Diaspora Link — Terms of Service

Last Updated: June 16, 2026 • Effective: June 16, 2026

Important — Please Read Carefully

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Diaspora Link governing your access to and use of the Service, including all features: community posts, job listings, housing listings, ride-sharing, end-to-end encrypted messaging, the Marketplace, and the Merchant Portal.

BY CREATING AN ACCOUNT OR USING THE SERVICE, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS AND OUR PRIVACY POLICY. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE, YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY CEASE ALL USE OF THE SERVICE.

1. Acceptance and Scope

1.1 Operator

The Service is operated by Diaspora Link LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of New Hampshire, United States. "Diaspora Link," "we," "us," and "our" refer to Diaspora Link LLC. Nothing in these Terms creates a partnership, joint venture, employment, agency, franchise, or fiduciary relationship between you and Diaspora Link LLC.

1.2 Additional Policies

By using the Service, you also agree to:

  • Privacy Policy: https://diaspora-link.com/privacy
  • Community Guidelines: See Section 5 (Prohibited Conduct)
  • Marketplace Seller Terms: See Section 7
  • Acceptable Use Policy: As described herein

1.3 Modifications

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be effective 30 days after notice via email or in-app notification. Continued use of the Service after the effective date constitutes your acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree to the changes, you must stop using the Service before the effective date.

1.4 Electronic Agreement

You consent to receive communications from us electronically. We will communicate with you by email or by posting notices in-app. You agree that all agreements, notices, disclosures, and other communications we provide electronically satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing.

2. Eligibility and Age Requirements

YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 13 YEARS OLD TO USE THE SERVICE. YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OLD TO USE THE MARKETPLACE, MAKE PURCHASES, OR OPERATE AS A MERCHANT.

2.1 Age Requirements

By creating an account, you represent and warrant that:

  • You are at least 13 years of age
  • If you are between 13 and 17, you have obtained verifiable parental or guardian consent
  • If you are under 18, you will not access the Marketplace, make purchases, or create a merchant account
  • You have provided accurate age and identity information

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that an account belongs to a user under 13, we will immediately terminate the account and delete all associated data.

2.2 Account Registration

To use certain features, you must create an account by providing:

  • A valid email address
  • A secure password
  • Accurate personal information (name, location, date of birth)

You agree to:

  • Provide truthful, accurate, and complete information at all times
  • Keep your registration information updated promptly if it changes
  • Maintain the confidentiality of your password and account credentials
  • Accept full responsibility for all activity that occurs under your account
  • Notify us immediately at contact@diaspora-link.com of any unauthorized use of your account

You may not create more than one account. Multiple accounts created to circumvent suspensions or bans will be permanently terminated without notice.

2.3 Geographic Restrictions

The Service is available globally, but certain features (including the Marketplace and payment processing) may not be available in all jurisdictions. You are responsible for ensuring your use of the Service complies with all laws applicable in your jurisdiction. The Service is not available to persons in jurisdictions subject to comprehensive U.S. sanctions (OFAC designated countries).

3. Purpose and Nature of the Platform

3.1 Platform Description

Diaspora Link is a community-driven platform allowing users to:

  • Create and view posts, comments, reactions, and community content
  • Post and view short-form videos (Reels)
  • Search for and post job opportunities, and track job applications
  • List and search for housing rentals
  • Coordinate ride-sharing arrangements
  • Send end-to-end encrypted direct messages and participate in group chats
  • Join location-based diaspora communities
  • Browse and purchase products from the Marketplace
  • Operate a merchant storefront on the Marketplace (subject to Merchant Terms, Section 7)

3.2 Intermediary Role — Critical Disclaimer

DIASPORA LINK IS AN INTERMEDIARY PLATFORM ONLY. WE FACILITATE CONNECTIONS BUT DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN, CONTROL, VERIFY, ENDORSE, OR GUARANTEE ANY TRANSACTIONS, AGREEMENTS, OR ACTIVITIES BETWEEN USERS, INCLUDING MARKETPLACE TRANSACTIONS.

