Identity Verification Policy

1.1 Purpose

This Identity Verification Policy explains how Tool-O may verify the identity of Users to promote trust, reduce fraud, improve marketplace safety and comply with applicable legal and regulatory obligations.

The purpose of this Policy is to support a secure marketplace where Users can confidently rent tools from one another while recognising that identity verification cannot eliminate all risks.

1.2 Objectives

This Policy seeks to:

• verify User identities where appropriate;

• reduce identity fraud;

• support Platform security;

• improve marketplace trust;

• assist fraud prevention;

• support dispute resolution;

• comply with applicable legal obligations;

• protect Users and the Platform.

1.3 Scope

This Policy applies to identity verification associated with:

• User Accounts;

• Account registration;

• Bookings;

• Listings;

• security deposits;

• payment activities;

• payouts;

• Claims;

• disputes;

• investigations;

• other Platform activities where verification is reasonably required.

1.4 Guiding Principles

Tool-O seeks to administer identity verification in accordance with the following principles:

• proportionality;

• privacy;

• security;

• fairness;

• transparency;

• accountability;

• lawful processing of personal information.

1.5 Relationship with Other Policies

This Policy should be read together with the:

• Privacy Policy;

• Security Policy;

• Fraud Prevention Policy;

• Anti-Money Laundering and Sanctions Policy;

• Platform Integrity Policy;

• Terms of Use;

• all other Platform policies.

1.6 Updates

Tool-O may amend this Identity Verification Policy from time to time.

The most current version published on the Platform replaces all previous versions.

2.1 General Verification

Tool-O may require Users to verify their identity before accessing certain Platform features or where verification is reasonably necessary to protect the Platform, comply with applicable laws or reduce fraud risks.

Tool-O may also require identity verification before permitting certain Bookings, releasing Owner Payouts, processing Security Deposit Claims, investigating suspected fraud, recovering access to an Account, or where otherwise reasonably required to protect Users, the Platform or comply with applicable legal or regulatory obligations.

2.2 Verification Methods

Identity verification may include one or more of the following:

• government-issued identification;

• photograph verification;

• biometric verification where supported by authorised verification

providers;

• address verification;

• email verification;

• mobile telephone verification;

• payment verification;

• other lawful verification methods.

2.3 Third-Party Verification Providers

Tool-O may engage independent third-party identity verification providers to assist with verifying User identities.

Verification services may be subject to the terms, privacy policies and security practices of those providers.

2.4 Verification Requests

Tool-O may request identity verification:

• during Account registration;

• before creating Listings;

• before completing Bookings;

• before receiving payouts;

• before releasing certain Platform features;

• during investigations;

• where unusual activity is detected;

• where required by applicable law.

2.5 Verification Outcomes

Following verification, Tool-O may:

• approve verification;

• request additional information;

• require further verification;

• restrict certain Platform features;

• decline verification where information cannot reasonably be verified.

2.6 User Responsibilities

Users must:

• provide accurate information;

• provide genuine identification documents where requested;

• promptly update inaccurate information;

• not submit altered, forged or misleading documents;

• cooperate reasonably with verification requests.

2.7 Failure to Verify

Where a User fails or refuses to complete requested verification, Tool-O may:

• restrict Platform functionality;

• prevent Listings;

• suspend Bookings;

• delay payouts where permitted by law;

• suspend or terminate the Account where reasonably appropriate.

2.8 Ongoing Verification

Tool-O may request additional verification periodically or where circumstances change, including where:

• Account details change;

• unusual activity is detected;

• fraud concerns arise;

• legal requirements change;

• additional verification is reasonably necessary.

2.9 Privacy

Identity verification information will be collected, used, stored and protected in accordance with the Privacy Policy and applicable privacy laws.

2.10 Continuous Improvement

Tool-O may periodically review and improve its identity verification procedures to strengthen Platform security, reduce fraud risks and improve User confidence.

3.1 Verification Standards

Tool-O may establish reasonable verification standards appropriate to the level of risk associated with particular Platform activities.

