Terms of Service - Galaxia Science Platform

Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Effective Date: December 6, 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Galaxia Science platform ("Platform", "Service", "we", "us", "our"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use the Platform.

2. Description of Service

Galaxia Science is a decentralized science platform that enables:

  • Creation and management of research grants
  • Tokenized funding of research projects
  • Milestone-based fund distribution
  • Transparent, on-chain governance

IMPORTANT: This Platform involves cryptocurrency transactions and smart contracts. You acknowledge that:

  • Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible
  • Smart contracts execute automatically
  • You may lose all funds contributed
  • The Platform does not guarantee returns or project success

3. Regulatory Compliance

3.1 MiCA (EU Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation)

This Platform operates in compliance with EU MiCA requirements where applicable. Users in the EU are subject to:

  • Enhanced KYC/AML procedures
  • Consumer protection measures
  • Transparent risk disclosures
  • Regulatory reporting requirements

3.2 US Regulations

US users acknowledge:

  • Compliance with FinCEN Travel Rule for transactions >$3,000
  • BSA/AML program requirements
  • State money transmitter license disclosures (where applicable)
  • OFAC sanctions compliance
  • SEC securities law considerations (Howey Test)
  • IRS reporting requirements

3.3 UK Regulations

UK users acknowledge:

  • FCA registration and compliance
  • Financial Promotions regime compliance
  • AML requirements per Money Laundering Regulations 2017
  • Travel Rule compliance (£1,000 threshold)

3.4 Other Jurisdictions

Users from other jurisdictions are responsible for ensuring compliance with local regulations. The Platform may restrict access from certain jurisdictions where licenses are not held.

4. User Eligibility and KYC Requirements

4.1 Eligibility

You must:

  • Be at least 18 years old (or age of majority in your jurisdiction)
  • Have legal capacity to enter into contracts
  • Not be located in a restricted jurisdiction
  • Complete required KYC/AML verification

4.2 KYC/AML Requirements

All users must complete Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) verification, including:

  • Government-issued ID verification
  • Proof of address
  • Source of funds declaration
  • PEP (Politically Exposed Person) screening
  • Sanctions list screening
  • Beneficial ownership disclosure (for entities)

4.3 Verification Tiers

  • Tier 1 (Basic): Daily transaction limit: $1,000
  • Tier 2 (Standard): Daily transaction limit: $10,000
  • Tier 3 (Enhanced): Daily transaction limit: $100,000
  • Tier 4 (Institutional): Unlimited (subject to additional verification)

5. Risk Disclosures

5.1 Cryptocurrency Risks

  • Volatility: Cryptocurrency prices can fluctuate dramatically
  • Irreversibility: Transactions cannot be reversed
  • Loss of Private Keys: Loss of private keys results in permanent loss of funds
  • Regulatory Changes: Regulations may change, affecting Platform operations
  • Technology Risks: Smart contract bugs, network failures, or hacks may result in loss

5.2 Platform-Specific Risks

  • Grant Failure: Research projects may fail, resulting in loss of contributed funds
  • Milestone Disputes: Disagreements over milestone completion may delay or prevent fund release
  • Smart Contract Risks: Smart contract vulnerabilities may be exploited
  • Custody Risks: Funds held in smart contracts are subject to contract risks

5.3 No Guarantees

  • No guarantee of project success
  • No guarantee of fund returns
  • No guarantee of Platform availability
  • No guarantee of regulatory compliance in all jurisdictions

6. Prohibited Activities

You agree NOT to:

  • Use the Platform for money laundering or terrorist financing
  • Violate any applicable laws or regulations
  • Engage in market manipulation
  • Provide false or misleading information
  • Circumvent KYC/AML requirements
  • Use the Platform if you are on any sanctions list
  • Transfer funds to sanctioned addresses
  • Engage in any fraudulent activity

7. Transaction Monitoring and Reporting

7.1 Monitoring

We monitor all transactions for:

  • Suspicious activity patterns
  • Unusual transaction volumes
  • High-risk jurisdiction flags
  • Sanctions list matches
  • Structuring attempts

7.2 Reporting

We may file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) or Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) with relevant authorities as required by law.

7.3 Travel Rule

For transactions exceeding applicable thresholds:

  • US: $3,000
  • UK: £1,000
  • EU: €1,000

We collect and transmit originator and beneficiary information as required by Travel Rule regulations.

8. Intellectual Property

All content on the Platform, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, and software, is the property of Galaxia or its licensors and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.

9. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

  • The Platform is provided "AS IS" without warranties
  • We are not liable for any losses resulting from:
    • Cryptocurrency price fluctuations
    • Smart contract failures
    • Project failures
    • Regulatory changes
    • Technology failures
    • User errors

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Galaxia, its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from your use of the Platform or violation of these Terms.

11. Data Protection

Your use of the Platform is subject to our Privacy Policy, which complies with GDPR and other applicable data protection laws. See our Privacy Policy for details on:

  • Data collection and use
  • Data retention (minimum 5 years for AML compliance)
  • Your data rights
  • Cross-border data transfers

12. Dispute Resolution

12.1 Complaints

Complaints can be submitted through the Platform's complaint system. We will respond within 15 business days (MiCA requirement).

12.2 Alternative Dispute Resolution

Disputes may be resolved through:

  • Direct negotiation
  • Mediation
  • Arbitration (as specified in jurisdiction-specific terms)

12.3 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of [Jurisdiction], with jurisdiction in [Court Location].

13. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be notified to users. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

14. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your access to the Platform:

  • For violation of these Terms
  • For suspicious or illegal activity
  • For regulatory compliance reasons
  • At our discretion, with notice

15. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms:

16. Acknowledgment

By using the Platform, you acknowledge that:

  • You have read and understood these Terms
  • You understand the risks involved
  • You are legally authorized to use the Platform
  • You will comply with all applicable laws and regulations

By clicking "I Agree" or using the Platform, you accept these Terms of Service.