We are NOT:

  • An employer, recruiter, staffing agency, or HR service
  • A landlord, property manager, or real estate broker
  • A transportation provider, taxi service, or ride-sharing company
  • A bank, financial institution, or money services business
  • A retailer, wholesaler, or product manufacturer
  • A food safety authority or product quality guarantor
  • A provider of legal, immigration, tax, medical, or professional advice
  • A verifier of identities, credentials, licenses, or background checks
  • A guarantor of safety, product quality, or transaction outcomes

All interactions between users occur solely at the discretion and risk of the users involved.

3.3 Section 230 — User-Generated Content

Diaspora Link is an interactive computer service as defined under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (47 U.S.C. § 230). We are not the publisher or speaker of any User Content. Users, not Diaspora Link, are solely responsible for all content they post, upload, or transmit. We are not liable for any User Content, including defamatory, infringing, or otherwise unlawful content posted by users. We may, but are not obligated to, remove any content at our discretion.

3.4 No Professional Advice — Immigration, Legal, Medical, Financial

NOTHING ON THIS PLATFORM CONSTITUTES LEGAL, IMMIGRATION, TAX, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL, OR ANY OTHER PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. CONTENT SHARED BY OTHER USERS — INCLUDING IMMIGRATION EXPERIENCES, HOUSING TIPS, JOB INFORMATION, OR COMMUNITY GUIDANCE — IS USER OPINION ONLY AND MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS PROFESSIONAL ADVICE.

Many Diaspora Link users share information about immigration processes, visa applications, work authorization, and related topics. This information reflects personal experience only. Always consult a licensed immigration attorney, accountant, physician, or other qualified professional before making decisions that affect your legal status, finances, health, or rights. Diaspora Link expressly disclaims all liability for actions taken in reliance on any content posted by users.

3.5 No Fiduciary Duty

Diaspora Link owes no fiduciary duty to any user, buyer, seller, employer, landlord, driver, passenger, or any other party. We act solely as a technology intermediary and our obligations are limited to those expressly stated in these Terms.

3.6 Platform Availability

We do not guarantee that the Service will be available at all times or without interruption. We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue the Service (or any part thereof) at any time, with or without notice, without liability to you.

4. User Responsibilities

4.1 Compliance with Laws

You agree to:

  • Comply with all applicable local, state, federal, and international laws and regulations
  • Obtain all necessary licenses, permits, certificates, and insurance required for your activities
  • Pay all applicable taxes arising from your use of the Service
  • Comply with labor laws, fair housing laws, consumer protection regulations, and anti-discrimination laws
  • Comply with applicable food safety regulations if selling food products through the Marketplace

4.2 Accuracy of Content

You represent and warrant that:

  • All information you provide is accurate, truthful, complete, and not misleading
  • You have the legal right to share, post, or sell all content and products you list
  • Your content and products do not infringe any third-party intellectual property rights
  • You will promptly update or remove content and listings if they become inaccurate or unavailable

4.3 Due Diligence — You Are Solely Responsible For

  • Verifying the identity, credentials, qualifications, and background of users you interact with
  • Conducting independent inspections, interviews, background checks, and reference checks
  • Inspecting products before use or consumption
  • Ensuring compliance with all applicable laws in your interactions
  • Assessing safety risks before meeting other users in person
  • Making independent and informed decisions about all transactions and arrangements

4.4 Account Security

You are solely responsible for maintaining the security of your account. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from unauthorized access to your account resulting from your failure to maintain the security of your credentials.

5. Prohibited Conduct

You agree NOT to engage in any of the following:

Illegal Activity

  • Violate any applicable law, regulation, or ordinance
  • Engage in fraud, scams, phishing, identity theft, or financial crimes
  • Post, sell, or offer illegal goods or services
  • Facilitate human trafficking, forced labor, or sexual exploitation
  • Engage in money laundering, terrorist financing, or sanctions evasion
  • Sell regulated items (firearms, drugs, prescription medications, alcohol) without required licenses
  • Violate any applicable export control, anti-bribery, or anti-corruption laws

Harmful Content

  • Post defamatory, libelous, obscene, or pornographic content
  • Share violent, gory, cruel, or graphic content
  • Post hate speech, threats, harassment, intimidation, or discriminatory content
  • Share content glorifying self-harm, suicide, or illegal activities
  • Post or distribute child sexual abuse material (CSAM) — violations will be reported to NCMEC and law enforcement

