Code of Professional Conduct & Ethics

Association of Internet Research Specialists (AOFIRS)

This Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) is designed to establish the professional and ethical standards expected of all members of the Association of Internet Research Specialists (AOFIRS). It serves to protect the public, uphold the integrity of the profession, and ensure that all members conduct their work with professionalism, transparency, and respect.

General Ethical Principles

1.1. Trust and Credibility

The success and reputation of the Association are built on the trust and confidence of its members. Members must consistently uphold commitments and demonstrate professional conduct to foster credibility and ensure the public’s trust in the Association.

1.2. Professional Integrity

Members are required to maintain the highest standards of professional integrity, which include acting honestly, fairly, and transparently in all professional interactions and decisions.

Ethical Responsibilities of the Management Team

2.1. Leadership by Example

Management is responsible for exemplifying the ethical standards outlined in this Code. Management must provide clear and direct communication on moral matters and address concerns promptly, ensuring ethical dialogue is an integral part of daily operations.

Acceptance and Offering Business Courtesies

3.1. Accepting Business Courtesies.

Members must avoid using their position to solicit business courtesies. Unsolicited business courtesies may be accepted only when they do not create a conflict of interest or give the appearance of favoritism.

3.2. Offering Business Courtesies

When offering business courtesies, members must ensure they do not imply an unfair advantage or violate ethical standards. Courtesies should align with industry norms, be modest, and comply with all applicable regulations and accounting standards.

Legal Compliance and Accountability

4.1. Commitment to Legal Compliance

Members are required to comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and legal obligations that govern their professional conduct. Failure to comply with the law can result in disciplinary action and may lead to suspension or expulsion.

4.2. Accountability for Ethical Breaches

Members must report any breaches of this Code, and violations will be taken seriously. Members found in violation of this Code may face disciplinary measures as determined by the Association’s by – laws.

Confidentiality and Client Interests

5.1. Confidentiality of Information

Members must maintain the confidentiality of all client information unless legally obligated to disclose such information. This includes maintaining confidentiality regarding proprietary, financial, and personal client data.

5.2. Client Interests and Conflicts of Interest

Members must prioritize the interests of their clients above personal or external interests. If a conflict of interest arises, members must disclose it promptly and seek guidance to avoid compromising their impartiality.

Professional Conduct for Certified Members

6.1. Upholding Professional Integrity

Certified members must consistently demonstrate behaviors that enhance the public image of the profession. Any action that undermines trust in the profession will be considered “unbecoming” and subject to disciplinary action.

6.2. Independence and Objectivity

Certified members are required to provide independent, objective, and impartial advice. They must ensure that their interests, biases, or relationships do not influence their professional advice or research findings.

Training and Development

7.1. Continuous Professional Development

Members must continually enhance their knowledge and skills, particularly in the field of internet research and data analytics. This includes ongoing certification, participation in professional development programs, and engagement in relevant self-study.

7.2. Adherence to the Common Body of Knowledge

Certified members must ensure that their practices align with the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) and advance their expertise in specialized areas of internet research, thereby guaranteeing the quality and relevance of their services.

Fees, Billing, and Financial Integrity

8.1. Fair and Transparent Billing Practices

Members must charge fair, reasonable, and transparent fees for services rendered. All billing arrangements, including professional fees, expenses, and taxes, must be disclosed to clients in writing and agreed upon before commencing any work.

8.2. Compliance with Taxation Laws

Members must adhere to applicable tax laws and ensure that all financial transactions, including billing and payment, are compliant with relevant regulations.

Use of Association Resources

9.1. Responsible Use of Resources

Members must use Association resources, including time, materials, and information, solely for business purposes. Personal use of resources is permissible only when it does not interfere with professional duties or workplace productivity.

9.2. Monitoring Association Resources

The Association reserves the right to monitor the use of its resources to ensure that they are being used in compliance with these guidelines.

Confidentiality and non-disclosure

10.1. Non-Disclosure Agreements

Members must enter into confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with their clients where applicable. If a client fails to provide such an agreement, members must prepare and execute one in writing.

10.2. Protection of Client Data

Members must ensure that all client and third-party data is stored securely, by client policies. Data must be protected against unauthorized access or disclosure and must be handled with the highest level of confidentiality.

Article Xii: Adherence, Misconduct, and Disciplinary Action

12.1 Covenant of Adherence

Application for, acceptance of, and continuation of any form of membership, certification, or association with the Association of Internet Research Specialists (AOFIRS) constitutes an unequivocal and binding agreement by the individual to be bound by this Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics (“the Code”) in its entirety, as it may be amended from time to time. All members, certified individuals, and associates (collectively “Members”) acknowledge that

adherence to this Code is mandatory and continuing condition of their affiliation with AOFIRS. By virtue of their affiliation, all Members voluntarily submit to the disciplinary jurisdiction and procedures set forth in this Article.

12.2 Jurisdiction and Authority of the Professional Conduct Committee

The Board of Directors shall establish and maintain a standing Professional Conduct Committee (PCC), which shall be delegated the exclusive authority and responsibility to investigate, adjudicate, and impose sanctions for all alleged violations of this Code. The PCC shall be composed of members appointed by the Board in accordance with the Association’s bylaws and shall operate with impartiality and objectivity. The PCC shall develop and publish its Rules of Procedure, consistent with the principles outlined in this Article, to govern its proceedings.

