Terms and Conditions (Platform Use and Submissions)
Last updated: 01/03/2026
Created by
Missing People UK & IR • 10/01/2026
Last edited by
Josh Storer • 22/01/2026
Review by
01/07/2026
Staff activity
2 record(s)
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- Josh Storer viewed these terms22/01/2026, 12:10
- Josh Storer edited these terms22/01/2026, 12:35
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Important: These Terms apply when you use the site, create an account, submit a report, upload images, add comments, or interact with case pages. If you do not agree, do not use the platform.
Missing People UK & IR is a public-facing platform. Some information posted on the site may be visible to the public. Please read this policy carefully before submitting any personal data or media.
Contents
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1. Acceptance (required for submissions)2. About the platform and what it is not3. Public visibility and worldwide access4. Your responsibilities (accuracy and consent)5. Prohibited content and behaviour6. Photos, media and copyright7. Comments, tips and messaging8. Warnings, restrictions and bans (24h / 72h)9. Safeguarding escalation and third parties10. Moderation, takedowns and case changes11. Privacy and data processing12. Disclaimers and limitation of liability13. Governing law14. Contact us
1. Acceptance (required for submissions)
What “accepting” means
When you tick the Terms & Conditions checkbox on the “Report Someone Missing” form (or any other submission form), you confirm that:
- You have read these Terms and agree to them.
- You understand your submission may be published and viewed publicly.
- You are responsible for what you submit, including images and text.
- You understand that safeguarding and emergency escalation may occur if risk is identified.
If you do not agree, do not submit a report or upload any information. If an emergency is happening now, call 999.
2. About the platform and what it is not
What this platform does
The platform enables the public (and authorised staff) to submit missing person concerns, share relevant information, and support safeguarding-led workflows. We may display cases publicly to increase awareness.
What this platform is not
We are not the police and we do not replace emergency services. We do not guarantee outcomes, searches, or recoveries. Use of the site does not create a professional-client relationship or emergency response duty.
Emergency guidance
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, or a crime is in progress, call 999. If a missing person has already been reported, follow police guidance and share reference details where appropriate.
3. Public visibility and worldwide access
Public means public
Content published on the site (including case details, photos, and updates) may be visible to anyone with internet access, worldwide. This includes people outside the UK & Ireland.
Search engines and sharing
Public pages may be shared by users, reposted on social platforms, and may be indexed by search engines. Once shared externally, we cannot control how third parties copy, store, or redistribute that information.
Avoid posting sensitive details
Do not post information you are not comfortable being public. Do not post bank details, private addresses, or information that could put someone at risk.
4. Your responsibilities (accuracy and consent)
Accuracy
You must submit information you believe to be accurate and relevant. Do not intentionally mislead, fabricate, impersonate, or create hoax reports. False reporting may cause harm and may be reported to relevant authorities.
Consent and lawful sharing
You must have a lawful basis to share the information you submit. If you upload images or share personal details about another person, you confirm you have permission or another valid lawful basis to do so.
Children and vulnerable people
Extra care is required when content relates to a child or vulnerable person. Do not post content that could increase risk (e.g., exact live locations, private addresses, or unverified accusations).
5. Prohibited content and behaviour
You must not use the platform to:
- Harass, threaten, dox, stalk, or intimidate any person or group.
- Post hate speech, discrimination, or violent/extremist content.
- Post sexually explicit content, exploitation content, or content involving minors.
- Encourage self-harm, suicide, or provide instructions for harm.
- Post unverified allegations that could defame or endanger others.
- Share private addresses, private phone numbers, or sensitive personal identifiers.
- Upload malware, attempt hacking, or abuse platform features.
- Spam, advertise, or solicit donations without authorisation.
Breaches may result in content removal, restrictions, or bans.
6. Photos, media and copyright
You must have rights to upload
Only upload media you own or have permission to use. Do not upload copyrighted images or videos without the right to do so. You are responsible for ensuring your uploads do not breach laws or third-party rights.
Licence to display
By uploading content, you grant us a licence to store, display, and distribute that content as needed to operate the platform (including showing it on case pages, in alerts, and in moderation workflows). This is limited to platform operation and safeguarding use.
Removal requests
If you believe content infringes your rights or creates safeguarding risk, contact us. We may remove, blur, redact, or restrict content where appropriate.
7. Comments, tips and messaging
Keep tips factual and safe
Only submit relevant, factual information. Do not post vigilante content, threats, or instructions that could put someone at risk. If you have urgent information, contact police.
Public visibility
Comments and updates may be publicly visible. Do not post sensitive information that could identify a private address, expose a child’s location, or increase risk.
8. Warnings, restrictions and bans (24h / 72h)
Warning system
For safeguarding and moderation breaches, we may issue a 24-hour warning and/or a 72-hour warning. During these periods, commenting features may be restricted.
Restrictions and bans
After repeated warnings or serious breaches, you may be banned either from the whole site or from adding comments to case pages. Restrictions may be time-based or indefinite depending on risk and severity.
Exception: your own reported cases
A user may still be allowed to add tips/comments to case pages they have reported, even if restricted elsewhere, depending on the restriction type and safeguarding assessment.
See the Safety & Moderation policy for detailed safeguarding rules and enforcement logic.
9. Safeguarding escalation and third parties
Self-harm, threats, and life-changing risk
If self-harm, suicide threats, violence, abuse, exploitation, or other life-changing / life-threatening information is submitted (including in comments, messages, uploads, or reports), we may need to take action to protect life and safety.
Third-party visibility / sharing
In safeguarding or emergency situations, information may be viewed by or shared with relevant third parties (for example, emergency services, law enforcement, safeguarding partners, or service providers involved in protecting platform safety). We only do this where reasonably necessary for safety, legal compliance, or to prevent harm.
10. Moderation, takedowns and case changes
We can remove or change content
We may edit, redact, hide, restrict, archive, or remove content to protect people, comply with law, respond to safeguarding risks, or reduce misuse. This may include removing photos, removing comments, or restricting the visibility of a case.
Case status changes
Case pages may be updated, archived, or removed when a case is resolved, becomes inaccurate, creates risk, or when staff determine it should no longer be publicly visible.
11. Privacy and data processing
Our Privacy Policy explains how we process personal data, including security logs and safeguarding governance.
View Privacy Policy12. Disclaimers and limitation of liability
No guarantee
We do not guarantee that content will be accurate, complete, or up to date. We do not guarantee outcomes, recoveries, investigations, or public responses.
Use at your own risk
Use of the platform is at your own risk. To the extent permitted by law, we are not liable for indirect losses, losses caused by third-party sharing, or losses arising from user-submitted content.
Nothing here is legal advice
These Terms are not legal advice. If you need legal advice, contact a qualified professional.
13. Governing law
These Terms are intended to operate in line with applicable UK laws. Where disputes arise, the relevant courts and legal frameworks will apply based on the user’s location and the nature of the issue.
14. Contact us
If you have questions about these Terms, want to report abuse, or need to request a change to content, contact us.