Last modified by Robert Schaub on 2026/02/08 08:30

From version 1.1
edited by Robert Schaub
on 2026/01/20 20:44
Change comment: Imported from XAR
To version 1.2
edited by Robert Schaub
on 2026/02/08 08:29
Change comment: Renamed back-links.

Summary

Details

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1 1  = Open Source Model and Licensing =
2 +
2 2  == 1. Purpose and Relation to Other Documents ==
4 +
3 3  This page explains **how FactHarbor is run from a licensing and enforcement perspective** – as an open, trustworthy, non-profit oriented, but professionally maintained project.
4 4  It covers in particular:
7 +
5 5  * the **licensing choices** for code, documentation, data, and core specifications,
6 6  * how contributors grant the project the right to use and enforce those licenses,
7 7  * how AI-related components (such as AKEL) fit into the licensing picture,
... ... @@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
9 9  * **organisational transparency commitments**,
10 10  * **privacy and data protection standards**.
11 11  Together with the other Organisation pages, it defines **how FactHarbor is run**:
12 -* [[Governance>>FactHarbor.Organisation.Governance.WebHome]] – who decides what, and under which principles
15 +* [[Governance>>Archive.FactHarbor 2026\.02\.08.Organisation.Governance.WebHome]] – who decides what, and under which principles
13 13  * [[Finance & Compliance>>FactHarbor.Organisation.Finance-Compliance]] – how funding, transparency, and internal controls work
14 14  * [[Legal Framework>>FactHarbor.Organisation.Legal-Framework]] – legal forms, contracts, and regulatory aspects
15 15  The **Specification** (Mission, Requirements, Architecture, Data Model, Workflows, etc.) describes **what FactHarbor does**.
... ... @@ -16,8 +16,11 @@
16 16  This Open Source Model and Licensing page (together with Governance and Finance & Compliance) describes **how FactHarbor is run and protected**.
17 17  For historical context, earlier drafts used a purely AGPLv3-centric model for the core software.
18 18  The current licence mix is defined in the sections below and takes precedence over any older drafts.
22 +
19 19  == 2. Overview ==
24 +
20 20  FactHarbor is, and will remain, an **open source project** that:
26 +
21 21  * publishes its work openly whenever legally and ethically possible
22 22  * makes its reasoning and evidence inspectable
23 23  * invites contributions under clear, transparent rules
... ... @@ -31,24 +31,31 @@
31 31  * the standards that repositories must follow,
32 32  * **organisational transparency and privacy commitments**.
33 33  Normative licensing decisions on this page **override** any older variants or drafts.
40 +
34 34  == 3. Licensing (Current Decisions) ==
42 +
35 35  === 3.1 Documentation ===
44 +
36 36  All general **documentation** (organisational and technical) is licensed under:
46 +
37 37  * **Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY-SA 4.0)**
38 38  This allows:
39 39  * reuse, adaptation, and translation of documentation,
40 40  * including commercial reuse,
41 41  * as long as:
42 - * clear attribution to FactHarbor is preserved, and
43 - * derivative works are shared under the **same license (CC BY-SA 4.0)**.
52 +* clear attribution to FactHarbor is preserved, and
53 +* derivative works are shared under the **same license (CC BY-SA 4.0)**.
44 44  Exception handling:
45 45  * In rare cases, **security-sensitive or abuse-enabling documentation** may be:
46 - * published only in partial form, or
47 - * made available under more restrictive terms, or
48 - * kept internal.
56 +* published only in partial form, or
57 +* made available under more restrictive terms, or
58 +* kept internal.
49 49  * Any such exceptions must be **explicitly documented** where they apply.
60 +
50 50  === 3.2 Core Protocol & Data Model ===
62 +
51 51  The **core protocol**, core **data model** (including key ERDs), and other "defining specifications" are licensed under:
64 +
52 52  * **Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY-SA 4.0)**
53 53  Intent:
54 54  * enable **collaborative evolution** of the protocol and data model,
... ... @@ -59,23 +59,26 @@
59 59  * You may **use, implement, and modify** the protocol/data model in your own systems.
60 60  * You may **publish derivative or modified specifications** under CC BY-SA 4.0.
61 61  * Derivative specifications must:
62 - * be clearly attributed to FactHarbor,
63 - * use different branding/names (trademark protection),
64 - * state they are "derived from FactHarbor protocol",
65 - * remain under CC BY-SA 4.0 (share-alike).
