Parties
Custodian
[Implementing Organization]
The entity that holds and safeguards digital data under Dignity Trust principles
Beneficial Owner
Customer (Individual or Business)
The entity that retains ownership and authority over the data
For example, see Supported Systems, the founder and a 'reference implementation'. Learn how to adopt the Dignity Trust for your organization.
Scope of Custody
Digital identity records, credentials, legal documents, business records, or other high-sensitivity data designated by the Beneficial Owner, including but not limited to:
- Personal identification and authentication credentials
- Family photographs and digital memories
- Legal documents (wills, contracts, certificates)
- Business records and customer data
- Medical records and health information
- Financial records and statements
Custodian Duties
Duty of Care
Protect data with industry-standard security measures including encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.
Duty of Loyalty
Act solely in the interest of the Beneficial Owner. Never prioritize custodian interests over those of the data owner.
Duty of Confidentiality
No unauthorized use, sale, or analysis of data. Information remains private and protected at all times.
Duty of Purpose Limitation
Access and processing are strictly purpose-bound. Data is only used for explicitly authorized purposes.
Duty of Transparency
Access logs are maintained and auditable. The Beneficial Owner can review all access to their data.
Duty of Continuity
Ensure safe migration or transfer in case of operational change. Data will never be stranded or abandoned.
Beneficial Owner Rights
- Full ownership and authority over all data held in custody
- Access grant/revoke — control who can access data and when
- Audit rights — review complete access logs on request
- Transfer or deletion request — move or remove data at any time
Prohibited Actions
The Custodian is expressly prohibited from:
- Selling, licensing, or monetizing data in any form
- Profiling or AI training without explicit written consent
- Misrepresentation of access or ownership to third parties
Escalation & Evolution
The custodial relationship may evolve into a statutory or fiduciary trust upon mutual agreement. Core Dignity Trust principles remain binding regardless of formal legal structure.
This framework is designed to adapt to regulatory changes while maintaining its fundamental commitment to data dignity.
Liability & Indemnification
- Liability limited to direct breach of duties outlined above
- Excludes liability for acts outside defined scope of custody
- Standard force majeure provisions apply
- Dispute resolution through arbitration where applicable