Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Votyv! These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of Votyv's mobile application, website, and related services (collectively, the "Service"). By creating an account or using Votyv, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use Votyv.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Votyv ("we," "us," or "our"). Our contact information:

Votyv
750 N San Vicente Blvd, Ste 800W
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Email: hello@votyv.com

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 13 years old to use Votyv. By using the Service, you represent and warrant that:

You are at least 13 years of age
You have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms
If you are under 18, you have obtained parental or guardian consent to use Votyv
You are not prohibited from using the Service under any applicable laws

3. Account Registration and Security

3.1 Account Creation

To use certain features of Votyv, you must create an account. You agree to:

Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration
Maintain and promptly update your account information
Keep your password secure and confidential
Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
Accept responsibility for all activity that occurs under your account

3.2 Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without notice, if we believe you have violated these Terms, engaged in fraudulent activity, or for any other reason at our sole discretion.

You may delete your account at any time through your account settings. Upon deletion:

Your profile and personal information will be removed within 30 days
Public content you posted (prayers, discussions) may remain visible but will be anonymized
Your Premium subscription, if any, will be cancelled (no refund for unused time)

4. Use of the Service

4.1 License to Use

Subject to your compliance with these Terms, we grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use Votyv for your personal, non-commercial use.

4.2 Prohibited Conduct

You agree NOT to:

Violate laws: Use Votyv for any illegal purpose or in violation of any local, state, national, or international law
Harass or abuse: Harass, threaten, intimidate, or abuse other users
Hate speech: Post content that promotes violence, discrimination, or hatred based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics
Spam: Send unsolicited or unauthorized advertising, promotional materials, spam, or chain letters
Impersonate: Impersonate any person or entity, or falsely claim affiliation with any person or entity
False information: Post false, misleading, or fraudulent content
Inappropriate content: Post sexually explicit, obscene, or offensive content
Harm minors: Solicit personal information from or exploit minors in any way
Intellectual property: Infringe on the intellectual property rights of others
Malicious software: Upload viruses, malware, or any code designed to disrupt or damage the Service
Scrape or harvest: Use automated means (bots, scrapers) to access the Service or collect user data
Reverse engineer: Decompile, reverse engineer, or attempt to extract source code from the Service
Interfere: Interfere with or disrupt the Service or servers/networks connected to the Service
Bypass restrictions: Circumvent any security features or access controls
Resell: Sell, license, or exploit the Service for commercial purposes without our written permission

4.3 Content Guidelines

Votyv is a faith-based community. We expect all users to treat each other with respect, kindness, and compassion. While we encourage open sharing and vulnerability, content that violates our Prohibited Conduct policy or is deemed harmful to the community may be removed at our discretion.

5. User Content

5.1 Your Content

You retain ownership of all content you post on Votyv, including prayers (Prayer Candles), reflections (Seek Guidance), confessions, discussions, comments, and profile information (collectively, "User Content").

5.2 License You Grant to Us

By posting User Content on Votyv, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works of, display, and perform your User Content in connection with operating and providing the Service.

This license includes the right to:

Display your prayers on the World Prayer Map
Show your content in community feeds and prayer groups
Send notifications about your content to other users (e.g., when someone witnesses your prayer)
Use your content for promotional purposes (e.g., testimonials, marketing materials) with your consent
Make your content available to third-party service providers who help us operate Votyv

This license continues even after you delete your account for content that has been shared with or incorporated into other users' content (e.g., comments on others' posts).

5.3 Responsibility for User Content

You are solely responsible for your User Content. You represent and warrant that:

You own or have the necessary rights to post your User Content
Your User Content does not violate these Terms or any applicable laws
Your User Content does not infringe on the intellectual property, privacy, or other rights of third parties

5.4 Our Right to Remove Content

We reserve the right (but have no obligation) to monitor, review, and remove any User Content at our sole discretion, including content that:

Violates these Terms
Is reported by other users
We believe is harmful to the community
Exposes us or our users to legal liability

We are not responsible for User Content posted by users and do not endorse any opinions expressed by users.

