Acceptable Use Policy

This Acceptable Use Policy establishes the rules for accessing and using the PhotoBank platform, submitting Content, licensing digital media, communicating with other users and interacting with PhotoBank systems.

1. Introduction

This Acceptable Use Policy (“Policy”) applies to all visitors, registered users, Contributors, Buyers, Licensees, contractors, organizations and other persons who access or use PhotoBank.

PhotoBank is operated by:

Lumina Stock Media S.R.L.
Lumina Stock Media SRL Kentford Business Center Bd. Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt 202 MD-2004, Chișinău, Republica Moldova

Email: office@luminastockmedia.md
Telephone: +373 852464

References to “PhotoBank,” “we,” “us” and “our” mean Lumina Stock Media S.R.L.

References to the “Platform” mean photobank.online and all associated websites, applications, dashboards, interfaces, tools, services, databases and technical systems.

2. Acceptance of This Policy

By accessing or using PhotoBank, you agree to comply with this Policy.

This Policy forms part of the PhotoBank Terms of Service.

If you do not agree with this Policy, you must not use the Platform.

3. Relationship With Other PhotoBank Policies

This Policy should be read together with:

• the PhotoBank Terms of Service;
• the PhotoBank Privacy Policy;
• the PhotoBank Cookie Policy;
• the PhotoBank Contributor Agreement;
• the PhotoBank Content License Agreement;
• the PhotoBank Copyright Policy;
• the PhotoBank AI Content Policy;
• the PhotoBank Refund Policy;
• any technical or submission guidelines published by PhotoBank.

If another PhotoBank policy contains a more specific rule for a particular activity, the more specific rule will apply.

4. General Standard of Conduct

You must use PhotoBank lawfully, honestly, securely and in good faith.

You must not use the Platform in a manner that:

• violates applicable law;
• infringes the rights of another person;
• deceives or misleads other users;
• causes harm to PhotoBank, Contributors, Buyers or third parties;
• interferes with the normal operation of the Platform;
• creates an unreasonable security, legal or operational risk;
• circumvents Platform rules, pricing or technical restrictions.

5. Eligibility and Legal Capacity

You may use PhotoBank only if:

• you have reached the age of legal majority required to enter into a binding agreement;
• you have legal capacity to accept the PhotoBank terms;
• you are not prohibited from using the service by applicable law;
• your use does not violate sanctions, trade restrictions or legal obligations applicable to you or PhotoBank;
• all information provided by you is accurate and lawful.

PhotoBank is not intended for use by children.

6. Account Registration

When registering an Account, you must provide information that is:

• accurate;
• complete;
• current;
• not misleading;
• connected to your real identity or lawful organization.

You must not:

• register under a false identity;
• impersonate another person or organization;
• use stolen identity information;
• use another person’s payment or tax information without authority;
• provide false residence or business location information;
• misrepresent your age, citizenship or legal status;
• register an Account for unlawful or deceptive purposes.

7. Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the security of your Account.

You must:

• use a reasonably secure password;
• keep login credentials confidential;
• use multi-factor authentication where available;
• protect access to your email and payment accounts;
• sign out from shared devices;
• notify PhotoBank promptly of suspected unauthorized access;
• review unusual Account activity without unreasonable delay.

You must not sell, rent, lend, transfer or share your Account.

8. Multiple Accounts

You must not create or operate multiple Accounts for the purpose of:

• avoiding suspension or termination;
• circumventing upload limits;
• circumventing download limits;
• obtaining repeated promotional benefits;
• manipulating sales, rankings or statistics;
• concealing a connection between related users;
• avoiding payment, tax or identity verification;
• continuing prohibited activity.

PhotoBank may permit multiple Accounts where there is a legitimate business reason and prior authorization has been obtained.

9. Use on Behalf of an Organization

If you use PhotoBank on behalf of a company, agency, studio or other organization, you represent that:

• you are authorized to act for that organization;
• the organization agrees to the PhotoBank terms;
• the information you provide is accurate;
• you will not exceed your authority;
• you will comply with applicable Seat and team restrictions.

