Ethics and Legal Compliance

Guide for ethical use of SOWL and responsible research practices

Ethical Use of SOWL

Our Commitment

At SOWL, we are committed to providing a powerful platform for analysis and research while promoting ethical, responsible, and lawful use. Our technology enables valuable information gathering and advanced analysis, but this power comes with proportional responsibility.

SOWL is designed to support legitimate investigations, risk analysis, cybersecurity, and brand protection. We expect all users to use the platform ethically, legally, and in alignment with the principles described here.

User Responsibilities

• Use SOWL exclusively for legitimate and ethical purposes.
• Respect the privacy, rights, and dignity of individuals and organizations.
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.
• Verify information and assess the reliability of sources.
• Use the information obtained responsibly, considering its potential consequences.
• Report any misuse or unethical behavior detected on the platform.

Ethical Principles

• Necessity: collect only the information necessary for the legitimate objective.
• Proportionality: ensure that actions are proportional to the intended purpose.
• Minimization: limit the collection and storage of personal data to what is strictly necessary.
• Transparency: act transparently when legal and appropriate.
• Responsibility: assume responsibility for decisions and the use of information.

Privacy and Data Protection

Respect for Privacy

• Do not use SOWL for harassment, abusive surveillance, or privacy invasion.
• Exercise extreme caution when handling sensitive personal data.
• Consider the potential impact on affected individuals.
• Do not attempt to circumvent privacy systems or access restricted information.

Before collecting or analyzing information, users should ask themselves: “Would I be comfortable if someone collected this information about me?”

Best Practices in Data Handling

• Store data securely and protect it against unauthorized access.
• Periodically review and delete unnecessary information.
• Use encryption for storage and transmission of sensitive data.
• Apply access controls when working in teams.
• Be prepared to address data subject rights when legally applicable.

Consent and Transparency

• Act transparently whenever possible and appropriate.
• Clearly explain the purpose when contacting third parties.
• Respect legitimate requests to cease or delete information.
• Be honest about identity and intentions during interactions related to investigations.

Legal Compliance

Understanding Legal Limits

• Know and respect applicable legislation regarding privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity.
• Do not use SOWL for illegal activities.
• Evaluate the legal implications of each investigation.
• Consult with legal advisors when in doubt.

Intellectual Property

• Do not violate copyright, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights.
• Properly attribute information sources.
• Exercise caution when using images or other protected content.
• Respect the terms of use of the platforms analyzed.

International Considerations

• Keep in mind that laws vary by country.
• Comply with regulations on international data transfers.
• Respect cultural sensitivities and local regulations.
• Exercise extreme caution in countries with restrictive regulations.

Responsible Practices with SOWL

Verification and Accuracy

• Verify information using multiple sources.
• Identify potential biases in sources and analysis.
• Avoid hasty conclusions.
• Update and correct results when necessary.

Reporting Misuse

• Report any suspicious or illegal use.
• Use the reporting system available in the user panel.
• Provide sufficient information to facilitate the investigation.

Continuous Learning

• Stay updated on best research practices.
• Periodically reflect on ethical implications.
• Participate in professional communities.
• Take advantage of SOWL resources and updates.