OPEN FOUNDATION Terms & Conditions

Terms of Use Circle Platform 
Last updated: 14 November 2025

1) Who we are and how these Terms work

The Platform is operated by Stichting O.P.E.N.: Onderzoek naar de Psychedelische Ervaring Nederland, trading as OPEN Foundation (“OPEN”, “we”, “us”).

These Terms govern your access to and use of www.open-foundation.org (including subdomains) and related online services such as memberships, donations, event registrations, livestreams, community spaces, and digital content (together, the “Platform”). By accessing or using the Platform, you accept these Terms. If you use the Platform on behalf of an organisation, you confirm that you have the authority to bind that organisation.

We may publish supplemental terms for specific events, products, or features. If there is a conflict, those supplemental terms prevail for that service or feature.

We may update these Terms periodically. We will post the updated version with the “Last updated” date above. Material changes will be highlighted or otherwise notified where appropriate. Your continued use of the Platform after changes take effect means you accept the updated Terms.

2) Eligibility and acceptable use

You must use the Platform lawfully and responsibly. In particular, you agree that you will not:

• Use the Platform in violation of applicable law.

   

• Interfere with, attack, or attempt to circumvent security, authentication, or access controls.

   

• Harvest or scrape data from the Platform in a way that infringes privacy, data protection, or other rights.

   

• Infringe intellectual property rights, including copyright, trademarks, and database rights.

   

• Upload or share content that is unlawful, defamatory, discriminatory, hateful, infringing, or knowingly false.

   

• Upload malware or other harmful code.

   

We may remove content, restrict features, or suspend or terminate your access if we reasonably believe you have breached these Terms or pose a risk to other users, OPEN, or third parties.

3) No medical or legal advice

Content presented on the Platform is for general information and education. It is not a substitute for medical, legal, or other professional advice and must not be used to diagnose or treat conditions or to encourage illegal activity.

Always seek advice from appropriately qualified professionals before making decisions that may affect your health, legal position, or safety.

4) Accounts, membership, events, donations and refunds

Some features of the Platform require registration or payment. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current information during registration and keep it up to date.

   

• Keep your login details confidential and not share your account with others.

   

Payments are processed by trusted third-party providers. OPEN does not store full card numbers.

Specific terms for events, products, or memberships may apply and will be shown at the time of purchase or registration. By completing a transaction, you agree to those specific terms as well as these Terms.

4.1 Membership fees

• A membership fee is required to access certain parts of the Platform, including the OPEN Foundation Community Platform (see section 7).

   

• The membership fee must be paid in full and in advance for each membership term. The length of the term and payment options are specified on the OPEN Foundation website.

   

• Failure to pay the membership fee when due may result in suspension or termination of your membership and access to the Platform features that require membership.

   

• Membership fees are normally non-refundable, even if your membership is terminated before the end of the term, except where required by applicable law or where we explicitly state otherwise in writing.

   

4.2 Events and donations

• If an event is postponed or cancelled, we will inform affected participants as soon as reasonably possible and offer one or more of the following, subject to applicable law and practical constraints:

   

  • Transfer of your registration to a rescheduled or comparable event;

     

  • A credit that can be used for future events or services;

     

  • A refund where required by law or where we decide to offer one.

     

• Unless stated otherwise or required by law, donations are non-refundable.

   

5) Intellectual property

5.1 OPEN content

Unless stated otherwise, content on the Platform is owned by OPEN or used with permission. This includes text, images, logos, audio-visual content, design elements, and trademarks.

You may share links or short excerpts of our content for non-commercial purposes with clear attribution to OPEN Foundation. Any other re-use, including commercial use, adaptation, or distribution, requires our prior written consent.

Nothing in these Terms grants you ownership of any intellectual property rights in the Platform or its content.

5.2 Your content and licence to OPEN

“User-generated content” means any content you create and post or upload on the Platform, including text, images, videos, comments, and profile information.

• You retain copyright and any other ownership rights in the user-generated content you create and post on the Platform.

   

• By posting or uploading user-generated content on the Platform, you grant OPEN a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, transferable and sublicensable licence to use, host, store, reproduce, adapt, modify, translate, display, perform, and distribute that content:

   

  • for the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the Platform and our community;

     

  • for educational, cultural, and communication purposes;

     

  • for promoting OPEN’s mission and activities (for example, by sharing highlights of discussions, anonymised quotes, or testimonials).

     

Where we intend to use identifiable content (such as your full name, image, or a direct quote linked to you) for external promotional purposes, we will seek your consent where required by law or good practice.