Fraud and Deception

  • Impersonate any person, entity, or organization
  • Create fake accounts, listings, reviews, or ratings
  • Engage in "bait and switch" schemes or false advertising
  • Post false job opportunities, fake housing listings, or fraudulent Marketplace products
  • Use the Platform for phishing, social engineering, or credential harvesting
  • Manipulate or inflate ratings, reviews, or reputation scores

Platform Abuse

  • Use automated tools, bots, scrapers, or crawlers without written permission
  • Attempt to reverse engineer, decompile, or extract source code from the Service
  • Interfere with or disrupt the integrity, performance, or security of the Service
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to systems, accounts, or data
  • Upload malware, viruses, or other harmful code
  • Engage in denial-of-service attacks or other cyberattacks

Marketplace-Specific Prohibitions

  • List counterfeit, pirated, stolen, or materially misrepresented products
  • Engage in price manipulation, shill bidding, or artificial demand creation
  • Process payments outside the Platform's payment system to circumvent fees
  • Create fictitious orders, false reviews, or inflated sales metrics
  • Sell hazardous products without required certifications or safety notices

Consequences of Violations

Violations may result in, at our sole discretion:

  • Immediate content or listing removal without notice
  • Account suspension (temporary or permanent)
  • Account termination with no right of appeal
  • Withholding of pending Marketplace payouts
  • Reporting to law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies
  • Civil legal action and claims for damages

6. Ride-Sharing — Transportation Disclaimer

DIASPORA LINK IS NOT A TRANSPORTATION PROVIDER, TAXI SERVICE, RIDE-SHARING COMPANY, OR TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY (TNC). RIDE-SHARING ON THIS PLATFORM IS A PEER-TO-PEER COORDINATION TOOL ONLY.

We Expressly Do Not:

  • Screen, vet, qualify, or conduct background checks on drivers or passengers
  • Verify driver's licenses, driving records, or legal authorization to transport passengers
  • Inspect vehicles for safety, roadworthiness, or insurance compliance
  • Verify insurance, vehicle registration, or compliance with transportation regulations
  • Set, monitor, or control routes, schedules, fares, or driving behavior
  • Process payments for rides or guarantee any payment between users
  • Provide emergency assistance, roadside support, or insurance coverage
  • Ensure that drivers hold required commercial transportation licenses or permits

By Using Ride-Sharing, You Expressly Acknowledge and Agree:

  • You are entering into a private arrangement solely with other users, not with Diaspora Link
  • All ride-sharing arrangements are at your own risk
  • You waive and release Diaspora Link and its operator from ALL claims arising from ride-sharing activities, including without limitation claims for negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, personal injury, property damage, emotional distress, economic losses, and any other losses
  • Diaspora Link assumes no liability for accidents, injuries, deaths, theft, or other harm occurring in connection with ride-sharing arranged through the Platform
  • You are solely responsible for verifying that any driver has a valid license and adequate insurance
  • You acknowledge that ride-sharing may be subject to local regulations that drivers may not be complying with, and that responsibility for such compliance rests solely with the driver

IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS, DO NOT USE RIDE-SHARING FEATURES.

7. Marketplace — Buyer and Seller Terms

7.1 Nature of the Marketplace

The Diaspora Link Marketplace is an e-commerce platform enabling vetted merchants ("Sellers") to list and sell products to buyers ("Buyers"). Categories include food, services, fashion, home goods, beauty products, and gifts. The Marketplace may include digital, physical, and service-based products.

DIASPORA LINK IS NOT A PARTY TO ANY TRANSACTION BETWEEN BUYER AND SELLER. WE ARE NOT A RETAILER, FOOD DISTRIBUTOR, OR PRODUCT MANUFACTURER. ALL SALES ARE BETWEEN BUYER AND SELLER ONLY.

