Terms of Service

Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using Runnel ("Service," "Platform," "we," "us," or "our"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Service.

1. Eligibility

1.1 Age Requirements

• You must be at least 13 years old (or 16 in the EEA) to use the Service
• If you are under 18, you must have parental or guardian consent
• We reserve the right to request proof of age at any time

1.2 Account Integrity

• You must provide accurate and current information
• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
• You are responsible for all activity under your account
• You must not share your account with others
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use: [email protected]

1.3 Prohibited Users

You may not use the Service if:

• You have been previously banned from Runnel
• You are prohibited by law from using the Service
• You are located in a country subject to a U.S. government embargo
• You are using the Service for illegal purposes

2. User Accounts

2.1 Account Creation

• You must provide a valid email address and choose a unique username
• Usernames must not impersonate others or infringe trademarks
• You must not create accounts using automated means (bots)
• One person may not maintain multiple accounts to evade rules

2.2 Account Security

• You are responsible for maintaining the security of your password
• Use a strong, unique password
• Enable two-factor authentication when available
• Do not share your login credentials

2.3 Account Termination

• You may delete your account at any time through the app settings
• We may suspend or terminate your account for violations of these Terms
• We may terminate your account at our discretion with or without notice
• Upon termination, your content may be deleted (see Section 7.5)

3. Acceptable Use

3.1 Permitted Use

You may use the Service to:

• Create and share short-form video content
• View and engage with content from other users
• Participate in discussions via video replies
• Follow creators and discover new content
• Share videos via share links

3.2 Prohibited Conduct

You agree NOT to:

Content Violations

• Upload content that violates our Community Guidelines
• Post nudity, pornography, or sexually explicit content
• Post graphic violence, gore, or animal cruelty
• Post content promoting self-harm or suicide
• Post hate speech, harassment, or discriminatory content
• Post terrorist or violent extremist content
• Post content that infringes intellectual property rights
• Post misleading, deceptive, or fraudulent content
• Post spam, scams, or phishing content

Platform Abuse

• Use bots, automation, or artificial means to manipulate metrics (views, likes, follows)
• Create fake accounts or impersonate others
• Scrape, crawl, or harvest data from the Service
• Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Service
• Bypass rate limits, security features, or access controls
• Interfere with the Service's infrastructure or performance
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to accounts or systems

Illegal Activity

• Use the Service for any illegal purpose
• Violate any applicable laws, regulations, or third-party rights
• Promote illegal drugs, weapons, or contraband
• Facilitate illegal gambling or money laundering
• Engage in fraud, theft, or identity theft

Harassment & Safety

• Harass, bully, stalk, or threaten other users
• Doxx (publish private information of) others
• Coordinate harmful activity against individuals or groups
• Solicit or exploit minors

4. Content & Intellectual Property

4.1 Your Content

• You retain ownership of content you upload ("Your Content")
• You are solely responsible for Your Content and the consequences of posting it
• You represent and warrant that:
  • You own or have rights to Your Content
  • Your Content does not infringe third-party rights
  • Your Content complies with these Terms and Community Guidelines

4.2 License to Runnel

By posting content, you grant Runnel a:

This license:

• Exists for the duration of intellectual property rights
• Ends when you delete Your Content (subject to technical delays and backups)
• Includes the right to sublicense to third-party service providers (e.g., CDN, cloud storage)
• Allows us to display Your Content in all media formats and channels

4.3 Runnel's Intellectual Property

• The Service, including software, algorithms, design, trademarks, and logos, is owned by Runnel
• You may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, or create derivative works
• "Runnel" and all related marks are trademarks of Runnel
• Unauthorized use of our intellectual property is prohibited

4.4 Copyright Infringement (DMCA)

We respect intellectual property rights. If you believe content infringes your copyright:

DMCA Notice Requirements:

1. Physical or electronic signature of the copyright owner
2. Identification of the copyrighted work
3. Identification of the infringing material and location on our Service
4. Your contact information (email, phone, address)
5. A statement of good faith belief that use is not authorized
6. A statement that the information is accurate and you are authorized to act

We will respond to valid DMCA notices in accordance with U.S. copyright law. Repeat infringers will have their accounts terminated.

