Terms of Use

Last updated: 12 August 2026

These Terms of Use govern your use of the Scholarly Networks Security Initiative (“SNSI”, “we”, “us” or “our”) website.

By accessing or using this website, you agree to these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to them, please do not use the website.

1. About SNSI

The Scholarly Networks Security Initiative (SNSI) brings together organisations and individuals across scholarly communications, publishing, libraries, higher education and information security to help raise awareness of and respond to cybercrime and related threats.

This website provides information, resources, news, events and other content relating to SNSI and its activities.

2. Using this website

You may use this website for lawful personal, professional, educational and informational purposes.

You must not use the website:

  • in any way that breaches applicable laws or regulations;

  • for any fraudulent, unlawful or malicious purpose;

  • to introduce viruses, malware or other harmful technology;

  • to attempt to gain unauthorised access to the website, its server or any connected systems;

  • to interfere with, damage or disrupt the website or its infrastructure;

  • to collect information from the website using automated means in a way that places an unreasonable burden on the website or breaches applicable law;

  • to impersonate SNSI or falsely suggest an association with or endorsement by SNSI; or

  • to use SNSI content in a misleading, defamatory or unlawful manner.

We may restrict or suspend access to the website where we reasonably believe it is being misused.

3. Information on this website

We aim to provide information that is useful, accurate and up to date.

However, the cybersecurity, technology and scholarly communications environments can change quickly. We therefore do not guarantee that all information on the website will always be complete, accurate, current or applicable to your particular circumstances.

Content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only.

Nothing on this website should be treated as legal, regulatory, technical, cybersecurity or other professional advice.

You should consider your own circumstances and, where appropriate, obtain advice from suitably qualified professionals before acting or relying on information provided through this website.

4. Cybersecurity information

SNSI provides resources and information intended to promote awareness of cybersecurity issues affecting scholarly communications, libraries, publishers and related organisations.

Cybersecurity risks and appropriate responses vary significantly between organisations and systems.

Information provided by SNSI should not be regarded as a substitute for a professional security assessment, risk analysis, legal advice or advice from your organisation's own IT or information-security specialists.

SNSI cannot guarantee that following any guidance or recommendations appearing on the website will prevent cyberattacks, security incidents, data breaches, fraud or other losses.

5. Intellectual property

Unless otherwise stated, the content of this website, including text, graphics, branding, logos, designs, photographs, videos, downloadable materials and other content, is owned by, licensed to, or used with permission by SNSI and/or the relevant content owners.

Copyright and other intellectual property rights in this content are protected by applicable law.

You may view, download and print reasonable extracts from the website for your own personal, educational or internal professional use.

You must not, without prior permission:

  • reproduce substantial parts of the website for commercial purposes;

  • republish or distribute SNSI content as your own;

  • modify content in a way that is misleading or misrepresents its original meaning;

  • remove copyright, attribution or other proprietary notices;

  • use SNSI branding or logos in a way that suggests endorsement, sponsorship or affiliation where none exists; or

  • commercially exploit website content unless you have permission from the relevant rights holder.

Where individual resources specify different licensing or reuse terms, those specific terms will apply to that resource.

6. Quoting and linking to SNSI

You may link to publicly accessible pages on the SNSI website provided that you do so fairly and lawfully and do not suggest an association with, approval by or endorsement from SNSI where none exists.

Reasonable quotations from SNSI content may be used for purposes such as commentary, research, education or reporting, subject to applicable copyright law and appropriate acknowledgement of the source.

We reserve the right to request the removal of links that are misleading, harmful or otherwise inappropriate.

7. Third-party content and links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, publications, resources and services.

These links are provided for information and convenience. Unless expressly stated otherwise, a link does not mean that SNSI endorses, controls or accepts responsibility for the third-party website, organisation, product, service or content.

We have no control over the availability, security, accuracy or content of third-party websites.

If you visit an external website, its own terms, privacy policies and other rules will apply.

8. YouTube and embedded content

Some pages on the SNSI website may include videos hosted by YouTube or other content supplied through third-party services.

These services are operated independently of SNSI and may have their own terms of use, privacy policies and accessibility arrangements.

Your interaction with embedded or third-party content may therefore also be subject to the relevant provider's terms.

For information about cookies and personal information associated with third-party content, please see our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.

9. Events and external resources

The website may contain information about webinars, conferences, events, publications or other activities organised by SNSI or third parties.

Event details may change, and we cannot guarantee the continuing availability of an event, speaker, programme, recording or external resource unless expressly stated otherwise.

Where an event or service is organised by a third party, additional terms imposed by that organisation may apply.

10. Availability of the website

We aim to keep the website available and functioning properly, but we cannot guarantee uninterrupted or error-free access.

We may occasionally need to:

  • update the website;

  • change or remove content;

  • carry out maintenance;

  • introduce new functionality; or

  • suspend access for technical, operational or security reasons.

We may change, withdraw or discontinue any part of the website without notice where reasonably necessary.

11. Liability

Nothing in these Terms of Use excludes or limits any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

Subject to this, SNSI is not responsible for loss or damage arising solely from:

  • reliance on general information published on this website;

  • information that has become inaccurate or out of date;

  • the actions or content of third-party websites or services;

  • temporary interruption or unavailability of the website;

  • viruses, malicious code or other harmful material originating from third-party systems or services; or

  • decisions made on the basis of general cybersecurity or other information provided through the website.

You remain responsible for determining whether information on the website is appropriate for your particular circumstances.

12. Privacy and cookies

Your privacy is important to us.

Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use and protect personal information.

Our Cookie Policy explains how the website uses cookies and similar technologies and how you can manage your preferences.

These policies should be read alongside these Terms of Use.

13. Accessibility

SNSI aims to make its website accessible to as many people as reasonably possible.

Further information about our approach, including how to report an accessibility problem or request information in an alternative format, is available in our Accessibility Statement.

14. Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms of Use from time to time to reflect changes to the website, our activities, technology or applicable law.

Any revised Terms of Use will be published on this page and the Last updated date will be changed accordingly.

Your continued use of the website after changes have been published will be subject to the updated Terms.

15. Severability

If any part of these Terms of Use is found to be unlawful, invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply.

16. Governing law

These Terms of Use and any dispute or claim arising from or relating to the use of this website are governed by the laws of the Netherlands

Subject to any rights you may have under applicable law to bring proceedings elsewhere, the courts of England and Wales will have jurisdiction over disputes arising in connection with these Terms of Use.

17. Contact us

If you have questions about these Terms of Use or the SNSI website, please contact us through the Contact page on the SNSI website.

Scholarly Networks Security Initiative (SNSI)