Terms & Conditions

. LICENCE TO USE OUR SERVICES

Subject to your full compliance with these Terms, Emerald News grants you a limited, revocable, non-exclusive, non-transferable licence to access and use our Services strictly for personal, private, and non-commercial purposes.

This licence does not permit you to copy, reproduce, distribute, monetise, or otherwise exploit any part of the Services or Content except as expressly permitted under these Terms.

All rights not expressly granted are reserved by Emerald News.

2. RESTRICTIONS ON USE

You agree that you shall not, directly or indirectly:

use the Services other than for personal, private, and non-commercial purposes;
register multiple email addresses, create multiple accounts, or otherwise attempt to circumvent account or subscription limits;
use, share, sell, licence, monetise, or otherwise exploit the Services or any Content for any commercial, business, professional, or revenue-generating purpose (this restriction does not apply to user-generated content created and posted by you, in which you retain ownership);
access or attempt to access any part of the Services to which you are not authorised;
circumvent, bypass, disable, defeat, or otherwise interfere with any access controls, paywalls, subscription systems, geo-blocking, or digital rights management technologies, including through the use of VPNs or similar tools;
use the Services in any way that is unlawful, fraudulent, misleading, defamatory, threatening, abusive, obscene, pornographic, hateful, discriminatory, or otherwise objectionable;
reproduce, duplicate, copy, publish, distribute, resell, syndicate, or make available any part of the Services or Content;
extract, harvest, scrape, crawl, index, mine, or otherwise collect any data, Content, or metadata from the Services by any means;
use any Content, data, or metadata obtained from the Services for the purposes of developing, building, training, fine-tuning, validating, grounding, or operating artificial intelligence systems, machine learning models, large language models (LLMs), or generative AI technologies;
incorporate, frame, mirror, embed, or otherwise integrate the Services or Content into another website, platform, or service without our prior written consent;
upload, transmit, distribute, or introduce any viruses, malware, spyware, Trojan horses, worms, keystroke loggers, logic bombs, or other harmful or malicious code;
damage, disable, overburden, impair, or compromise the integrity, security, or performance of the Services, our systems, or networks;
access without authority, interfere with, damage, or disrupt:

any part of the Services;
any equipment or network on which the Services are hosted;
any software used in the provision of the Services; or
any equipment, network, or software owned or used by any third party;

alter, remove, delete, obscure, or conceal any copyright, trade mark, service mark, attribution, or proprietary notice appearing on or within the Services or Content.

Any breach of this section constitutes a material breach of these Terms.

3. OUR CONTENT & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Our Content includes all text, articles, headlines, images, graphics, photographs, videos, audio, data, archives, layouts, designs, software, trade marks, logos, branding, domain names, and other materials published on or through the Services.

All intellectual property rights in our Content are owned by or licensed to Emerald News.

Your use of the Services does not grant you any rights, title, or interest in our Content, whether for commercial or non-commercial purposes.

You must not use our name, trade marks, logos, branding, or any confusingly similar identifiers in any advertising, publicity, promotional, or commercial materials, or in any way that suggests endorsement, association, or approval by Emerald News, without our prior written consent.

4. THIRD-PARTY CONTENT & LINKS

Where our Services contain links to third-party websites, services, or resources, these are provided for informational purposes only.

Such links do not constitute endorsement, approval, or recommendation by Emerald News.

We have no control over third-party content and accept no responsibility for the availability, accuracy, legality, or practices of third-party websites or services.

Your use of third-party services is at your own risk and subject to the applicable third-party terms and conditions.

5. USER-GENERATED CONTENT

Where enabled, users may submit, post, or upload content, including comments, images, or other materials.

By submitting content, you confirm and warrant that:

you are the owner of the content or have all necessary rights and permissions to submit it;
the content does not infringe any copyright, intellectual property, privacy, contractual, or other legal rights;
the content complies with these Terms and any applicable house rules or community guidelines.

You grant Emerald News a non-exclusive, transferable, sublicensable, perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide licence to use, reproduce, adapt, edit, publish, distribute, and display your content in connection with the Services.

You retain ownership of your content.

We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, integrity, or reliability of user-generated content and accept no liability for it.

We reserve the right, at our sole discretion and without notice, to moderate, edit, restrict, remove, or disable access to any user-generated content or to suspend or ban users.

If you believe that your rights have been infringed, or that content breaches these Terms, you may contact us at [insert Emerald News contact email] with sufficient details to allow investigation.

6. MODIFICATIONS TO OUR SERVICES & TERMS

We may change, update, suspend, or discontinue any part of the Services at any time, including the availability of Content or features.

