Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Peerakeet, Inc. ("Peerakeet," "we," "our," or "us"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Peerakeet mobile application, website, and any related services (collectively, the "Service").

By accessing, downloading, installing, or using the Service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Service and uninstall the app immediately.

IMPORTANT: These Terms contain a binding arbitration clause and class action waiver that affects your legal rights.

2. Service Description

Peerakeet is a peer-support platform that connects individuals dealing with addiction, substance use, and recovery through anonymous, one-on-one conversations. The Service includes:

• Anonymous User Profiles: Auto-generated pseudonymous profiles with recovery topics, stages, and intentions
• Peer Matching: Tinder-style matching system based on shared recovery experiences
• Real-Time Chat: Anonymous messaging with matched peers
• Journal Features: Text and audio journal entries for personal reflection
• Mood Tracking: Daily mood check-ins and progress visualization
• Crisis Detection: AI-powered automated analysis of messages for safety concerns
• Educational Resources: Recovery-related content and support materials
• Emergency Resources: Integration with crisis hotlines and emergency services
• Push Notifications: Service updates, safety alerts, and engagement reminders

CRITICAL DISCLAIMER: Peerakeet is NOT a healthcare provider, medical device, crisis intervention service, or substitute for professional medical care. The Service is for peer support and informational purposes only.

3. Eligibility and Registration

3.1 Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years old to use the Service. By using the Service, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years old.

3.1.1 Children's Privacy

• The Service is not intended for children under 18 years of age
• We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18
• If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 18, we will delete it immediately
• Parents or guardians who believe their child has provided us with personal information should contact us immediately

3.2 Geographic Restrictions

The Service is available in the United States and Canada. Users outside these regions may not be able to access all features due to local regulations and data protection requirements.

3.3 Account Creation

To use the Service, you must create an account by providing:

• A valid email address
• A secure password
• Agreement to these Terms and our Privacy Policy
• Consent to receive push notifications (optional but recommended)

3.4 Account Responsibility

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
• All activities that occur under your account
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized use
• Ensuring your account information is accurate and current
• Keeping your device secure and updated

3.5 Anonymous Use

While we require an email for account creation, the Service is designed for anonymous peer support. You should not share personally identifiable information in your profile or conversations.

4. Acceptable Use Policy

4.1 Permitted Uses

You may use the Service for:

• Seeking and providing peer support for addiction and recovery
• Sharing personal experiences and insights
• Accessing educational resources
• Connecting with others in recovery
• Personal journaling and mood tracking

4.2 Prohibited Uses

You agree NOT to:

Content Restrictions:

• Share explicit, pornographic, or sexually inappropriate content
• Promote harmful or dangerous activities
• Share medical advice or treatment recommendations
• Attempt to provide professional counseling or therapy
• Share content that promotes self-harm or suicide
• Post content that is harassing, bullying, or discriminatory
• Share personal identifying information of yourself or others
• Attempt to identify other users outside the platform
• Share content that violates intellectual property rights
• Post spam, advertisements, or commercial solicitations

Behavioral Restrictions:

• Use the Service for any illegal purpose
• Attempt to access other users' accounts
• Interfere with the Service's operation or security
• Use automated systems to access the Service
• Attempt to reverse engineer or hack the Service
• Use the Service to solicit business or commercial activities
• Impersonate Peerakeet staff or other users
• Report false emergencies or abuse the crisis detection system
• Create multiple accounts to circumvent restrictions
• Use the Service to stalk or harass other users

4.3 Crisis Situations

If you are in crisis or experiencing thoughts of self-harm:

• IMMEDIATELY call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), 911, or your local emergency number
• Text HOME to 741741 for Crisis Text Line support
• Do not rely on Peerakeet for crisis intervention
• The Service is not equipped to handle emergency situations

4.4 Mandatory Reporting

We may be required to report certain information to authorities if:

• We believe you are in immediate danger
• We receive reports of child abuse or neglect
• We are served with a valid legal order
• We detect illegal activity on the platform

4.5 Service Limitations and Fair Use

• The Service is intended for personal, non-commercial use
• Excessive use that impacts other users may result in temporary restrictions
• Automated or systematic data collection is prohibited
• We reserve the right to implement usage limits to ensure fair access for all users
• Commercial use of the Service requires written permission from Peerakeet

5. User-Generated Content

5.1 Content Ownership

You retain ownership of content you create, but you grant Peerakeet a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, store, and display your content solely to provide the Service, including AI-powered safety analysis.