75 +* be clearly attributed to FactHarbor,
76 +* use different branding/names (trademark protection),
77 +* state they are "derived from FactHarbor protocol",
78 +* remain under CC BY-SA 4.0 (share-alike).
66 66  * Changes to the **canonical FactHarbor specification** are governed through FactHarbor's internal review and release processes.
67 67  **Trademark Protection:**
68 68  The "FactHarbor" name and associated marks are protected separately from the license. Derivative protocols may not use "FactHarbor" branding without explicit permission, ensuring users can distinguish official from derivative implementations.
69 69  This approach (license for sharing + trademark for brand protection) follows successful models like Mozilla Firefox and the W3C.
83 +
70 70  === 3.3 Code ===
85 +
71 71  **Default License:** Unless explicitly stated otherwise, **code** produced under the FactHarbor project is licensed under:
87 +
72 72  * **MIT License**
73 73  This allows:
74 74  * broad reuse, including in commercial software,
75 75  * proprietary integrations and extensions,
76 76  * as long as:
77 - * the MIT license text is included, and
78 - * attribution to the FactHarbor project is preserved.
93 +* the MIT license text is included, and
94 +* attribution to the FactHarbor project is preserved.
79 79  **Hybrid Licensing for Core Components:**
80 80  For the **core reasoning engine** and **AKEL components**, we recommend using **AGPL-3.0** to prevent black-box deployments and ensure transparency of modifications.
81 81  The recommended hybrid approach:
... ... @@ -87,27 +87,33 @@
87 87  * Prevents "FactHarbor-as-a-service" black boxes that contradict transparency mission
88 88  * MIT for peripheral components maximizes ecosystem growth
89 89  * Strong protection of **openness of reasoning** is handled via:
90 - * open protocol and data model (CC BY-SA),
91 - * open documentation (CC BY-SA),
92 - * AGPL for core reasoning components,
93 - * and explicit transparency rules.
106 +* open protocol and data model (CC BY-SA),
107 +* open documentation (CC BY-SA),
108 +* AGPL for core reasoning components,
109 +* and explicit transparency rules.
94 94  The decision to implement this hybrid model should be made explicitly before the first public release.
111 +
95 95  === 3.4 Structured Data & Curation Artefacts ===
113 +
96 96  Structured data, curated knowledge artefacts and derived datasets are licensed under:
115 +
97 97  * **Open Database License (ODbL)**
98 98  **Note on ODbL:** The Open Database License includes a share-alike requirement, ensuring derivative databases remain open. This aligns with FactHarbor's commitment to openness and prevents proprietary capture of community-curated data.
99 99  Principles:
100 100  * data used for public reasoning should be:
101 - * reusable and remixable,
102 - * properly attributed,
103 - * versioned and traceable,
104 - * kept open through share-alike.
120 +* reusable and remixable,
121 +* properly attributed,
122 +* versioned and traceable,
123 +* kept open through share-alike.
105 105  * privacy, safety, and legal constraints may require:
106 - * partial publication or anonymity,
107 - * stronger access control around certain datasets.
125 +* partial publication or anonymity,
126 +* stronger access control around certain datasets.
108 108  Concrete exceptions and more restrictive handling must be **documented at dataset level**.
128 +
109 109  === 3.5 Attribution Guidelines (Non-Mandatory but Recommended) ===
130 +
110 110  FactHarbor encourages, but generally does not require beyond the base licenses, that:
132 +
111 111  * user interfaces show a short line such as:
112 112  `Powered by FactHarbor (open documentation, open protocol, open data)`
113 113  Intent:
... ... @@ -114,35 +114,47 @@
114 114  * strengthen **brand recognition** and trust,
115 115  * keep attribution light-weight and compatible with open licenses,
116 116  * avoid creating extra legal conditions beyond the existing licenses.
139 +
117 117  == 4. Licensing Goals and Principles ==
141 +
118 118  Earlier "Open Source Model & Licensing" drafts contained valuable reasoning about **why** strong open-source protections might be needed. The core goals remain relevant, even though the exact license mix has evolved.
119 119  FactHarbor's licensing aims to:
144 +
120 120  * **Protect openness of reasoning**
121 - * Users must be able to understand how conclusions were reached.