5. Community Guidelines

5.1 Content Standards

• Keep it clean: No nudity, pornography, or sexually explicit content
• Keep it safe: No violence, gore, dangerous acts, or self-harm content
• Keep it respectful: No hate speech, harassment, bullying, or discrimination
• Keep it legal: No illegal activities, terrorism, or regulated goods
• Keep it real: No impersonation, misinformation, or fraud
• Keep it appropriate: No spam, scams, or manipulated engagement

5.2 Enforcement

We may:

• Remove content that violates these Guidelines
• Issue warnings to users
• Temporarily suspend accounts
• Permanently ban accounts
• Report illegal activity to law enforcement

5.3 Appeals

If you believe we made a mistake, contact: [email protected]

6. Content Moderation

6.1 Automated Moderation

• We use AI to automatically scan uploaded videos for prohibited content
• Videos may be flagged for human review before publication
• False positives may occur; you can appeal automated decisions

6.2 Human Review

• Flagged content is reviewed by our moderation team
• We may remove content, restrict visibility, or take account action
• Decisions are final unless successfully appealed

6.3 User Reports

• Users can report content that violates our Guidelines
• Reports are reviewed promptly
• False or malicious reports may result in account action

6.4 No Obligation to Monitor

• We are not obligated to monitor all content
• We do not pre-screen content before publication (except automated scanning)
• User-generated content does not reflect our views or endorsement

7. Privacy & Data

7.1 Privacy Policy

Your use of the Service is also governed by our Privacy Policy.

7.2 Data Collection

We collect data as described in our Privacy Policy, including:

• Account information (email, username, profile)
• Content you upload (videos, transcripts)
• Usage data (views, likes, follows)
• Technical data (IP address, device info)

7.3 Data Usage

We use your data to:

• Provide and improve the Service
• Personalize content recommendations
• Enforce these Terms and Community Guidelines
• Communicate with you

7.4 Third-Party Services

We use third-party services (hosting, AI, moderation) as described in our Privacy Policy. These providers may access your data as necessary to provide services.

7.5 Data Retention

• Active account data: Retained while your account exists
• Deleted content: Removed within 72 hours (may persist in backups for up to 30 days)
• Deleted accounts: Permanently deleted within 30 days
• See Privacy Policy for detailed retention periods

8. Video Content Rules

8.1 Video Requirements

• Duration: Maximum 20 seconds (videos exceeding 20 seconds will be rejected)
• Format: MP4, MOV, or common video formats
• Quality: Recommended 1080p or lower (higher resolutions may be downscaled)
• Size: Reasonable file size (excessively large files may be rejected)
• Orientation: Any (portrait, landscape, square)

8.2 Content Processing

• Uploaded videos are transcoded to HLS format for streaming
• Thumbnails are automatically generated
• Audio is transcribed for searchability and recommendations
• Original files may be deleted after processing

8.3 Content Retention

• Public videos remain available until you delete them
• Deleted videos are removed from public view immediately
• Files are purged from storage within 72 hours
• Videos may be preserved if subject to legal holds or investigations

9. Recommendation Algorithm

9.1 How It Works

Our algorithm recommends content based on:

• Vector similarity: Content semantically similar to videos you've watched
• Virality score: Videos with high engagement (likes, views, retention)
• Recency: Newer content weighted higher
• Social signals: Content from users you follow
• Exploration: Discovery of new creators

9.2 User Vector

• We create a "user vector" (mathematical representation) of your preferences
• Your vector updates based on videos you watch, like, and engage with
• Skipping videos signals disinterest and adjusts your vector
• You can influence recommendations by engaging with content you enjoy

9.3 No Guarantees

• We do not guarantee content will reach any audience size
• Recommendations are algorithmic and not manually curated
• Viral performance depends on many factors beyond our control

10. Monetization & Creator Tools

10.1 Current Status

• Runnel does not currently offer monetization programs
• Creating content does not entitle you to payment
• We reserve the right to introduce monetization features in the future

10.2 Share Links

• You can share videos via unique short links
• Share link analytics are provided for your reference
• You do not receive payment for shares or clicks

10.3 Future Programs

If we introduce monetization:

• Separate Creator Terms will apply
• Eligibility requirements will be specified
• Payment terms will be disclosed

11. Third-Party Links & Services

11.1 External Links

• The Service may contain links to third-party websites or services
• We are not responsible for third-party content or practices
• Use third-party services at your own risk
• Third-party terms and privacy policies apply

11.2 Integrations

• We integrate with third-party services (AI, moderation, push notifications)
• These providers operate under their own terms
• We are not liable for third-party service failures or data practices

12. Disclaimers & Limitations of Liability

12.1 Service "As Is"

12.2 User-Generated Content

• We do not endorse, support, or guarantee the accuracy of user content
• Users are solely responsible for their content
• We are not liable for user content or user conduct

12.3 Limitation of Liability

12.4 Exceptions

Some jurisdictions do not allow exclusions or limitations of liability. In such jurisdictions, our liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

13. Indemnification

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

• Your use of the Service
• Your Content
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of third-party rights (including intellectual property rights)
• Your violation of applicable laws

We reserve the right to assume exclusive defense of any matter subject to indemnification, at your expense.

