Terms of Service

Last Updated: March 25, 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Huddl! These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Huddl platform, website, and mobile applications (collectively, the "Platform") operated by Huddl at https://huddl.world.

By creating an account, downloading our mobile app, accessing, or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use the Platform.

PLEASE READ THESE TERMS CAREFULLY. THEY CONTAIN AN ARBITRATION AGREEMENT AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER THAT AFFECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS.

2. Eligibility

To use Huddl, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement
  • Not be prohibited from using the Platform under applicable laws
  • Provide accurate and complete registration information
  • Maintain the security of your account credentials

We reserve the right to refuse service, terminate accounts, or cancel events at our sole discretion.

3. Account Registration and Security

3.1 Account Creation

You must register for an account to use the Platform. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update this information as necessary. This includes your real first name, last name, date of birth, and a current photo of yourself.

3.2 Phone Verification

You must verify your phone number via SMS one-time password (OTP) to create an account. You may only create one account per phone number. Standard messaging rates may apply to receive verification codes.

3.3 Account Security

Your account is secured through phone-based authentication. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your device and phone number. You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account or if your phone number changes.

3.4 Identity Verification

To create or publish Huddls, you must complete identity verification through Stripe Identity. Some Huddls may also require attendees to be verified before they can join. This process may include:

  • Submitting a government-issued ID (driver's license, ID card, or passport)
  • Taking a selfie photo for facial matching
  • Verification that your profile information matches your ID

Your verification documents are processed by Stripe and are subject to Stripe's privacy policy. Huddl may store your verification status, verified timestamps, failure reasons, and limited verified profile outputs such as verified name and date of birth when returned by Stripe. Huddl does not store the underlying ID images or selfie files collected by Stripe Identity. Failure to complete verification or providing fraudulent documents may result in account suspension.

3.5 Onboarding Completion

To use the Platform, you must complete the onboarding process including providing required profile information and agreeing to our Community Guidelines. You cannot access the main features of the Platform until onboarding is complete.

4. Platform Use and Conduct

4.1 Permitted Use

You may use the Platform to:

  • Create and discover social gatherings (Huddls)
  • Connect with other users
  • Host events for groups of 2-10 people
  • Attend events created by others
  • Process payments for event attendance
  • Use messaging, buddy, co-host, and reporting features made available through the Platform

4.2 Prohibited Conduct

You agree NOT to:

  • Violate any laws, regulations, or third-party rights
  • Impersonate another person or entity
  • Harass, bully, threaten, or intimidate other users
  • Post false, misleading, or fraudulent content
  • Use the Platform for any commercial purpose not expressly permitted
  • Create events with discriminatory requirements or content
  • Spam users or create fake accounts
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Platform or other accounts
  • Use automated tools (bots, scrapers) without permission
  • Interfere with or disrupt the Platform's operation
  • Post sexually explicit, violent, or illegal content
  • Solicit passwords or personal information from other users
  • Use the Platform to organize illegal activities
  • Engage in any form of exploitation or abuse

5. Mobile Application Terms

5.1 Device Permissions

To provide full functionality, our mobile app may request the following permissions:

  • Camera: For taking profile photos, event photos, and scanning check-in QR codes
  • Photo Library: For selecting existing photos for your profile or events
  • Microphone: For recording voice prompts on your profile
  • Location: For discovering nearby events and setting your home location
  • Push Notifications: For receiving event updates, reminders, and messages

You may revoke any permission at any time through your device settings, but this may limit certain features.

5.2 Voice Recordings

The Platform allows you to record voice prompts for your profile. By recording and uploading voice content, you:

  • Grant us permission to store and display your recordings to other users
  • Confirm the recording is your own voice
  • Agree not to include offensive, illegal, or copyrighted content
  • Understand that recordings may be played by other users viewing your profile

5.3 Push Notifications

With your consent, we send push notifications via the Expo Push API for event reminders, request updates, payment confirmations, identity and payout updates, buddy activity, messages, and other account activity. Push notification tokens are stored on our servers to deliver notifications. You can customize supported notification preferences in the app or disable them through your device settings.

5.4 SMS Communications

We use SMS primarily for phone-based authentication and one-time passcodes. Standard messaging rates may apply. If we offer optional SMS communications, they will be subject to your opt-in choices and applicable law.

5.5 App Updates

We may release updates to the mobile app that fix bugs, add features, or improve security. We recommend keeping your app updated to the latest version for the best experience and security.