5.2 Content Standards

All content you submit must:

• Be accurate and truthful to the best of your knowledge
• Comply with these Terms and applicable laws
• Not infringe on others' intellectual property rights
• Not contain personally identifiable information
• Be appropriate for a recovery support environment

5.3 Content Moderation

We reserve the right to:

• Monitor, review, and moderate all content using automated and manual processes
• Remove content that violates these Terms
• Use AI-powered systems for crisis detection and safety analysis
• Suspend or terminate accounts for violations
• Report illegal content to appropriate authorities
• Implement temporary content restrictions for safety

5.4 Audio Content

For voice journal entries:

• You control when and what to record
• Audio is stored securely and encrypted
• You can delete audio recordings at any time
• Audio is permanently deleted when you delete your account
• Audio may be analyzed by AI for safety concerns only

5.5 AI Processing Consent

By using the Service, you consent to:

• AI-powered analysis of your content for safety and moderation
• Automated detection of crisis indicators
• Processing of your data by third-party AI services (OpenAI) for safety purposes
• Temporary storage of processed data for safety analysis

6. Privacy and Data Protection

6.1 Privacy Policy

Your privacy is important to us. Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information. By using the Service, you agree to our Privacy Policy.

6.2 Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including:

• End-to-end encryption for sensitive data
• Regular security audits and penetration testing
• Secure data centers with physical and digital security
• Employee background checks and security training

6.3 Data Retention and Deletion

• Account Data: Deleted within 30 days of account termination
• Chat Messages: Deleted within 7 days of account termination
• Audio Recordings: Deleted within 24 hours of account termination
• Analytics Data: Anonymized and retained for up to 2 years
• Legal Compliance: Some data may be retained longer if required by law
• Backup Data: May be retained for up to 90 days for disaster recovery

6.4 Data Subject Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data
• Export your data in a portable format
• Opt out of certain data processing
• File a complaint with relevant authorities

6.5 International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed in countries other than your own. We ensure adequate protection through:

• Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
• Adequacy decisions where applicable
• Additional safeguards as required by law

6.6 Anonymous Use

The Service is designed for anonymous peer support. You should not share personally identifiable information. We are not responsible for information you choose to share.

6.7 Account Deletion and Data Portability

• You may request complete deletion of your account and all associated data
• Account deletion is irreversible and will remove all your content
• You may request a copy of your data before deletion
• Data export will be provided in a machine-readable format
• Deletion requests will be processed within 30 days
• Some data may be retained for legal compliance as described in Section 6.3

7. AI and Machine Learning

7.1 AI-Powered Features

The Service uses artificial intelligence for:

• Crisis detection and safety analysis
• Content moderation and filtering
• User matching and recommendations
• Automated safety alerts

7.2 AI Processing Transparency

• AI systems are trained on anonymized data
• Human oversight is maintained for critical decisions
• Users are notified when AI analysis affects their experience
• Appeals process available for AI-generated decisions

7.3 Third-Party AI Services

We use OpenAI services for:

• Natural language processing and content analysis
• Content safety analysis and moderation
• Crisis detection algorithms and risk assessment
• Automated content filtering and flagging

7.4 AI Limitations

AI systems may:

• Make errors in content analysis
• Miss certain safety concerns
• Generate false positives
• Require human review for complex cases

8. Intellectual Property

8.1 Our Rights

The Service, including its content, features, and functionality, is owned by Peerakeet and protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

8.2 Your Rights

You retain ownership of your user-generated content, subject to the license granted in Section 5.1.

8.3 Restrictions

You may not:

• Copy, modify, or distribute our content without permission
• Use our trademarks or branding without authorization
• Reverse engineer or attempt to extract source code
• Create derivative works based on the Service
• Use our content for commercial purposes

8.4 User Content License

You grant us a license to:

• Store and display your content
• Analyze content for safety purposes
• Use anonymized data for service improvement
• Share content with law enforcement when required

9. Service Availability and Modifications

9.1 Service Availability

We strive to maintain 99.5% uptime but do not guarantee uninterrupted access. The Service may be temporarily unavailable due to:

• Scheduled maintenance (with 24-hour notice)
• Emergency maintenance (with immediate notice)
• Technical issues or outages
• Force majeure events

9.2 Service Modifications

We reserve the right to:

• Modify, suspend, or discontinue the Service
• Add or remove features
• Update these Terms
• Change pricing (with 30 days notice)

9.3 Notice of Changes

Material changes to these Terms will be announced via:

• In-app notification at least 15 days before effective date
• Email notification to all users
• Updated posting date on our website
• Continued use constitutes acceptance of changes

9.4 Compensation for Extended Outages

For outages exceeding 24 hours:

• Pro-rated refunds for premium features
• Extended service credits
• Alternative support channels during outages

10. Third-Party Services

10.1 Integration

The Service integrates with third-party services including:

• Google Firebase (authentication, database, storage)
• OpenAI (moderation and crisis detection)
• Emergency services (988, 911, Crisis Text Line)
• App Store platforms (iOS App Store, Google Play)

10.2 Third-Party Terms

Your use of third-party services is subject to their respective terms of service and privacy policies.

