Legal Compliance Framework

1. Platform Role & Liability Limitations

Streamduct operates as a technology infrastructure provider, not a content creator or broadcaster. Under this model:

• Safe Harbor Protection (DMCA §512): Streamduct qualifies as a "service provider" offering tools for storage and transmission of user-directed content. The platform does not exercise editorial control over station content.
• No Liability for Broadcaster Content: Streamduct is not liable for content streamed, uploaded, or distributed by stations using the platform. All content responsibility rests with the broadcasting entity.
• Limitation of Liability: Platform liability is capped at the fees paid by the station in the 12 months preceding any claim.

2. Broadcaster Responsibilities

Each station onboarding to Streamduct must agree that they:

• Hold all necessary broadcasting licenses for their jurisdiction (e.g., national communications authority approvals)
• Own or have licensed all content they stream — including music, visuals, logos, and third-party clips
• Comply with local broadcasting regulations, including watershed rules, hate speech laws, and advertising standards
• Will not stream content that is illegal, infringing, defamatory, or harmful
• Are solely responsible for GDPR/data privacy compliance for any viewer data they independently collect
• Will maintain accurate contact and legal entity information on the platform

3. Content Ownership Clauses

• Station Retains Ownership: All content uploaded or streamed through Streamduct remains the exclusive intellectual property of the station or its licensors.
• Limited License to Platform: Stations grant Streamduct a non-exclusive, royalty-free license solely to transmit, cache, and display content as necessary to provide the service (embedding, thumbnails, directory listings).
• No Sublicensing: Streamduct will not sublicense, sell, or redistribute station content to third parties.
• Termination: Upon account termination, Streamduct will remove all station content within 30 days, except as required for legal compliance or backup retention.

4. Copyright Protection & DMCA Compliance

4.1 — DMCA Takedown Process

• Streamduct will designate a DMCA Agent (registered with the U.S. Copyright Office if operating in/serving U.S. audiences)
• A clear takedown notice procedure will be published, requiring: identification of the copyrighted work, identification of the infringing material with URL, contact information and good-faith statement under penalty of perjury
• Upon receiving a valid notice, Streamduct will expeditiously remove the content and notify the station

4.2 — Counter-Notification

• Stations may file a counter-notification if they believe content was wrongly removed
• Content will be restored within 10–14 business days unless the complainant files a court action

4.3 — Repeat Infringer Policy

• Stations with 3+ valid DMCA strikes within 12 months will face account suspension or termination
• Streamduct maintains records of all notices and actions taken

5. Terms of Service Key Provisions

6. Regional Considerations (Africa-Specific)

• Nigeria: Compliance with NBC (National Broadcasting Commission) codes
• Kenya: Compliance with CA (Communications Authority) regulations
• South Africa: ICASA and Film & Publications Board requirements
• Pan-African: AU Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention) where ratified

7. Recommended Implementation