14. Changes to the Service

14.1 Right to Modify

We reserve the right to:

• Modify, suspend, or discontinue the Service (or any part) at any time
• Change features, functionality, or algorithms
• Impose limits on storage, uploads, or usage

14.2 No Guarantee of Availability

• We do not guarantee the Service will always be available
• Maintenance, updates, or technical issues may cause downtime
• We will provide notice of major changes when feasible

14.3 No Liability

We are not liable for any modification, suspension, or discontinuation of the Service.

15. Changes to Terms

15.1 Right to Update

We may update these Terms from time to time. Changes will be effective:

• Immediately for new users upon first use
• 30 days after notice for existing users

15.2 Notice of Changes

• Material changes: Email notification (if you provided an email)
• All changes: Updated "Last Updated" date and in-app notice

15.3 Continued Use

Your continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

15.4 Objecting to Changes

If you do not agree to updated Terms:

• Stop using the Service
• Delete your account
• Contact us at: [email protected]

16. Account Termination

16.1 Your Right to Terminate

• You may delete your account at any time through app settings
• Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone
• Your content will be removed (see Section 7.5 for timeline)

16.2 Our Right to Terminate

We may suspend or terminate your account:

• For violation of these Terms or Community Guidelines
• For illegal activity or fraud
• For abuse, harassment, or harm to others
• For manipulated engagement or spam
• At our sole discretion, with or without cause, with or without notice

16.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your access to the Service ends immediately
• Your license to use the Service is revoked
• Your content may be deleted
• We may retain data as required by law or for legitimate business purposes
• Outstanding obligations (e.g., indemnification) survive termination

17. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

17.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.

17.2 Jurisdiction

You agree to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Delaware for any disputes not subject to arbitration.

17.3 International Users

If you access the Service from outside the United States:

• You are responsible for compliance with local laws
• You consent to the transfer of data to the United States
• U.S. law governs these Terms

18. Dispute Resolution & Arbitration

18.1 Informal Resolution

Before filing a claim, you agree to contact us at [email protected] and attempt to resolve the dispute informally for at least 30 days.

18.2 Binding Arbitration

Arbitration Terms:

• Arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA)
• AAA Consumer Arbitration Rules apply
• Arbitration conducted in Delaware or your home state (your choice)
• Arbitrator's decision is final and binding
• Limited appeal rights under the Federal Arbitration Act

Covered Disputes:

• All claims arising from or relating to these Terms or the Service
• Contract, tort, statute, regulation, or other legal basis

Exceptions:

• Small claims court (if claim qualifies)
• Intellectual property disputes
• Injunctive relief for Terms violations

18.3 Class Action Waiver

You waive the right to:

• Participate in class action lawsuits
• Act as a representative or member of a class
• Join claims with other users

18.4 Jury Trial Waiver

18.5 Arbitration Costs

• AAA rules govern costs and fees
• We will pay AAA filing fees if you cannot afford them
• Each party bears their own attorney's fees (unless law requires otherwise)

18.6 Opt-Out of Arbitration

You may opt out of arbitration by sending written notice within 30 days of first accepting these Terms:

If you opt out:

• You retain the right to sue in court
• The class action waiver still applies (no class actions)

18.7 Enforceability

If any part of this arbitration clause is found unenforceable, the remainder remains in effect.

19. General Provisions

19.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and Community Guidelines, constitute the entire agreement between you and Runnel regarding the Service.

19.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found invalid or unenforceable, that provision will be limited to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions remain in full effect.

19.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision does not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.

19.4 Assignment

• You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your account
• We may assign these Terms to any successor or affiliate

19.5 Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures due to causes beyond our reasonable control (natural disasters, war, terrorism, pandemics, internet outages, etc.).

19.6 Survival

Provisions that by their nature should survive termination (indemnification, disclaimers, limitations of liability, arbitration) survive termination.

19.7 Language

These Terms are provided in English. Translations may be provided for convenience, but the English version governs in case of conflict.

20. Contact Information

21. Acknowledgment