KBase Use Agreement

An update to this policy was made on October 2022, and is available at https://www.kbase.us/about/terms-and-conditions-v2/

By using KBase, including its websites and services or via published APIs, you agree to follow and be bound by this KBase Use Agreement (“Agreement”). Read it carefully. It includes limitations on what is acceptable user behavior, accountability, availability, data retention, and conditions for account termination. If you do not agree, do not access or use KBase.

Acceptable use

Do not misuse KBase. For example, do not interfere with services or try to access them using a method other than the interface and the instructions provided by KBase. You may use KBase and its services only as permitted by law, including applicable export and re-export control laws and regulations.

You agree not to use KBase to submit, upload, post email, transmit, or otherwise make available any user content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, menacing, harassing, tortious, defamatory, vulgar, pornographic, obscene, offensive, blasphemous, libelous, unlawful, invasive of another’s privacy or publicity rights, hateful, or racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable.

Your account may be suspended if you do not comply with the terms and policies in this Agreement, or while suspected misconduct is being investigated.

Prohibited use

Do not upload any type of human data, or personally identifiable information, or restricted data.

KBase requires any user uploading data associated with human subjects (i.e., “human microbiome”) to verify in writing inside a Narrative markdown cell that 1) the user is an authorized contact for these data  and authorized to submit, share or release these data; 2) the data were collected under an IRB-approved protocol (including the IRB protocol number); and 3) that the data were stripped of identifiers that could link the data to the individual from whom it was collected, prior to uploading to KBase.

Any individual who accesses these data sets commits that he/she/they will not attempt to re-identify the data. If individually identifiable data are found inside KBase, contact engage@kbase.us immediately.

Other prohibited data include data that are export controlled, categorized as “Official Use Only” or “Controlled Unclassified Information” by the US Government, or any other data that the data owner would classify as “Moderate” or “High” under Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) Publication 199: Standards for Security Categorization of Federal Information and Information Systems.

WARNING: Improper use of KBase, including uploading human data, may result in the termination of KBase access privileges.

KBase User Account

You will need a KBase Account to use some of the KBase services and may create this via the Sign Up process on kbase.us. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of account information, username and passwords that you use to access KBase, and for logging off of your account.

To protect your account and personal information, you agree to keep your password confidential. You are responsible for all activity that happens on or through your account. Do not reuse your KBase password elsewhere. You are responsible to maintain appropriate security measures.

If you learn of any unauthorized use of your password or KBase account you agree to immediately contact KBase. KBase will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to comply with this section.

Privacy Protection

The KBase Privacy Policy explains how your personal data is treated and protected. By using KBase you agree that KBase can use such data in accordance with that policy.

Data Sharing Policy

KBase conforms to the Information and Data Sharing Policy of the Genomic Science Program of the Office of Biological and Environmental Research within the Office of Science. This requires that all publishable data, metadata, and software resulting from research funded by the Genomic Science program must conform to community-recognized standard formats when they exist; be clearly attributable; and be deposited within a community-recognized public database(s) appropriate for the research. Please see the KBase Data Policy page for more information.

Responsibility for Data

As a condition of your use of KBase you accept sole responsibility for all files you upload or transfer through use of KBase. You recognize and accept that KBase does not guarantee long-term retention of user uploaded data, and will not be responsible for any failure to store or transfer, or deletion, corruption or loss for any data, information or content contained in your files. It is strongly recommended that you back up all data files prior to using KBase.

Termination of KBase User Account

Rights granted to you herein will terminate immediately upon violation by you of this Agreement. KBase at its sole discretion reserves the right to temporarily or permanently terminate your access to and use of KBase at any time and for any reason whatsoever without notice or liability. KBase will not be liable to you or any third party for any termination.

Warranty Disclaimer

KBase is provided “AS-IS,” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. Your use of KBase is at your own risk.

Limitation of Liability

You acknowledge and agree that KBase will not be responsible for any damages to you or to any third party including for direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, or from the use of, or inability to use KBase. In no event shall KBase, its staff, developers, contributors or copyright holders be liable for any claim, damages or other liability, whether in an action of contract, tort or otherwise, arising from, out of or in connection with the KBase system or software or their use or other dealings in the software.

Changes

This KBase Use Agreement may change from time to time. Your rights under this agreement will not be reduced without your explicit consent. Changes will be posted on this page, and if significant will be provided more prominently via email or notification when you sign in.

Users may at any time review, update, correct or delete the personal information in their profiles including their password by signing in to their KBase account and using the edit, change password, or remove functions available from their personal profile page.

Terms & Conditions

This Use Agreement is part of KBase’s Terms and Conditions.