Pocket Tribe Terms of Service

Welcome to Pocket Tribe, a platform for anonymous, small-group (3-20 members) peer support communities and AI-driven wellness tools. By accessing or using our website (https://pocket-tribe.com), mobile apps, or services (collectively, the "Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("TOS"). If you do not agree, please do not use the Service.

1. Nature of Service

Pocket Tribe provides a platform for users to connect anonymously in micro-communities ("Tribes") for peer support and access AI-powered wellness tools, including text-based chats and text-to-speech guided exercises via TribeBuddy. Our AI may monitor chats for high-risk phrases (e.g., "suicide," "harm") and respond with crisis resources (e.g., 988 hotline). Optionally, users may share zip codes (truncated to the first 3 digits for anonymity) to match with others within approximately 50 miles via a secure third-party API, with data deleted post-matching. We are not a healthcare provider, and our Service is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns. In a crisis, contact emergency services (e.g., 911 in the U.S.) or a hotline like 988.

2. Eligibility

• You must be at least 13 years old to use the Service. Users under 18 require parental consent, per COPPA regulations.
• You agree not to use the Service for illegal purposes or in violation of these TOS.

3. User Conduct and Responsibilities

• Anonymity: You agree to maintain anonymity by not sharing personally identifiable information (e.g., real names, addresses) in Tribes or chats.
• Content: You are solely responsible for your posts, messages, or contributions ("User Content"). Do not share content that is harmful, abusive, defamatory, or violates laws or others' rights.
• Prohibited Actions: You may not:
  • Impersonate others or share their private information.
  • Post content promoting self-harm, violence, or illegal activities.
  • Attempt to bypass anonymity or security features.
  • Use the Service to solicit or sell products/services.
• Reporting: Use our in-app reporting feature to flag inappropriate content. We reserve the right to remove User Content or suspend users violating these TOS. AI-detected high-risk content may trigger automated crisis responses without storing user data.

4. No Medical Advice

Pocket Tribe, including its AI tools (e.g., TribeBuddy), provides general wellness resources, not medical or therapeutic advice. We are not HIPAA-compliant, as we are not a covered entity under U.S. law. User Content and optional location data (truncated zip codes) may include health-related or geographic information, but we do not collect or process it as protected health information (PHI). Our AI monitoring and location matching are for safety and community-building only and do not constitute medical oversight.

5. Privacy and Data

Our Privacy Policy (linked here) details how we collect, use, and protect your data. Key points:

• Anonymity: We do not require real names or identifiable information. Any data shared (e.g., IP addresses, chat logs, or truncated zip codes) is anonymized to the extent possible.
• Email Privacy: For privacy and HIPAA compliance, we hash email addresses in our user database. Raw emails are only stored in Firebase Authentication for login purposes and in a separate marketing collection with explicit consent.
• Marketing Communications: We only send marketing emails to users who explicitly consent during signup. With your consent, we may use your email to provide and manage service functionality, send notifications and updates, verify your identity, improve our products and services, prevent fraud, and invite you to participate in surveys. You can withdraw consent at any time by contacting us or using our unsubscribe features.
• Third Parties: We use services like Firebase (Google), Gemini AI, ElevenLabs, and a secure third-party API for location matching. These providers may process data per their agreements, but we aim to minimize sensitive data sharing and delete it post-use.
• User Control: You can request data deletion via support@pocket-tribe.com.
• We comply with applicable privacy laws (e.g., CCPA, GDPR), but you acknowledge the Service may not meet all regulatory standards for medical data.

6. Intellectual Property

• Our Content: The Service, including AI-generated wellness scripts, designs, and branding, is owned by Pocket Tribe or its licensors. You may not reproduce or distribute it without permission.
• User Content: You grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, store, and display User Content to operate the Service. You retain ownership of your content.

7. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

• Pocket Tribe is not liable for damages arising from your use of the Service, including reliance on User Content, AI tools, or location-based matching.
• We are not responsible for the accuracy, safety, or effects of peer advice shared in Tribes or AI crisis/location responses.
• In no event shall our liability exceed the amount you paid (if any) for the Service in the past 12 months.

8. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold Pocket Tribe, its affiliates, and partners harmless from claims, losses, or damages arising from your use of the Service, violation of these TOS, or infringement of others' rights.

9. Termination

• We may suspend or terminate your access for violating these TOS, with or without notice.
• You may stop using the Service at any time. Paid subscriptions can be canceled per our refund policy.

10. Dispute Resolution

• Governing Law: These TOS are governed by the laws of [Your State, e.g., California], without regard to conflict of law principles.
• Arbitration: Any disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration in [Your City], per the rules of the American Arbitration Association. You waive the right to class actions.

11. Changes to TOS

We may update these TOS at any time. We'll notify users via email or in-app notice. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

12. Contact Us

For questions or support, contact support@pocket-tribe.com or [Your Address].

By using Pocket Tribe, you acknowledge you've read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Service.