10.3 No Endorsement

We do not endorse or guarantee third-party services. You use them at your own risk.

10.4 Third-Party Data Processing

Third-party services may process your data for:

• Authentication and security
• Content analysis and safety
• Service delivery and optimization
• Legal compliance

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Peerakeet, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any claims, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Service
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any third-party rights
• Your user-generated content
• Your interactions with other users
• Your reliance on peer advice or support
• Your failure to seek professional medical care when needed

14. Termination

14.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by:

• Using the account deletion feature in the app
• Contacting us at info@peerakeet.com
• Uninstalling the app (account remains active until manually deleted)

14.2 Termination by Us

We may terminate or suspend your account immediately if:

• You violate these Terms
• You engage in fraudulent or illegal activity
• You pose a safety risk to other users
• Required by law or regulation
• You abuse the Service or other users
• You attempt to circumvent our safety measures

14.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your access to the Service will cease immediately
• Your account and data will be deleted as described in Section 6.3
• These Terms will continue to apply to any disputes arising before termination
• You may not create a new account without our written permission

14.4 Survival

The following sections survive termination:

• Section 5.1 (Content License)
• Sections 11-12 (Disclaimers and Liability)
• Section 13 (Indemnification)
• Section 16 (Dispute Resolution)
• Section 17 (Governing Law)

15. Data Breach and Security Incidents

15.1 Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach affecting your personal information:

• We will notify you within 72 hours of discovery (or as required by applicable law)
• We will notify relevant authorities as required by law
• We will provide guidance on protective measures
• We will offer credit monitoring if appropriate
• We will provide regular updates on our response and mitigation efforts

15.2 Security Measures

We implement comprehensive security including:

• Encryption at rest and in transit
• Regular security audits and penetration testing
• Employee security training and background checks
• Incident response procedures
• Third-party security assessments

15.3 User Security Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

• Keeping your device and app updated
• Using strong, unique passwords
• Not sharing your account credentials
• Reporting suspicious activity immediately
• Using secure networks when possible

17. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

17.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles.

17.2 Jurisdiction

You agree to submit to the personal jurisdiction of the courts located within San Francisco County, California for any disputes not subject to arbitration.

17.3 International Users

For users outside the United States:

• These Terms are governed by California law
• You consent to jurisdiction in California courts
• You waive any objections to venue or jurisdiction
• Local law may provide additional protections

18. Accessibility and Accommodations

18.1 Accessibility Commitment

We are committed to making the Service accessible to users with disabilities:

• Compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA standards
• Support for screen readers and assistive technology
• Alternative formats for content when requested
• Reasonable accommodations for users with disabilities

18.2 Accessibility Support

For accessibility assistance:

• Contact us at info@peerakeet.com
• Request alternative formats of these Terms
• Report accessibility issues
• Request reasonable accommodations

18.3 Continuous Improvement

We regularly review and improve accessibility:

• User feedback and testing
• Regular accessibility audits
• Updates based on best practices
• Training for our development team

19. Miscellaneous

19.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Peerakeet regarding the Service.

19.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

19.3 Waiver

No waiver of any provision of these Terms shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties.

19.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights under these Terms. Peerakeet may assign these Terms without restriction.

19.5 Force Majeure

Peerakeet shall not be liable for any failure to perform due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including:

• Natural disasters
• Government actions
• Internet or telecommunications failures
• Third-party service outages
• Acts of terrorism or war

19.6 Headings

Section headings are for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of these Terms.

19.7 Electronic Communications

You consent to receive electronic communications from us, including:

• Service updates and notifications
• Safety alerts and warnings
• Legal notices and changes to Terms
• Marketing communications (with opt-out option)
• Crisis intervention alerts (when required for safety)

19.8 Mobile App Terms

By downloading our mobile app, you agree to:

• App store terms and conditions
• Automatic updates and notifications
• Device permissions for app functionality
• Data usage and storage requirements

19.9 Updates and Version Control

• These Terms apply to the current version of the Service
• Previous versions of the Terms are archived and available upon request
• Material changes to these Terms require user consent
• Non-material changes may be made without notice
• Users will be notified of changes through the Service or email

20. Contact Information

Contact Information:

Peerakeet, Inc.
Email: info@peerakeet.com