7.2 Buyer Terms

Purchases and Orders

  • You must be at least 18 years old to make purchases
  • By placing an order, you make a binding offer to purchase the listed product at the stated price
  • Orders are confirmed when payment is successfully processed through our Stripe-powered checkout
  • Prices are displayed in U.S. dollars (USD) and include applicable platform fees; taxes are the Seller's responsibility to collect where required by law
  • A delivery fee may apply per order as disclosed at checkout

Payment Processing

  • All payments are processed by Stripe, Inc., a third-party payment processor
  • By making a purchase, you also agree to Stripe's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
  • Your payment card information is transmitted directly to Stripe and is never stored on Diaspora Link's servers
  • Payment is charged at the time of order confirmation
  • You authorize us to charge your designated payment method for the total order amount shown at checkout

Fulfillment Types

  • Pickup: You must collect the order from the Seller's designated pickup location
  • Delivery: Seller delivers to your address within the stated delivery area
  • Digital: Delivered electronically; no physical delivery

Fulfillment is arranged solely between Buyer and Seller. Diaspora Link is not responsible for failed, delayed, or incomplete deliveries or pickups.

Refunds and Disputes

  • Refund eligibility is determined by each Seller's individual refund policy, disclosed on their storefront
  • For disputes, you must first contact the Seller directly through the Platform
  • If you cannot resolve a dispute with the Seller, you may contact us at contact@diaspora-link.com and we will attempt to mediate in good faith, but we have no obligation to do so
  • For suspected fraud, you may initiate a chargeback through your card issuer; however, abusive chargebacks may result in account suspension
  • Digital products and completed services are generally non-refundable unless the Seller's policy states otherwise or the product is materially defective

Product Safety — Food and Consumables

DIASPORA LINK DOES NOT INSPECT, CERTIFY, OR VERIFY THE SAFETY, QUALITY, INGREDIENTS, ALLERGEN CONTENT, PREPARATION CONDITIONS, LICENSING, OR REGULATORY COMPLIANCE OF ANY FOOD PRODUCTS OR CONSUMABLES SOLD THROUGH THE MARKETPLACE. YOU CONSUME OR USE SUCH PRODUCTS ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. BY PURCHASING FOOD OR CONSUMABLE PRODUCTS, YOU EXPRESSLY ASSUME ALL RISK OF ILLNESS, INJURY, ALLERGIC REACTION, OR ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS AND RELEASE DIASPORA LINK FROM ALL CLAIMS ARISING THEREFROM, INCLUDING CLAIMS BASED ON NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT PRODUCT LIABILITY.

  • You are solely responsible for reviewing product descriptions, ingredients, and allergen information before purchase
  • Individuals with food allergies or dietary restrictions must independently verify ingredients directly with the Seller before purchasing
  • Sellers of food products represent that they hold all required food handling permits and comply with applicable food safety laws — Diaspora Link does not verify this
  • If you experience an adverse reaction or safety issue, seek medical attention immediately, then contact the Seller and notify us at contact@diaspora-link.com
  • All product liability claims arising from food or consumable products are solely between you and the Seller

7.3 Seller / Merchant Terms

Merchant Eligibility and Onboarding

  • You must be at least 18 years old and legally authorized to conduct business in your jurisdiction
  • You must complete our merchant onboarding process and connect a verified Stripe account
  • You must agree to Stripe's Connected Account Agreement in addition to these Terms
  • We reserve the right to approve or reject any merchant application at our sole discretion
  • You must provide accurate business information, including legal name, address, and tax identification

Product Listings and Catalog

  • All product information must be accurate, complete, and not misleading
  • You must have legal title or authority to sell all listed products
  • You must comply with all applicable laws regarding product safety, labeling, and disclosure
  • You must promptly update listings if products become unavailable or details change
  • Pricing must be accurate; you may not charge more at fulfillment than the listed price
  • Product images must accurately represent the actual product

Prohibited Products

You may not sell through the Marketplace:

  • Counterfeit, stolen, or fraudulently obtained goods
  • Illegal controlled substances, prescription drugs without authorization, or drug paraphernalia
  • Firearms, ammunition, or weapons (unless legally licensed and with our written approval)
  • Alcohol or tobacco products (unless legally licensed and with our written approval)
  • Hazardous materials without required certifications and disclosures
  • Products that infringe on any patent, trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property right
  • Adult content or sexually explicit materials
  • Products making unsubstantiated medical, health, or safety claims

