Terms of Use

1. Introduction

Welcome to Hootcaster, a social media platform operated by Nebula Labs Inc ("we," "our," or "us"). These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your access to and use of Hootcaster's website, services, and applications (collectively, the "Service").

By accessing or using our Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you disagree with any part of these terms, then you may not access the Service.

"Building human connections, one voice message at a time! Building meaningful Communications through freedom as speech. One Audio Note at a time!"

2. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account, accessing, or using Hootcaster, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

We may modify these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

3. Eligibility

You must be at least 13 years old to use Hootcaster. By using the Service, you represent and warrant that you meet this age requirement.

If you are under 18, you represent that you have your parent's or guardian's permission to use the Service.

4. User Accounts

You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account and for all activities that occur under your account. You must immediately notify us of any unauthorized use of your account.

You may not use another person's account without permission, create multiple accounts for the same person, or transfer your account to another person.

5. Content and Conduct

5.1 Your Content

You retain ownership of content you post on Hootcaster, including text posts, voice messages, and audio recordings. By posting content, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute your content on the Service.

5.2 Content Responsibility

You are solely responsible for all content you create and share, including voice communications and audio messages. We do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of user-generated content.

5.3 Free Expression

Hootcaster is committed to supporting free expression and open dialogue. We believe in giving users the freedom to express their thoughts and ideas without censorship, while encouraging respectful and constructive communication across all forms of content.

5.4 Simple Guidelines Philosophy

We believe limiting our platform rules to essential principles - like the 10 commandments - increases user freedom, reduces confusion, and promotes authentic expression. Complex rule systems often stifle creativity and genuine communication. By keeping our guidelines simple and focused on core values, we empower users to express themselves naturally while maintaining a respectful community environment.

6. Voice Features and Audio Content

6.1 Pods

Hootcaster offers Pods - private voice chat rooms with invite-code access featuring walkie-talkie-style push-to-talk functionality and persistent audio messaging.

6.2 Audio Messages

You may record and share audio messages within Pods. These messages are stored on our servers and may be accessed by other participants in the same Pod.

6.3 Voice Data Processing

When you use voice features, your audio data is processed and stored securely. Voice communications are only transmitted to other participants in your Pod.

6.4 Microphone Permissions

Voice features require microphone access. You control when to grant this permission through your browser settings, and can revoke it at any time.

6.5 Voice Content Responsibility

You are responsible for all voice content you create, including live conversations and recorded messages. Voice content is subject to the same conduct guidelines as all other content on the platform.

7. Prohibited Use

You agree not to use the Service to:

• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Impersonate any person or entity or misrepresent your affiliation
• Interfere with or disrupt the Service or servers
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Service
• Use automated systems to access the Service without permission
• Harvest or collect user information for commercial purposes
• Record or share voice content without proper authorization
• Use voice features to harass, threaten, or intimidate other users

8. Intellectual Property

The Service and its original content, features, and functionality are owned by Nebula Labs Inc and are protected by international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

You may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, or lease any part of our Service without our prior written permission.

9. Privacy and Data Security

Building human connections, one voice message at a time! Building meaningful Communications through freedom as speech. One Audio Note at a time! Your privacy is important to us.

We collect and use your information in accordance with industry standards and best practices, giving you clear understanding of how your data is handled.

Audio data from voice features is securely stored and processed. Voice messages are only accessible to participants in the respective Pod.

We use Replit's secure authentication system and implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information and voice data.

10. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your account and access to the Service immediately, without prior notice, for any reason, including if you breach these Terms.

You may delete your account at any time. Upon termination, your right to use the Service will cease immediately.

11. Disclaimers

The Service is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind. We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

We do not warrant that the Service will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Nebula Labs Inc shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Service.

Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid to use the Service in the twelve months preceding the claim.

13. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.

14. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of significant changes by posting a notice on our Service or sending an email notification.

Your continued use of the Service after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

15. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us:

• Company: Nebula Labs Inc
• Location: Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
• Contact: Contact Form