Terms of Service

Agreement to Terms

By downloading, installing, or using the Peerakeet mobile application ("App"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the App.

Description of Service

Peerakeet is a peer support mobile application designed to connect individuals navigating addiction, substance use, and recovery through anonymous, one-on-one conversations. The App provides:

• Anonymous Peer Matching: Matching with peers based on shared recovery experiences
• Real-time Chat: Anonymous conversations with matched peers
• Recovery Profiles: User profiles highlighting recovery stage, topics, and intentions
• Daily Check-ins: Mood tracking and wellness monitoring
• Journal Feature: Text-based journal entries for personal reflection
• Educational Resources: Recovery-related content and support information

User Accounts and Registration

Account Creation

• You must provide a valid email address to create an account
• You must be at least 13 years old to use the App
• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials

Profile Information

• You may create a profile using a pseudonym (generated from random adjectives and bird names)
• You may select recovery topics, stage, intentions, and optional bio information
• Profile information is used for peer matching and should be accurate to your current situation

Acceptable Use

You Agree To:

• Use the App only for its intended purpose of peer support and recovery
• Provide accurate and truthful information in your profile
• Respect the privacy and anonymity of other users
• Report concerning behavior or safety issues
• Use appropriate language and behavior in all interactions
• Maintain the confidentiality of conversations

You Agree NOT To:

• Share personal identifying information (real names, addresses, phone numbers, etc.)
• Provide medical advice or professional counseling
• Harass, bully, or harm other users
• Use the App for dating, romantic relationships, or sexual content
• Promote harmful or dangerous activities
• Attempt to identify or track other users
• Use the App for commercial purposes or advertising
• Share explicit, inappropriate, or offensive content
• Attempt to access other users' accounts or data
• Use automated systems or bots to interact with the App

Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection and use of your information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

Key Privacy Features:

• Anonymous user profiles with pseudonyms
• No requirement to provide real names or personal information
• Encrypted data storage and transmission
• User control over availability status
• Ability to delete account and associated data

Medical Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: Peerakeet is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The App provides peer support only and should not be used as a replacement for professional healthcare services.

Professional Medical Care

• Always seek the advice of qualified healthcare providers
• Do not delay seeking professional help based on information from the App
• The App is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition

Emergency Situations

• For medical emergencies, call 911 immediately
• For crisis support, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741741
• Peerakeet is not an emergency service and should not be used in life-threatening situations

User-Generated Content

Content Ownership

You retain ownership of content you create, including journal entries and chat messages.

Content License

By using the App, you grant us a limited license to store and display your content for the purpose of providing the service.

Content Standards

All user-generated content must:

• Be appropriate for a recovery support environment
• Not contain personal identifying information
• Not promote harmful activities
• Comply with these Terms and applicable laws

Third-Party Services

The App uses third-party services including:

• Firebase (Google): For authentication, data storage, and analytics
• Expo: For app development and deployment

These services have their own terms and privacy policies that govern their use of your data.

Intellectual Property

Our Rights

The App, including its design, code, and content, is owned by Peerakeet and protected by intellectual property laws.

Your Rights

You retain ownership of your user-generated content and have the right to use the App as permitted by these Terms.

Limitation of Liability

Disclaimer of Warranties

The App is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee:

• Uninterrupted or error-free operation
• Accuracy of user-generated content
• Compatibility with all devices or operating systems
• Security against unauthorized access

Limitation of Damages

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Peerakeet shall not be liable for:

• Any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
• Loss of data, profits, or business opportunities
• Damages resulting from use of the App
• Actions or content of other users

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Peerakeet from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Your use of the App
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your user-generated content
• Your interactions with other users

Termination

Your Rights

You may terminate your account at any time by deleting the App or contacting us.

Our Rights

We may terminate or suspend your account if you:

• Violate these Terms
• Engage in harmful or inappropriate behavior
• Provide false information
• Use the App for unauthorized purposes

Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your access to the App will cease
• Your data may be deleted (subject to our Privacy Policy)
• These Terms will continue to apply to any disputes

Dispute Resolution

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the jurisdiction where Peerakeet operates.

Dispute Resolution

Any disputes will be resolved through:

1. Good faith negotiation
2. Mediation (if required)
3. Binding arbitration or court proceedings

Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated Terms in the App
• Updating the "Effective Date" at the top of these Terms
• Providing notice through the App

Severability

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

Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us:

• Email: [Your Contact Email]
• Support: Through the in-app support feature

Emergency Resources

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency:

• 988: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7)
• 741741: Crisis Text Line (Text HOME)
• 911: Emergency Services

Peerakeet is not a crisis intervention service and should not be used for emergency situations.