10. Lawful Use of the Platform

You must not use PhotoBank to commit, facilitate, encourage or conceal:

• fraud;
• identity theft;
• copyright infringement;
• trademark infringement;
• privacy violations;
• money laundering;
• terrorist financing;
• tax evasion;
• payment fraud;
• computer misuse;
• harassment or threats;
• the sale or distribution of unlawful material;
• any other criminal or unlawful activity.

11. Contributor Content Standards

All Content submitted to PhotoBank must:

• be lawfully created or controlled by the Contributor;
• comply with the Contributor Agreement;
• comply with the Copyright Policy;
• comply with the AI Content Policy where applicable;
• include accurate and relevant metadata;
• meet the applicable technical requirements;
• not create an unreasonable risk to Buyers or third parties.

The Contributor is responsible for all Content submitted through their Account.

12. Copyright and Intellectual Property

You must not upload, publish, distribute, license or otherwise use Content unless you have all rights and permissions necessary to do so.

Prohibited Content includes:

• images copied from websites;
• images copied from social media;
• files downloaded from another stock platform;
• screenshots from films, television or video games;
• scans from books, newspapers or magazines;
• unauthorized reproductions of artwork;
• unauthorized music or audio recordings;
• Content subject to a conflicting exclusive license;
• Content created from stolen source files;
• Content that infringes third-party intellectual property rights.

13. Model Releases

Where a Model Release is required, the Contributor must obtain a valid release before submitting the relevant Content for commercial licensing.

You must not:

• forge a Model Release;
• alter a signed release without authority;
• submit a release signed by an unauthorized person;
• misrepresent the identity or age of a model;
• reuse a release for unrelated Content without permission;
• submit a release that does not cover the intended use;
• upload Content of a minor without required authorization.

14. Property Releases

Where a Property Release is required, the Contributor must obtain permission from the authorized owner or representative.

Property Releases must not be:

• forged;
• misleading;
• incomplete;
• used outside their scope;
• signed by a person without authority;
• altered after signature without authorization.

15. Privacy and Personal Data

You must not upload or disclose another person’s personal data unless you have a valid legal basis and all required permissions.

Prohibited personal information may include:

• passport or identity document numbers;
• bank account or payment-card details;
• private telephone numbers;
• private email addresses;
• medical records;
• precise private residential addresses;
• login credentials;
• confidential employment records;
• private correspondence;
• personal data obtained through unauthorized access.

Documents and screens appearing within Content should be reviewed and redacted where necessary.

16. Sensitive Personal Information

You must exercise particular care when submitting Content that reveals or may reveal:

• health information;
• biometric information;
• political opinions;
• religious beliefs;
• sexual orientation;
• racial or ethnic origin;
• trade union membership;
• criminal allegations or convictions;
• financial hardship;
• immigration status.

Such Content may be rejected, restricted to editorial use or require additional documentation.

17. Content Involving Minors

Content involving minors must be handled with heightened care.

You must not submit Content that:

• sexually depicts or exploits a minor;
• shows child abuse or child sexual abuse material;
• places a minor in a sexually suggestive context;
• reveals sensitive identifying information without justification;
• encourages dangerous conduct by minors;
• violates the privacy, dignity or safety of a child;
• was created without required parental or guardian authorization.

Suspected child sexual abuse material may be reported to the relevant authorities without prior notice to the user.

18. Sexual and Explicit Content

PhotoBank may reject or restrict sexually explicit Content.

Prohibited Content includes:

• child sexual abuse material;
• sexual exploitation;
• non-consensual sexual Content;
• intimate imagery distributed without consent;
• sexual violence;
• content depicting trafficking or coercion;
• sexual deepfakes involving real persons without consent;
• Content created in violation of applicable obscenity laws.

Artistic nudity may be accepted or restricted depending on context, legality, releases and Platform standards.

19. Violence and Graphic Content

PhotoBank may reject, restrict or label Content showing:

• graphic injury;
• dead bodies;
• severe violence;
• animal cruelty;
• torture;
• terrorist attacks;
• war crimes;
• self-harm;
• other disturbing events.

Documentary or editorial value does not automatically guarantee acceptance.

Content must not glorify, encourage or instruct users to commit violent acts.

