Effective Date: 27th Oct 2024

Thank you for choosing Witteroo! Witteroo ("the Service") is a social network committed to providing an open platform for connecting, sharing ideas, and fostering constructive, responsible interaction. By accessing or using Witteroo, you ("the User") agree to comply with these Terms of Service ("Terms"), as well as any other policies or guidelines that we may implement to maintain a safe, respectful, and lawful environment.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must cease using Witteroo immediately.

1. Acceptance of Terms and Eligibility

1.1 Acceptance of Terms

By using Witteroo, you confirm that you accept these Terms and our Privacy Policy, Community Guidelines, and any other policies that may be updated periodically. Continued use of the Service following any modifications constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. It is your responsibility to review these Terms regularly.

1.2 Eligibility

You must be at least 13 years old, or the age of legal consent as defined by your jurisdiction, to use Witteroo. If you are under the legal age of majority, a parent or legal guardian must review and accept these Terms on your behalf. Unauthorized access or use by individuals under this age restriction is prohibited and constitutes a breach of these Terms.

2. Witteroo’s Commitment to Free Expression

Witteroo upholds the principles of freedom of speech and open dialogue, allowing users to express diverse viewpoints, thoughts, and ideas. However, this commitment to free expression is balanced with our responsibilities to prevent illegal activity and harmful conduct on the platform. While we encourage open communication, we strictly prohibit:

• Content that promotes illegal activities or violates any applicable laws or regulations.
• Harassment, hate speech, or content that incites violence or discrimination.
• Misinformation, defamation, or public shaming directed toward individuals or groups.

Witteroo reserves the right to moderate or remove content that conflicts with these standards to ensure a positive environment for all users.

3. Authenticity and Prohibition of False Identities

3.1 Real Name and Accurate Information Requirement

To create a safe and trustworthy community, all users are required to register with their real names and provide accurate personal information. The use of pseudonyms, false identities, or impersonation of other individuals, including public figures, is strictly prohibited.

3.2 Verification and Compliance Procedures

Witteroo reserves the right to implement identity verification measures at our discretion. Refusal to comply with identity verification procedures may lead to restrictions on account access or possible suspension.

3.3 Consequences of False Representation

Accounts found in violation of this policy may be subject to account suspension, restriction of platform functionality, or permanent removal. Witteroo may also pursue legal action where false representation causes harm to other users or violates applicable laws.

4. Intellectual Property and Unauthorized Use of Images

4.1 Respect for Intellectual Property Rights

Witteroo respects intellectual property laws and expects all users to do the same. You may only post content, including images, videos, and other media, if you have the legal right to do so. Unauthorized use of copyrighted materials, images, or intellectual property that you do not own or have explicit permission to use is prohibited.

4.2 Reporting and Resolution of Infringements

If Witteroo receives a valid complaint regarding intellectual property infringement, we reserve the right to remove the offending content, restrict the user account, and take additional actions in accordance with applicable law. Users may report intellectual property violations using our Copyright Infringement Policy.

4.3 Content Ownership and License

By posting content on Witteroo, you retain ownership of your intellectual property. However, you grant Witteroo a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferrable, and sub-licensable license to use, distribute, modify, publicly display, and reproduce your content solely for purposes related to the operation, promotion, and improvement of the Service. This license persists until the content is deleted from Witteroo or until you terminate your account.

5. Prohibition Against the Use of VPNs and Anonymization Tools

5.1 Restriction on VPN Usage

For the safety and integrity of our platform, Witteroo prohibits the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), proxy servers, or any other anonymization or obfuscation tools to access or interact with the Service. These tools may hinder our ability to ensure compliance with security standards, and the use of such tools may lead to account suspension.

5.2 Detection and Enforcement

Witteroo reserves the right to implement technology and strategies to detect unauthorized VPN or anonymization tool usage. If an account is identified as using a VPN or similar service to bypass restrictions or mask location, we may restrict, suspend, or terminate the account without prior notice.

6. Privacy, Data Collection, and Security

6.1 Data Collection and Privacy

Your privacy is important to us, and we commit to collecting and using personal data in compliance with applicable data protection laws and our Privacy Policy. By using Witteroo, you consent to our collection, storage, and use of your personal information as outlined in our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference into these Terms.

6.2 Data Security Measures

Witteroo employs industry-standard data security measures to safeguard user data. While we work to protect your information, you acknowledge that no online platform can guarantee absolute security. Your use of the Service indicates your acceptance of this inherent risk.

6.3 Data Rights and Access

You have certain rights to access, correct, or delete your personal data as outlined in our Privacy Policy. To exercise these rights, please contact us at help@witteroo.com or via Discord.

7. User Conduct and Community Standards

7.1 Code of Conduct

As a Witteroo user, you are required to adhere to our Community Guidelines and behave responsibly, legally, and respectfully towards other users. Prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Harassment, bullying, or threatening behavior.
• Posting of obscene, violent, hateful, or otherwise inappropriate content.
• Unauthorized sharing of others’ personal information (doxing).
• Engaging in spamming, unauthorized advertising, or commercial activities.

7.2 Consequences for Violation

Violating these standards may result in various actions, including content removal, account suspension, or referral to legal authorities. Witteroo reserves the right to take appropriate actions to maintain a safe and respectful community.

8. Content Ownership, Licensing, and Usage Rights

8.1 User Content Ownership

You retain ownership of all content you create and post on Witteroo. By posting content, however, you grant Witteroo a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, and worldwide license to use, display, reproduce, distribute, and modify your content solely for Service operations, enhancements, and promotions.

