The conduct rules for using StenoDesk, including Messages, the Marketplace, and Support.
This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") governs your use of the StenoDesk platform at stenodesk.com and related subdomains (the "Service"). It is incorporated into and forms part of our Terms of Service. By using the Service, you agree to comply with this AUP. Capitalized terms not defined here have the meaning given in the Terms.
The Service is for business use by professionals (you must be at least 18). You agree to use it only for lawful purposes and in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and the professional and ethical standards that apply to court reporters, scopists, and legal-support professionals.
You may not use the Service to:
a. Illegal activities. Violate any federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance; facilitate or promote illegal activity; or engage in fraud or other financial crimes.
b. Harmful content. Post, transmit, or store content that is defamatory, obscene, threatening, or harassing; distribute malware or other harmful code; or post content that promotes violence or hatred.
c. Intellectual-property violations. Infringe any third party's copyrights, trademarks, patents, or trade secrets, or distribute unauthorized content.
d. Privacy and confidentiality violations. Collect or store personal information about others without a lawful basis; violate the privacy or publicity rights of others; disclose confidential client information, transcript content, or case materials without authorization; violate a protective order; or improperly share transcripts, notes, audio, or video recordings.
e. Service abuse. Attempt to access another user's data or account without authorization; circumvent access controls or row-level security; interfere with or disrupt the Service or its infrastructure; use bots or scrapers without permission; overload our systems; or access the Service to build a competing product.
f. Misrepresentation. Impersonate any person or entity; falsely claim affiliation; create fake accounts or provide false registration information; post false or misleading listings or reviews; or misrepresent your professional qualifications or certifications.
g. Spam and unsolicited communications. Send spam, chain messages, or unsolicited commercial messages through Messages or any other surface.
h. Professional misconduct. Violate court-reporter ethics or codes of conduct; share confidential deposition or trial transcript content inappropriately; or fail to comply with confidentiality rules or licensing requirements that apply to your work.
i. AI misuse. Use AI-assisted features to generate unlawful content or to process data you have no right to process.
The Marketplace is a discovery and connection venue only. StenoDesk does not process, hold, or facilitate any payment between Marketplace participants; any engagement and settlement happens off-platform and directly between users. When using the Marketplace, you must:
You must not post fraudulent, misleading, or non-genuine opportunities; engage in price manipulation or collusion; post fake reviews; spam users with inquiries; use the Marketplace to harass or exploit others; or request or provide services that violate law or professional standards.
When using internal Messages, you must only contact users for legitimate professional purposes, respect users who do not wish to be contacted, and refrain from threatening, harassing, or abusive messages and from spam or unsolicited advertising.
When using Support tickets, communicate honestly and respectfully. Do not submit false reports, abuse the support channel, or include other people's confidential information beyond what is necessary to resolve your issue.
a. Client and case data. You are responsible for ensuring that any client, contact, case, or transcript data you enter is handled in accordance with applicable confidentiality obligations, privacy laws, and professional standards, including appropriate safeguards for sensitive transcript content.
b. Accuracy. You are responsible for the accuracy of information you enter, including job details, invoices, client records, and professional credentials.
c. Backups. While we maintain Service backups, you are responsible for keeping your own copies of critical business information.
d. Confidentiality. You must maintain the confidentiality of any information you obtain through the Service that is subject to confidentiality obligations, including information about other users, their clients, or their work.
If you become aware of a violation of this AUP, please report it through an in-app Support ticket or by emailing support@stenodesk.com. We appreciate your help in keeping the community safe and professional.
We may investigate suspected violations and take appropriate action, which may include issuing warnings, removing violating content or Marketplace listings, suspending or terminating accounts, reporting violations to law enforcement or professional licensing authorities, and pursuing legal remedies. We may take these actions without prior notice where reasonable. [counsel: confirm whether a formal intellectual-property notice-and-takedown (DMCA) process and designated agent should be added here.]
We may update this AUP. Material changes will be communicated through the Service or by email. Continued use after changes take effect constitutes acceptance.
StenoDesk LLC
Email: support@stenodesk.com
[Mailing address]