Payouts and Fees

  • Payouts are processed through Stripe Connect to your connected bank account
  • Payout timing is subject to Stripe's standard processing schedules and our internal verification
  • We reserve the right to withhold, delay, or reverse payouts in cases of suspected fraud, policy violations, unresolved buyer disputes, or chargebacks
  • Platform fees, if any, are deducted before payout. Current fee schedules are disclosed in the Merchant Portal; we may update fees with 30 days' notice
  • You are solely responsible for reporting and remitting all applicable taxes on your sales

Merchant Obligations

  • You must fulfill all confirmed orders promptly and in accordance with the stated fulfillment type
  • You must respond to buyer inquiries within a reasonable time
  • You must handle returns, refunds, and complaints in accordance with your stated policy
  • You must maintain accurate inventory and immediately disable products that become unavailable
  • You must comply with all applicable food safety, product liability, consumer protection, and business licensing laws in your jurisdiction

Merchant Liability

As a Seller, you accept full responsibility and liability for: the accuracy of your listings; the safety, quality, and condition of products sold; compliance with applicable laws; fulfillment of orders; your interactions with Buyers; and all claims arising from products you sell.

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Diaspora Link from all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including attorneys' fees) arising from your Marketplace activities, products sold, or violations of these Terms.

Merchant Account Termination

We may suspend or terminate a merchant account at any time for violations of these Terms, sustained poor performance, unresolved buyer complaints, fraud, legal non-compliance, or any reason at our sole discretion. Upon termination, pending payouts for legitimate completed orders will be processed on our standard schedule, subject to any withholding for disputes or chargebacks.

8. Intellectual Property

8.1 Diaspora Link's Intellectual Property

The Service, including all software, design, logos, trademarks, service marks, text, graphics, user interfaces, and all other content created by or for Diaspora Link ("Diaspora Link Content"), is owned by or licensed to Diaspora Link and is protected by intellectual property laws.

You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Service for personal, non-commercial purposes, subject to these Terms. You may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, sublicense, or create derivative works from Diaspora Link Content without our express written consent.

8.2 User Content License

"User Content" means all content you submit, post, upload, or transmit through the Service, including posts, photos, videos, messages, listings, product images, and other materials.

By posting User Content, you grant Diaspora Link a worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive, sublicensable, transferable license to use, host, store, reproduce, modify (for formatting and technical purposes), display, transmit, and distribute your User Content solely to operate, improve, and promote the Service. This license continues until you delete the User Content or your account, except where your content has been shared with others who have not deleted it.

You retain ownership of your User Content. The above license does not grant us the right to sell your User Content to third parties for their independent commercial use.

8.3 Your Representations Regarding User Content

You represent and warrant that:

  • You own or have the necessary licenses, rights, consents, and permissions to post your User Content
  • Your User Content does not infringe any third party's intellectual property, privacy, or other rights
  • You have obtained all necessary consents from individuals featured in photos or videos you post
  • Your User Content complies with all applicable laws

8.4 DMCA Copyright Policy

We respect intellectual property rights. If you believe that material on the Service infringes your copyright, please send a written notice to our DMCA Agent at contact@diaspora-link.com with:

  • Your physical or electronic signature
  • Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to be infringed
  • Identification of the infringing material and its location on our Service
  • Your contact information (address, phone number, and email)
  • A statement that you have a good-faith belief that the use is not authorized
  • A statement, under penalty of perjury, that the information is accurate and you are authorized to act

Counter-notifications may be submitted in accordance with the DMCA. Repeat infringers will have their accounts terminated.

8.5 Trademarks

"Diaspora Link" and associated logos are trademarks or service marks of Diaspora Link. You may not use our trademarks without our prior written consent.

9. Video and Reels

9.1 Video Content

The Service allows users to post and share short-form videos ("Reels"). All video content is subject to these Terms and our community guidelines. By posting video content, you grant the license described in Section 8.2.

9.2 Video Content Standards

You may not post videos that:

  • Contain nudity, sexual content, or sexually explicit material
  • Show graphic violence, gore, or gratuitous harm
  • Violate any third party's intellectual property rights (including copyrighted music)
  • Constitute harassment, bullying, or targeted abuse of individuals
  • Contain misinformation that could cause public harm
  • Violate any applicable law or these Terms

9.3 Copyright in Video

You must have all necessary rights, licenses, and permissions (including music licensing rights) for all content appearing in your videos. Posting videos containing copyrighted material without authorization may result in content removal and DMCA action.