122 - * Code and documentation that materially affect user-visible behaviour should be inspectable or clearly described.
146 +* Users must be able to understand how conclusions were reached.
147 +* Code and documentation that materially affect user-visible behaviour should be inspectable or clearly described.
123 123  * **Discourage hostile or misleading forks**
124 - * Avoid "closed clones" that keep the FactHarbor name or appearance while hiding important changes.
125 - * Forks that significantly diverge should use their own branding and not pretend to be official FactHarbor instances.
149 +* Avoid "closed clones" that keep the FactHarbor name or appearance while hiding important changes.
150 +* Forks that significantly diverge should use their own branding and not pretend to be official FactHarbor instances.
126 126  * **Make modifications traceable**
127 - * Substantial changes to code, specs, or governance documents should be documented and versioned.
128 - * Users interacting with a service based on FactHarbor should be able to see **which version or fork** they are using.
152 +* Substantial changes to code, specs, or governance documents should be documented and versioned.
153 +* Users interacting with a service based on FactHarbor should be able to see **which version or fork** they are using.
129 129  * **Support long-term sustainability and legal clarity**
130 - * Licenses and governance must be enforceable in practice.
131 - * The organisation should have clear standing to protect the project if needed.
155 +* Licenses and governance must be enforceable in practice.
156 +* The organisation should have clear standing to protect the project if needed.
157 +
132 132  == 5. Contributors, Governance & CLA ==
159 +
133 133  === 5.1 Contributor Journey (from licensing perspective) ===
161 +
134 134  The contributor journey (Visitor → New Contributor → Contributor → Trusted Contributor → Contributor → Moderator → Trusted Contributor) is defined in more detail in the **Contributor Processes** and **Organisation** pages.
135 135  From a *licensing* perspective, the key points are:
164 +
136 136  * All contributions must be compatible with the chosen licenses (CC, MIT, AGPL, ODbL, etc.).
137 137  * Contributors confirm that they have the right to contribute the material under these licenses.
138 138  * Higher-trust roles (Trusted Contributors, Contributors, Moderators) help enforce licensing and attribution rules when reviewing changes.
139 139  For full role definitions, see the **Organisation / Contributor Processes** documentation.
169 +
140 140  === 5.2 Contributor License Agreement (CLA) ===
171 +
141 141  To keep the legal situation clear and enforceable, FactHarbor uses a **Contributor License Agreement (CLA)**.
142 142  See [[Contributor License Agreement>>FactHarbor.Organisation.CLA]].
174 +
143 143  ==== 5.2.1 Dual Contributor Model ====
176 +
144 144  FactHarbor distinguishes between two contributor types with different copyright arrangements:
145 145  **Unpaid Contributors (Volunteers)**:
179 +
146 146  * **Retain copyright** of their contributions
147 147  * Grant FactHarbor a perpetual, royalty-free license to use and distribute
148 148  * Enable the project to enforce licenses on their behalf
... ... @@ -157,65 +157,87 @@
157 157  * Provides clarity for commercially sponsored work
158 158  * Ensures FactHarbor can effectively maintain and defend the project
159 159  * Maintains transparency about contribution sources
194 +
160 160  ==== 5.2.2 Core Intent (All Contributors) ====
196 +
161 161  Regardless of contributor type, the CLA ensures:
198 +
162 162  * Contributors grant the **FactHarbor organisation**:
163 - * a **perpetual, worldwide, irrevocable license** to use, modify, and redistribute their contributions under the project's chosen licenses (CC BY-SA, MIT, AGPL, ODbL, etc.), and
164 - * the **express right to enforce** those licenses and **pursue legal action** against infringers on their behalf.
200 +* a **perpetual, worldwide, irrevocable license** to use, modify, and redistribute their contributions under the project's chosen licenses (CC BY-SA, MIT, AGPL, ODbL, etc.), and
201 +* the **express right to enforce** those licenses and **pursue legal action** against infringers on their behalf.
165 165  This ensures that:
166 166  * the organisation has **clear standing** to defend the project legally,
167 167  * individual contributors do not have to act alone against infringements,
168 168  * licensing remains enforceable even if contributors become inactive.
206 +
169 169  ==== 5.2.3 Determining Contributor Type ====
208 +
170 170  * **Default**: Contributors are considered unpaid volunteers unless they have a written agreement specifying paid status.