We may also amend these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in law, regulation, editorial practice, technology, or business operations.

Where required by law, we will provide reasonable notice of material changes. Continued use of the Services following such notice constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

If you do not agree to any changes, you must stop using the Services.

7. COSTS OF USING OUR SERVICES

You are solely responsible for all internet, mobile data, and other connectivity charges incurred when accessing or using the Services.

Any additional charges associated with specific Services will be clearly disclosed before you incur them.

8. DISCLAIMER

While we aim to provide high-quality journalism and reliable Services, all Services and Content are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis.

We do not warrant that Content will be accurate, complete, current, or error-free, particularly where Content includes user-generated or third-party material.

You are responsible for verifying information before relying on it.

We are not responsible for any interruption, delay, or failure of the Services caused by factors outside our reasonable control, including internet congestion, technical failures, or third-party service issues.

We disclaim all liability for user-generated content.

9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Emerald News shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from:

your use of or inability to use the Services;
reliance on any Content;
user-generated or third-party content;
technical failures, outages, or data loss.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, or for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.

10. YOUR INDEMNITY TO US

You agree to fully indemnify and hold harmless Emerald News, its owners, editors, employees, contributors, and partners against all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from:

your breach of these Terms;
your misuse of the Services;
any content you submit.

11. THIRD-PARTY RIGHTS

No person other than you and Emerald News shall have any rights to enforce these Terms.

12. GOVERNING LAW & JURISDICTION

This Part 2 and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Ireland.

The courts of Ireland shall have jurisdiction, without prejudice to any mandatory consumer protection rights that may apply.

1. DEFINITIONS, INTERPRETATION & SCOPE

1.1 Definitions
In these Terms:

“Emerald News”, “we”, “us”, or “our” means Emerald News, its owners, directors, editors, officers, employees, freelancers, contractors, contributors, licensors, affiliates, and agents.
“Content” means all material published, hosted, transmitted, or made available via the Services, including (without limitation) articles, investigations, reports, commentary, opinion, headlines, images, video, audio, graphics, data, archives, comments, and metadata.
“Services” means all websites, domains, subdomains, mobile versions, applications, newsletters, social media channels, feeds, community features, and related services operated by or on behalf of Emerald News.
“User”, “you”, or “your” means any individual or entity accessing or using the Services.

1.2 Interpretation
Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. Words in the singular include the plural and vice versa. References to legislation include amendments and replacements.

1.3 Scope
These Terms apply to all users worldwide, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

2. ACCEPTANCE, CAPACITY & VARIATION

By accessing, browsing, or using the Services, you:

confirm you have read and understood these Terms;
agree to be legally bound by them;
warrant that you have legal capacity to do so.

If you do not agree, you must immediately stop using the Services.

We may amend these Terms at any time. Updated Terms take effect upon publication. Continued use constitutes acceptance.

3. ROLE OF EMERALD NEWS AS A PUBLISHER

3.1 Public Interest Journalism
Emerald News operates as an independent news and media publisher reporting on matters of public interest, including politics, crime, business, courts, public bodies, corporations, individuals, and social issues.

3.2 Fact, Allegation, Analysis & Opinion
Content may include:

verified or unverified facts;
allegations reported as such;
analysis and interpretation;
commentary and opinion.

Statements of opinion, comment, belief, or value judgment are not statements of fact.

3.3 Sources & Attribution
Information may be obtained from third parties, public records, confidential or anonymous sources. We do not guarantee the accuracy of source material.

3.4 Evolving & Correctable Content
Stories may change as new information emerges. Content may be updated, corrected, clarified, expanded, reduced, archived, or removed at any time without notice.

4. EDITORIAL STANDARDS, CORRECTIONS & COMPLAINTS

4.1 Editorial Judgment
All editorial decisions are made at our sole discretion. We are not obliged to publish, amend, or remove content.

4.2 Corrections
Where we determine that a material factual error has occurred, we may correct or clarify content in a manner we consider appropriate.

4.3 Complaints Process
Complaints must be submitted in writing with sufficient detail. Submission of a complaint does not create any obligation, admission, or liability.

4.4 Right of Reply
Any right of reply is entirely discretionary and does not imply wrongdoing or inaccuracy.

5. NO ADVICE, NO RELIANCE & ASSUMPTION OF RISK

All Content is provided strictly for general information purposes.

Nothing published constitutes legal, financial, medical, investment, or professional advice.

You acknowledge that:

you do not rely on Content as a substitute for professional advice;
any reliance is entirely at your own risk;
Emerald News owes you no duty of care beyond that imposed by law.