6. Votyv Premium Subscription

6.1 Premium Features

Votyv offers a Premium subscription ("Premium") that unlocks additional features, including:

7-day Prayer Candles (vs. 12 hours for free users)
30 Seek Guidance credits per month (vs. 5 lifetime for free users)
Full access to Votyv Radio
Verified badge on profile and posts

6.2 Pricing and Payment

Premium is available as a monthly subscription for $5.99 per month. We may offer a free trial period (typically 7 days) for new subscribers. After the trial period, your subscription will automatically renew unless you cancel.

All payments are processed through our third-party payment processor, Stripe. By subscribing to Premium, you agree to pay the subscription fee and authorize us to charge your payment method on a recurring basis.

6.3 Automatic Renewal

Your Premium subscription will automatically renew at the end of each billing period unless you cancel before the renewal date. You will be charged the then-current subscription price.

6.4 Cancellation

You may cancel your Premium subscription at any time through your account settings or by contacting us at hello@votyv.com. If you cancel:

You will retain Premium access until the end of your current billing period
Your account will revert to the free plan at the end of the billing period
You will not receive a refund for any unused portion of your subscription

6.5 Refund Policy

All subscription fees are non-refundable except as required by law. We do not provide refunds or credits for:

Partial months of service
Unused Seek Guidance credits
Premium features you did not use
Subscriptions cancelled before the end of the billing period

If you believe you were charged in error, contact us within 30 days at hello@votyv.com and we will investigate.

6.6 Price Changes

We reserve the right to change the subscription price at any time. If we increase the price, we will notify you at least 30 days before the change takes effect. Your continued use of Premium after the price change constitutes acceptance of the new price.

6.7 Free Trial Terms

If you sign up for a free trial:

You must provide a valid payment method
You will not be charged during the trial period
At the end of the trial, your subscription will automatically convert to a paid subscription and you will be charged the subscription fee
You may cancel anytime during the trial to avoid being charged
Free trials are available only once per user

7. Intellectual Property

7.1 Our Content

All content included in or made available through the Service—including text, graphics, logos, icons, images, audio clips, video, software, and the "look and feel" of the Service—is the property of Votyv or our licensors and is protected by United States and international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

7.2 Trademarks

"Votyv" and our logo are trademarks of Votyv. You may not use our trademarks without our prior written permission.

7.3 DMCA and Copyright Complaints

We respect the intellectual property rights of others. If you believe that content on Votyv infringes your copyright, please send a notice to:

Copyright Agent
Email: hello@votyv.com
Subject Line: DMCA Takedown Request

Your notice must include:

A description of the copyrighted work you claim has been infringed
A description of where the infringing content is located on Votyv
Your contact information (name, address, phone, email)
A statement that you have a good faith belief that the use is not authorized
A statement that the information in the notice is accurate and, under penalty of perjury, that you are authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner
Your physical or electronic signature

8. Third-Party Services and Links

Votyv may contain links to third-party websites, services, or resources (e.g., church websites, external prayer resources). We do not endorse and are not responsible for the content, products, services, or practices of any third parties.

Your interactions with third-party services are governed by their own terms and privacy policies. We encourage you to review their policies before providing them with your information or using their services.

We integrate with the following third-party services to provide features of Votyv:

Stripe: Payment processing for Premium subscriptions
OpenAI: AI-powered Seek Guidance responses
Google Cloud Platform: Hosting and data storage
SendGrid: Transactional and notification emails

9. AI-Generated Content & Disclaimers

9.1 Seek Guidance Feature

Votyv's "Seek Guidance" feature uses artificial intelligence (OpenAI) to provide general spiritual encouragement based on Christian scripture. By using this feature, you acknowledge and agree that:

(a) Not Professional Advice

AI-generated responses are for informational and spiritual encouragement purposes only. They do NOT constitute professional advice of any kind, including but not limited to:

Medical, psychological, or mental health advice
Legal advice or legal representation
Financial planning or investment advice
Relationship counseling or therapy
Crisis intervention or suicide prevention

(b) No Substitute for Professional Help

If you are experiencing a medical, mental health, legal, financial, or other crisis, you must seek help from a qualified professional. Do not rely on AI-generated content for critical decisions.