20. Terrorism and Violent Extremism

You must not use PhotoBank to:

• praise or promote terrorist organizations;
• recruit participants;
• distribute propaganda;
• raise funds for violent extremist activity;
• provide operational instructions;
• celebrate terrorist violence;
• threaten terrorist acts;
• support organizations prohibited by applicable law.

Legitimate news, documentary, historical or educational Content may be reviewed separately and may be restricted to editorial use.

21. Hate and Discrimination

You must not upload or distribute Content that promotes hatred, dehumanization, exclusion or violence against persons based on legally protected characteristics.

This may include hostility based on:

• race;
• ethnicity;
• nationality;
• religion;
• sex;
• gender identity;
• sexual orientation;
• disability;
• age;
• another characteristic protected by applicable law.

Documentary or historical Content may be accepted where it does not endorse the depicted hateful message and is accurately classified.

22. Harassment, Threats and Abuse

You must not use PhotoBank to:

• threaten another person;
• harass or intimidate another user;
• publish private information to cause harm;
• coordinate abuse;
• send repeated unwanted messages;
• blackmail or extort another person;
• make knowingly false accusations;
• retaliate against a complainant or rights holder;
• interfere with another user’s lawful business.

23. Defamation and False Information

You must not knowingly use PhotoBank to publish false statements that unlawfully harm the reputation of another person or organization.

Metadata, captions and descriptions must not falsely state that a depicted person:

• committed a crime;
• has a medical condition;
• supports a political movement;
• belongs to an extremist organization;
• endorses a product;
• participated in an event that did not occur;
• engaged in conduct not supported by the Content.

24. Illegal Products and Services

You must not use PhotoBank to advertise, promote, sell or facilitate illegal products or services.

This may include:

• illegal drugs;
• unlawful weapons;
• counterfeit goods;
• stolen property;
• forged documents;
• human trafficking;
• illegal gambling;
• unlicensed financial services;
• malware or hacking services;
• products prohibited by applicable sanctions or trade controls.

25. Fraud and Deception

You must not engage in fraudulent or deceptive activity.

Prohibited conduct includes:

• using stolen payment information;
• creating fraudulent identities;
• submitting false tax documents;
• submitting forged releases;
• submitting Content owned by another person;
• fabricating copyright evidence;
• misrepresenting the origin of Content;
• manipulating refund or chargeback procedures;
• misrepresenting transactions;
• concealing beneficial ownership where disclosure is required.

26. Manipulation of Sales and Downloads

You must not artificially manipulate downloads, sales, views, rankings, popularity or Contributor earnings.

Prohibited activity includes:

• purchasing your own Content to generate Royalties;
• arranging reciprocal purchases;
• using related Accounts to create fake transactions;
• using bots to generate views or downloads;
• paying users to create artificial activity;
• creating fake customer Accounts;
• manipulating search position through irrelevant metadata;
• coordinating fraudulent download groups;
• using stolen cards to purchase Content;
• creating transactions intended to be charged back later.

27. Manipulation of Reviews and Ratings

If PhotoBank introduces reviews, ratings or feedback tools, users must not:

• submit fake reviews;
• review their own Content through another Account;
• purchase or sell reviews;
• offer rewards for positive reviews;
• threaten users over reviews;
• coordinate review manipulation;
• submit reviews unrelated to a genuine transaction;
• use automated systems to create ratings.

28. Metadata Manipulation

Titles, descriptions, keywords, categories and other metadata must be accurate and relevant.

You must not:

• use unrelated keywords;
• repeat keywords excessively;
• insert competitor names solely to attract traffic;
• misstate the location or date;
• misidentify a person, object or event;
• hide the fact that Content is AI-generated;
• classify commercial Content as editorial or vice versa;
• use deceptive or sensational descriptions;
• manipulate search results through keyword stuffing.

29. Duplicate and Low-Value Submissions

PhotoBank may restrict excessive submission of:

• identical files;
• near-identical files;
• minor variations with no meaningful difference;
• automatically generated low-quality Content;
• irrelevant or empty files;
• Content submitted primarily to manipulate search results;
• large batches that do not meet technical standards.

30. Artificial Intelligence Content

AI-generated and AI-assisted Content must comply with the PhotoBank AI Content Policy.

