Left Logo

TERMS OF USE & USER POLICY

Official Public Digital Platform of the Government of Tamil Nadu

Effective Date: To be Notified | Last Updated: To be Notified

1. INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

Tamizhar Thadam is an official digital initiative of the Government of Tamil Nadu conceived to systematically document, preserve, and present authentic information relating to Tamil people, their global presence, historical journeys, cultural institutions, social organizations, achievements, and contributions across generations.

This platform is designed as a public knowledge infrastructure, not merely a website. It seeks to serve scholars, institutions, policymakers, the Tamil diaspora, and the general public by providing a reliable, verifiable, and administratively curated digital record of Tamil identity and legacy.

These Terms of Use establish the framework governing access, participation, content submission, review, publication, and usage of the Tamizhar Thadam platform.

2. LEGAL BASIS AND APPLICABILITY

2.1 These Terms of Use are issued under the authority of the Government of Tamil Nadu and are applicable to all individuals, institutions, and organizations accessing or interacting with the platform.

2.2 The Terms apply uniformly to:

  • Visitors browsing the website
  • Registered users and contributors
  • Tamil Sangams and associations
  • Academic, cultural, and social institutions
  • Any entity submitting information or documentation

2.3 Use of this platform constitutes deemed acceptance of these Terms. Users who do not agree are advised to refrain from accessing or using the services.

2.4 These Terms are governed by the laws of India and are aligned with applicable statutory and regulatory frameworks, including but not limited to:

  • Information Technology Act, 2000
  • Indian Evidence Act, 1872
  • Copyright Act, 1957
  • Government of Tamil Nadu e-Governance and IT policies

3. NATURE AND CHARACTER OF THE PLATFORM

Tamizhar Thadam is established as an official public digital platform of the Government of Tamil Nadu, conceived and implemented in the larger public interest. The platform is designed to function as a structured digital repository that documents and presents verified information relating to Tamil history, culture, institutions, and the global Tamil presence in a responsible and authoritative manner.

3.1 Public Interest and Non-Commercial Character

Tamizhar Thadam operates strictly as a non-commercial initiative. The platform is not intended to generate revenue, solicit donations, promote services, or facilitate commercial transactions of any nature. In alignment with government standards and public accountability principles, no form of advertising, sponsorship, brand placement, or promotional content is permitted on the platform.

All information hosted on Tamizhar Thadam is made available solely in the public interest, with the objective of knowledge preservation, cultural documentation, academic reference, and societal awareness. The absence of commercial influence ensures neutrality, credibility, and institutional integrity in all published content.

3.2 Advertisement-Free and Influence-Neutral Platform

The platform is entirely free from advertisements and commercial influence. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Commercial banners or sponsored content
  • Product endorsements or service promotions
  • Brand collaborations or paid visibility arrangements

This deliberate exclusion safeguards the platform from conflicts of interest and ensures that all content remains unbiased, factual, and aligned with the broader objectives of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

3.3 Informational and Archival Purpose

Tamizhar Thadam functions primarily as:

  • An informational platform, offering verified and structured public knowledge; and
  • An archival platform, preserving historical records, institutional contributions, and documented achievements for present and future generations.

The content published on the platform is curated with long-term value in mind, rather than immediacy or topical relevance. As such, the platform prioritizes accuracy, context, and documentary support over timeliness or opinion.

3.4 Clear Functional Boundaries

In order to preserve its integrity and institutional purpose, Tamizhar Thadam does not function as:

  • A news or media portal: The platform does not report breaking news, current affairs, or journalistic commentary. It does not engage in news dissemination or editorial analysis.
  • A social networking platform: The platform does not facilitate personal profiles, follower interactions, public messaging, or social engagement features commonly found in social media platforms.
  • A discussion forum or debate space: Tamizhar Thadam is not designed for open debates, opinion exchanges, ideological discussions, or unmoderated public commentary.
  • A promotional or branding medium: The platform shall not be used to promote individuals, organizations, political entities, or private institutions beyond their documented historical or institutional relevance.