6. Events (Huddls)

6.1 Creating Events

As an event host, you:

  • Are responsible for accurate event information (time, location, description, cost)
  • Must honor your event commitments to attendees
  • May set events as free, paid (required amount), or pay-what-you-can (with suggested amount)
  • Can create events for 2-10 attendees maximum
  • Must maintain a safe and respectful environment
  • Are responsible for any required permits or permissions for your event location
  • May add co-hosts to help manage the event
  • Must be identity-verified to create or publish Huddls

6.2 Attending Events

As an event attendee, you:

  • Must request to join events and may be approved or declined by hosts
  • Agree to pay any required fees for paid events at the time of request
  • Must honor your commitment to attend once approved
  • Should communicate promptly if you need to cancel
  • Must respect the host, co-hosts, and other attendees
  • Are responsible for your own safety and well-being
  • Must check in at the event using the provided QR code or check-in code
  • May be required to complete identity verification if a specific Huddl requires it

6.3 Check-In System

To verify attendance and process payments fairly, we use a check-in system:

  • Hosts check in attendees using QR codes or manual codes
  • Check-in codes are time-limited and cannot be reused
  • Payment is released to hosts after successful check-in
  • No-shows may forfeit their payment after a 48-hour dispute window
  • Hosts can manually override check-ins in emergency situations

6.4 Event Cancellations

Cancellation policies vary by who cancels and when:

  • Host cancellation: Full refund to all attendees
  • Attendee cancellation before event: Refund at host's discretion
  • No-show: Payment may be forfeited after dispute window

6.5 Location Privacy

Hosts can mark event locations as "public" or "home." Home locations are encrypted and only revealed to confirmed attendees after approval. Attendees must keep private location information confidential and not share it with others.

7. Social Features

7.1 Buddy Connections

After attending the same event, users can send buddy requests to connect:

  • Buddy requests require mutual acceptance
  • You can only request buddies from users you've attended an event with
  • Either user can remove the buddy connection at any time
  • Buddy connections allow you to see each other's future events and mutual connections

7.2 Blocking

You can block any user to prevent them from seeing your profile, events, or contacting you. Blocked users will not be notified of the block. Blocking is mutual - you also won't see the blocked user's content.

7.3 Reporting

You can report users, events, or content that violates these Terms or our Community Guidelines. Reports are reviewed by our team and may result in warnings, content removal, or account suspension. False reports may result in action against the reporting account.

8. Payments and Fees

8.1 Payment Processing

All payments are processed through Stripe. By using paid features, you agree to Stripe's terms and conditions. We do not store your full payment card details - only a tokenized reference and the last 4 digits for display purposes.

8.2 Platform Fees

New paid Huddls use a split fee model. Guests pay an 8% service fee on the ticket price, and hosts pay a 5% service fee that is deducted from ticket earnings before payout. Historical Huddls may use an earlier pricing model. Applicable fees are shown in the product experience before payment or payout.

8.3 Payment Authorization

When you request to join a paid event, your payment method may be saved, attached, authorized, or charged depending on the payment flow in use for that Huddl. If you are not approved, the event is cancelled, or a payment cannot be completed, Huddl may void, not capture, or refund the payment as applicable.

8.4 Host Payouts

To receive payouts, hosts must:

  • Complete identity verification through Stripe Identity
  • Set up a Stripe Connect account with valid banking information
  • Comply with Stripe's terms and applicable tax reporting requirements

Payout availability depends on the event lifecycle, attendee check-in state, payout setup status, and any pending disputes, refunds, reversals, or Stripe requirements. There may be holding periods for new accounts or risk reviews. No-show related funds may be held for a dispute window before release.

8.5 Refunds

Refunds are processed as follows:

  • Host cancellation: Full automatic refund
  • Platform issues: Full refund upon verification
  • Disputes: Reviewed case-by-case within 48 hours
  • Attendee no-shows: Generally not eligible for refund

8.6 Taxes

You are responsible for determining and paying any applicable taxes on your earnings or purchases. We may be required to collect and remit taxes in certain jurisdictions and may provide tax documentation as required by law.

9. Content and Intellectual Property

9.1 Your Content

You retain ownership of content you post on the Platform. This includes:

  • Profile photos and cover photos
  • Voice recordings and written prompts
  • Event descriptions, photos, and details
  • Messages and feedback you submit

By posting content, you grant Huddl a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, reproduce, and distribute your content for operating and promoting the Platform. This license ends when you delete your content or account, except for content that has been shared with others or is reasonably necessary for Platform operation.

