Terms of Service

Last updated: January 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

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

2. Description of Service

Kinu is a privacy-focused messaging application that provides:

  • End-to-end encrypted messaging
  • Bluetooth mesh networking capabilities
  • Cloud-based message delivery via the Matrix protocol
  • Hybrid transport for seamless communication

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Creation

To use Kinu, you must create an account. You agree to:

  • Provide accurate information during registration
  • Maintain the security of your account credentials
  • Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access
  • Be responsible for all activities under your account

3.2 Account Security

Your encryption keys are stored on your device. If you lose access to your device without a backup, you may permanently lose access to your message history. Kinu cannot recover your encryption keys.

4. Acceptable Use

You agree NOT to use Kinu to:

  • Violate any applicable laws or regulations
  • Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
  • Distribute malware or malicious content
  • Attempt to compromise the security of the Service
  • Impersonate other users or entities
  • Send spam or unsolicited messages
  • Engage in any activity that disrupts the Service

5. Privacy

Your use of Kinu is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which describes how we collect, use, and protect your information.

6. Encryption and Content

Kinu provides end-to-end encryption for your messages. This means:

  • We cannot read, monitor, or moderate message contents
  • You are solely responsible for the content you send
  • We cannot recover deleted or lost messages
  • Encryption does not exempt you from applicable laws

7. Mesh Networking

When using mesh networking features:

  • Your device may relay messages for other users (encrypted, unreadable)
  • You consent to your device being discoverable via Bluetooth when the feature is enabled
  • Mesh networking performance depends on nearby Kinu users
  • You may disable mesh networking at any time in settings

8. Intellectual Property

The Kinu application, including its code, design, and documentation, is protected by intellectual property laws. The Kinu client is open source under the Apache 2.0 license.

9. Disclaimers

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. WE DO NOT GUARANTEE:

  • Uninterrupted or error-free service
  • That the service will meet your specific requirements
  • The accuracy or reliability of any information
  • That defects will be corrected

10. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, KINU SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, OR USE.

11. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account if you violate these terms. You may delete your account at any time through the app settings. Upon termination, your right to use the Service ceases immediately.

12. Changes to Terms

We may modify these terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes via the app. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

13. Governing Law

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

14. Contact

For questions about these terms, contact us at: legal@kinuchat.com