I-STORM is committed to giving you clear information about its’ online communications. I-STORM’s Online Terms & Conditions outline your access to and use of the I-STORM website (www.I-STORM.org, referred to as ‘our website’) and applies to the whole I-STORM website, including the restricted access I-STORM members’ only sections, and our online platforms. By accessing and using the website and our online platforms you accept these terms and conditions and agree to comply with them. We therefore advise you to read this information carefully before using our website.

The I-STORM website is operated by I-STORM’s international and national networks. If you have any queries in relation to our website or online platforms and your use of it, please contact our international coordination team by email or telephone (see section 1.).

 

1.            About us

I-STORM, the international network for storm surge barriers, contains national I-STORM networks alongside the international group. The international network is referred to as ‘I-STORM’. The national groups are formed of I-STORM members in England, The Netherlands and the USA and are referred to as ‘I-STORM.EA’ (national network in England), ‘I-STORM.NL’ (national network in The Netherlands), and ‘I-STORM.US’ (national network in the United States).

Our international coordination team operates from London (UK).

Address: I-STORM, Environment Agency, Thames Barrier, Eastmoor Street, London SE7 8LX

E: enquiries@i-storm.org

T: +44 (0)7760293022 (mobile)

 

2.            Our website and online platforms

I-STORM has a range of online spaces where information relating to storm surge barriers can be shared and network members can meet virtually.  Our website plays a central role. It contains public pages and has several shielded members only environments, accessed by a secure login. The public part is freely accessible and aims to reach all parties (organisations and individuals) who are interested in further information on storm surge barriers or I-STORM membership. The shielded environments of our website enables our members to share news and forthcoming activities as well as resources such as case studies, presentations, best practices, and research within a secure environment.

In addition to our website we share news via our online platforms, such as Twitter and LinkedIn. These social media sites provide a place where members can meet virtually, where we encourage interaction and discussion between our members and anyone interested in (the activities of) the I-STORM network.

 

3.            Use of our website and online platforms

3.1          Data collection

When you use or view our website we collect and process personal data (among other things via your browser’s cookies) to gain insight and improve our website, to reply to your request(s) and to manage our members login. We will only use this data as set out in our Privacy Notice (www.i-storm.org/privacy-notice) which applies to your use of our website. This sets out the terms on which we process any personal data that you provide to us.

3.2          Material use

You are welcome to print or download extracts of any pages from the website or content of our other online platforms for your personal use and you may draw the attention of others within your organisation to content posted on the website. However, as I-STORM is the owner of the website design and content (all content unless explicitely mentioned), you may not modify this information or any materials you have printed off or downloaded in any way, and you may not use any illustrations, photographs, video or audio sequences or any graphics separately from any accompanying text. I-STORM as owner and author of content on the website (or any other identified contributors) must be acknowledged in every case.

Furthermore, you are not allowed to copy the design of the I-STORM website or any style elements on it for personal or organisational use without any permission in writing from I-STORM. Also, you must not use any part of the content on the website for commercial purposes without obtaining written permission to do so from I-STORM.

If you print, copy or download or use in any other way any part of the website in breach of our Online Terms & Conditions, your right to use the website will cease immediately and you must (at our request instantly) return or destroy any copies of the materials you have made.

3.3          Acceptable use standards

We want to be an informal, open and respectful network and we strive to create meaningful dialogues between our members and other storm surge barrier professionals. To help us do this, you agree to be respectful in your comments and the information you upload/post. We reserve the right to remove anything we deem:

 •         abusive or personal attacks;

 •         material that is unlawful, obscene, defamatory, threatening, harassing, abusive, slanderous, hateful or embarrassing to any other party;

 •         third party advertising;

 •         malicious or technologically harmful (such as introduce or knowingly transmit viruses, trojans, worms, or other material like chain letters or ‘spam’).

 We also reserve the right to terminate involvement by users who post such content.

Sharing information via social media

We also emphasise that the views and opinions expressed on I-STORM’s social media sites other than posted directly by I-STORM, do not necessarily represent those of the I-STORM network. Therefore, we cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information posted by external parties.

For your safety, never include your phone number, email, address or other personal information in a post. Your comments are visible to all.

 3.4          Linking

You may link to our website home page or to specific content on our website and are encouraged to do so, as long as it’s fair, legal and does not damage the reputation of the I-STORM network or take advantage of it. You may not establish a link that implies any form of association, approval or endorsement on our part where none exists.

Any platform or document in which you are linking must comply in all respects with our acceptable use standards (see section 3.2). We reserve the right to withdraw linking permission without notice.

 3.5          Children’s online privacy protection

Our website has no age limit and is therefore accessible to everyone. However, when personal data of a child (under 16 year) including but not limited to name and age is requested, permission of a legal parent/guardian must be granted (see our Privacy Notice).

 

4.            Disclaimer

 4.1          Online content

 The content on our website is provided for general information and research. We seek to ensure that the website and our other online platforms are up to date, however we cannot guarantee that all content will be free from errors or omissions. Therefore, I-STORM cannot accept any responsibility if this occurs.

We do not guarantee that the website, or any content or functionality on it, will always be available or be uninterrupted. We may suspend, withdraw or restrict the availability of all or any part of the website, or discontinue any part of the website, without notice. We will not be liable to you if for any reason the website is unavailable at any time or for any period.

The information on our website and online platforms is not a substitute for professional advice or judgement, or to provide legal or other advice in respect to particular circumstances.

Where the website or our online platforms contain links to other sites and resources provided by third parties, these links are provided for your information only. Such links should not be interpreted as approval by us of those linked websites or information you may obtain from them. I-STORM has no control over the contents of those sites or resources.

4.2          Other issues

Furthermore, we will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by:

•         using or the inability to use our website.

•         a virus or other technologically harmful material obtained due to your use of the website.

•         any loss to your business in terms of business opportunity, goodwill or reputation.

•         any other indirect or consequential loss or damage.

 

5.            Breach of our Online Terms & Conditions

If you breach our Online Terms & Conditions, I-STORM may take any of the following actions:

•         terminate your use of the website (including any username or password).

•         issue a warning to you.

•         withdraw your right to use the website (on a temporary or permanent basis).

•         take legal proceedings against you.

•         disclose information to law enforcement authorities.

 

6.            Updates

6.1          Changes to the website

We may update and change the website from time to time. Whilst we will seek to ensure that the website is up to date, we do not guarantee that the website, or any content on it, will be free from errors or omissions (see section 4).

6.2          Changes to our Online Terms & Conditions

We may amend our Online Terms & Conditions from time to time. Please check these terms and conditions to ensure you understand what applies at the time you use the website. These terms and conditions were last updated on 10 November 2020.

 

7.            General provisions

Dutch law applies to our website and also to these Online terms & conditions.

I-STORM reserves the right to assign any or all of its rights and obligations under these Online Terms & Conditions to any third party.