Your licence to us continues for as long as we reasonably need the content for these purposes. If you delete content or close your account, we may:

• Retain copies where we are legally required to do so or where we have a legitimate interest (for example, audit, security, or record-keeping);

   

• Keep or display content in anonymised or pseudonymised form, especially where it is part of ongoing discussions, resources, or collective work.

   

5.3 Feedback and suggestions to OPEN

If you send us ideas, suggestions, or other feedback about the Platform or our activities, you grant OPEN a perpetual and irrevocable licence to use that feedback for any lawful purpose, including improvement and development of our services, without any obligation to compensate you.

This does not limit your rights under data protection law in relation to your personal data.

6) Third-party links, tools, and services

We may link to or integrate third-party services such as hosting, analytics, payments, email providers, or community platforms.

Your use of third-party services is subject to their own terms of use and privacy notices. We are not responsible for their sites, policies, or actions.

7) OPEN Foundation Community Platform (Circle)

The OPEN Foundation aims to maintain a safe, inclusive, and transparent community. This section 7 sets out additional terms that apply to the OPEN Foundation Community Platform hosted on Circle at https://community.open-foundation.org (the “Community Platform”). These terms form part of, and supplement, the rest of these Terms of Use.

If there is a conflict between this section 7 and the rest of these Terms regarding your use of the Community Platform, this section 7 will prevail for that specific issue. The general provisions (including sections 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12) continue to apply in full.

7.1 Scope and relationship with Circle

Parts of the Platform – particularly our online community spaces – are provided through the third-party service Circle.

• When you access or use those parts, you must also comply with Circle’s own terms of use and privacy notice, in addition to these Terms of Use.

   

• Your legal relationship with Circle is governed by Circle’s terms and privacy notice.

   

• Your relationship with OPEN is governed by these Terms of Use, including this section 7.

   

According to Circle’s own terms (which may be updated by Circle from time to time):

• You retain copyright in the content you create and post on Circle.

   

• Circle may receive rights to use, reproduce, distribute, and display content and “submissions” (for example, suggestions, ideas, or feedback) for its own purposes, including commercial purposes, without a duty to compensate you.

   

• Circle may monitor, edit, or remove content in line with its terms and privacy notice.

   

You should review Circle’s current terms and privacy notice to understand how Circle treats your content and submissions.

7.2 Joining the OPEN Foundation online membership

Eligibility

• To become a member and access the Community Platform, you must be at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement.

   

• Membership is subject to alignment with the values and guidelines of the OPEN Foundation. If there is a concern about a member’s conduct, we will try to engage in respectful dialogue before making decisions about their membership status, where reasonably possible.

   

Membership

• Once your membership is granted, you gain access to the Community Platform, which may include resources such as online events, an online journal club, and networking opportunities.

   

• Membership is personal and non-transferable. You may not share your account or login details with others.

   

• Membership benefits may change over time in order to better serve the community. We will inform you of significant changes where reasonably possible.

   

Fees and payments

The fee and refund rules in section 4 apply to membership of the Community Platform.

Termination of membership

• You may cancel your membership at any time by giving written notice to OPEN (for example, by email to info@open-foundation.org).

   

• If concerns arise regarding a member’s conduct, we will aim to open a dialogue first. However, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate membership, or restrict access to the Community Platform, if these Terms or community guidelines are violated, or where required by law or to protect others.

   

• Termination of your membership results in immediate termination of your access to the Community Platform, unless we inform you otherwise.

   

7.3 User responsibilities, anonymity, and profile images

In addition to the acceptable use obligations in section 2, you agree to:

• Maintain the confidentiality and security of your login credentials and not share them with others.

   

• Use the Community Platform in line with applicable laws, these Terms, and any community guidelines published by OPEN.

   

• Avoid behaviour that could disrupt, harm, or intimidate others, including spamming, harassment, bullying, hate speech, or impersonation.

   

• Refrain from uploading or sharing content that is unlawful, defamatory, infringing, discriminatory, or knowingly inaccurate.

   

• Refrain from uploading harmful or malicious content such as malware, spyware, or code intended to disrupt services or compromise security.

   

Pseudonyms and anonymity

• The Community Platform allows the use of display names or pseudonyms. However, you must not use a name that misleads others about your identity or professional qualifications, or that impersonates another person or organisation.

   

• We may ask you to verify your identity privately in specific situations, for example to handle complaints, safety concerns, or legal obligations.

   

Profile images and media

• Profile images and other media you use to represent yourself must not contain explicit sexual content, illegal content, hate symbols, or other imagery that conflicts with these Terms or our community standards.

   

• We may request you to change a profile image that we reasonably consider inappropriate. If you do not comply, we may remove the image or restrict your account.