You must not:

• hide material use of generative AI;
• falsely label synthetic Content as a real photograph;
• misrepresent a synthetic event as news;
• create unauthorized sexual deepfakes;
• create deceptive political deepfakes;
• imitate an identifiable living artist in an unlawful manner;
• use prompts or source materials that infringe third-party rights;
• submit AI output without sufficient rights to commercialize it;
• use AI to fabricate releases or evidence;
• submit prohibited biometric or impersonation Content.

31. Impersonation and Deepfakes

You must not use PhotoBank to impersonate another person or create deceptive synthetic representations.

Prohibited uses include:

• fake identity documents;
• fraudulent profile photographs;
• voice or face impersonation intended to deceive;
• synthetic endorsements by real people;
• fabricated evidence of criminal conduct;
• non-consensual intimate deepfakes;
• misleading political or electoral Content;
• Content designed to facilitate identity fraud.

32. Malware and Harmful Code

You must not upload, transmit, distribute or link to:

• viruses;
• trojans;
• ransomware;
• spyware;
• keyloggers;
• cryptocurrency miners;
• malicious scripts;
• backdoors;
• corrupted files intended to cause harm;
• code intended to obtain unauthorized access.

33. Security Testing and Unauthorized Access

Unless PhotoBank has provided prior written authorization, you must not:

• probe the Platform for vulnerabilities;
• scan ports or infrastructure;
• attempt to bypass authentication;
• access another user’s Account;
• intercept network traffic;
• test stolen credentials;
• exploit a vulnerability;
• attempt privilege escalation;
• disable security protections;
• conduct denial-of-service testing.

Security vulnerabilities should be reported responsibly to PhotoBank.

34. Automated Access, Bots and Scraping

Unless expressly authorized in writing, you must not use automated systems to:

• scrape Content or metadata;
• download files in bulk;
• copy Contributor profiles;
• index non-public pages;
• collect pricing or account information;
• create Accounts;
• submit Content;
• generate searches or views;
• circumvent rate limits;
• extract data for a competing service.

Prohibited tools may include:

• bots;
• crawlers;
• scrapers;
• browser automation;
• headless browsers;
• download managers configured for bulk extraction;
• automated Account-creation tools.

Search-engine indexing expressly allowed by PhotoBank is not prohibited.

35. API Use

Access to a PhotoBank API, if introduced, will be governed by separate API terms and technical limits.

API users must not:

• share API credentials;
• exceed rate limits;
• circumvent technical controls;
• cache data longer than permitted;
• resell API access;
• use API data to build a competing stock platform;
• expose original Content files to unauthorized users;
• use the API for unlawful surveillance or profiling.

36. Mass Downloading and Stockpiling

You must not download Content in bulk unless expressly permitted by your subscription, enterprise agreement or written authorization.

You must not:

• download Content without a genuine project or permitted purpose;
• stockpile Content for possible future use;
• automate subscription downloads;
• share downloaded collections with third parties;
• build an offline copy of the PhotoBank library;
• circumvent daily or monthly limits;
• create a competing image library.

37. Circumvention of Technical Controls

You must not attempt to bypass:

• watermarks;
• download restrictions;
• Account limits;
• payment requirements;
• subscription limits;
• regional restrictions;
• content-access restrictions;
• rate limits;
• security measures;
• rights-management information.

Removing a watermark from an unlicensed preview is prohibited.

38. Unauthorized Distribution

You must not distribute licensed Content outside the scope of the applicable Content License Agreement.

You must not:

• share original files publicly;
• upload licensed files to another stock platform;
• offer licensed files through file-sharing services;
• resell original Content;
• provide unrestricted access to employees or clients;
• publish high-resolution files in extractable form;
• transfer a single-user License to another person.

39. Payment Abuse

You must not:

• use stolen payment instruments;
• submit unauthorized transactions;
• misuse chargeback procedures;
• make false non-delivery claims;
• manipulate currency or regional pricing;
• create transactions for money-laundering purposes;
• use payment accounts that you are not authorized to use;
• provide false billing information;
• circumvent payment or payout verification.