6. USER CONDUCT & PROHIBITED USES

You agree not to:

publish defamatory, false, misleading, or unlawful material;
infringe intellectual property, privacy, or data protection rights;
harass, threaten, abuse, or impersonate others;
interfere with security, servers, or networks;
scrape, crawl, harvest, mine, copy, or reuse Content or data;
use Content to train or operate AI or machine-learning systems;
bypass paywalls or technical protections;
use the Services for commercial purposes without consent.

7. USER-GENERATED CONTENT & COMMUNITY FEATURES

7.1 Responsibility
Users are solely responsible for their submissions.

7.2 Licence
You grant Emerald News a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable licence to use, reproduce, edit, adapt, publish, and distribute your content.

7.3 Moderation
We may moderate, remove, restrict, disable, or ban content or users at our sole discretion, without notice.

7.4 Indemnity
You agree to fully indemnify Emerald News against all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, and legal costs arising from your content or conduct.

8. DEFAMATION, ALLEGATIONS & THIRD-PARTY STATEMENTS

Emerald News is not liable for defamatory statements made by third parties, including users, contributors, interviewees, or sources.

Reporting of allegations does not imply truth. Investigation or publication does not constitute endorsement.

9. INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM & CONFIDENTIAL SOURCES

We may publish investigative reporting based on confidential, anonymous, or protected sources.

We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or motivations of sources.

Nothing obliges Emerald News to disclose sources except where required by law.

10. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & CONTENT USE

All Content is protected by copyright, trademark, database rights, and other intellectual property laws.

No ownership rights are transferred.

Unauthorised reproduction, republication, syndication, scraping, framing, or commercial exploitation is prohibited.

11. ADVERTISING, SPONSORED & AFFILIATE CONTENT

The Services may contain advertising, sponsored content, native advertising, or affiliate links.

Such content may be clearly labelled where required, but Emerald News is not responsible for third-party products or services.

12. THIRD-PARTY LINKS & SERVICES

Links to third-party sites are provided for convenience only.

We do not control or endorse third-party content and accept no responsibility for it.

13. AVAILABILITY, SECURITY & TECHNICAL DISCLAIMERS

The Services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis.

We do not guarantee uninterrupted, secure, or error-free operation and accept no liability for outages, cyber incidents, data loss, or technical failures.

14. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Emerald News shall not be liable for any direct or indirect loss, including:

loss of profit, revenue, data, reputation, or business;
reliance on Content;
inaccuracies, errors, or omissions;
user-generated or third-party content;
inability to access the Services.

Nothing excludes liability that cannot be excluded by law.

15. INDEMNIFICATION

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Emerald News from all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses arising from:

your breach of these Terms;
your use or misuse of the Services;
any content you submit.

16. SUSPENSION & TERMINATION

We may suspend or terminate access at any time, with or without notice, for any reason.

Termination does not affect accrued rights or liabilities.

17. GOVERNING LAW & JURISDICTION

These Terms are governed by Irish law.

You irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ireland.

18. SEVERABILITY, WAIVER & ENTIRE AGREEMENT

If any provision is unenforceable, the remainder shall remain in force.

Failure to enforce any right is not a waiver.

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Emerald News.

19. CONTACT

For legal notices or complaints:

Emerald News
Email: contact@emeraldnews.ie

Emerald News – Community Guidelines

1. Purpose of These Community Guidelines

Emerald News welcomes informed, robust, and respectful debate. We encourage readers to comment, engage, challenge ideas, and share perspectives on the issues we cover. However, participation in our community is a privilege, not a right.

These Community Guidelines exist to:

protect users, journalists, contributors, and the wider public;
comply with Irish and EU law;
support meaningful, civil discussion; and
ensure Emerald News remains a safe and constructive environment.

By posting, commenting, or interacting on any Emerald News platform, you agree to comply with these Community Guidelines, our Terms and Conditions, and our House Rules (together, the “Terms”).

Failure to comply may result in moderation action, including removal of content, suspension, or permanent banning of accounts.

2. Identity and Use of Real Names

To promote accountability and genuine discourse, users are required to engage using their real name.

This means:

your first name (or a commonly recognised variation); and
your surname in full.

Pseudonyms, aliases, impersonations, parody accounts, or misleading identities are not permitted.

We reserve the right to restrict, suspend, or revoke community access where a user fails to comply with this requirement or is suspected of using a false or misleading identity.

3. Illegal or Harmful Content (Zero Tolerance)

Illegal or harmful content will not be tolerated and may be removed immediately without notice, at our sole discretion. Where appropriate, such content may be reported to relevant authorities.

