Terms of Use

Last updated: 10 July 2026

These Terms govern your use of veri5.technology and the Veri5 Network. Veri5 proves what was recorded, by whom, and when — it does not warrant the truth of any recorded content. Understanding who is responsible for what is the point of Section 5.

These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the website veri5.technology and the Veri5 Network (together, the "Network"), operated by Hefes LLC ("Hefes", "we", "us"). By using the Network you agree to these Terms. Individual applications on the Network (e.g., Veri5 Passport, Veri5 Notarization) have their own additional terms, which apply to your use of those applications; where they conflict with these Terms on a matter specific to that application, the application's terms govern.

1. What Veri5 Is

Veri5 is a permissioned, operator-led verification network for verifiable records and credentials, run by a named, accountable operator under the Operating Charter. It has no token and no cryptocurrency, and nothing on the Network is an instrument of investment, speculation, or payment.

A record on the Network is a cryptographic proof — a fingerprint (hash) and a tamper-evident timestamp, and where applicable a digital signature by an identified issuer. A record proves that specific information existed in a specific form at a specific time, was attested by a specific party, and has not been altered since. It does not, and cannot, certify the truth, accuracy, legality, completeness, or validity of the underlying content.

2. Accounts

You access most functions through a Veri5 Passport account (single sign-on). You are responsible for your credentials and for activity under your account. Organizations that wish to issue credentials or seals to third parties must first complete identity/business verification (KYB); we may decline, suspend, or revoke issuer status at our discretion.

3. Roles on the Network

Role	Who	Responsible for
Issuer	The organization that seals or issues a record/credential	The truth, accuracy, legality and validity of what it issues, and its authority to issue it
Holder	The person or entity a record is issued to / who submits it	Their own account and lawful use; not disclosing records they are not authorized to disclose
Verifier	Anyone who relies on a record	Their own decision to rely, and their own due diligence
Operator	Hefes LLC (and, under the Charter, accredited node operators)	Operating the infrastructure and preserving the integrity of proofs — not record content

4. Liability & Accountability

This Section allocates responsibility for records on the Network. It reflects Article 12 of the Operating Charter.

4.1 What a record proves — and does not

A valid Veri5 record proves integrity (the content is unaltered since sealing), existence in time (it existed at the recorded moment), and, where signed, attribution (which identified issuer attested to it). It does not prove that the content is true, accurate, lawful, or that the issuer was entitled to issue it. Verifiers must not treat a valid proof as a warranty of the underlying claim.

4.2 The issuer bears liability for content

The issuing organization is solely responsible and liable for the truth, accuracy, legality, and validity of any record, credential, or seal it creates, and for having the authority to issue it. If a record is later disputed, liability for its content rests with the issuer, not with Hefes, not with any verifier, and not with any node operator.

4.3 Verifiers rely at their own risk

A verifier who relies on a record does so at its own risk and is responsible for its own due diligence. Confirming a record is genuine tells you it is unaltered and who issued it — it does not tell you the claim is true or that the issuer was authorized. High-stakes reliance should be corroborated independently.

4.4 Hefes's role and limits

Hefes operates the Network and warrants only that a recorded fingerprint and timestamp accurately reflect what was submitted, so integrity can be verified. Hefes is not a certification authority, notary public, guarantor, or party to any record. Hefes takes no position on, and accepts no liability for, the content, truth, legal effect, or any dispute concerning a record. Hefes does not verify the underlying facts an issuer attests to.

4.5 Fraudulent credentials and errors

A proof of a fraudulent or erroneous record proves only that the record was made — it never validates the claim. Fraud or error in issuance is the responsibility of the issuer.
Revocation & status. Issuers can revoke a credential; revocation status is publicly checkable, so a verifier can see whether a record is current, revoked, or superseded.
Correction. Errors are corrected by issuing a corrected record and revoking the superseded one; the original record of what existed at the time is not silently rewritten.
Reporting & enforcement. Suspected fraud, abuse, or unlawful content may be reported to [email protected]. Hefes may void or flag records, suspend accounts or issuer status, and preserve and disclose data to law-enforcement or regulators as required or permitted by law.

4.6 Node operators are shielded for content

Node operators provide infrastructure only. Each is liable for the operation of its own nodes but is not liable for the content of any record, nor for the acts of any issuer or of the operator (Operating Charter Art. 12.6).

4.7 Limitation of liability

The Network is provided "as is" and "as available." To the maximum extent permitted by law, Hefes and its affiliates, officers, employees, node operators, and suppliers will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or for loss of profits, data, or goodwill, arising from or relating to the Network or reliance on any record. Hefes's aggregate liability for any claim will not exceed the greater of (a) the fees you paid Hefes for the relevant service in the twelve months before the claim, or (b) USD 100. Nothing in these Terms limits liability that cannot be limited under applicable law (including for fraud or willful misconduct).

5. Acceptable Use

You must not use the Network to record, share, or facilitate anything unlawful, infringing, or intended to deceive — including using a record to misrepresent authorship, identity, or the truth of contents. Detailed prohibited-use rules are set out in each application's terms. Violations may be reported to authorities without prior notice.

6. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Hefes and the accredited node operators from claims, losses, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from your content, your use of the Network, or your breach of these Terms or of any law or third-party right.

7. Changes & Availability

We may modify, suspend, or discontinue parts of the Network. We use reasonable efforts to preserve the integrity of existing records but do not guarantee uninterrupted availability. We may update these Terms; material changes will be reflected in the "Last updated" date.

8. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Wyoming, United States (matching the Operating Charter), without regard to conflict-of-law principles, and disputes are resolved as provided in the Charter's dispute-resolution provisions or, for consumers, in the competent courts of your jurisdiction where mandatory local law so requires. Records domiciled to the People's Republic of China are handled by the PRC Counterpart under its own applicable terms and law.

9. Contact

Terms & legal: [email protected] · Abuse reports: [email protected] · Privacy: [email protected].

Note. This is a plain-language draft prepared for review by Hefes LLC and its advisers. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for tailored counsel. Bracketed or default figures (e.g., the liability cap) should be confirmed before final publication.