16. Survival

All provisions of these Terms which by their nature should survive termination shall survive, including, without limitation, ownership provisions, warranty disclaimers, indemnity, and limitations of liability.

17. Changes to the Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the Site. Your continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.