171 171  * **Paid Status Indicators**: Employment contract, written contracting agreement, or grant/sponsorship agreement.
172 172  * **Transparency**: Contributor type should be disclosed where applicable.
173 173  See [[Contributor License Agreement>>FactHarbor.Organisation.CLA]] for complete terms.
213 +
174 174  == 6. AI Models and Licensing (AKEL) ==
215 +
175 175  AKEL (AI Knowledge Extraction Layer) may rely on different types of models. Licensing and transparency rules are crucial here.
217 +
176 176  === 6.1 Open vs Proprietary Models ===
219 +
177 177  AKEL may use:
221 +
178 178  * **Open-source models (preferred)**:
179 - * weights and code are openly available under compatible licenses,
180 - * prompts, evaluation logic and integration code are made public where licenses permit.
223 +* weights and code are openly available under compatible licenses,
224 +* prompts, evaluation logic and integration code are made public where licenses permit.
181 181  * **Proprietary / hosted models (allowed but constrained)**:
182 - * used only when necessary for quality or feasibility,
183 - * must be clearly **disclosed to the user** at point of use,
184 - * AKEL must label which parts of its output derive from proprietary tools,
185 - * surrounding **integration logic remains open** (MIT/AGPL or compatible) and is documented.
226 +* used only when necessary for quality or feasibility,
227 +* must be clearly **disclosed to the user** at point of use,
228 +* AKEL must label which parts of its output derive from proprietary tools,
229 +* surrounding **integration logic remains open** (MIT/AGPL or compatible) and is documented.
186 186  Rules:
187 187  * No deployment may suggest "fully open" AI if proprietary models are used without disclosure.
188 188  * For high-impact reasoning (e.g. health, politics, safety-critical topics), **open, auditable models** are preferred wherever feasible.
189 189  * Where proprietary models are unavoidable, additional care is taken to:
190 - * document limitations,
191 - * avoid overstating certainty,
192 - * and keep reasoning layers as transparent as possible.
234 +* document limitations,
235 +* avoid overstating certainty,
236 +* and keep reasoning layers as transparent as possible.
237 +
193 193  === 6.2 Prompts, Pipelines and Integration Code ===
239 +
194 194  * Orchestration code, pipelines and evaluation logic around AKEL are treated as part of the **open FactHarbor codebase** (MIT or AGPL).
195 195  * Where prompts or model configurations are licensed in a way that restricts publication, this must be documented clearly, and safe abstractions should be used in public documentation.
242 +
196 196  === 6.3 AI Prompts and Orchestration ===
244 +
197 197  * Prompts, system instructions, and orchestration code are considered **Code** and licensed under **MIT** or **AGPL** (depending on component).
198 198  * They must be visible in the repository to ensure the system is not a 'black box'.
199 199  * If a proprietary model requires a prompt that cannot be shared (e.g. contractual restriction), that component cannot be part of the open core.
248 +
200 200  == 7. Third-Party Libraries and Components ==
250 +
201 201  FactHarbor depends on third-party libraries under:
252 +
202 202  * permissive licenses (MIT, Apache-2.0, BSD), and/or
203 203  * other compatible open-source licenses.
204 204  Requirements:
205 205  * All dependencies must be **license-compatible** with:
206 - * the MIT/AGPL-licensed code,
207 - * and the overall FactHarbor licensing strategy.
257 +* the MIT/AGPL-licensed code,
258 +* and the overall FactHarbor licensing strategy.
208 208  * License information is documented in:
209 - * `/LICENSE` and, where applicable, `/NOTICE`,
210 - * and a dedicated "Third-Party Licenses" section in project documentation.
260 +* `/LICENSE` and, where applicable, `/NOTICE`,
261 +* and a dedicated "Third-Party Licenses" section in project documentation.
211 211  FactHarbor actively avoids dependencies that:
212 212  * restrict redistribution in ways incompatible with open-source norms,
213 213  * prevent network users from accessing the relevant source,
214 214  * or conflict with the project's transparency and licensing goals.
266 +
215 215  == 8. Repository Standards ==
268 +
216 216  Each official FactHarbor repository must follow a minimum standard.
270 +
217 217  === 8.1 Required Files ===
272 +
218 218  Each repository should contain at least:
274 +
219 219  * `README` – purpose, scope, status, and how to use it.
220 220  * `LICENSE` – the applicable license(s) for the repository.