9.4 Video Moderation

We reserve the right to remove any video content that violates these Terms or our community guidelines, at our sole discretion, without prior notice. We may use automated systems and human reviewers to detect violations.

10. Job Listings and Employment

10.1 Disclaimer

DIASPORA LINK IS NOT AN EMPLOYER, RECRUITER, STAFFING AGENCY, OR EMPLOYMENT AGENCY. WE DO NOT VERIFY EMPLOYERS, JOB LISTINGS, SALARY INFORMATION, OR JOB APPLICANT CREDENTIALS.

10.2 Employer Obligations

Users posting job listings represent and warrant that:

  • The job opportunity is genuine and accurately described
  • You are legally authorized to hire in the jurisdiction where the job is located
  • Job listings comply with applicable equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination laws
  • You will not request payment from job applicants as a condition of employment
  • Salary information, if provided, is accurate

10.3 Applicant Rights

Job applicants acknowledge that:

  • We do not verify the legitimacy, financial stability, or legal compliance of employers
  • You should independently verify all job opportunities before sharing personal information or making financial commitments
  • You should never pay money to obtain a job; any request for payment is a common fraud red flag

10.4 Application Tracking

The Platform provides application tracking features to manage job applications. Application data (including resumes, cover letters, and contact information) is shared only with the employer who posted the listing. We do not sell or share application data with third parties.

11. Housing Listings

11.1 Disclaimer

DIASPORA LINK IS NOT A LANDLORD, PROPERTY MANAGER, REAL ESTATE BROKER, OR HOUSING AUTHORITY. WE DO NOT VERIFY PROPERTY OWNERSHIP, HABITABILITY, LEGAL COMPLIANCE, OR THE IDENTITY OF LANDLORDS.

11.2 Landlord Obligations

Users posting housing listings represent and warrant that:

  • You are legally authorized to offer the property for rent
  • All property information (description, photos, price, location) is accurate and not misleading
  • The property complies with applicable housing codes, habitability standards, and landlord-tenant laws
  • Listings comply with applicable fair housing and anti-discrimination laws
  • You will honor the terms of any rental agreement reached through the Platform

11.3 Renter Rights

Prospective renters acknowledge that:

  • You should independently verify the property exists and the landlord has authority to rent it
  • You should view the property in person before signing any lease or making any payment
  • You should never wire money or pay a deposit without first verifying the listing's legitimacy
  • We are not responsible for rental fraud, uninhabitable conditions, or landlord-tenant disputes

12. Encrypted Messaging

12.1 End-to-End Encryption

Direct messages and group chats use end-to-end encryption ("E2EE"). Message content is encrypted on your device and can only be decrypted by the intended recipient(s). We cannot access, read, or decrypt your message content.

12.2 Encryption Key Management

Encryption keys are generated and managed using our encryption infrastructure. A server-assisted key recovery mechanism is available to help restore access if you lose your device, subject to identity verification. Key recovery is designed to restore your own access only.

12.3 Limitations of E2EE

IMPORTANT: Push notification content may be transmitted in plaintext to third-party push notification services (including Expo, Apple APNs, and Google FCM). These providers may be able to view notification content. Disable push notifications in your device settings to prevent this.

Metadata (sender/recipient IDs, timestamps, delivery status) is not encrypted.

12.4 User Responsibility

You are solely responsible for the content of your messages. You may not use encrypted messaging to coordinate illegal activities, share prohibited content, or engage in harassment. The fact that messages are encrypted does not exempt you from compliance with these Terms or applicable law.

We may terminate accounts that we have reasonable grounds to believe are being used for illegal activities through encrypted messaging, even if we cannot access message content.

13. Community Features and Moderation

13.1 Communities

Users may join location-based diaspora communities. Community membership is subject to these Terms and any community-specific rules. We reserve the right to remove users from communities for violations of these Terms or community guidelines.