Verification requirements may differ depending upon the nature of the Account, transaction or applicable legal obligations.

3.2 Verification Records

Tool-O may retain records relating to identity verification where reasonably necessary to:

• comply with applicable laws;

• support fraud prevention;

• resolve disputes;

• investigate suspected misconduct;

• administer the Platform.

Verification records will be managed in accordance with the Privacy Policy and Data Retention Policy.

3.3 Verification Reviews

Tool-O may periodically review completed verifications to:

• identify inconsistencies;

• detect fraudulent activity;

• improve verification processes;

• comply with legal obligations;

• strengthen Platform security.

3.4 Reverification

Tool-O may require a previously verified User to complete additional verification where:

• identity information changes;

• suspicious activity is detected;

• significant Account changes occur;

• additional legal or regulatory requirements apply;

• Tool-O reasonably considers reverification necessary.

3.5 Identity Misrepresentation

Users must not:

• impersonate another person;

• create Accounts using another person's identity;

• submit forged or altered identification;

• use false names where identity verification is required;

• otherwise misrepresent their identity.

3.6 Restricted Access

Tool-O may restrict or limit access to certain Platform features until requested verification has been successfully completed.

3.7 Investigation Support

Identity verification information may be used where reasonably necessary to:

• investigate fraud;

• investigate Claims;

• resolve disputes;

• verify ownership;

• support lawful requests from competent authorities;

• enforce Platform policies.

3.8 Third-Party Information

Where identity verification is conducted through third-party providers, Tool-O may rely upon verification results or risk assessments provided by those providers, subject to applicable laws and contractual arrangements.

3.9 Security

Tool-O seeks to protect identity verification information through reasonable administrative, technical and organisational safeguards designed to reduce the risk of unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration or misuse.

3.10 Responsible Verification

Tool-O is committed to administering identity verification fairly, proportionately and responsibly to improve trust, reduce fraud and support the ongoing safety and integrity of the Platform.

4.1 Governance

Tool-O is responsible for administering this Identity Verification Policy and may maintain internal procedures to support secure, lawful and effective identity verification practices.

4.2 Compliance

Tool-O seeks to conduct identity verification in accordance with applicable privacy laws, consumer protection laws, anti-money laundering obligations and other relevant legal requirements.

Nothing in this Policy excludes, restricts or modifies any rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded.

4.3 Policy Review

Tool-O may periodically review this Policy to reflect:

• legislative changes;

• technological developments;

• verification standards;

• fraud trends;

• operational experience;

• regulatory guidance;

• industry best practice.

4.4 Monitoring and Improvement

Tool-O may periodically review the effectiveness of its identity verification processes to improve:

• fraud detection;

• User experience;

• verification accuracy;

• Platform security;

• operational efficiency.

4.5 Education and Awareness

Tool-O may provide Users with information regarding identity verification requirements, security practices and measures that help protect against identity fraud.

4.6 Relationship with Other Policies

This Identity Verification Policy should be read together with the:

• Terms of Use;

• Privacy Policy;

• Security Policy;

• Fraud Prevention Policy;

• Anti-Money Laundering and Sanctions Policy;

• Platform Integrity Policy;

• Data Retention Policy;

• all other Platform policies.

Where there is any inconsistency, the Terms of Use prevail to the extent permitted by applicable law.

4.7 Contact

Questions regarding this Identity Verification Policy or identity verification requirements may be directed to Tool-O using the contact details published on the Platform.

4.8 Policy Updates

Tool-O may amend this Identity Verification Policy from time to time.

The latest version published on the Platform replaces all previous versions.

4.9 Commitment

Tool-O is committed to administering identity verification responsibly to reduce fraud, strengthen trust, improve marketplace safety and support compliance with applicable legal obligations.

4.10 Final Statement

Identity verification is an important safeguard that helps protect Users, reduce fraudulent activity and maintain confidence in the Tool-O marketplace.

Tool-O encourages all Users to provide accurate information and cooperate with reasonable verification measures that support a safe and trustworthy Platform.

END OF IDENTITY VERIFICATION POLICY