(c) Accuracy Not Guaranteed

While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated responses may contain errors, omissions, or interpretations that do not reflect official church doctrine or theological consensus.

(d) User Responsibility

You are solely responsible for evaluating and verifying any AI-generated content before acting upon it.

(e) Emergency Resources

If you are in crisis, please contact:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (call or text)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Emergency Services: 911

9.2 Limitation of Liability - AI Content

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, VOTYV SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF AI-GENERATED CONTENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

Decisions made based on AI-generated guidance
Harm resulting from reliance on AI-generated content
Errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in AI responses
Failure to seek professional help based on AI content

9.3 Indemnification

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

Your use of the Seek Guidance feature
Your reliance on AI-generated content
Your failure to seek appropriate professional help
Any actions you take based on AI-generated responses

9.4 No Guarantees

Votyv makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or appropriateness of AI-generated content for any particular purpose.

10. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

10.1 No Warranties

VOTYV IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

We do not warrant that:

The Service will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free
The results obtained from using the Service will be accurate or reliable
The quality of any content, products, services, or information obtained through the Service will meet your expectations
Any errors in the Service will be corrected

10.2 Not Professional Advice

Votyv is not a substitute for professional counseling, therapy, medical advice, or pastoral care. The Seek Guidance feature uses artificial intelligence and is intended for spiritual reflection and personal growth, not professional guidance. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, thoughts of self-harm, or need professional help, please contact a licensed professional or call a crisis hotline immediately.

Crisis Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (call or text)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

10.3 User Content Disclaimer

We do not endorse, support, represent, or guarantee the truthfulness, accuracy, or reliability of any User Content. You rely on User Content at your own risk.

10.4 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, VOTYV AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND AFFILIATES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUES, WHETHER INCURRED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OR ANY LOSS OF DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, RESULTING FROM:

Your use of or inability to use the Service
Any unauthorized access to or use of our servers or your personal information
Any interruption or cessation of the Service
Any bugs, viruses, or similar harmful components transmitted through the Service
Any errors or omissions in any content
Any User Content or conduct of any third party on the Service

IN NO EVENT SHALL OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL DAMAGES, LOSSES, AND CAUSES OF ACTION EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU HAVE PAID US IN THE LAST SIX (6) MONTHS, OR ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100), WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

10.5 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Votyv and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or in any way connected with:

Your access to or use of the Service
Your User Content
Your violation of these Terms
Your violation of any rights of another person or entity

11. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

11.1 Informal Resolution

Before filing a claim, you agree to contact us at hello@votyv.com and attempt to resolve the dispute informally. We will do the same if we have a dispute with you.

11.2 Binding Arbitration

If we cannot resolve a dispute informally, you and Votyv agree to resolve any claims through final and binding arbitration, except as set forth below.

Arbitration will be conducted by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules. The arbitration will take place in Los Angeles County, California, or another mutually agreed location. You may choose to have the arbitration conducted by telephone, based on written submissions, or in person.

YOU AND VOTYV AGREE THAT EACH MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN YOUR OR ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.

11.3 Exceptions to Arbitration

Either party may bring a claim in small claims court if it qualifies. Additionally, either party may seek equitable relief in court for infringement or misuse of intellectual property rights.

11.4 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any dispute not subject to arbitration shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California, and you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of those courts.

12. General Provisions

12.1 Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. If we make material changes, we will notify you by email or by posting a notice on the Service before the changes become effective. Your continued use of Votyv after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

12.2 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Votyv regarding your use of the Service and supersede any prior agreements.

12.3 Severability

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

12.4 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.

12.5 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your rights under these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms to any affiliate or in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

12.6 Force Majeure

We will not be liable for any delay or failure to perform resulting from causes outside our reasonable control, including acts of God, 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.

12.7 Survival

The following sections survive termination of these Terms: User Content (licenses granted), Intellectual Property, Disclaimers, Limitations of Liability, Indemnification, Dispute Resolution, and General Provisions.

13. Contact Us

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

Email: hello@votyv.com
Mail:
Votyv
750 N San Vicente Blvd, Ste 800W
West Hollywood, CA 90069