Terms of Service

1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

In these Terms, unless the context otherwise requires:

• Covenant, we, us, or our refers to Covenant, the operator of the Platform, its owners, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, successors, and assigns.
• User, you, or your refers to any individual or entity accessing or using the Platform.
• Platform means the Covenant mobile application, website at covenantapp.me, and all related services, features, content, and functionality.
• Squad or Group means any accountability group created on the Platform.
• Stake means any monetary amount deposited by a User as part of a Stake Group commitment.
• Commitment means any goal, habit, or task a User agrees to complete through the Platform.
• Check-in means the process of verifying completion of a Commitment.
• Admin means the creator or designated administrator of a Squad.
• Content means all text, images, photos, videos, data, and other materials uploaded, posted, or transmitted through the Platform.

2. NATURE OF THE PLATFORM AND SERVICES

2.1 Platform Service Description

Covenant operates solely as a technology platform that provides software tools to facilitate user-organized accountability groups. The Platform enables Users to create and join accountability groups, set personal commitments and goals, track progress through various verification methods, and optionally stake money as additional motivation.

2.2 What Covenant is NOT

2.3 Facilitator Role Only

We act exclusively as a technology facilitator. All agreements between Users regarding commitments, stakes, verification, and outcomes are solely between the participating Users. Covenant has no obligation to enforce, mediate, or adjudicate any disputes except as expressly stated herein, and any such involvement is at our sole and absolute discretion.

3. ELIGIBILITY AND ACCOUNT REGISTRATION

3.1 Age Requirements

• You must be at least 18 years of age to use the Platform
• For Users in India: You must be at least 18 years of age, the age of majority under the Indian Majority Act, 1875
• For Users in the United States: You must be at least 18 years of age or the age of majority in your state, whichever is higher
• You represent and warrant that you have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract

3.2 Account Responsibilities

• You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration
• You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
• You are solely responsible for all activities that occur under your account
• You may not share, transfer, or sell your account to any third party
• You may only maintain one account per person

4. USER OBLIGATIONS AND PROHIBITED CONDUCT

You expressly agree NOT to:

• Submit fraudulent, manipulated, or falsified check-ins or verifications
• Collude with other Users to manipulate outcomes
• Create multiple accounts to circumvent rules or limitations
• Use automated bots, scripts, or other means to interact with the Platform
• Attempt to reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Platform
• Circumvent, disable, or interfere with security features
• Upload viruses, malware, or other malicious code
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other Users
• Use the Platform for money laundering or other financial crimes
• Use the Platform in any manner that could constitute illegal gambling in any jurisdiction

Violation of these terms may result in immediate account suspension or termination, forfeiture of any stakes, legal action including civil and criminal prosecution, and reporting to relevant authorities.

5. STAKE GROUPS - BINDING COMMITMENTS AND FINANCIAL TERMS

5.1 Nature of Stake Commitments

By joining a Stake Group and depositing a stake:

• You acknowledge and agree that your commitment is LEGALLY BINDING
• You understand that stakes are NON-REFUNDABLE except in very limited circumstances outlined below
• You accept full responsibility for your participation and outcomes
• You agree to be bound by the verification process and its results
• You waive any right to dispute the outcome except through the process outlined herein

5.2 Stake Amount and Custom Stakes

5.3 Payment Processing

• All payments are processed through Stripe, a third-party payment processor
• Funds are held by Stripe until challenge completion
• Covenant does not directly hold, store, or have access to your funds
• You agree to Stripe's terms of service and privacy policy
• Covenant is not responsible for any Stripe service failures, delays, or errors
• Distribution of funds is based on verified completion rates as determined by the Platform

5.4 Platform Fees

• Solo Mode: Free
• Verified Solo: $4.99/month
• Social Groups: Free
• Stake Groups: 5% of total pool, charged upfront and non-refundable
• Payment processing fees as charged by Stripe are additional
• All fees are clearly disclosed before payment confirmation
• Fees are for Platform facilitation services only and do not guarantee any outcome
• Fees are non-refundable regardless of challenge outcome

