To maintain the integrity of the ClientRisk global database, all Certification Bodies (CBs) must adhere strictly to this Acceptable Use Policy. Violations will result in account suspension, credit forfeiture, or permanent bans.
1. System Errors vs. Malicious Farming
We distinguish between honest mistakes (e.g., a double-click network error or accidentally submitting a duplicate) and malicious intent. The system automatically ignores duplicate submissions and grants 0 credits without penalizing the user. However, intentionally farming credits by scraping other CBs data, repeatedly submitting fraudulent entities, or automating spam will trigger strict administrative review and suspension.
2. Suspensions & Banning Guidelines
Suspensions range from 24 hours to 90 days. Severe violations (such as API abuse, intentional fraud, or circumventing WAF limits) will result in a permanent ban. During a suspension, API access is revoked, and no refunds are provided for previously purchased credit packs.
3. Appeals, Credit Fines, and Early Lifting
Suspended accounts may submit an appeal. If an administration review determines the violation was accidental (e.g., a junior staff error), the suspension may be lifted early. However, the administration reserves the right to apply a "Credit Fine" (deducting API credits from your balance) as a penalty condition for early reinstatement.
4. The Credit Fine Framework
To comply with transparency requirements, a Credit Fine is never applied arbitrarily. It is utilized in two scenarios: (a) As a conditional penalty for lifting a time-based suspension early upon the CB's request, or (b) To recover credits fraudulently generated through invalid submissions. Before any fine is applied, the Certification Body will receive a formal notification detailing the exact amount of credits to be deducted and the specific reason. The CB has the right to appeal any fine within 14 days by submitting an explanation. If the administration rules in favor of the CB, the exact amount of deducted credits will be fully restored.