Terms and conditions
1. Terms of Use / User Agreement
Welcome to Harborleaf!
These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Harborleaf platform, including its mobile app, website, services, features, premium subscriptions, and related offerings (collectively referred to as the "Service"). By accessing, browsing, or using Harborleaf in any form, you agree to comply with these Terms. If you do not agree to any part of these Terms, you must refrain from using the Service.
These Terms form a binding legal agreement between you and Harborleaf Tech Private Limited ("Harborleaf"). Please read them carefully before using the platform.
1.1 Eligibility
• Currently, only users aged 18 years and above may create accounts and use the platform.
• Teen Accounts (ages 13–17) will be introduced in Phase 2, which will require verified parental or guardian supervision via Harborleaf Family Link.
• Account Verification: All accounts are verified through DigiLocker, where we collect mobile number, full name, date of birth, and gender.
• Users under 18 cannot create accounts until Phase 2 is activated.
• By registering, users confirm that they are eligible under these age restrictions and have the legal capacity to enter into this agreement.
1.2 Account Responsibilities
By creating an account, you agree to:
• Provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information during registration.
• Maintain the confidentiality of your account credentials, including passwords and two-factor authentication methods in Phase 2.
• Be fully responsible for all activity that occurs under your account, including content creation, interactions, and transactions.
• Notify Harborleaf immediately of any unauthorized use or security breach of your account.
• Teen Account users (Phase 2) may be supervised by parents or guardians through the Harborleaf Family Link, who can monitor certain activities without accessing private messages.
1.3 Prohibited Activities
While using Harborleaf, users must not engage in the following prohibited activities:
• Harassment, abuse, threats, or discriminatory behavior toward other users.
• Sharing, creating, or distributing CSAE/CSAM content — Harborleaf enforces a zero-tolerance policy.
• Impersonation or misrepresentation of another person, entity, or organization.
• Circumventing platform security measures, including bypassing filters, moderation, or access controls.
• Unauthorized access, data scraping, hacking, or exploiting platform vulnerabilities.
• Selling, transferring, or exchanging accounts without prior written consent from Harborleaf.
• Using the platform for illegal purposes or violating any applicable local, national, or international law.
• Posting content or links that promote gambling, drugs, piracy, or hate speech.
• Uploading content that interferes with platform performance or security, including malware, viruses, or scripts.
Harborleaf reserves the right to take appropriate action, including warnings, content removal, account suspension, or permanent bans for violations.
1.4 Content License
• Users retain ownership of the content they create, post, or share on Harborleaf, including posts, photos, videos, and thoughts.
• By posting content on Harborleaf, you grant Harborleaf a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, transferable, sublicensable license to host, display, distribute, modify, and promote your content solely to provide and improve the Service.
• Harborleaf may use user-generated content for:
○ Platform promotions, analytics, or research
○ Safety and moderation purposes
○ Compliance with legal or regulatory obligations
• This license does not grant Harborleaf ownership of your content. Users retain all intellectual property rights unless otherwise agreed.
1.5 Termination
• Harborleaf reserves the right to suspend, restrict, or terminate accounts at its discretion, particularly for:
○ Violation of these Terms
○ Breach of applicable laws
○ Engagement in harmful, unsafe, or fraudulent activity
• Content Deletion: Deleted content may remain in platform backups or archives for up to 90 days for operational, legal, or compliance reasons.
• Users may terminate their account voluntarily at any time by following the account closure process in settings.
1.6 Liability
• Harborleaf provides the Service on an "as-is" and "as-available" basis.
• Harborleaf is not responsible for user-generated content, including inaccuracies, offensive material, or third-party interactions.
• Liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential losses is limited to the maximum extent permitted by Indian law.
• Users agree to indemnify Harborleaf from claims arising from violations of these Terms or misuse of the platform.
1.7 Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
• These Terms are governed by the laws of India, including but not limited to the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
• Any disputes arising from the use of Harborleaf shall be resolved amicably with Harborleaf first.
• If disputes cannot be resolved amicably, they are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts in Delhi, India, unless local consumer protection laws specify otherwise.
• Users waive any objection to jurisdiction or venue in these courts.
1.8 Additional Provisions
• Harborleaf may update these Terms periodically. Users are notified of material changes through app notifications or emails. Continued use of the platform after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
• Users are responsible for reviewing the Terms regularly.
• By using the platform, users consent to electronic communications, including notifications, emails, and in-app messages.
2. Platform Policy
The Harborleaf Platform Policy governs the operation, usage, and subscription services of the Harborleaf ecosystem. It applies to all users, including standard, Teen (Phase 2), Business, Premium, and Creator Accounts. The policy ensures compliance with Indian laws, financial regulations, and global best practices for user safety and transparency.
2.1 Account Operations
Account Verification:
• All accounts are verified through DigiLocker to ensure accurate identity and age information. For adult users (18+), verification may also be performed using other government-issued identification.
