Helix Privacy Policy

At Helix, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our data exchange platform.

1. Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create an account, we collect your business name, contact name, email address, phone number, and billing information. For enterprise accounts, we may also collect additional verification documents.

Usage Data

We automatically collect information about how you interact with our platform, including API calls, data transfer volumes, access patterns, IP addresses, browser type, and device information.

Dataset Metadata

For data producers, we collect metadata about uploaded datasets including size, format, update frequency, and schema information. We do not access or process the actual data content unless required for technical support with your explicit consent.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our data exchange services
• Process transactions and manage subscriptions
• Send notifications about data updates and platform changes
• Monitor platform performance and security
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms
• Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
• Generate usage analytics and billing reports

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share information
• Business Partners: With data producers/consumers as necessary to facilitate data exchange transactions
• Service Providers: With trusted third parties who assist in operating our platform (AWS, payment processors)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government request
• Business Transfers: In connection with any merger, acquisition, or sale of company assets

4. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations.

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access and download your personal information
• Correct inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Opt-out of marketing communications
• Disable cookies through your browser settings
• Request data portability

7. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers, including Standard Contractual Clauses and adequacy decisions.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn we have collected information from a child, we will delete it immediately.

9. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze usage patterns, and remember preferences. You can control cookie settings through your browser, though some features may not function properly without cookies.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Helix Terms of Service

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Helix data exchange platform ("Service"). By accessing or using our Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account or using our Service, you represent that you are at least 18 years old and have the legal authority to enter into these Terms on behalf of yourself or your organization.

2. Description of Service

Helix provides a secure data exchange platform that enables data producers to publish datasets and data consumers to subscribe to and access those datasets.

3. Account Registration

Account Requirements

• You must provide accurate, complete, and current information
• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your credentials
• You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized access
• You are responsible for all activities under your account

4. User Types and Responsibilities

Data Producers

• You retain ownership of all data you upload
• You warrant that you have the right to share the data
• You are responsible for data accuracy and quality
• You must maintain agreed-upon update frequencies
• You must comply with all applicable data protection laws

Data Consumers

• You may only use data according to the applicable license terms
• You must not attempt to reverse-engineer encryption
• You must not redistribute data without authorization
• You must comply with all usage restrictions

5. Acceptable Use Policy

You agree not to:

• Violate any laws or regulations
• Upload malicious code or harmful content
• Attempt to breach security measures
• Interfere with service operations
• Exceed rate limits or usage quotas
• Share account credentials
• Use the service for illegal purposes
• Infringe on intellectual property rights

6. Fees and Payment

• All fees are due in advance on a monthly or annual basis
• Fees are non-refundable except as required by law
• We may change fees with 30 days' notice
• Late payments may result in service suspension

7. Intellectual Property

Platform Rights

Helix retains all rights to the platform, including software, APIs, documentation, and branding. You receive a limited, non-exclusive license just to use the Service.

Your Content

You retain ownership of data you upload. You grant us a limited license to store, transmit, and facilitate access to your data as necessary to provide the Service.

8. Service Level Agreement

• Platform uptime target: 99% monthly
• Scheduled maintenance windows excluded
• Credits available for downtime exceeding SLA
• Force majeure events excluded from SLA

9. Data Security and Privacy

We implement industry-standard security measures but cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for:

• Securing your account credentials
• Encrypting sensitive data before upload
• Complying with data protection regulations
• Obtaining necessary consents for data sharing

10. Disclaimers and Limitations

No Warranty

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, HELIX SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. OUR TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE FEES PAID BY YOU IN THE TWELVE MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Helix from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any law or third-party rights
• Content you upload or share through the Service
• Your use or misuse of the Service

12. Termination

• Either party may terminate with 30 days' written notice
• We may suspend or terminate immediately for violations
• Upon termination, your access will be revoked
• You remain liable for fees incurred before termination
• Data deletion will occur per our retention policy

13. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Vacnouver, BC, except where prohibited by law. You waive any right to jury trial or class action.

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of BC, Canada, without regard to conflict of law principles.

15. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms with 30 days' notice for material changes. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

16. Severability

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force.

17. Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Helix regarding the Service.