This includes, but is not limited to, content that solicits, promotes, depicts, or encourages:

3.1 Extremism, Terrorism, and Hate Organisations

Terrorist organisations or individuals;
Criminal organisations;
Hate groups or individuals promoting hostility or violence based on race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or gender identity.

3.2 Violence and Physical Harm

Threats or admissions of violence;
Incitement to violence;
Torture, kidnapping, abduction, or serious injury;
Graphic depictions of violence or injury.

3.3 Crime, Harm, and Cruelty

Harm to people or animals;
Encouragement of criminal damage, vandalism, or theft;
Reckless exposure of others to danger.

3.4 Human Exploitation

Human trafficking or forced labour;
Sexual exploitation;
Forced marriage;
Coercive or abusive practices.

3.5 Weapons, Drugs, and Dangerous Substances

Illegal drugs or psychoactive substances;
Firearms, knives, or offensive weapons;
Instructions for manufacturing or acquiring prohibited items.

3.6 Fraud and Financial Crime

Scams or fraudulent schemes;
Identity theft;
Investment, loan, or gambling fraud;
Handling proceeds of crime.

3.7 Sexual Content and Exploitation

Pornographic or sexually explicit material;
Sexual solicitation;
Deepfake sexual imagery;
Child sexual abuse material or grooming;
Non-consensual intimate imagery.

3.8 Hate, Harassment, and Abuse

Hate speech;
Dehumanising or degrading language;
Bullying, stalking, intimidation, or coercive behaviour;
Targeted harassment of individuals or groups.

3.9 Suicide and Self-Harm

Encouragement or instruction for self-harm or suicide;
Promotion of eating disorders or dangerous challenges.

3.10 Contempt of Court

Content that may prejudice or interfere with active or pending legal proceedings.

3.11 Other Illegal Activity

Any content that is unlawful or encourages unlawful behaviour under Irish or EU law.

4. Other Content That Will Not Be Tolerated

In addition to illegal or harmful material, the following content is prohibited:

Crude, abusive, or excessively profane language directed at others;
Knowingly false or misleading information, including deliberate misinformation;
Invasions of privacy or breaches of data protection law;
Content designed to cause distress, humiliation, alarm, or needless anxiety;
Disturbing or gratuitously graphic material;
Content primarily in languages other than English (except commonly used phrases);
Defamatory statements or unsubstantiated allegations;
Disclosure of personal data (yours or another person’s) beyond publicly available, non-harmful information;
Spam or repetitive posting;
External links that:
- are unsafe or malicious;
- promote commercial activity, advertising, or sponsorship;
- redirect users for monetisation;
Irrelevant images or videos;
Petitions, fundraising appeals, or promotion of demonstrations;
Fake reviews or manufactured engagement;
Infringement of copyright, database rights, or intellectual property;
Personal attacks against Emerald News journalists or staff (criticism of work is permitted; intimidation is not);
Any content we consider objectionable, inappropriate, or inconsistent with the spirit of constructive debate.

5. Tips for Constructive Participation

To avoid moderation and help maintain a high-quality discussion space:

Stay on topic;
Avoid excessive capitalisation;
Respect differing opinions;
Debate ideas, not individuals;
Use platform reaction tools where available;
Ask thoughtful questions;
Review your comment before posting;
Engage politely with other users and Emerald News staff.

6. Reporting Content

If you believe content breaches these Community Guidelines:

Use the report or flag function associated with the content;
Submit the report for review.

Reports are confidential and anonymous to other users. Legitimate reporting helps maintain community standards.

Misuse of reporting tools, including excessive or bad-faith reporting, may itself result in moderation action.

7. How We Moderate Content

Emerald News uses a layered moderation approach:

Automated Moderation – systems operating continuously to detect potential breaches;
Human Moderation – trained moderators reviewing flagged or high-risk content;
Editorial Oversight – Emerald News may disable or remove comments on specific articles where moderation becomes ineffective or inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove entire threads or discussions where partial moderation would undermine context or safety.

8. Consequences of Breach

Where content is found to breach these Community Guidelines, we may:

remove or edit content;
suspend commenting privileges;
permanently ban accounts;
remove associated threads or replies.

Serious or repeated breaches, impersonation, circumvention of bans, unauthorised access, or harassment of staff may result in immediate permanent bans.

Where reasonably possible, we will inform users of moderation decisions and reasons, but we are not obliged to do so.

9. Changes to These Community Guidelines

We may update these Community Guidelines from time to time to reflect legal requirements, platform changes, or improvements to community standards. Continued use of Emerald News community features constitutes acceptance of any updated guidelines.

Emerald News reserves full editorial and moderation discretion at all times.

Emerald News