13.2 Reputation and Ratings

Users may receive ratings and reputation scores based on their interactions. Reputation scores are informational only and do not constitute our endorsement of any user. You must not manipulate, falsify, or artificially inflate your reputation score.

13.3 Content Moderation

We reserve the right (but have no obligation) to moderate, remove, or restrict access to any User Content that violates these Terms, at our sole discretion, without notice. We may use automated systems, artificial intelligence tools, and human reviewers for content moderation. Moderation decisions are final.

13.4 Reporting

You may report content that you believe violates these Terms using the in-app reporting tools or by contacting contact@diaspora-link.com. We will investigate reported content but cannot guarantee action on every report or provide updates on moderation outcomes.

14. Third-Party Services and Links

14.1 Third-Party Integrations

The Service integrates with third-party services including Stripe (payments), Firebase/Google (infrastructure and analytics), Virgil Security (encryption), Expo (push notifications), SendGrid (email), and Google Maps/Mapbox (maps and geocoding). Your use of these services is subject to their respective terms of service and privacy policies.

14.2 No Endorsement

We do not endorse, control, or assume responsibility for any third-party services, content, or products. Any dealings between you and third parties are solely between you and those parties.

14.3 Stripe Terms

Payment processing is powered by Stripe, Inc. By using the Marketplace, you agree to Stripe's Services Agreement available at stripe.com/us/legal. Diaspora Link is not responsible for Stripe service outages, payment processing errors, or fund holds imposed by Stripe.

15. Disclaimers of Warranties

THE SERVICE, INCLUDING THE MARKETPLACE AND ALL FEATURES, IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, DIASPORA LINK DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING:

  • Implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement
  • Warranties that the Service will be uninterrupted, error-free, secure, or free from viruses
  • Warranties regarding the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of any content
  • Warranties regarding the identity, qualifications, or suitability of any user
  • Warranties regarding the safety, quality, legality, or fitness of any product sold on the Marketplace
  • Warranties regarding the accuracy of job listings, housing listings, or ride-sharing information

YOU USE THE SERVICE AND ALL FEATURES, INCLUDING THE MARKETPLACE, AT YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE RISK.

16. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, DIASPORA LINK'S TOTAL CUMULATIVE LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE SERVICE SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF: (A) $100 USD, OR (B) THE TOTAL AMOUNT YOU ACTUALLY PAID TO DIASPORA LINK (NOT TO MERCHANTS) IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, DIASPORA LINK SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

  • Indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages
  • Lost profits, revenue, data, goodwill, or business opportunities
  • Physical, bodily, or property damage of any kind
  • Personal injury, death, or emotional distress
  • Any User Content or actions of users
  • Fraud, scams, misrepresentation, or criminal activity by users
  • Disputes between users arising from employment, housing, or ride-sharing
  • Accidents, injuries, death, or property damage from ride-sharing
  • Product defects, food safety issues, or harm from products sold on the Marketplace
  • Failed, delayed, or incomplete Marketplace orders or fulfillment
  • Merchant insolvency, misconduct, or failure to fulfill obligations
  • Payment processing errors, holds, or failures by Stripe
  • Loss or compromise of encryption keys or message history
  • Service interruptions, data loss, or technical failures
  • Any third-party service failures or conduct

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so some of the above may not apply to you. In such jurisdictions, our liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.

17. Indemnification

To the fullest extent permitted by law, you agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Diaspora Link, its operator, agents, and successors from and against all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or related to:

  • Your access to or use of the Service
  • Your violation of these Terms or any applicable law
  • Your User Content, including any claims that it infringes third-party rights
  • Your interactions with other users
  • Any products you sell through the Marketplace, including product liability claims, food safety claims, and consumer protection violations
  • Your ride-sharing activities as a driver or passenger
  • Your job listings, housing listings, or other User Content
  • Your failure to obtain required licenses, permits, or insurance
  • Any misrepresentation you make to another user or to us

We reserve the right, at our own expense, to assume exclusive defense and control of any matter subject to indemnification by you, in which case you agree to cooperate fully with us.

18. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

18.1 Informal Resolution

Before filing any legal claim, you must first attempt informal resolution by contacting us at contact@diaspora-link.com with a written description of the dispute and your proposed resolution. We will have 30 days to respond. If we cannot resolve the dispute informally within 60 days, either party may proceed to arbitration.