3.5 Curated Content and Government Oversight

All content published on Tamizhar Thadam is subject to administrative oversight and editorial curation. Information made available on the platform represents curated public records and documented narratives that have undergone verification and review processes as prescribed by the Government.

Content inclusion is based on:

  • Documentary evidence
  • Historical or institutional relevance
  • Public value and neutrality
  • Compliance with established content standards

3.6 Non-Endorsement Clause

While Tamizhar Thadam may host information relating to individuals, organizations, or institutions, such publication does not imply official endorsement, approval, or validation of:

  • Personal opinions or viewpoints
  • Ideological positions
  • Organizational activities beyond documented facts
  • Interpretative narratives not explicitly stated as official records

Unless expressly indicated through an official government declaration or notification, content published on the platform should be understood as informational in nature, not as an expression of government opinion or policy position.

3.7 Institutional Responsibility and Public Trust

As a government-regulated digital platform, Tamizhar Thadam carries a responsibility to uphold:

  • Accuracy and fairness
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Historical responsibility
  • Public trust and transparency

Users are expected to engage with the platform in a manner consistent with its institutional character and public purpose.

4. USER ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY

4.1 Public Access

Tamizhar Thadam is designed as a publicly accessible digital knowledge platform. Any individual may access the website for the purpose of viewing, reading, and referencing the information made available on the platform. Public access is provided in keeping with the principles of transparency, inclusiveness, and public dissemination of knowledge promoted by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Viewing and reference access does not require prior registration or approval.

4.2 Eligibility for Content Submission and Participation

While the platform is open for public viewing, content submission and participatory privileges are regulated to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and institutional reliability. Such privileges may be extended only to the following categories:

  • Verified individual contributors with demonstrable subject relevance
  • Recognized Tamil Sangams and associations, including diaspora organizations
  • Registered academic, cultural, or social institutions
  • Government departments, bodies, or entities approved by competent authority

Eligibility is determined based on identity verification, credibility, relevance of contribution, and compliance with platform standards.

4.3 Governmental Rights and Oversight

The Government of Tamil Nadu reserves the right to:

  • Verify identities, credentials, and institutional affiliations
  • Seek additional documentation where necessary
  • Limit, suspend, or revoke submission privileges
  • Restrict access in circumstances involving public interest, legal obligations, or security considerations

Access to submission features is not an inherent right, but a conditional privilege granted in trust, subject to continued compliance with these Terms.

5. CONTENT PHILOSOPHY AND STANDARDS

5.1 Foundational Principles

All content published on Tamizhar Thadam shall strictly adhere to the following foundational principles, which form the ethical and intellectual backbone of the platform:

  • Historical accuracy: Content must faithfully reflect documented facts and established records.
  • Documentary verifiability: Every factual assertion must be capable of independent verification.
  • Cultural sensitivity: Content must respect cultural diversity, social harmony, and historical context.
  • Neutral and balanced representation: Narratives must avoid bias, exaggeration, or selective portrayal.
  • Public accountability: Content must serve public interest and withstand administrative scrutiny.

5.2 Nature of Acceptable Content

The platform welcomes content that contributes meaningfully to the documentation of Tamil heritage and public life, including but not limited to:

  • Historical migration patterns and diaspora documentation
  • Tamil organizations, institutions, and community bodies
  • Cultural, educational, literary, and social contributions
  • Documented achievements, recognitions, and milestones
  • Government-recognized events, initiatives, and programs

Content that is personal, opinion-based, speculative, anecdotal, or unsupported by evidence is not suitable for publication on this platform.

6. MANDATORY DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE

6.1 Evidence Requirement

Every factual claim, date, statistic, or historical reference must be supported by credible documentary evidence. This requirement is fundamental to maintaining the reliability and institutional credibility of the platform.

