Anti-Fraud and Misuse Policy

1. Introduction

This Anti-Fraud and Misuse Policy (“Policy”) defines Freecords’ rules and enforcement procedures regarding fraudulent, abusive, or illegal activity on the platform.
By using Freecords, you acknowledge and accept these terms.

“Freecords,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Freecords B.V., Herengracht 420, 1017 BZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
“You” or “User” refers to any individual or entity using Freecords’ platform or services, including music distribution, streaming, and related products.

This Policy should be read together with:

• Freecords Terms of Use
• Freecords Distribution Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

2. Definitions

Artist / End User: Any person or legal entity who creates and maintains an account on Freecords and uploads or distributes content.
Account: Any registered user account associated with Freecords’ services.
DSP: Digital Service Providers (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Boomplay, etc.) to which Freecords delivers content.
Fraud: Any conduct that violates the law, this Policy, DSP terms, or Freecords’ platform rules, including but not limited to:

• Uploading copyrighted or unauthorized material.
• Impersonation or misleading artist identities.
• Artificial manipulation of streams, plays, or downloads using bots or other deceptive tools.
• Submitting falsified information or documents.
• Uploading fake, distorted, or silent audio for financial gain.
• Abusing monetization systems or digital fingerprinting systems.
  Self-Claim: Any copyright claim made by a user or rights holder against their own distributed content on Freecords or partner DSPs.

3. Zero Tolerance Policy

Freecords maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward fraud, abuse, or misuse.
If an account is found or suspected to be involved in any prohibited activity, Freecords may, at its sole discretion and without prior notice:

• Immediately block or terminate the account;
• Remove all distributed content from DSPs and the Freecords catalog;
• Withhold all royalties and earnings pending investigation; and
• Permanently deny access to the platform and related services.

There are no warnings, strikes, or second chances.
Violations result in immediate and permanent removal.

4. Detection and Enforcement

4.1 Internal and External Review

Freecords employs both automated and manual monitoring, including partner DSP feedback, internal fraud detection algorithms, and verification of metadata, IP activity, and sales trends.

4.2 DSP Reports

If a DSP reports suspected or confirmed fraud, Freecords reserves the right to immediately act based solely on that report.
Accounts connected to DSP-confirmed fraud will be permanently suspended and royalties withheld.

4.3 Suspected Illegal or Abusive Activity

Freecords may also block or terminate accounts engaged in:

• Repeated uploads of copyrighted or previously removed content;
• Uploads of deceptive, infringing, or spam content;
• Refusal to provide verification documents;
• Misuse of platform tools or features.

5. Account Blocking and Verification

Once an account is blocked, it will remain locked and inaccessible unless unblocked by Freecords’ Compliance Team.
Unblocking may only occur after completion of all required verification steps, which may include, but are not limited to:

• Valid government-issued photo identification;
• Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or government document);
• Credit or debit card verification;
• Proof of ownership of distributed works;
• Any additional information requested by Freecords.

Failure to comply or provide accurate information will result in permanent account closure.

6. Withholding of Royalties (“Escrow”)

Royalties connected to blocked or terminated accounts may be withheld for a minimum of 24 months and up to five (5) years, in line with partner DSP policies and Dutch civil law.

Funds may be retained to:

• Cover refunds to DSPs for fraudulent revenue;
• Await resolution of ownership or copyright disputes;
• Cover administrative and legal costs incurred by Freecords.

Legitimate royalties may be released only after Freecords’ internal verification and partner confirmation.

7. Self-Claims and Fees

Freecords treats self-claims as misuse of the copyright process.
Handling these cases requires substantial administrative and legal work.

To discourage abuse, each self-claim is subject to a processing fee of €200 per hour, with a minimum charge of €200, applied at Freecords’ discretion.
This fee will be deducted from pending royalties or invoiced directly to the claimant.

Repeated or bad-faith self-claim submissions will result in account suspension or permanent removal.

8. Liability and Indemnification

Users are solely responsible for their uploaded content and activities.
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Freecords, its affiliates, partners, and employees from any damages, claims, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Copyright infringement;
• Streaming or click fraud;
• Misrepresentation of ownership;
• Abuse of the platform or partner systems.

Freecords reserves the right to offset any such damages or fees from unpaid royalties.

9. Takedowns

Freecords will remove any content identified as infringing, fraudulent, or deceptive, either by internal review, DSP notice, or legal request.
In cases of severe violations, Freecords may remove the entire artist catalog, regardless of whether specific releases were implicated.

10. Governing Law

This Policy is governed by the laws of The Netherlands.
Any dispute arising from or related to this Policy shall be submitted exclusively to the courts of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

11. Contact

Freecords B.V.
Herengracht 420
1017 BZ Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Email: info@freecords.com