Terms and Conditions
Last Updated: November 7, 2026
1. Acceptance
These Terms govern your use of www.watchfirenatsec.org and its forms, newsletters, membership programs, and events, including CIVIC Tables (the "Site"), operated by Watchfire National Security Network, a Delaware nonprofit corporation exempt under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code ("Watchfire," "we," or "us"). By using the Site, you agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy. You must be at least 18 to use the Site.
2. Informational Content; Independence
Site content, including Signal Brief, is for general information only and is not legal or other professional advice. Some content reflects Watchfire's public policy positions; views of members, speakers, and participants are their own. Watchfire is independent and not affiliated with or acting for any government agency. Watchfire does not endorse or oppose candidates for public office.
3. No Classified or Sensitive Information
Do not submit classified information, controlled unclassified information, export-controlled data, or anything you are not authorized to disclose. Current and former government personnel remain responsible for their nondisclosure and prepublication review obligations.
4. Membership in the Watch
Membership is by invitation. Requesting an invitation or applying does not guarantee membership, and we may accept, decline, suspend, or end membership at our discretion. Members may not speak on Watchfire's behalf without written authorization.
5. Acceptable Use
You agree not to use the Site unlawfully; harass or impersonate others; send spam; attempt unauthorized access to or disrupt the Site; scrape member or user information; or use Site content to train AI models without our written consent.
6. Submissions and Proposals
Messages, applications, CIVIC Table requests, and project proposals (including through "Light a Beacon") are not confidential unless we agree in writing, and submitting one creates no partnership or obligation to respond, collaborate, or fund. You grant us a royalty-free license to use non-personal portions of Submissions for our mission.
7. Intellectual Property
The Site, its content, and the Watchfire name and marks belong to Watchfire or its licensors. You may view and share content for personal, non-commercial use with attribution.
8. Support and Contributions
Watchfire is a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization. Contributions or gifts to Watchfire are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.
Contributions are processed by third-party payment processors, are non-refundable unless stated otherwise, and may be used for any lawful purpose consistent with our mission, including lobbying.
9. Events and CIVIC Tables
A request for Watchfire to moderate a CIVIC Table is not a commitment to do so. Participants agree to engage respectfully as equals and to honor any off-the-record or Chatham House Rule designation. Announced events may be photographed or recorded. Local hosts and venues are independent of Watchfire.
10. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability
THE SITE IS PROVIDED "AS IS," WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WATCHFIRE WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, AND ITS TOTAL LIABILITY WILL NOT EXCEED US$100.
You agree to indemnify Watchfire against claims arising from your misuse of the Site or violation of these Terms.
11. General
These Terms are governed by the laws of the District of Columbia, with exclusive venue in the courts of Washington, District of Columbia. We may update these Terms by posting a revised version; continued use means acceptance. If any provision is unenforceable, the rest remains in effect.
12. Contact
Watchfire National Security Network