221 221  * `CONTRIBUTING` – how to propose changes; coding/writing guidelines.
... ... @@ -222,29 +222,40 @@
222 222  * `CODEOWNERS` – who is responsible for which parts.
223 223  * `CHANGELOG` – human-readable log of important changes.
224 224  * `SECURITY` (or `SECURITY.md`) – how to report vulnerabilities and how they are handled.
281 +
225 225  === 8.2 Prohibited Content ===
283 +
226 226  FactHarbor repositories must **not** contain:
285 +
227 227  * purely ideological advocacy texts unrelated to the project's purpose,
228 228  * opaque binaries or artefacts that cannot reasonably be inspected or reproduced,
229 229  * embedded secrets (API keys, passwords, private tokens),
230 230  * content that materially contradicts the stated licenses or governance rules.
290 +
231 231  == 9. Historical Licensing Option: AGPLv3 for Core Engine (Non-Normative Background) ==
292 +
232 232  Earlier versions of this page explored a **strong copyleft** option for the core software based on **GNU Affero General Public License v3 (AGPLv3)**.
233 233  Those drafts argued that:
295 +
234 234  * AGPLv3, as a **network-copyleft license**, would:
235 - * require modified network services to publish their source to users,
236 - * prevent closed forks of the core reasoning engine,
237 - * ensure that any public "FactHarbor-like" service stays inspectable.
297 +* require modified network services to publish their source to users,
298 +* prevent closed forks of the core reasoning engine,
299 +* ensure that any public "FactHarbor-like" service stays inspectable.
238 238  They also defined:
239 239  * the scope of AGPLv3 coverage (backend services, AKEL logic, frontend),
240 240  * expectations for forks (must remain AGPLv3, must declare they are forks),
241 - * and the same CLA principles now adapted to the current license mix.
303 +* and the same CLA principles now adapted to the current license mix.
242 242  These AGPLv3 considerations have been **partially adopted** in the hybrid licensing model (section 3.3), where AGPL-3.0 is recommended for core reasoning components.
243 243  They are preserved here as **design background** and may be revisited for specific components or future arrangements.
306 +
244 244  == 10. Organisational Transparency ==
308 +
245 245  FactHarbor is committed to exceptional transparency in all aspects of its operations, governance, and finances. This commitment is essential to build trust in a system claiming to support well-grounded judgments.
310 +
246 246  === 10.1 Financial Transparency ===
312 +
247 247  We commit to publishing annually:
314 +
248 248  * Complete financial statements (audited where possible)
249 249  * Swiss tax filings (annual statements per Swiss law)
250 250  * Income sources in aggregate (grants, donations, sponsorships)
... ... @@ -251,8 +251,11 @@
251 251  * Expense breakdown by category
252 252  * Compensation ranges for staff roles (not individual salaries)
253 253  * Major funding relationships and partnerships
321 +
254 254  === 10.2 Governance Transparency ===
323 +
255 255  We commit to publishing:
325 +
256 256  * All governance documents (bylaws, policies, procedures)
257 257  * Governing Team composition and meeting schedules
258 258  * Governing Team meeting minutes (with narrow exceptions for privacy, security, or legal matters)
... ... @@ -259,8 +259,11 @@
259 259  * Policy changes with rationale and effective dates
260 260  * Decision-making process documentation
261 261  * Conflict of interest policies and disclosures
332 +
262 262  === 10.3 Operational Transparency ===
334 +
263 263  We commit to publishing:
336 +
264 264  * Transparency reports (published twice yearly)
265 265  * Content moderation statistics and practices
266 266  * AKEL performance metrics and audit results
... ... @@ -268,8 +268,11 @@
268 268  * Partnership agreements and funding relationships
269 269  * Incident reports (security, moderation, governance)
270 270  * System uptime and performance data
344 +
271 271  === 10.4 Privacy Protection ===
346 +
272 272  While maintaining organisational transparency, we protect:
348 +
273 273  * Individual user privacy and personal data
274 274  * Security vulnerabilities (until patched, typically 30-90 days)
275 275  * Personnel matters and personal information
... ... @@ -276,7 +276,9 @@
276 276  * Ongoing legal matters (until resolved)
277 277  * Whistleblower and abuse reports
278 278  * Authentication credentials and sensitive operational details
355 +
279 279  === 10.5 Review and Oversight ===
357 +
280 280  * Annual review of all information marked "private"
281 281  * Public reporting on transparency compliance
282 282  * Community input opportunities on transparency policies
... ... @@ -283,15 +283,22 @@
283 283  * Appeals process for information requests
284 284  * Independent transparency audits (when feasible)
285 285  See [[Transparency Policy>>FactHarbor.Organisation.How-We-Work-Together.Transparency-Policy]] for complete details.