18.2 Binding Arbitration

IF INFORMAL RESOLUTION FAILS, ALL DISPUTES, CLAIMS, OR CONTROVERSIES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE SERVICE WILL BE RESOLVED THROUGH FINAL AND BINDING INDIVIDUAL ARBITRATION, NOT IN COURT. BY AGREEING TO ARBITRATION, YOU WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL.

Arbitration will be administered by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") under its Consumer Arbitration Rules, which are available at www.adr.org. If the AAA is unavailable or declines to administer, the parties will agree on an alternative arbitrator. The arbitration will take place remotely by videoconference or written submissions unless both parties agree otherwise. The arbitrator's award is final and binding and may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction. The AAA filing fee schedule applies; for claims under $10,000 you may choose to arbitrate solely on written submissions.

18.3 Class Action Waiver

YOU AND DIASPORA LINK EACH AGREE THAT ANY DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEEDINGS WILL BE CONDUCTED ONLY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND NOT IN A CLASS, CONSOLIDATED, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION. YOU WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR CLASS-WIDE ARBITRATION.

18.4 Opt-Out Right

You may opt out of the arbitration agreement by sending written notice to contact@diaspora-link.com within 30 days of first accepting these Terms. Your notice must state: "I opt out of the arbitration agreement in the Diaspora Link Terms of Service" and include your full name and email address. Opting out does not affect your right to use the Service or any other Terms.

18.5 Exceptions

Either party may seek emergency injunctive or equitable relief from a court to protect intellectual property rights or prevent imminent harm pending arbitration.

18.6 Time Limitation

Claims must be brought within one (1) year after the claim arises or is discovered, whichever is earlier. Claims not brought within this period are permanently waived and barred.

19. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and any dispute arising from or relating to the Service will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Hampshire, United States, without regard to its conflict of law principles. For any dispute not subject to arbitration, you consent to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of the courts located in New Hampshire.

If you are a consumer in the European Economic Area or United Kingdom, the mandatory consumer protection laws of your country of residence also apply and take precedence where they are more favorable to you than these Terms.

20. Termination

20.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time through Settings → Account → Delete Account. Upon termination, your right to use the Service immediately ceases.

20.2 Termination by Us

We may suspend or permanently terminate your account, with or without notice, for any reason, including violation of these Terms, conduct harmful to other users or to us, or inactivity. We may also terminate accounts to comply with legal obligations.

20.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination: your license to use the Service ends; User Content may be deleted per our Privacy Policy; pending Marketplace orders may be cancelled or completed at our discretion; and Sections 8, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20.3 survive termination.

21. General Provisions

21.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any additional policies incorporated by reference, constitute the entire agreement between you and Diaspora Link regarding the Service and supersede all prior agreements.

21.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found unlawful or unenforceable, it will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

21.3 No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of our right to enforce that provision or any other provision in the future.

21.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms freely.

21.5 Force Majeure

We will not be liable for failures or delays caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, acts of government, internet or utility failures, cyberattacks, or pandemic conditions.

21.6 Language

These Terms are written in English. In the event of any conflict between a translation and the English version, the English version prevails.

22. Contact Information

For questions, support, legal inquiries, DMCA notices, or data requests:

  • General: contact@diaspora-link.com
  • Legal / DMCA Agent: contact@diaspora-link.com
  • Marketplace Disputes: contact@diaspora-link.com
  • Response Time: Within 5 business days for general inquiries

23. Acknowledgment of Understanding

BY CREATING AN ACCOUNT, USING THE SERVICE, OR CLICKING "ACCEPT," YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS OF SERVICE IN THEIR ENTIRETY.

You further acknowledge that:

  • You meet the applicable age requirements for the features you use
  • You understand the disclaimers, waivers, and liability limitations in these Terms
  • You agree to resolve disputes through binding individual arbitration and waive the right to a jury trial and class actions
  • You assume all risks associated with using the Service, including the Marketplace, ride-sharing, and all other features
  • You understand that Diaspora Link is an intermediary only and is not a party to user-to-user transactions

IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS IN FULL, YOU MUST NOT USE THE SERVICE.