“As-Is” Provision – The services, software, website content, tools, and documentation offered by Handshake are provided *“as is”* and *“as available”*, without any warranties (express or implied) regarding performance, uptime, accuracy, or suitability. For example, in the official Terms of Use of Handshake, the entity states:
“Except as specifically set forth herein, the Software and accompanying written materials … are provided ‘as is’ without warranty of any kind.”
No Guarantee of Future Value or Results – Users should understand that using the Handshake network does **not** guarantee that a name or domain will increase in value, that a bid will succeed, or that adoption will grow. The protocol’s economic outcomes are uncertain.
Risk of Loss, Volatility & Technical Failure – Because Handshake is a blockchain system, users face risks including:
Loss of access due to lost private keys, Network bugs or protocol flaws (e.g., the inflation bug disclosed in Handshake’s protocol history), Volatility of the token (HNS) and potential devaluation Network disruptions, consensus problems, or external attack.

Limitation of Liability – The entity behind Handshake limits its liability for any damages, losses or claims arising out of your use of the services. This typically includes disclaimers for indirect, consequential, special or punitive damages.
Example:
“We shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, special, or punitive damages … or losses arising from … your failure to follow our instructions.”
Acknowledgement of Risk by User – Users are required to accept that they understand the risks and voluntarily use the service. This helps the network ensure that users are aware of the experimental nature of blockchain technologies.
Example:
“By accessing and using the Services, you represent that you understand the inherent risks associated with using cryptographic and blockchain-based systems…”
Jurisdictional / Regulatory Uncertainty – Blockchains and associated tokens/domains operate in a legal/regulatory grey zone in many jurisdictions. The disclaimer may state that the system may not comply with regulatory requirements and that users are responsible for compliance in their own region.

When you participate in an auction, register a name, or hold HNS tokens via Handshake, do so fully aware that you may lose the funds or the utility may remain limited. Backup your keys and treat access credentials carefully—there is no “forgot password” recovery in many cases.

Do not rely solely on the promise of future value or utility of the domain or token; treat it as speculative.

Recognise that the underlying software may be updated, changed or even deprecated; the network might operate differently than initially envisioned.

Appreciate that resolving Handshake names may require extra configuration or may not work seamlessly in all browsers/registries at present.

The services and software operated by [Handshake ecosystem] (including websites, wallets, auctions, domains, tokens) are provided “as is” and “as available” without any representation or warranty of any kind, whether express or implied. Use of the services is at your own risk.

The value and utility of any domain name, token (HNS), or related asset are uncertain, and may fluctuate or lose all value. You acknowledge that blockchain technology is experimental, may fail, be subject to bugs or attacks, and that no guarantee is made regarding continuity, accessibility, or long-term viability of the system.

Nothing contained on any website, software or documentation constitutes legal, financial, tax or investment advice. You should consult your own advisors prior to engaging in any transaction or use.

In no event shall Handshake Development Inc., its affiliates, licensors or service providers be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special or consequential damages, losses or expenses arising from or in connection with your use of or inability to use the services, including but not limited to loss of funds, value, data or access.

By using the services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer, that you understand the risks and you voluntarily accept them.

Some jurisdictional laws do not allow certain disclaimers or limitations, so this disclaimer may not apply in full in your region.

The disclaimer serves as a protective and transparent mechanism: it protects the project/entity from unexpected liability while making sure users are aware of the risks. For the Handshake blockchain, given its decentralised nature, experimental status and domain/token mechanics, the disclaimer is particularly important. When using Handshake (or any blockchain-based service), read the disclaimer carefully, understand your responsibilities and the potential risks, and act accordingly.

The information provided in this disclaimer is intended to inform users about the experimental nature of the Handshake protocol, the volatility of HNS tokens, and the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding blockchain technologies. It is crucial to recognize that the Handshake network, while technically sophisticated, is still in its developmental stages and may encounter unforeseen technical challenges, security vulnerabilities, or adoption barriers that could impact its functionality and value proposition.