12.3 Definition of Professional Misconduct

Professional Misconduct is defined as any act or omission by a member, either during their professional practice or in their dealings with the Association, that violates the provisions of this Code. Professional Misconduct shall include, but is not limited to:

Any violation of the ethical principles and professional duties enumerated in Articles I through X of this Code;
A material breach in the performance of professional services offered or rendered to a client, including but not limited to acts of gross negligence, recklessness, incompetence, or failure to exercise the standard of care expected of a Certified Internet Research Specialist;
Any act involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation in professional practice, in obtaining certification or membership, or in any dealings with the Association or the public;
A criminal conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction for a felony or any other offense that reflects adversely on the Member’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness to practice as an internet research specialist.

12.4 Disciplinary Procedure: From Complaint to Final Determination

The PCC shall adhere to the following procedure to ensure a fair and impartial resolution of all complaints:

Filing of a Formal Complaint: All allegations of misconduct must be submitted to the PCC in writing, signed by the complainant, and must state with reasonable particularity the facts constituting the alleged misconduct.
Preliminary Review: The PCC shall conduct an initial review of the complaint to determine whether the allegations, if true, would constitute Professional Misconduct and whether the matter falls within the Association’s The PCC may dismiss complaints that are fr ivolous, vexatious, or outside its scope.
Formal Notice to the Respondent: If the PCC determines that an investigation is warranted, it shall provide the accused Member (the “Respondent”) with a formal Notice of Investigation. This Notice shall include a copy of the formal complaint and shall specify the provisions of the Code a llegedly violated.
Investigation: The PCC shall conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to gather all relevant evidence. The Respondent shall be expected to cooperate fully with the Investigation.
Respondent’s Right to Reply: Upon completion of the investigation, the PCC shall provide the Respondent with the complete investigative file, including all evidence that will be considered. The Respondent shall be given a reasonable period, not less than thirty (30) calendar days, to submit a comprehensive written response to the allegations and the evidence.
Adjudication: The PCC shall convene to review the complaint, the investigative file, and the Respondent’s written response. The PCC shall make its determination based on a “preponderance of the evidence” standard (i.e., whether it is more likely than not that the misco nduct occurred). The PCC may, at its discretion, hold a hearing to hear testimony from the parties.
Written Decision: The PCC shall issue a formal written decision to both the complainant and the Respondent. The decision shall include findings of fact, a conclusion as to whether Professional Misconduct occurred, and, if applicable, the sanction(s) to be The deci sion shall state the rationale for the findings and the chosen sanction.

12.5 Schedule of Sanctions

Upon a finding of Professional Misconduct, the PCC may impose one or more of the following sanctions, which shall be proportionate to the severity of the violation, the harm caused, and the Member’s prior disciplinary record. The available sanctions are:

Private Written Censure: A formal, confidential letter of
Mandatory Remediation: A requirement to complete specific ethics training, continuing professional development, or other remedial education.
Monetary Fine: A fine payable to the Association, not to exceed an amount set by the Board of Directors.
Suspension: The temporary removal of all rights and privileges of membership and/or certification for a specified period.
Permanent Revocation and Expulsion: The permanent revocation of any AOFIRS certifications and the permanent expulsion from membership in the Association.

Violation Severity Level	Illustrative Examples of Misconduct	Corresponding Range of Sanctions
Level I: Minor Infractions	– Failure to meet Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. – Minor, unintentional billing error, promptly corrected. – Inadvertent failure to disclose a minor, non-material conflict of interest.	– Private Written Censure – Mandatory Remediation
Level II: Significant Breaches	– A significant breach of client confidentiality. – Reckless disregard for objectivity and independence in research findings. – Offering or accepting business courtesies that create a clear conflict of interest. – Repeated Level I offenses.	– Mandatory Remediation – Monetary Fine – Suspension (e.g., 3–12 months)
Level III: Gross Misconduct	– Acts of fraud, dishonesty, or misrepresentation. – Intentional and material breach in the performance of professional services. – Misappropriation of client or Association resources. – Criminal conviction for a relevant offense. – Refusal to cooperate with a PCC investigation.	– Suspension (e.g., 1–5 years) – Permanent Revocation and Expulsion

12.6 Appeals Process

A Respondent who the PCC has sanctioned shall have the right to appeal the decision to an Appeals Panel appointed by the Board of Directors. The Appeals Panel shall not include any current members of the PCC. An appeal must be filed in writing within thirty (30) calendar days of receiving the PCC’s written decision. The grounds for appeal shall be limited to: (a) a material procedural error by the PCC that prejudiced the Respondent’s right to a fair hearing; (b) the discovery of significant new evidence that was not reasonably available at the time of the original adjudication; or (c) the sancti on imposed by the PCC was grossly disproportionate to the violation committed. The Appeals Panel shall review the record and may affirm, modify, or overturn the PCC’s decision. The decision of the Appeals Panel shall be final and binding.

12.7 Confidentiality and Publication of Decisions

All disciplinary proceedings under this Article shall be conducted with the utmost confidentiality. The complaint, investigation files, and deliberations of the PCC and Appeals Panel shall not be disclosed to any third party, except as may be required by law. However, upon a final decision resulting in Suspension or Permanent Revocation and Expulsion, the Association shall have the right to publish a summary of the case and the sanction imposed.

Such publication may include the Member’s name and the nature of the misconduct but shall not disclose confidential client information. The purpose of such publication is to protect the public, maintain the integrity of the profession, and inform the membership.