40. Contributor Payout Abuse

Contributors must not:

• provide false payout information;
• use another person’s payout Account without authority;
• conceal the true payment beneficiary;
• submit false tax documents;
• split Accounts to avoid verification;
• create fake sales to generate Royalties;
• request payment for infringing Content;
• use PhotoBank to transfer funds between related Accounts.

41. Refund and Chargeback Abuse

You must not:

• download Content and then falsely claim non-delivery;
• continue using Content after receiving a refund;
• initiate a chargeback to avoid paying for a valid License;
• submit duplicate refund requests;
• misrepresent the reason for a refund;
• coordinate fraudulent refunds through multiple Accounts.

42. Circumvention of Platform Transactions

Where PhotoBank facilitates a transaction, users must not use the Platform primarily to avoid applicable fees or contractual obligations.

Prohibited conduct may include:

• directing a Buyer to pay outside PhotoBank to avoid fees;
• using metadata to publish private payment instructions;
• creating fake transactions to exchange contact information;
• misrepresenting a sale as a free transfer;
• using another Account to conceal an off-platform arrangement.

This section does not prevent Contributors from carrying on legitimate independent business where permitted by the Contributor Agreement.

43. Spam and Unsolicited Communications

You must not use PhotoBank to send:

• unsolicited commercial messages;
• repetitive promotional messages;
• bulk messages;
• phishing messages;
• malicious links;
• fraudulent support messages;
• messages intended to harvest contact information;
• messages that violate applicable marketing laws.

44. Misuse of Support and Complaint Systems

You must not misuse PhotoBank support, reporting, appeal or complaint procedures.

Prohibited conduct includes:

• submitting knowingly false reports;
• repeatedly reporting lawful Content to harass a user;
• providing fabricated evidence;
• threatening PhotoBank staff;
• sending excessive duplicate requests;
• impersonating a rights holder;
• using complaints to suppress lawful competition;
• attempting to manipulate review outcomes.

45. Abuse of Copyright Procedures

You must not submit:

• false copyright complaints;
• fraudulent counter-notices;
• forged copyright registrations;
• altered source files;
• false statements of authorship;
• complaints concerning works you do not own;
• complaints submitted without authority from the rights owner;
• claims intended to obtain confidential user information.

46. Sanctions and Trade Restrictions

Users must comply with applicable sanctions, trade restrictions, export controls and financial restrictions.

You must not use PhotoBank:

• on behalf of a prohibited person or organization;
• to facilitate a prohibited transaction;
• to conceal the involvement of a restricted party;
• to circumvent geographic or financial restrictions;
• to provide services prohibited under applicable sanctions;
• to transfer funds to a prohibited beneficiary.

PhotoBank may request information concerning identity, residence, business ownership and payment beneficiaries.

47. Use of VPNs and Proxy Services

Use of a virtual private network or proxy service is not prohibited by itself.

You must not use a VPN, proxy, anonymization tool or remote system to:

• conceal fraudulent activity;
• circumvent sanctions;
• avoid identity verification;
• manipulate regional pricing;
• operate prohibited multiple Accounts;
• evade suspension or termination;
• conceal unauthorized automated access;
• access the Platform from a prohibited jurisdiction.

48. Money Laundering and Suspicious Activity

PhotoBank must not be used to conceal the source, ownership, destination or control of funds.

PhotoBank may investigate:

• unusual payment patterns;
• rapid purchase and refund activity;
• transactions between related Accounts;
• large unexplained payout changes;
• use of multiple payment identities;
• false business ownership information;
• transactions lacking an apparent legitimate purpose.

PhotoBank may delay or refuse transactions where reasonably necessary for legal, compliance or fraud-prevention purposes.

49. Interference With Platform Operation

You must not:

• overload the Platform;
• launch denial-of-service attacks;
• interfere with hosting infrastructure;
• send excessive automated requests;
• cause unreasonable database load;
• deliberately trigger repeated errors;
• interfere with other users’ access;
• attempt to disable logging or monitoring;
• damage, disrupt or degrade Platform systems.

50. Reverse Engineering

Except where applicable law expressly permits it, you must not:

• reverse engineer Platform software;
• decompile or disassemble software;
• copy private source code;
• discover non-public algorithms through unauthorized means;
• reproduce Platform functionality for a competing service;
• circumvent encryption or access controls.

