Terms of Service — PaperFraud Detector

Last updated: 2026-08-11

1. Nature of the service

PaperFraud Detector provides statistical anomaly screening for research assistance, based on published statistical methods (Benford's Law, terminal digit analysis, GRIM, SPRITE, p-value recomputation, and others). The tool's output is for research assistance only and does not constitute a determination that any paper, author, or institution committed fabrication or research misconduct. Statistical anomalies can arise from data characteristics, sample size, measurement methods, and many other benign factors; an anomaly is not evidence of fabrication.

2. Not evidence

The tool's output must not be used as evidence in misconduct allegations, retraction requests, legal proceedings, or disciplinary actions. Final determinations must be made by competent institutions (e.g., research integrity offices, publication ethics committees) through due process.

3. Conditions of use

You confirm that you own the data you submit or have the right to screen it. You are responsible for the legality of the data you submit.

4. Prohibited uses

Malicious reporting or harassment of paper authors
Blackmail or extortion
Commercial defamation or attacks on competitors
Presenting screening results out of context as “proof of fabrication” in public

5. Limitation of liability

The tool is provided “as is”, with no express or implied warranty of accuracy of its output. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, PaperFraud Detector shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages. Total liability is capped at the amount you actually paid to the service.

6. Governing law

[To be confirmed — governing law to be determined before full commercial launch]

7. Dispute resolution

Disputes shall be resolved primarily through arbitration. [Arbitration body TBD]