THE COLLECTIVE

Terms & Conditions

Last updated: 22 January 2026

A) Plain-language summary (not legally binding)

  • The Collective is a volunteer-powered, integrity-first initiative serving Lebanon's tech ecosystem.
  • We share public resources (reports, frameworks, programs) and host sign-ups, events, applications, and a WhatsApp community.
  • Please use our materials responsibly: you may share them non-commercially with attribution (see "Open-ish License"), and don't imply endorsement.
  • Participation is not employment. We don't guarantee outcomes (funding, jobs, partnerships).
  • Be respectful: no harassment, spam, scraping, or misrepresentation.
  • Lebanon is our home base; these Terms rely on Lebanese law, while acknowledging global access.

B) Acceptance of Terms & eligibility

By accessing or using any site, channel, document, form, event, or community operated by or for The Collective (the "Platform"), you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.

Eligibility: You confirm you are 18+, have legal capacity to agree, and will comply with applicable laws. If you use the Platform on behalf of an organization, you represent you have authority to bind that organization to these Terms.

C) About The Collective

The Collective is a non-profit-in-spirit, mission-driven initiative focused on Lebanon's tech ecosystem. It is not currently a registered legal entity. It operates lean, opt-in, and integrity-first—no hype, no growth-for-growth. We produce impact products (reports, frameworks, playbooks, programs, decision-support tools, talent pipelines, ecosystem initiatives) and convene senior leaders through selective roundtables and events.

We are volunteer-powered. We are not selling services and do not create fiduciary, partnership, or employment relationships through Platform use.

D) Permitted use / prohibited use

You may:

  • Access public materials, cite and share them under the Open-ish License (Section E).
  • Apply to volunteer, join initiatives, register for events, and subscribe to updates.

You may not:

  • Harass, abuse, discriminate, defame, threaten, or dox others.
  • Spam, solicit, or run promotions without written permission.
  • Scrape, crawl, copy at scale, or build derivative databases without permission.
  • Misrepresent identity, affiliation, or imply The Collective's endorsement.
  • Upload malware, attempt unauthorized access, or interfere with Platform operation.
  • Post misinformation, confidential content you do not have rights to share, or infringe IP.
  • Use materials to train AI/models without our prior written permission (see E).

E) Intellectual property & "Open-ish" license

Unless otherwise stated, The Collective (or its contributors/licensors) owns or controls the Platform's content: reports, text, graphics, data visualizations, frameworks, playbooks, programs, videos, event materials, and tools ("Collective Materials").

Open-ish License (summary)

You may share and redistribute Collective Materials non-commercially, without modification, with attribution and a link back to the source. You may not re-upload as your own, remove notices, imply endorsement, sell or monetize, train models, or create modified/derivative versions unless we expressly permit it.

Attribution format (copy-paste): "Source: The Collective — [Title], [URL], licensed for non-commercial sharing without modification."

No AI/model training without permission: You may not use Collective Materials to train, fine-tune, or evaluate AI or statistical models without prior written permission from The Collective.

Exceptions / restrictions: Third-party content embedded or linked remains the property of its owner. Logos, trademarks, brand assets are not licensed for reuse without written permission. Event recordings, slides, and participant content may have separate rules.

F) Newsletter & communications

  • Opt-in only; unsubscribe anytime via the footer link or by emailing us.
  • We make no guarantee of frequency, and content may include updates, opportunities, research calls, and event notices.
  • By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from The Collective consistent with our Privacy Policy.

G) Events (online/offline)

  • Registration: Some events require registration or confirmation. We may limit, reschedule, or cancel events at our discretion.
  • Code of conduct: Be respectful, constructive, and on-topic. No harassment, hate speech, solicitation, recording, or distribution of private session materials unless expressly allowed.
  • Photo/video: By attending, you consent to being photographed/recorded for documentation and mission-aligned communications.
  • Removal rights: We may remove or refuse entry to any participant who violates these Terms or the event code of conduct.

H) Applications (volunteering, initiatives, partnerships, speakers)

  • Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Decisions are at our discretion, guided by mission fit and capacity.
  • Anti-discrimination & ethics: We aim to uphold integrity, inclusion, and public-interest outcomes.
  • Accuracy: You agree that information you submit is accurate and not misleading. We may rescind acceptance if we discover material inaccuracies or misconduct.

I) WhatsApp Community Terms

Purpose: A respectful, signal-over-noise space for Lebanon's tech ecosystem.

  • Be civil; no harassment or personal attacks.
  • No spam or unsolicited pitching/solicitation.
  • Share verified information; avoid rumors/misinformation.
  • Do not forward screenshots or messages outside the group without explicit permission (treat as confidential by default).
  • No political campaigning or unrelated controversy.
  • Admin discretion: Admins may warn, mute, remove, or ban participants for rule breaches.
  • Third-party platform: WhatsApp is provided by a third party; your use is also governed by WhatsApp's terms and privacy policy.

J) Volunteer participation disclaimer

  • Volunteering with The Collective does not create employment.
  • No wages, salary, or employment benefits are provided; volunteering is at will.
  • Volunteers and contributors may not bind The Collective or speak on its behalf without prior written authorization.
  • We may end a volunteer engagement at any time if conduct conflicts with our mission or these Terms.

K) No professional advice

Collective Materials and communications are informational only. We do not provide legal, financial, investment, tax, employment, medical, or other professional advice. You are solely responsible for decisions you make based on Platform content.

L) Third-party links and tools

The Platform may link to or embed third-party sites, tools, or services (e.g., form tools, video platforms, messaging). We are not responsible for third-party content, policies, or practices. Use third-party services at your own risk and review their terms and privacy notices.

M) Disclaimers & limitation of liability

  • The Platform and Collective Materials are provided "as is" and "as available."
  • We do not guarantee any outcomes—including funding, jobs, partnerships, introductions, or policy adoption—nor the completeness or accuracy of content.
  • To the maximum extent permitted by Lebanese law, The Collective, its coordinators, contributors, volunteers, and partners disclaim all warranties and will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages.
  • Where liability cannot be excluded, our aggregate liability to you for all claims will not exceed USD 100.

N) Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless The Collective and its coordinators, contributors, and volunteers from and against any claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses arising from or related to: (i) your misuse of the Platform or Collective Materials; (ii) your content or conduct; (iii) your violation of these Terms or applicable law; or (iv) your infringement of third-party rights.

O) Governing law & jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of Lebanon, to the extent applicable given The Collective's current unregistered status. Any dispute that cannot be resolved amicably within 30 days shall be submitted to the courts of Beirut, without prejudice to any mandatory rights you may have under the laws of your place of residence. Because the Platform is accessible globally, users are responsible for ensuring their use complies with local laws.

P) Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Changes become effective upon posting the updated version and updating the "Last updated" date above. Your continued use of the Platform after changes means you accept the updated Terms.

Q) Contact

Questions or permissions: chris@thentt.me

Website: thecoll.org