364 +
286 286  == 11. Privacy and Data Protection ==
366 +
287 287  FactHarbor is committed to protecting user privacy while maintaining transparency in operations and governance.
368 +
288 288  === 11.1 Data Collection Principles ===
370 +
289 289  * **Data minimization**: Collect only what is necessary for functionality
290 290  * **Purpose limitation**: Use data only for stated purposes
291 291  * **Short retention**: Delete data when no longer needed
292 292  * **User control**: Provide access, correction, and deletion rights
375 +
293 293  === 11.2 User Rights ===
377 +
294 294  Users have the right to:
379 +
295 295  * Access their personal data
296 296  * Correct inaccurate information
297 297  * Delete their accounts and associated data
... ... @@ -298,20 +298,27 @@
298 298  * Export their data (portability)
299 299  * Object to certain processing
300 300  * Lodge complaints with supervisory authorities
386 +
301 301  === 11.3 What We Collect ===
388 +
302 302  For specific details on data collection practices, retention periods, and processing purposes, see [[Privacy Policy>>FactHarbor.Organisation.How-We-Work-Together.Privacy-Policy]].
303 303  In general:
391 +
304 304  * **Public contributions**: Permanently public and attributed (essential for transparency)
305 305  * **Account information**: Email, username (minimal required data)
306 306  * **Technical data**: IP addresses, user agents (short retention, logged out users)
307 307  * **Usage data**: Aggregated, anonymized analytics
396 +
308 308  === 11.4 What We Never Do ===
398 +
309 309  * Sell or rent user data
310 310  * Share personal data with third parties for marketing
311 311  * Track users across unrelated sites
312 312  * Use personal data for purposes beyond stated scope
313 313  * Keep personal data longer than necessary
404 +
314 314  === 11.5 Security Measures ===
406 +
315 315  * Encryption in transit (TLS/HTTPS)
316 316  * Encryption at rest for sensitive data
317 317  * Access controls and authentication
... ... @@ -320,9 +320,12 @@
320 320  * Vulnerability disclosure program
321 321  * **Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA)** for high-risk processing (required by FADP Article 22)
322 322  See [[Privacy Policy>>FactHarbor.Organisation.How-We-Work-Together.Privacy-Policy]] for complete details.
415 +
323 323  === 11.6 Data Protection Officer (DPO) ===
417 +
324 324  **If we serve users in the European Union**, we will appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) as required by EU GDPR Article 37.
325 325  The DPO will:
420 +
326 326  * Advise on data protection compliance
327 327  * Monitor FADP and GDPR compliance
328 328  * Serve as contact point for Swiss FDPIC and EU data protection authorities
... ... @@ -333,20 +333,30 @@
333 333  * Large-scale systematic monitoring of data subjects
334 334  * Large-scale processing of sensitive personal data (including political opinions, health information)
335 335  Given that FactHarbor processes claims containing political opinions and uses AI for systematic evaluation, we commit to appointing a DPO if we process personal data of EU residents.
431 +
336 336  == 12. Exceptions and Appeals ==
433 +
337 337  === 12.1 Requesting Information ===
435 +
338 338  If you believe FactHarbor should disclose specific organisational information:
437 +
339 339  1. Submit a written request to [Transparency contact to be established]
340 340  2. Specify the information requested and rationale
341 341  3. Expect initial response promptly
441 +
342 342  === 12.2 Appeals Process ===
443 +
343 343  If a transparency request is denied:
445 +
344 344  1. Appeal to the Transparency Committee (if established)
345 345  2. Provide additional context or rationale
346 346  3. Expect appeal decision promptly
347 347  4. Final appeals may be escalated to the Governing Team
450 +
348 348  === 12.3 Exception Criteria ===
452 +
349 349  Information may be withheld only if disclosure would:
454 +
350 350  * Violate individual privacy rights
351 351  * Compromise security (vulnerability, credential)
352 352  * Violate legal obligations (court order, attorney-client privilege)