Our Governing Principles
Governance Charter
The principles that govern how IBBF documents, publishes, and maintains fairness for consumers and businesses alike — and how each one is put into practice on the platform.
Principle 001
We document before we conclude.
✓ Implemented in PlatformWhyAssumptions can mislead; documentation creates clarity for everyone involved.
How IBBF follows thisEvery published case is supported by documented information; conclusions are based on available records, not assumptions.
Principle 002
Evidence before assumptions.
✓ Implemented in PlatformWhyA public claim must be defensible.
How IBBF follows thisThe platform only marks a business as non-responsive once a verified response channel has been objectively established — never on an assumption.
Principle 003
Every business deserves a fair opportunity to respond.
✓ Implemented in PlatformWhyTrust is built when every side has an opportunity to present its position.
How IBBF follows thisBusinesses get a defined response window, and a missed window can still be cured — a later response is recorded as a late response, not erased and not held against them permanently.
Principle 004
Every consumer deserves to be heard.
✓ Implemented in PlatformWhyDocumentation is only meaningful if people can actually submit their experience.
How IBBF follows thisComplaints and reviews are accepted, reviewed, and published with a documented status trail the consumer can track.
Principle 005
Resolution is good. Prevention is better.
✓ Implemented in PlatformWhySolving one complaint helps one consumer; preventing the same issue helps everyone.
How IBBF follows thisWe encourage documentation, business participation, and improvements that reduce the chance of similar issues recurring.
Principle 006
Trust is earned through transparency.
✓ Implemented in PlatformWhyA closed case must never be mistaken for a cleared business.
How IBBF follows thisClosures state their reason publicly with a written note, and where a business never responded, that fact is shown alongside the reason.