Terms of Service

Effective Date: August 1, 2025 | Last Updated: August 1, 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using AkashChat ("the Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use the Service.

AkashChat is an AI chat application that provides access to artificial intelligence models through Akash Network's decentralized cloud infrastructure.

2. Description of Service

2.1 Core Features

AkashChat provides:

  • Access to multiple AI models hosted on Akash Network
  • Chat history management with local and cloud storage options
  • Voice transcription capabilities
  • Image generation through AkashGen
  • File upload and processing for context
  • Customizable system prompts and model configurations
  • Private chat modes with memory-only storage

2.2 Account Types

  • Authenticated Users: Full features with cloud synchronization via Auth0
  • Anonymous Users: Limited access with rate limiting and local storage only

2.3 Decentralized Infrastructure

The Service utilizes Akash Network's decentralized compute infrastructure, meaning your requests may be processed across multiple independent providers in the network.

3. Age Requirements and User Accounts

3.1 Age Restrictions

  • You must be at least 13 years old to use AkashChat
  • Users under 18 require parental or guardian consent to use our services
  • By using the Service, you represent that you meet these age requirements

3.2 Account Creation

  • You may create an account using Auth0 authentication services
  • Marketing Consent Required: To access authenticated features with cloud sync, you must consent to receive marketing emails from Akash Network
  • This marketing consent requirement helps us keep basic features free for all users
  • Premium Features: Some advanced features may require paid subscriptions in addition to marketing consent
  • You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
  • You must provide accurate and complete information

3.3 Account Security

  • You are responsible for all activities under your account
  • Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
  • We reserve the right to suspend accounts showing suspicious activity

3.4 Anonymous Usage

  • Anonymous users may use the Service with rate limiting without marketing consent requirements
  • Anonymous usage is subject to IP-based access controls
  • No data persistence or cloud synchronization for anonymous users

4. Acceptable Use Policy

4.1 Permitted Uses

You may use AkashChat for:

  • Legitimate AI-assisted conversations and tasks
  • Educational and research purposes
  • Creative writing and content generation
  • Code assistance and technical discussions
  • Image generation for lawful purposes

4.2 Prohibited Uses

You may NOT use AkashChat for:

  • Illegal activities or content that violates applicable laws
  • Harassment, abuse, or harmful content directed at individuals or groups
  • Generating malicious code, malware, or security exploits
  • Spamming or automated abuse of the Service
  • Circumventing rate limits or security measures
  • Impersonating others or providing false information
  • Activities that could harm minors
  • Generating content that infringes intellectual property rights
  • Activities that violate Akash Network's acceptable use policies

4.3 Content Moderation

  • We reserve the right to review content for compliance with these Terms
  • We may suspend or terminate accounts that violate our Acceptable Use Policy
  • Users are responsible for the content they generate and share

5. Intellectual Property Rights

5.1 Your Content

  • You retain ownership of content you input into the Service
  • You grant us a limited license to process your content to provide the Service
  • You represent that you have the right to use and share any content you upload

5.2 AI-Generated Content

  • AI-generated responses are provided as-is without ownership claims
  • You are responsible for reviewing and validating AI-generated content
  • AI outputs may not be unique and similar content may be generated for other users

6. Privacy and Data Protection

6.1 Data Handling

  • Your use of the Service is governed by our Privacy Notice
  • We implement server-side encryption for sensitive data using AES-GCM encryption
  • All data is transmitted over HTTPS/TLS encryption
  • Private chats are never stored permanently and exist only in memory

6.2 Data Retention

  • You control your data retention through export and deletion features
  • Account deletion permanently removes all your data from our systems
  • Session data expires automatically based on configured time limits

6.3 Third-Party Processing

  • AI model providers may temporarily process your messages to generate responses
  • All data processing occurs within the global Akash Network infrastructure
  • We do not sell or share your personal data for marketing purposes

7. Service Availability and Performance

7.1 Service Availability

  • We strive to maintain high availability but do not guarantee uninterrupted service
  • Scheduled and emergency maintenance may temporarily interrupt the Service
  • Decentralized infrastructure may experience varying performance across providers

7.2 Rate Limiting

  • Anonymous users are subject to rate limiting based on IP address
  • Authenticated users have extended access to prevent abuse
  • Rate limits may be adjusted to ensure fair usage and service stability

7.3 Resource Usage

  • AI model access is subject to availability on the Akash Network
  • Heavy usage may be subject to fair use policies
  • We reserve the right to implement usage limits if necessary

8. Payment and Billing

8.1 Service Pricing Model

AkashChat's core features are provided free of charge for all users. Authenticated users receive enhanced features in exchange for marketing consent to Akash Network communications. Premium features may require paid subscriptions for authenticated users. Anonymous users receive basic features without marketing consent requirements but with usage limitations. This tiered model allows us to keep essential features free while supporting advanced functionality and Akash Network's ecosystem.

8.2 Premium Subscriptions

  • Premium features may be introduced that require paid subscriptions
  • All premium features will be clearly disclosed with transparent pricing
  • Payment terms and billing cycles will be provided before any charges are incurred
  • Refund policies will be established and communicated for all paid services
  • Users can manage their subscriptions through their account settings
  • Introduction of premium features will not remove existing free functionality

9. Disclaimers and Limitations

9.1 AI Content Disclaimer

  • AI-generated content is provided for informational purposes only
  • AI responses may contain inaccuracies, biases, or inappropriate content
  • Users should verify important information independently
  • We are not responsible for decisions made based on AI-generated content

9.2 Service Disclaimer

  • The Service is provided "as-is" without warranties of any kind
  • We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including merchantability and fitness for purpose
  • Decentralized infrastructure means we cannot guarantee consistent performance

9.3 Limitation of Liability

  • Our liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law
  • We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
  • Total liability, if any, is limited to the amount paid for the Service (currently $0)

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless AkashChat, Akash Network, and our affiliates from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

  • Your use of the Service
  • Your violation of these Terms
  • Your violation of any third-party rights
  • Content you submit or generate through the Service

11. Termination

11.1 Termination by You

  • You may stop using the Service at any time
  • You may delete your account and all associated data
  • Termination does not relieve you of obligations incurred before termination

11.2 Termination by Us

  • We may suspend or terminate your access for violations of these Terms
  • We may discontinue the Service with reasonable advance notice
  • Active subscriptions will be handled according to our refund policy upon service termination
  • Upon termination, your right to use the Service ceases immediately

11.3 Effect of Termination

  • Terminated accounts lose access to all Service features
  • Data retention follows our Privacy Notice and deletion policies
  • Provisions of these Terms that should survive termination will continue to apply

12. Changes to Terms

12.1 Updates

  • We may update these Terms from time to time
  • Material changes will be communicated through the Service or email
  • Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of new Terms

12.2 Notification

  • We will provide at least 30 days notice for significant changes
  • Changes will be posted with updated effective dates
  • Users who disagree with changes may terminate their use of the Service

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by applicable law, without regard to conflict of law principles.

13.2 Dispute Resolution Process

  • Initial disputes should be addressed through direct communication
  • Formal disputes may be subject to binding arbitration
  • Class action waivers may apply where legally permissible

14. General Provisions

14.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Notice, constitute the entire agreement between you and AkashChat.

14.2 Severability

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

14.3 No Waiver

Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of our rights.

14.4 Assignment

We may assign these Terms or our rights hereunder. You may not assign your rights without our consent.

15. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Use or to report violations, please contact us through the appropriate channels provided on akash.network.

Project Repository: https://github.com/akash-network/akash-chat

Akash Network: https://akash.network

16. Acknowledgment

By using AkashChat, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Notice.