51. Unauthorized Commercial Use

You must not use PhotoBank branding, systems, Content or user data to:

• operate an unauthorized resale service;
• offer access to PhotoBank Accounts;
• sell Content without an appropriate License;
• create a competing stock-media database;
• misrepresent yourself as an official PhotoBank partner;
• use PhotoBank trademarks without authorization;
• offer fraudulent licensing or copyright-enforcement services.

52. Platform Branding

You must not:

• use the PhotoBank name in a misleading manner;
• register confusingly similar domains;
• create fake PhotoBank support pages;
• create fake emails appearing to originate from PhotoBank;
• claim endorsement or partnership without authorization;
• copy the Platform’s visual identity for fraudulent purposes.

53. Automated Moderation and Detection

PhotoBank may use automated and semi-automated tools to identify:

• duplicate Content;
• suspected copyright infringement;
• fraudulent transactions;
• malware;
• spam;
• AI-generated Content;
• unusual Account activity;
• manipulated downloads;
• prohibited Content;
• attempts to circumvent Platform controls.

Automated detection may result in temporary restrictions or referral for human review.

An automated signal does not necessarily establish that a violation occurred.

54. Human Review

Where appropriate, PhotoBank may conduct human review before or after taking enforcement action.

Human reviewers may examine:

• submitted Content;
• metadata;
• original files;
• Account history;
• transaction records;
• releases and permissions;
• communications;
• complaints and appeals;
• technical and security information.

55. Content Removal

PhotoBank may reject, restrict, suspend or remove Content where:

• the Content violates this Policy;
• the Content violates another PhotoBank policy;
• a valid legal complaint is received;
• required permissions are missing;
• the Content creates an unreasonable legal risk;
• the Content is technically harmful;
• the metadata is materially misleading;
• the Content is no longer suitable for the Platform;
• removal is required by law or a competent authority.

56. Enforcement Measures

Depending on the nature and seriousness of a violation, PhotoBank may:

• issue a warning;
• request corrective action;
• reject Content;
• remove Content;
• restrict Content to editorial use;
• disable uploading;
• disable downloading;
• limit Account functionality;
• require identity verification;
• withhold payments temporarily;
• cancel fraudulent Royalties;
• reverse credits or promotional benefits;
• suspend the Account;
• terminate the Account;
• prevent creation of replacement Accounts;
• report conduct to relevant authorities;
• pursue contractual or legal remedies.

57. Factors Considered in Enforcement

PhotoBank may consider:

• the seriousness of the violation;
• whether harm occurred;
• whether the conduct was intentional;
• whether the user acted fraudulently;
• whether the violation was repeated;
• whether previous warnings were ignored;
• the user’s cooperation;
• the quality of evidence provided;
• the legal and security risk;
• the impact on Buyers, Contributors and third parties.

58. Immediate Suspension

PhotoBank may suspend an Account immediately where there is a reasonable concern involving:

• fraud;
• stolen payment information;
• serious copyright infringement;
• child sexual abuse material;
• malware;
• terrorist activity;
• identity theft;
• sanctions violations;
• a serious security incident;
• risk of further harm or evidence destruction.

59. Payment Holds

PhotoBank may temporarily withhold Contributor payments where:

• fraud is suspected;
• copyright ownership is disputed;
• identity verification is incomplete;
• payment details appear inaccurate;
• a transaction is charged back;
• a legal request is received;
• the Account is under investigation;
• payment would violate applicable law.

A payment hold does not by itself establish wrongdoing.

60. Preservation of Evidence

PhotoBank may preserve information connected to suspected violations, including:

• Content files;
• metadata;
• upload records;
• IP addresses;
• device and browser information;
• Account activity;
• payment and payout records;
• communications;
• complaints and appeals;
• security logs;
• license records.

Information may be retained for legal compliance, security, fraud prevention, dispute resolution and enforcement.

61. Reporting Violations

Suspected violations of this Policy may be reported to:

M.DRAGAN250666@gmail.com

A report should include, where available:

• the reporting person’s name and contact information;
• the relevant URL or Content identifier;
• the relevant Account or Contributor name;
• a description of the suspected violation;
• supporting evidence;
• an explanation of how the reporter is affected;
• a statement confirming that the report is made in good faith.