• Verification ensures platform integrity, reduces fraudulent accounts, and supports compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Personal data collected for verification includes name, date of birth, gender, and mobile number, all encrypted and securely stored in compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
Teen Accounts (Phase 2):
• Teen Accounts (ages 13–17) are under stricter safety defaults and parental supervision.
• Parental or guardian oversight is enforced via Harborleaf's Family Link system, enabling supervision over content sharing, messaging, and account visibility.
• Teen Accounts cannot access certain features (e.g., live broadcasts, public posts) without explicit consent from the supervising guardian.
Account Responsibilities:
• Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their credentials.
• All activity under a user's account is considered the responsibility of the account holder.
• Account holders must provide accurate and truthful information during registration.
Account Suspension and Termination:
• Accounts may be temporarily suspended or permanently terminated for violations of Terms of Use, illegal activity, or behavior that poses a risk to the platform or other users.
• Harborleaf may retain backup copies of deleted content for up to 90 days for operational or legal purposes.
2.2 Payments
Payment Processing:
• All payments on the Harborleaf platform are processed through Razorpay, a trusted Indian payment gateway, ensuring secure and reliable transactions.
• Payment data is hosted on AWS India servers, compliant with Indian data localization and security requirements.
Transaction Compliance:
• Harborleaf adheres to all applicable Indian financial regulations, including GST, RBI guidelines, and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards.
• All payments, subscriptions, and in-app purchases are transparent, with clear billing and receipts provided to users.
Security Measures:
• Payment data is encrypted during transmission and storage.
• Harborleaf implements fraud detection mechanisms to prevent unauthorized transactions, payment disputes, and account misuse.
Refunds and Cancellations:
• Refunds are governed by Harborleaf's Refund & Cancellation Policy, ensuring users are protected in case of non-delivery, defective services, or fraudulent activity.
• Users can initiate refund requests via support channels, with review and resolution timelines clearly defined.
No Malware or Device Abuse:
• Harborleaf prohibits uploading, linking, or distributing software, scripts, or media that compromise user devices, network integrity, or data security.
• The app does not perform hidden downloads, background activity unrelated to its functionality, or unsolicited installations.
Policy Enforcement & Appeals:
• Harborleaf reserves the right to suspend or restrict access for policy violations.
• Users may appeal enforcement actions by submitting a detailed request via grievance@harborleaf.in within 7 days of notice.
• Appeals are reviewed by the internal compliance team and resolved within 14 working days.
2.3 Prohibited Use
Users of Harborleaf must refrain from activities that compromise safety, legality, or the integrity of the platform:
Strictly Prohibited Activities Include:
• Fraudulent activity: Using the platform for scams, phishing, or deception.
• Spam & unwanted messaging: Mass messaging, unsolicited promotions, or automated interactions.
• Automated scraping or bots: Unauthorized data scraping, AI bots, or automated interactions that compromise the platform's security.
• Account selling or transfer: Selling, gifting, or transferring accounts without explicit Harborleaf consent.
• Intellectual Property infringement: Sharing or distributing content that violates copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property laws.
• Circumvention of security measures: Attempting to bypass platform protections, moderation tools, or safety restrictions.
Enforcement:
• Violations may result in content removal, temporary suspension, or permanent account termination.
• Repeat offenders may face legal action under applicable Indian laws.
2.4 Premium Services (Subscription Accounts)
Harborleaf provides optional subscription-based premium accounts to enhance the user experience through advanced features tailored to individual or business needs.
Types of Premium Accounts:
1. Business Account: Designed for enterprises to manage presence, track analytics, and engage with customers. Features include:
○ Advanced content analytics (posts, engagement trends, follower insights)
○ Priority visibility in search and feeds
○ Custom business profile with contact options
○ Advertising and commerce tools
○ Integration with Harborleaf Purchase Protection
2. Premium Account: Designed for regular users seeking enhanced personalization and advanced tools. Features include:
○ Premium badge for credibility
○ Priority feed visibility
○ Exclusive content filters and editing tools
○ Early access to new app features
○ "Who viewed your profile" functionality
○ Custom username and direct URL
3. Creator Account: Designed for content creators, influencers, and public figures to grow audiences and monetize content. Features include:
○ Detailed content performance analytics
○ Monetization options for posts, live streams, and digital goods
○ Access to beta and experimental tools
○ Enhanced branding options (custom themes, badges)
Subscription Terms:
• Payment is handled securely via Razorpay, hosted on AWS India.
• Subscriptions can be billed monthly or annually based on user preference.
• Users can manage or cancel subscriptions through account settings.
• Refunds and cancellations follow Harborleaf's Refund & Cancellation Policy, ensuring protection against fraud or service non-delivery.
User Responsibility:
• Premium users must comply with platform rules, including content, payment, and legal guidelines.
• Misuse of premium features, including manipulation of analytics, spamming, or copyright violations, may result in subscription termination.