ShieldMark Badge Policy
ShieldMark Badge Policy
How the SOFTRE ShieldMark badge can be used, what it means, and when it may be removed.
What ShieldMark is
ShieldMark is a SOFTRE verification badge that may be displayed by a business after completing the applicable verification steps. The badge links to a SOFTRE-hosted verification page that shows the scope of verification carried out for that business.
Badge types
ShieldMark Domain Verified
Reviews evidence of domain control or authorisation to use the stated website domain.
ShieldMark Profile Reviewed
Reviews selected business profile information against submitted or available evidence.
ShieldMark Due-Diligence Ready
Adds further readiness review steps and a structured business readiness report.
What Domain Verified means
Domain Verified means SOFTRE has reviewed evidence that the business or its authorised representative controls or is authorised to use the stated website domain.
What Profile Reviewed means
Profile Reviewed means selected business profile information has been reviewed against submitted or available evidence at the time the badge was issued.
What Due-Diligence Ready means
Due-Diligence Ready means additional readiness review steps have been completed and a structured business readiness report may be available to authorised reviewers.
What ShieldMark does not mean
ShieldMark is not:
- A guarantee of safety
- A guarantee of legal compliance
- A guarantee of solvency
- A credit score
- A credit rating
- Legal advice
- Financial advice
- Investment advice
- Credit advice
- Government verification
- A fraud-free certificate
Badge display rules
- The badge may only be displayed on the verified domain.
- The badge must link to the SOFTRE verification page issued for that domain.
- The badge image, label or scope text may not be altered.
- The badge may not be used after expiry or while suspended.
- The badge may not be used to misrepresent the verification scope.
Badge suspension and removal
SOFTRE may suspend or remove a ShieldMark badge if:
- Information becomes outdated.
- Information is found to be inaccurate.
- Domain ownership changes.
- Business profile information is disputed.
- Badge is misused on unverified domains or in misleading contexts.
- Payment for the applicable verification term is not completed.
- Legal or compliance concerns arise.
Correction requests
If a business believes information used in a ShieldMark badge or verification page is incorrect, it may request review via the correction request process.