Terms of Service

Last updated: January 2025

Welcome to Pocket Tribe. By using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using Pocket Tribe, you agree to these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.

2. Description of Service

Pocket Tribe is a peer support platform that connects users with anonymous micro-communities for mutual support and wellness. Our services include:

• Anonymous tribe matching and messaging
• AI-powered wellness sessions and guidance
• Community support features
• Premium subscription features

3. User Accounts & Age Requirement

To use Pocket Tribe, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age or older
• Provide accurate account information
• Keep your account credentials secure
• Be responsible for all activity under your account

Age Verification: Pocket Tribe is intended exclusively for users who are 18 years of age or older. By creating an account, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years old. We reserve the right to terminate accounts of users who do not meet this age requirement, and we may request verification of age at any time.

4. Community Guidelines

Users must adhere to our community standards:

• Be Respectful: Treat all members with dignity and respect
• No Harassment: Bullying, harassment, or threatening behavior is prohibited
• No Hate Speech: Discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, or other protected characteristics is not allowed
• Protect Privacy: Do not share personal information of other users
• No Spam: Unsolicited advertising or spam is prohibited
• No Illegal Activity: Do not use the platform for illegal purposes

5. Not a Substitute for Professional Help

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ: Pocket Tribe is a peer support platform and is NOT:

• A crisis intervention service
• A suicide prevention service
• A substitute for professional mental health care, therapy, or medical treatment
• Staffed by licensed mental health professionals
• Intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment

Emergency Situations: If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or are in immediate danger, DO NOT rely on Pocket Tribe. Please:

• Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) immediately
• Call 911 for emergency services
• Text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
• Go to your nearest emergency room
• Contact a licensed mental health professional

AI-Generated Content Disclaimer: Our AI-powered wellness sessions, journal prompts, and chatbot responses are generated by artificial intelligence and are for informational and relaxation purposes only. They should not be considered professional medical advice, therapy, or treatment recommendations. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice.

6. Premium Subscription & Refund Policy

Premium features are available through paid subscription:

• Billing: Subscriptions are billed monthly at $9.99/month via Stripe
• Auto-Renewal: Your subscription will automatically renew each month unless you cancel
• Cancellation: You may cancel at any time through your account settings. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period
• Refund Policy: We do not offer refunds for partial months. If you cancel, you will retain premium access until the end of your current billing period
• Premium Benefits: Premium benefits end when your subscription expires or is cancelled
• Price Changes: We reserve the right to change subscription prices with 30 days notice to active subscribers

7. Content Ownership

You retain ownership of content you create on Pocket Tribe. By posting content, you grant us a license to display and distribute that content within the platform.

8. Moderation and Enforcement

We reserve the right to:

• Remove content that violates these terms
• Suspend or terminate accounts for violations
• Report illegal activity to authorities
• Modify or discontinue services at any time

9. Disclaimer of Warranties

POCKET TRIBE IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement
• Warranties that the service will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free
• Warranties regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of content
• Warranties that the service will meet your requirements or expectations
• Warranties regarding AI-generated content or recommendations

We do not warrant that the service will prevent, detect, or respond to mental health crises. You use the service at your own risk.

10. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, POCKET TRIBE, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

• User Safety: Any harm, injury, or death resulting from use of the service or interactions with other users
• User Content: Actions, content, advice, or statements of other users or third parties
• Mental Health Outcomes: Any mental health crisis, deterioration, or adverse outcome
• AI Content: Errors, inaccuracies, or harmful advice from AI-generated content
• Service Issues: Service interruptions, data loss, security breaches, or technical failures
• Damages: Any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including loss of profits, data, or goodwill

IN NO EVENT SHALL OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID US IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO LIABILITY, OR $100, WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties or limitation of liability, so these limitations may not apply to you.

11. Indemnification

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

• Your use or misuse of the service
• Your violation of these Terms of Service
• Your violation of any rights of another person or entity
• Your content or conduct on the platform
• Any harm to yourself or others related to your use of the service

12. Dispute Resolution & Arbitration

Binding Arbitration: Any disputes, claims, or controversies arising from or relating to these Terms or the service shall be resolved through binding arbitration, rather than in court, except that you may assert claims in small claims court if your claims qualify.

Arbitration Rules: Arbitration will be conducted by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules and, where appropriate, the AAA's Supplementary Procedures for Consumer Related Disputes.

Class Action Waiver: You agree that disputes will be resolved on an individual basis only, and not as a class action, consolidated action, or representative action.

Governing Law: These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of [Your State], without regard to conflict of law provisions.

Opt-Out: You may opt out of arbitration within 30 days of first accepting these Terms by emailing support@pockettribe.app with your name and a statement that you opt out of the arbitration agreement.

13. Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, riots, embargoes, acts of civil or military authorities, fire, floods, accidents, pandemics, strikes, or shortages of transportation, facilities, fuel, energy, labor, or materials.

14. Account Deletion & Data Rights

You have the right to:

• Delete Your Account: You may delete your account at any time through your account settings. Account deletion is permanent and cannot be undone
• Export Your Data: You may request a copy of your personal data by contacting support@pockettribe.app
• Data Retention: Upon account deletion, we will delete your personal information within 30 days, except where retention is required by law or for legitimate business purposes (e.g., fraud prevention, legal compliance)

15. Changes to Terms

We may update these terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by email or through the service. Continued use of the service after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

16. Severability

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

17. Contact Us

For questions about these terms, contact us at support@pockettribe.app.

Emergency Resources:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Emergency Services: 911
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357