   

Sanctions for rule breaches

Depending on the seriousness and frequency of violations, we may take one or more of the following steps, at our reasonable discretion:

• Informal reminder or warning;

   

• Request to edit or remove specific content;

   

• Temporary suspension of posting or access rights;

   

• Termination of membership and permanent exclusion from the Community Platform;

   

• Reporting serious concerns to relevant services or authorities where required by law or necessary to protect vital interests.

   

7.4 Content licensing and user-generated content on the Community Platform

The general rules in section 5 apply to all user-generated content. The following clarifications apply in particular to content on the Community Platform:

• You retain copyright and ownership of the content you create and post on Circle, including text, images, videos, and other materials.

   

• By posting content on the Community Platform, you grant OPEN a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, transferable and sublicensable licence to use, display, reproduce, adapt, and distribute such content for the purposes of:

   

  • operating, hosting, and moderating the Community Platform;

     

  • developing resources for members (for example, collections of useful posts or summaries of discussions);

     

  • promoting the community and OPEN’s mission, including by sharing highlights or anonymised excerpts.

     

We reserve the right to remove any content that violates these Terms, community guidelines, or applicable law, or that we reasonably consider inappropriate or harmful.

Internal and external sharing of content

• Internally, we may share your content with staff, contractors, and volunteers who need access to operate or improve the Platform or community.

   

• Externally, we may share highlights of discussions, anonymised quotes, or aggregated data to illustrate themes, impact, or community activity.

   

• Where content clearly identifies you (for example, by name or recognisable image) and we wish to use it for public testimonials or promotion, we will seek your consent where required by law or good practice.

   

Responsibility for your content

You are responsible for the content you post and for ensuring that you have all rights and permissions needed to share it. This includes respecting the privacy, confidentiality, and intellectual property rights of others.

OPEN does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of user-generated content. Content posted by members reflects their own views.

7.5 Privacy and communications on the Community Platform

The OPEN Foundation processes personal data in line with its Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, available on our website.

In relation to the Community Platform:

• By using the Community Platform, you agree that your personal data will be processed as described in our Privacy Policy.

   

• We may collect personal data such as your name, email address, country of residence, payment information, and information about your use of the Community Platform (for example, participation in events and interactions with content).

   

• We use this data only for the purposes for which it was collected, such as providing and improving the Community Platform, managing memberships, processing payments, supporting safety and moderation, and sending relevant communications.

   

• We do not sell your personal data to third parties. We may share data with carefully selected service providers where this is necessary for the functioning of the Platform or where required by law.

   

OPEN-Minded Newsletter

• By using the Community Platform, you agree to subscribe to the OPEN-Minded Newsletter, which we send on a bi-weekly basis.

   

• You can unsubscribe at any time via the link in the footer of any newsletter email or by contacting us.

   

7.6 Responsibility of the OPEN Foundation

We aim to ensure that content shared on the Platform, including the Community Platform, is accurate and meaningful at the time of publication. However:

• Scientific research, legal frameworks, and community knowledge change over time. Some content may become outdated or incomplete.

   

• All content is provided for educational, cultural, and harm reduction purposes. We do not condone or facilitate illegal activity. Users are solely responsible for understanding and complying with the laws applicable in their country or region.

   

• Some content may refer to traditional, Indigenous, or ancestral knowledge and practices. We aim to engage with this material respectfully and to acknowledge the cultural heritage it reflects. We invite members to approach such content with humility and cultural sensitivity.

   

Community health and safety commitment

• We encourage all users to seek advice from qualified professionals, such as medical, legal, or therapeutic experts, before making decisions based on information found on the Platform. Our content is intended to support learning and awareness, not to replace personalised professional guidance.

   

• If you or someone you know is in emotional or psychological distress, please contact qualified professionals or crisis support services. The Platform is not intended or equipped for medical emergencies or therapeutic intervention.

   

The general disclaimers and limitations of liability in sections 3 and 9 apply in full to all content and interactions on the Community Platform.

7.7 No facilitation of substance access

The OPEN Foundation does not sell, distribute, or facilitate access to any substances, legal or otherwise.

Regarding sensitive topics such as the use of ethnobotanicals or psychedelic substances:

• The Platform does not promote or encourage use. References are for educational and harm reduction purposes only.

   

• We strongly advise against engaging with such substances without the support of qualified professionals and a thorough understanding of potential risks, as well as the legal situation in your jurisdiction.

   

• Users are fully responsible for any personal choices made based on content shared on the Platform.

   

7.8 Limitation of liability and indemnification for the Community Platform

In addition to sections 9 and 10:

• The Community Platform is offered on an informational and community basis only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or therapeutic advice.

   

• To the fullest extent permitted by law, OPEN Foundation is not liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages (including loss of profits, data, or goodwill) arising out of or related to your use of, or inability to use, the Community Platform.