8.2 User Content Responsibilities

You warrant that you have the rights to all content you post on Witteroo and that this content does not infringe the rights of any third party. You also accept sole responsibility for any consequences arising from your posted content.

9. Account Suspension and Termination

9.1 Account Termination Rights

Witteroo reserves the right to suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms or engage in conduct that compromises the Service’s integrity or safety. We may also terminate accounts that are inactive for an extended period or are flagged for multiple policy violations.

9.2 User-Initiated Termination

You may choose to deactivate or permanently delete your account by contacting us at help@witteroo.com or our Discord. Upon termination, your content and personal data will be deleted from Witteroo’s servers unless retention is legally required.

9.3 Retention and Access After Termination

If your account is terminated, you will no longer have access to your profile, content, or other account data. Witteroo is not responsible for recovering content or data following account deletion or termination.

10. Warranty Disclaimer

Witteroo provides the Service "as is" and "as available." We make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the functionality, reliability, or suitability of the Service for your needs. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Witteroo disclaims all warranties, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Witteroo and its affiliates will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your use of or inability to use the Service, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

12. Modification of Terms

Witteroo reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time. Any material changes will be communicated to you through reasonable means, such as email or on-site notifications. Your continued use of the Service after changes become effective constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

13. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of Norway. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of Witteroo shall be exclusively resolved in the courts located in the governing jurisdiction.

14. Contact Information

For questions, support, or inquiries about these Terms, please contact us at:

Email: help@witteroo.com alternative our Discord.

15. Third-Party Links and External Content

Witteroo may contain links to third-party websites, services, or content ("Third-Party Links") that are not owned, operated, or controlled by Witteroo. These links are provided for your convenience and information only, and Witteroo does not endorse, review, or assume responsibility for the content, privacy practices, products, or services of any third-party websites or resources.

15.1 No Liability for Third-Party Content

By clicking on any Third-Party Links, you understand that you are navigating to a separate, independent site that is subject to its own terms, policies, and practices. Witteroo makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the safety, accuracy, legality, or quality of any third-party content or services accessed through such links.

15.2 Assumption of Risk

If you choose to access or engage with third-party sites or services, you do so at your own risk, and Witteroo is not liable for any damages, losses, or harm that may arise from such interactions. We encourage you to review the terms of service and privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit before providing personal information or engaging in transactions.

16. Limitation of Liability

Witteroo and its affiliates are not liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including loss of data, business interruption, or loss of profits, arising out of or in connection with your use of the Service. Witteroo's total liability to you for any claims arising from the Service shall be limited to the amount, if any, that you paid to Witteroo for your use of the Service.

17. User-Generated Content Disclaimer

Witteroo is a platform for user-generated content, which reflects the views and opinions of individual users, not of Witteroo as a company. Witteroo does not endorse, verify, or assume responsibility for any content posted by users.

18. Community Guidelines and Enforcement

All users are expected to adhere to Witteroo's Community Guidelines. Violations may result in content removal, account suspension, or referral to law enforcement.

19. Prohibited Activities

You agree not to engage in:

• Using automated means to interact with Witteroo.
• Data scraping or extracting content without authorization.
• Spamming, unauthorized advertising, or commercial activities.
• Misrepresentation or creating multiple deceptive accounts.

20. Content Reporting and Moderation

Users may report content that violates these Terms or our Community Guidelines. Witteroo will review reported content and may take action, including content removal or account suspension.

21. Payment, Subscription, and Refund Policies

For paid features or subscriptions, Witteroo will charge based on the selected billing cycle, and payments are non-refundable, except as specified by law. You may cancel at any time, and access will continue until the end of the billing cycle.

22. User Data and Content Retention Policy

Upon account termination, Witteroo retains user data for a limited period for legal or business purposes. Anonymized data may be retained indefinitely. Users can request data deletion by contacting help@witteroo.com or our Discord.

23. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold Witteroo and its affiliates harmless from any claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising from your use of the Service, your posted content, or your breach of these Terms.

24. Arbitration and Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising out of or related to these Terms or your use of Witteroo will be resolved through binding arbitration, conducted by Norway. You waive your right to participate in class actions.

25. Severability and Entire Agreement

If any provision of these Terms is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions will remain in full force. These Terms, along with any applicable policies, constitute the entire agreement between you and Witteroo.

26. Geographic Restrictions and Export Controls

Witteroo may not be available in all jurisdictions, and it is the user’s responsibility to comply with local laws. You further agree not to access Witteroo in any manner that violates EU export control laws.

27. Single Account Per IP Address

To maintain a safe and fair user environment, Witteroo enforces a strict policy allowing only one active account per IP address. This limitation is intended to prevent misuse of our platform, reduce spam, and protect the integrity of Witteroo’s community.

27.1 Account Creation and Access Limitations

Each IP address is permitted to support one account at any given time. Users attempting to create or access multiple accounts from the same IP address may be subject to account restriction or suspension.

27.2 Exceptions and Support

If you require additional accounts due to legitimate needs (such as households or shared networks), please contact help@witteroo.com or our Discord for assistance and verification. Witteroo will review such requests on a case-by-case basis.

27.3 Violations and Consequences

Creating multiple accounts from a single IP address without prior approval may result in immediate suspension of all associated accounts and a potential investigation into possible Terms of Service violations.