Terms of Service

Last Updated: January 21, 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you and FootyChat ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") regarding your access to and use of the FootyChat mobile application, website, and related services (collectively, the "Platform").

By creating an account, accessing, or using FootyChat, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, as well as our Privacy Policy. If you are using FootyChat on behalf of an organization, you represent and warrant that you have the authority to bind that organization to these Terms.

2. Eligibility

To use FootyChat, you must:

• Be at least 13 years old (or 16 in certain jurisdictions, including the European Economic Area)
• Have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement
• Not be prohibited from using the Platform under applicable laws
• Comply with all local, state, national, and international laws and regulations

If you are under 18 years old, you represent that you have parental or guardian consent to use FootyChat. Parents and guardians are responsible for monitoring and supervising minors' use of the Platform.

3. Account Registration and Security

3.1 Account Creation

To access certain features of FootyChat, you must create an account. When creating an account, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and promptly update your account information
• Keep your password confidential and secure
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access or security breach
• Accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account

3.2 Account Security

You are solely responsible for maintaining the security of your account credentials. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to protect your account information. You must immediately notify us at support@footychat.app if you suspect unauthorized access to your account.

3.3 Account Termination

You may delete your account at any time through the Platform settings. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at our discretion if you violate these Terms or engage in conduct that we deem harmful to FootyChat, our users, or third parties.

4. User Conduct and Community Guidelines

4.1 Acceptable Use

FootyChat is a community platform for football fans to discuss matches, teams, players, and related topics. When using our Platform, you agree to:

• Treat all users with respect and courtesy
• Engage in constructive, football-related discussions
• Respect differing opinions and perspectives
• Follow chat room rules and moderator instructions
• Report inappropriate behavior or content

4.2 Prohibited Conduct

You agree NOT to engage in any of the following prohibited activities:

• Harassment and Abuse: Bullying, threatening, stalking, or harassing other users
• Hate Speech: Content that promotes violence or hatred based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin
• Spam and Commercial Activity: Unsolicited advertising, promotional content, or commercial solicitation
• Impersonation: Impersonating another person, organization, or entity
• False Information: Deliberately spreading misinformation or false rumors
• Illegal Content: Content that violates any applicable laws or regulations
• Adult Content: Pornographic, sexually explicit, or inappropriate content
• Violence: Content that glorifies, incites, or promotes violence
• Intellectual Property Infringement: Violating copyrights, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights
• Malicious Activities: Distributing malware, viruses, or engaging in hacking attempts
• System Manipulation: Attempting to manipulate, interfere with, or disrupt the Platform
• Automated Use: Using bots, scripts, or automated tools without authorization

4.3 Consequences of Violations

Violations of these conduct rules may result in:

• Warning messages from moderators
• Temporary suspension from specific chat rooms
• Temporary account suspension
• Permanent account termination
• Reporting to law enforcement authorities (for illegal activity)

5. Content Ownership and Licensing

5.1 Your Content

You retain ownership of any content you post, upload, or share on FootyChat ("User Content"). However, by posting User Content, you grant FootyChat a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, display, and perform your User Content in connection with operating and promoting the Platform.

This license continues even if you stop using FootyChat, as your content may be integrated into community discussions and historical records.

5.2 Content Representations

By posting User Content, you represent and warrant that:

• You own or have the necessary rights to the content
• The content does not violate any third-party rights
• The content complies with these Terms and applicable laws
• The content is accurate and not misleading

5.3 FootyChat's Content

All content provided by FootyChat, including text, graphics, logos, images, software, and other materials (collectively, "FootyChat Content"), is protected by intellectual property rights owned by FootyChat or our licensors. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works based on FootyChat Content without our express written permission.

5.4 Content Moderation

We reserve the right, but have no obligation, to monitor, review, and remove User Content that violates these Terms or is otherwise objectionable. We may remove content at our discretion without prior notice.

6. Third-Party Content and Links

FootyChat may contain links to third-party websites, services, or content that we do not own or control. We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of these third parties. Your interactions with third-party services are solely between you and that third party.

7. Advertising and Sponsorship

FootyChat displays advertisements through Google AdSense and other advertising partners. Advertisers are responsible for ensuring their ads comply with applicable laws. We do not endorse advertised products or services and are not responsible for any transactions between you and advertisers.

8. Intellectual Property

8.1 Trademarks

The FootyChat name, logo, and related marks are trademarks of FootyChat. You may not use these marks without our prior written permission.

8.2 Copyright

All FootyChat Content is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of FootyChat Content is prohibited.

8.3 DMCA Policy

We respect intellectual property rights. If you believe your copyrighted work has been infringed, please contact us at dmca@footychat.app with:

• Description of the copyrighted work
• Location of the infringing material on our Platform
• Your contact information
• Statement of good faith belief
• Statement of accuracy and authorization
• Your electronic or physical signature

9. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

9.1 "As Is" Service

FootyChat is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to:

• Merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose
• Accuracy, reliability, or completeness of content
• Uninterrupted or error-free operation
• Security or freedom from viruses or harmful components

9.2 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, FootyChat and its officers, directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to:

• Loss of profits, data, or goodwill
• Service interruption or system failure
• Cost of substitute services
• Damages arising from your use or inability to use the Platform

In jurisdictions that do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability, our liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

9.3 Maximum Liability

Our total liability to you for all claims arising from or related to the Platform shall not exceed the amount you paid to FootyChat in the 12 months preceding the claim, or $100, whichever is greater.

10. Indemnification

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

• Your use of the Platform
• Your User Content
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any third-party rights
• Your violation of applicable laws

11. Privacy

Your use of FootyChat is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. Please review our Privacy Policy to understand how we collect, use, and protect your information.

12. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated Terms with a new "Last Updated" date
• Sending you an email notification (for significant changes)
• Displaying a prominent notice on the Platform

Your continued use of FootyChat after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree with the changes, you must stop using the Platform and delete your account.

13. Termination

13.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by deleting it through the Platform settings or contacting us at support@footychat.app.

13.2 Termination by FootyChat

We may suspend or terminate your access to the Platform at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Reasons for termination may include:

• Violation of these Terms
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Prolonged inactivity
• Requests by law enforcement or government agencies
• Discontinuation or material modification of the Platform

13.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your access to the Platform will be immediately revoked
• Your account and profile information may be deleted
• Your User Content may be removed (though some may remain in historical records)
• You must cease all use of the Platform
• Provisions that by their nature should survive termination shall survive

14. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

14.1 Informal Resolution

Before pursuing formal dispute resolution, you agree to contact us at legal@footychat.app to seek informal resolution. We will attempt to resolve disputes amicably within 30 days.

14.2 Arbitration Agreement

Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of FootyChat that cannot be resolved informally shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, except where prohibited by law.

14.3 Class Action Waiver

You agree to resolve disputes with FootyChat on an individual basis. You waive any right to participate in class actions, class arbitrations, or representative actions.

14.4 Exceptions

This arbitration agreement does not apply to:

• Claims in small claims court
• Intellectual property disputes
• Claims seeking injunctive or equitable relief

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Your Jurisdiction], without regard to its conflict of law provisions. For disputes not subject to arbitration, you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in [Your Jurisdiction].

16. General Provisions

16.1 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

16.2 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.

16.3 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your rights hereunder without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms without restriction.

16.4 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other policies referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and FootyChat regarding your use of the Platform.

16.5 Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, terrorism, riots, pandemics, or government actions.

17. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding these Terms, please contact us:

Acknowledgment: By using FootyChat, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.