62. Confidentiality of Reports

PhotoBank will seek to handle reports with reasonable confidentiality.

However, information may be disclosed:

• to the reported user;
• to a rights holder;
• to legal representatives;
• to payment providers;
• to courts or regulators;
• to law enforcement;
• where disclosure is required by law;
• where disclosure is reasonably necessary to investigate the report.

63. User Notification

Where appropriate, PhotoBank may inform a user of enforcement action.

A notice may include:

• the Content or Account affected;
• the relevant rule;
• the general reason for the decision;
• the action taken;
• whether the action is temporary or permanent;
• available corrective steps;
• information about an appeal.

PhotoBank may limit notice where disclosure would:

• violate applicable law;
• compromise an investigation;
• create a security risk;
• expose confidential information;
• facilitate further fraud or abuse.

64. Appeals

Where an appeal process is available, a user may request review of an enforcement decision.

The appeal should include:

• the user’s legal name;
• the email address connected to the Account;
• the relevant Content or decision;
• an explanation of why the decision is disputed;
• supporting evidence;
• any corrective measures already taken.

Filing an appeal does not automatically suspend the enforcement action.

65. Appeal Outcomes

After reviewing an appeal, PhotoBank may:

• confirm the original decision;
• reverse the decision;
• modify the restriction;
• restore Content;
• restore Account access;
• request additional information;
• apply a different enforcement measure.

PhotoBank may refuse repeated appeals that do not provide new or relevant information.

66. Cooperation With Authorities

PhotoBank may cooperate with courts, regulators, law-enforcement agencies and other competent authorities.

Cooperation may include:

• preserving records;
• disclosing information where legally required;
• removing unlawful Content;
• restricting transactions;
• freezing or withholding payments where required;
• responding to lawful orders;
• reporting suspected serious criminal conduct.

67. No Obligation to Monitor Everything

PhotoBank may review, moderate and investigate Content and user activity.

However, PhotoBank does not guarantee that it will identify every violation before Content is published or downloaded.

Acceptance of Content does not mean that PhotoBank has confirmed:

• copyright ownership;
• the validity of every release;
• the legality of every possible use;
• the accuracy of all metadata;
• that no third-party rights are affected.

68. User Responsibility

Users remain responsible for:

• their Content;
• their Account activity;
• their use of licensed Content;
• their compliance with applicable law;
• obtaining required permissions;
• protecting login credentials;
• the conduct of employees and contractors using their Account;
• responding to complaints and investigations.

69. No Guarantee of Continued Access

PhotoBank does not guarantee that:

• every user will be eligible for an Account;
• every submission will be accepted;
• Content will remain published indefinitely;
• an Account will never be restricted;
• all Platform functionality will remain unchanged;
• every violation will be detected immediately.

70. Changes to This Policy

PhotoBank may update this Policy to reflect:

• changes to the Platform;
• new Content types;
• new fraud or security risks;
• changes in applicable law;
• changes to payment or Contributor systems;
• new AI technologies;
• new moderation practices;
• operational or commercial requirements.

The revised Policy will be published on PhotoBank and the “Last updated” date will be changed.

Where appropriate, PhotoBank may provide additional notice by email, through the user dashboard or through a notice on the Platform.

71. Governing Law

This Policy is governed by the laws of the Republic of Moldova, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

Mandatory rights under other applicable laws remain unaffected where they cannot lawfully be excluded.

72. Severability

If any provision of this Policy is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect.

The invalid provision should be interpreted or replaced to reflect its intended purpose as closely as legally permitted.

73. No Waiver

A failure or delay by PhotoBank in enforcing this Policy does not waive the right to enforce the relevant rule later.

74. Contact

Questions, reports and appeals concerning this Acceptable Use Policy may be sent to:

Lumina Stock Media S.R.L.
Lumina Stock Media SRL Kentford Business Center Bd. Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt 202 MD-2004, Chișinău, Republica Moldova

Email: office@luminastockmedia.md
Telephone: +373 852464

This Acceptable Use Policy must be reviewed and finalized before public Contributor registration, paid licensing, automated payouts and user-to-user communication features are enabled.