Terms of Service
Last updated: March 20, 2026
Summary: These terms govern your use of Gonos's background verification API and portal. By using our services, you agree to comply with FCRA requirements, protect consumer data, and follow adverse action procedures. We provide the tools — you remain responsible for how you use consumer reports.
1. Services
Gonos provides background verification services through a REST API and web portal. Services include identity verification, criminal record searches, employment and education verification, adverse action management, dispute resolution, and consumer file disclosure. All services are provided in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable state laws.
2. Eligibility
To use Gonos's services, you must: (a) be a business entity with a legitimate permissible purpose under FCRA §1681b, (b) agree to use consumer reports only for the certified purpose, (c) comply with all applicable federal and state consumer reporting laws, and (d) certify that you have a permissible purpose for each background check request.
3. Account Registration
You must provide accurate and complete information when creating an account. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your API keys and account credentials. You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized access. We may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms or applicable law.
4. Permissible Purpose Certification
For each background check you request, you certify that you have a permissible purpose under FCRA §1681b(a). You agree to provide the candidate with a clear disclosure and obtain written consent before requesting a consumer report. You agree to follow adverse action procedures per §1681m when taking adverse action based on a report.
5. Fees and Payment
Fees are based on your selected pricing tier and the number of checks submitted. Invoices are generated monthly and charged automatically to your payment method on file. Failed payments may result in service suspension. We may adjust pricing with 30 days written notice. Disputed charges must be raised within 60 days of the invoice date.
6. Data Use and Security
You agree to: (a) use consumer report data only for the certified permissible purpose, (b) implement appropriate security measures to protect consumer data, (c) not share consumer reports with unauthorized parties, (d) comply with data retention and disposal requirements, and (e) notify us and affected consumers in the event of a data breach involving consumer report information.
7. Consumer Rights
You acknowledge that consumers have rights under FCRA including: the right to dispute inaccurate information, the right to a free copy of their file annually, the right to know who has accessed their report, and the right to place security freezes. You agree to inform consumers of these rights as required by law.
8. Adverse Action Obligations
When you take adverse action based in whole or in part on a consumer report from Gonos, you must: (a) provide a pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report and summary of rights, (b) wait at least 5 business days before making a final decision, and (c) provide a final adverse action notice with the reason, CRA contact information, and consumer rights. Gonos provides tools to automate this process, but the legal obligation remains with you.
9. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Gonos, its officers, directors, and employees from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from: (a) your use of consumer reports in violation of FCRA or applicable law, (b) your failure to follow adverse action procedures, (c) your breach of these terms, or (d) any unauthorized access to consumer data resulting from your negligence.
10. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Gonos's total liability for any claims arising from or related to these terms or our services shall not exceed the total fees paid by you in the 12 months preceding the claim. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages.
11. Termination
Either party may terminate this agreement with 30 days written notice. We may suspend or terminate your account immediately if you violate these terms, applicable law, or if we reasonably believe your use poses a risk to consumer data or our services. Upon termination, you must cease using consumer report data and comply with applicable data disposal requirements.
12. Governing Law
These terms are governed by federal law (FCRA, 15 U.S.C. §1681 et seq.) and, to the extent not preempted, the laws of the State of Delaware. Disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.
13. Changes to Terms
We may update these terms with 30 days notice via email or in-app notification. Continued use of our services after the effective date constitutes acceptance. Material changes to FCRA compliance obligations will be communicated with additional notice.
Questions about these terms? Contact us at legal@gonos.co