   

• We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free access to the Community Platform.

   

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless OPEN Foundation and its directors, officers, employees, partners, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, or debt, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from:

1. a) your use of and access to the Community Platform;
   b) your violation of any term of these Terms of Use, including this section 7;
   c) your violation of any third-party right, including intellectual property, privacy, or data protection rights.

This indemnification obligation survives termination of your membership and use of the Community Platform.

7.9 Complaints, feedback, and changes

If you have a complaint or concern regarding the Community Platform or your membership, please contact us at info@open-foundation.org. We aim to handle concerns in a respectful and timely manner, as also described in section 11.

We may amend the Community Platform terms set out in this section 7 from time to time. Any changes will follow the process described in section 1 of these Terms (including updating the “Last updated” date). Your continued use of the Community Platform after such changes take effect means you accept the updated terms.

8) Service availability

We aim for secure, continuous operation of the Platform. However, we cannot guarantee that the Platform will be uninterrupted, secure, or error free.

We may modify, suspend, or discontinue parts of the Platform, including specific features or content, at any time. Where feasible, we will try to give advance notice of major changes.

9) Warranties and limitation of liability

The Platform is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. To the extent permitted by law:

• We exclude all express or implied warranties, including implied warranties of accuracy, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, and availability.

   

• We are not liable for indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, loss of data, or loss of goodwill arising in connection with your use of the Platform.

   

• We are not responsible for issues beyond our reasonable control, such as network failures, interruptions caused by third-party services, or malware originating elsewhere.

   

Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes liability that cannot be limited or excluded under applicable law, such as liability for intent or gross negligence.

10) Indemnity

You agree to indemnify OPEN Foundation and its personnel against reasonable claims, damages, losses, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• your misuse of the Platform;

   

• your breach of these Terms;

   

• your infringement of third-party rights in connection with your use of the Platform.

   

11) Dispute resolution, governing law, and jurisdiction

We encourage you to first contact us at info@open-foundation.org if you have a concern, complaint, or dispute related to the Platform.

Informal resolution

• You can send a written complaint or concern by email. Please describe the issue clearly and include any relevant context.

   

• We aim to acknowledge your complaint within a reasonable time and to provide a substantive response or proposal for next steps within 30 days, unless the matter is particularly complex or requires investigation.

   

Mediation or alternative resolution

• Where appropriate, and if both parties agree, we may explore mediation or another informal resolution process before legal action is considered. Participation in such a process is voluntary and does not restrict your legal rights.

   

Governing law and courts

These Terms are governed by Dutch law. Unless mandatory law provides otherwise, disputes will be brought before the courts of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Nothing in this section limits rights you may have under mandatory consumer protection law, including any right to bring claims in the courts of your country of residence.

12) Your privacy and data retention

Your use of the Platform involves the processing of personal data as set out in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement.

For full details, please read the Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement on our site. They explain which data we collect, how we use it, and the rights you have under applicable data protection laws.

Data retention

• We keep personal data only for as long as needed for the purposes stated in our Privacy Policy, or as required by law (for example, tax and accounting obligations), or to establish, exercise, or defend legal claims.

   

• If you close your account or your membership ends, we will:

   

  • deactivate your account;

     

  • delete or anonymise personal data where it is no longer needed, subject to legal and record-keeping requirements;

     

  • retain certain data in backups or logs for a limited period where strictly necessary for security, auditing, or legal obligations.

     

• User-generated content may continue to appear on the Platform after account closure, especially where it is part of discussions, shared resources, or joint work. Where feasible, we will detach such content from your profile (for example, by anonymising your username) if you request this and if it does not unreasonably affect other users or our legal obligations.

   

13) Force majeure

OPEN is not liable for any delay or failure to perform its obligations under these Terms if this is caused by events or circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• natural disasters, fire, or extreme weather;

   

• war, terrorism, civil unrest, or acts of public authority;

   

• strikes or labour disputes not limited to OPEN’s workforce;

   

• failures of telecommunications, internet, or hosting services, or widespread technical outages;

   

• pandemics, epidemics, or public health measures imposed by authorities.

   

If a force majeure event occurs, we will take reasonable steps to reduce its impact and to resume normal operations as soon as reasonably possible.

14) Severability and waiver

If any part of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect.

If we do not enforce a particular right or provision under these Terms, this does not mean we waive that right or provision in the future. Any waiver must be in writing and clearly identified as a waiver.

15) Contact

Stichting O.P.E.N. – OPEN Foundation
Sinderenstraat 6
1107 TN Amsterdam
Netherlands

Email: info@open-foundation.org