5.5 Stake Distribution

• Stakes are distributed based on completion rates as verified by the Platform
• Users who complete their commitments receive their proportional share of the pool
• Users who fail to complete forfeit their stakes to successful participants
• In case of complete group failure, stakes may be retained as platform fees or donated to charity at our discretion
• Distribution timing is subject to Stripe processing times (typically 3-7 business days)
• Covenant is not responsible for delays in fund distribution caused by Stripe or banking institutions

6. REFUND POLICY - STRICTLY LIMITED

6.1 Circumstances Where Refunds MAY Be Considered

• Technical Failure: Documented Platform failure that entirely prevented participation (determined at our sole discretion)
• Squad Cancellation: Squad cancelled before commencement by 80%+ member vote
• Fraudulent Squad: Squad created with fraudulent intent as determined by our investigation
• Payment Error: Duplicate charges or processing errors

6.2 What Is NOT Refundable

• Change of mind after joining a Squad
• Personal emergencies, illness, or unforeseen circumstances
• Failure to complete commitments
• Disagreement with verification results
• Disputes with other Squad members
• Platform fees (always non-refundable)
• Subscription fees for Verified Solo plan

6.3 Refund Process

To request a refund, email support@covenantapp.me with your Squad ID, username, and detailed explanation. We will investigate and respond within 5-7 business days. Our decision is FINAL and NOT subject to appeal. Refunds, if approved, are processed within 7-14 business days to your original payment method.

7. VERIFICATION AND DISPUTES

7.1 Verification Methods

Check-in verification uses:

• Automated API tracking (Google Fit, Apple Health)
• AI-powered photo verification
• Peer review voting by Squad members
• Manual review by Covenant support team (final authority)

7.2 Dispute Resolution Process

1. Squad members vote on uncertain check-ins (60% threshold required to approve)
2. If voting is inconclusive, Admin makes initial decision
3. Affected User may appeal to Covenant support within 24 hours
4. Covenant support reviews evidence and makes FINAL decision
5. Decision is binding and NOT subject to further appeal

8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

9. INDEMNIFICATION

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Covenant, its owners, directors, officers, employees, agents, and contractors from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, debts, and expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising from: (a) your use of the Platform; (b) your participation in Squads; (c) your violation of these Terms; (d) your violation of any third party rights; (e) your violation of any applicable laws or regulations; or (f) any Content you submit to the Platform.

10. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

10.1 Indian Users

These Terms are governed by the laws of India. Disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration under the Indian Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. The arbitration shall be conducted in English in [Your City, State, India]. The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding.

10.2 US Users

For Users in the United States, disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA). The arbitration shall be conducted in the state where you reside. You waive the right to participate in class action lawsuits and jury trials.

10.3 Compliance

Covenant complies with applicable laws in India including the Information Technology Act, 2000; Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023; Consumer Protection Act, 2019; and Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). For US operations, we comply with applicable federal and state laws including consumer protection, payment processing, and data privacy regulations.

11. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

12. TERMINATION

We may terminate or suspend your account and access to the Platform immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including but not limited to breach of these Terms. Upon termination, your right to use the Platform will immediately cease. All provisions of these Terms which by their nature should survive termination shall survive, including but not limited to ownership provisions, warranty disclaimers, indemnity, and limitations of liability.

Active stakes at the time of termination will remain in escrow until challenge completion according to the original Squad rules. You will not receive refunds for subscription fees or platform fees paid prior to termination.

13. CHANGES TO TERMS

We reserve the right to modify or replace these Terms at any time at our sole discretion. If a revision is material, we will provide at least 15 days notice prior to any new terms taking effect via email to your registered email address and/or prominent notice on the Platform. Material changes will be indicated by updating the Effective Date at the top of these Terms.

By continuing to access or use the Platform after revisions become effective, you agree to be bound by the revised Terms. If you do not agree to the new Terms, you must stop using the Platform and may request account deletion.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions about these Terms of Service:

Email: support@covenantapp.me

Response Time: 24-48 hours (business days)