6.2 Acceptable Forms of Evidence

Acceptable documentation includes, but is not limited to:

  • Official government records and publications
  • Peer-reviewed academic research papers
  • Institutional reports and certified documents
  • Archival photographs with proper attribution
  • Recognized statistical surveys and reports
  • Newspaper archives from established publications

6.3 Submission of Evidence

All supporting documents must be uploaded separately through designated attachment mechanisms. Embedding files, images, or documents within the content editor is strictly prohibited.

6.4 Contributor Responsibility

The contributor bears full responsibility for:

  • Authenticity of submitted documents
  • Legal right to submit and share such material
  • Accuracy and completeness of the evidence provided

Any misuse or submission of forged material shall attract strict action.

7. CONTENT REVIEW AND ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL

7.1 Review Process

All submitted content undergoes a structured, multi-stage administrative review process prior to publication.

7.2 Components of Review

The review process may include:

  • Preliminary verification of identity and documents
  • Subject matter evaluation by competent reviewers
  • Cross-checking with existing records and archives
  • Editorial refinement to ensure clarity, consistency, and formal tone

7.3 Final Authority

The final authority for approval, modification, or rejection rests exclusively with the designated administrative body appointed by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

7.4 Right of Rejection

The Government is under no obligation to publish all submissions. Content may be rejected without detailed justification if it fails to meet platform standards or public interest requirements.

8. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND CONTENT USAGE RIGHTS

8.1 Moral Authorship

Contributors retain moral authorship of original content created by them.

8.2 License to Government

By submitting content, contributors grant the Government of Tamil Nadu a perpetual, royalty-free, non-exclusive, and irrevocable license to:

  • Store and archive the content
  • Publish and display it on the platform
  • Translate it into other languages
  • Use it for educational, research, archival, or governmental purposes

8.3 Reuse and Attribution

Content published on Tamizhar Thadam may be reused for public dissemination with appropriate attribution, subject to government norms.

9. PROHIBITED CONTENT AND MISUSE

The following are strictly prohibited:

  • False, misleading, or fabricated information
  • Communal, divisive, or inflammatory material
  • Political propaganda or advocacy
  • Commercial advertisements or solicitations
  • Defamatory, derogatory, or disrespectful content
  • Forged, altered, or plagiarized documents

Consequences of Violation

Violations may result in:

  • Immediate removal of content
  • Suspension or permanent termination of access
  • Legal action under applicable laws

10. DATA PRIVACY AND INFORMATION SECURITY

10.1 Data Protection Standards

Tamizhar Thadam complies with data protection and cybersecurity standards prescribed by the Government of India and the Government of Tamil Nadu.

10.2 Purpose of Data Collection

Personal data collected is minimal and used solely for:

  • User verification
  • Official administrative communication
  • Platform security, monitoring, and audit purposes

10.3 Data Sharing

User data shall not be shared with third parties except:

  • When required by law
  • Under official governmental procedures

11. DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

While all reasonable efforts are taken to ensure accuracy, historical and archival data may have inherent limitations. The Government does not guarantee absolute completeness or contemporaneity of all records.

Users are encouraged to apply scholarly judgment while interpreting published material.

12. MODIFICATION AND CONTINUITY

The Government reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time in the interest of governance, security, or public utility. Continued use of the platform following such amendments constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

13. GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL AND PUBLIC FEEDBACK

A formal grievance redressal mechanism shall be established in accordance with government norms. Complaints relating to inaccuracies, misrepresentation, or misuse will be examined by designated authorities.

Decisions of the competent authority shall be final and binding.

14. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

These Terms shall be governed by the laws of India. Jurisdiction shall lie exclusively with competent courts in the State of Tamil Nadu.

15. CLOSING STATEMENT

Tamizhar Thadam is envisioned as a responsible and enduring digital legacy of the Tamil people, built on institutional integrity, verified knowledge, and public trust. Every user is expected to contribute with honesty, restraint, and a deep sense of historical responsibility befitting a Government of Tamil Nadu initiative.