Verification Badge Policy

1.1 Purpose

This Verification Badge Policy explains how Tool-O may issue, manage, suspend or remove verification badges associated with User Accounts.

The purpose of this Policy is to help Users identify Accounts that have successfully completed certain verification processes, improve marketplace confidence and reduce the risk of impersonation and fraud.

1.2 Objectives

This Policy seeks to:

• improve marketplace trust;

• increase transparency;

• support identity verification;

• reduce impersonation risks;

• assist informed decision-making by Users;

• promote responsible participation;

• maintain the integrity of verification badges.

1.3 Scope

This Policy applies to:

• User Accounts;

• identity verification;

• verification badges;

• Listings;

• Bookings;

• Profile information;

• Account reviews;

• badge suspension;

• badge removal;

• other verification-related activities.

1.4 Guiding Principles

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

• fairness;

• transparency;

• proportionality;

• security;

• accountability;

• integrity;

• consistency.

1.5 Relationship with Other Policies

This Policy should be read together with the:

• Identity Verification Policy;

• Platform Integrity Policy;

• Fraud Prevention Policy;

• Trust & Safety Policy;

• Terms of Use;

• all other Platform policies.

1.6 Updates

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

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

2.1 General

Tool-O may issue verification badges to eligible Users who have successfully completed one or more verification processes determined by Tool-O.

Verification badges are intended to provide additional information about completed verification processes and do not constitute a guarantee of a User's identity, honesty, reliability, safety, conduct or future behaviour.

2.2 Eligibility

Eligibility for a verification badge may depend upon factors including:

• successful identity verification;

• completion of requested verification requirements;

• compliance with Platform policies;

• Account status;

• other criteria determined by Tool-O.

Receiving a verification badge is at Tool-O's discretion.

2.3 Meaning of a Verification Badge

A verification badge generally indicates only that specified verification processes have been successfully completed.

A verification badge does not represent or guarantee:

• trustworthiness;

• creditworthiness;

• professional qualifications;

• ownership of listed tools;

• future conduct;

• safety;

• legal compliance;

• transaction outcomes.

2.4 Badge Display

Where issued, a verification badge may appear on a User's Platform profile or other areas of the Platform as determined by Tool-O.

The appearance, wording, design and functionality of badges may change at any time.

2.5 Ongoing Compliance

Users displaying a verification badge must continue to:

• provide accurate information;

• comply with Platform policies;

• maintain truthful profile information;

• cooperate with reasonable verification requests;

• promptly notify Tool-O of material changes affecting their

verification status where appropriate.

2.6 Suspension or Removal

Tool-O may suspend, remove or modify a verification badge where it reasonably believes that:

• verification information is no longer accurate;

• verification requirements are no longer satisfied;

• fraudulent conduct has occurred;

• Platform policies have been materially breached;

• continued display may mislead other Users;

• removal is otherwise reasonably necessary.

2.7 Reverification

Tool-O may require a User to complete additional verification before retaining or restoring a verification badge.

2.8 Misuse

Users must not:

• falsely claim to be verified;

• alter badge images;

• reproduce badges outside the Platform in a misleading manner;

• impersonate verified Users;

• otherwise misuse verification badges.

2.9 No Transfer

Verification badges are personal to the verified Account and may not be transferred, assigned, sold or otherwise used by another person or Account.

2.10 Continuous Improvement

Tool-O may periodically review verification badge requirements, eligibility criteria and operational processes to improve marketplace trust, reduce fraud and strengthen Platform integrity.

3.1 Verification Standards

Tool-O may establish, modify or withdraw verification standards from time to time to reflect operational requirements, fraud prevention measures, technological developments or legal obligations.

3.2 Verification Reviews

Tool-O may periodically review verified Accounts to confirm that verification requirements continue to be satisfied.

Reviews may occur:

• periodically;

• following material Account changes;

• after reports from Users;

• during fraud investigations;

• following security incidents;

• where otherwise reasonably appropriate.

3.3 Badge Suspension

Tool-O may temporarily suspend a verification badge while:

• additional verification is being completed;

• suspected fraud is investigated;

• identity information is reviewed;

• Platform policy breaches are assessed;

• legal obligations are being satisfied.

Temporary suspension does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing.

3.4 Badge Removal

A verification badge may be permanently removed where Tool-O reasonably determines that:

• verification was obtained using false information;

• verification requirements are no longer met;

• fraudulent conduct has occurred;

• the Account has been terminated;

• continued display may mislead Users;

• removal is otherwise reasonably appropriate.

3.5 Verification Records

Tool-O may retain records relating to verification badges and associated verification activities in accordance with the Privacy Policy and Data Retention Policy.

3.6 Appeals

Where reasonably appropriate, a User whose verification badge has been suspended or removed may request a review by providing additional information or documentation reasonably requested by Tool-O.

Submission of a review request does not guarantee reinstatement.

3.7 User Responsibilities

Users displaying a verification badge should continue to:

• maintain accurate Account information;

• protect their Account credentials;

• comply with Platform policies;

• cooperate with reasonable verification requests;

• avoid conduct that may undermine marketplace trust.

3.8 Badge Integrity

Tool-O may implement reasonable technical and operational measures to reduce:

• badge misuse;

• impersonation;

• counterfeit badges;

• fraudulent representations;

• unauthorised badge use.

3.9 No Endorsement

A verification badge does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation or warranty by Tool-O regarding any User, Listing or transaction.

Users should continue to exercise their own judgment when using the Platform.

3.10 Responsible Verification

Tool-O is committed to administering verification badges fairly, consistently and responsibly to support marketplace transparency, reduce fraud and strengthen User confidence.

4.1 Governance

Tool-O is responsible for administering this Verification Badge Policy and may maintain internal procedures to support the fair, consistent and secure administration of verification badges.

4.2 Compliance

Tool-O seeks to administer verification badges in accordance with applicable laws relating to privacy, consumer protection, identity verification and other relevant legal obligations.

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 practices;

• fraud trends;

• operational experience;

• regulatory guidance;

• evolving industry standards.

4.4 Operational Monitoring

Tool-O may periodically monitor verification badge processes to identify:

• misuse of badges;

• fraudulent verification attempts;

• operational improvements;

• security enhancements;

• User experience improvements.

4.5 Education and Awareness

Tool-O may provide Users with guidance regarding the purpose, limitations and appropriate use of verification badges to promote informed participation in the Platform.

4.6 Relationship with Other Policies

This Verification Badge Policy should be read together with the:

• Terms of Use;

• Identity Verification Policy;

• Fraud Prevention Policy;

• Platform Integrity Policy;

• Trust & Safety Policy;

• Privacy 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 Verification Badge Policy or verification badge eligibility may be directed to Tool-O using the contact details published on the Platform.

4.8 Policy Updates

Tool-O may amend this Verification Badge 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 verification badges responsibly to strengthen marketplace confidence, improve transparency and reduce the risk of impersonation and fraud.

4.10 Final Statement

Verification badges are intended to assist Users in making informed decisions but should not replace their own judgment or due diligence.

Tool-O encourages all Users to participate honestly, maintain accurate information and help preserve the integrity of the Platform's verification system.

END OF VERIFICATION BADGE POLICY