9.2 Content Responsibility

You represent and warrant that:

  • You own or have the right to post your content
  • Your profile photos are of yourself (not other people, celebrities, or AI-generated images)
  • Your voice recordings are your own voice
  • Your content does not violate any laws or third-party rights
  • Your content does not contain offensive, illegal, or copyrighted material
  • Your content is accurate and not misleading

9.3 Content Moderation

We reserve the right to remove any content that violates these Terms, our Community Guidelines, or that we deem inappropriate, without notice. Repeated violations may result in account suspension or termination.

9.4 Platform Intellectual Property

The Platform, including its design, features, logos, and underlying technology, is owned by Huddl and protected by intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, reverse engineer, or create derivative works without our written permission.

10. Privacy and Data Protection

Your use of the Platform is subject to our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your information. By using the Platform, you consent to our privacy practices, including the collection of profile information, location data, payment and verification data, voice recordings, messages, reports, usage analytics, and in-app session replay or diagnostic telemetry where enabled.

11. Safety and Trust

11.1 Your Safety

While we implement safety features like identity verification, you are ultimately responsible for your own safety when meeting people from the Platform. We strongly recommend:

  • Meeting in public places for first-time events
  • Telling a friend or family member your plans and location
  • Trusting your instincts and leaving immediately if you feel uncomfortable
  • Not sharing sensitive personal information (home address, financial details) before meeting
  • Verifying event details and host information before attending
  • Using in-app communication rather than sharing personal contact info prematurely
  • Reporting any suspicious behavior or safety concerns immediately

11.2 Verified Users

Users who complete identity verification may receive a verified badge. However, verification only confirms that a user completed the relevant verification flow and does not guarantee their behavior or intentions. Always exercise caution regardless of verification status.

11.3 Safety Reporting

You can report safety concerns, suspicious users, or inappropriate content through the app. Safety reports are prioritized and reviewed by our team. For emergencies, always contact local emergency services first (911 in the US).

12. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

12.1 "As Is" Service

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE PLATFORM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR SECURE. WE DO NOT GUARANTEE THE QUALITY, SAFETY, OR LEGALITY OF ANY EVENTS OR USERS.

12.2 No Endorsement

We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of user content, events, or other users. Identity verification confirms document authenticity but does not guarantee user behavior. You interact with other users at your own risk.

12.3 Third-Party Services

We are not responsible for third-party services or infrastructure, including providers used for payments, payouts, identity verification, authentication, mapping, analytics, error tracking, storage, and push delivery. Their availability, performance, and policies may affect your use of the Platform.

12.4 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, HUDDL SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, DATA LOSS, PERSONAL INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM OR ATTENDANCE AT EVENTS.

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIMS RELATED TO THE PLATFORM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF $100 OR THE AMOUNT YOU PAID US IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS.

13. Indemnification

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

  • Your use of the Platform
  • Your violation of these Terms
  • Your violation of any laws or third-party rights
  • Events you host or attend
  • Content you post (including photos, voice recordings, and text)
  • Your interactions with other users

14. Account Termination

14.1 Account Deactivation

You may temporarily deactivate your account at any time through account settings. This hides your profile and events but preserves your data. You can reactivate by signing back in.

14.2 Account Deletion

You may permanently delete your account through account settings. When you do, we begin scrubbing or anonymizing profile data, media files, voice recordings, and other personal information associated with your account, and we disable further account access. Some transactional, safety, and legal-compliance records may be retained as required or reasonably necessary.

14.3 Termination By Us

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without notice, for:

  • Violation of these Terms or Community Guidelines
  • Fraudulent or illegal activity
  • Harm to other users or the Platform
  • Failed identity verification or fraudulent documents
  • Multiple safety reports or policy violations
  • Extended inactivity (12+ months)
  • Any other reason at our sole discretion

14.4 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately. Any pending payouts will be processed according to our normal schedule. Certain provisions of these Terms (disclaimers, limitations of liability, indemnification) survive termination.

15. Dispute Resolution

15.1 Informal Resolution

Before filing a claim, please contact us at huddlevent@gmail.com to attempt to resolve the dispute informally. We will work with you in good faith to resolve any issues within 30 days.

15.2 Arbitration Agreement

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved through binding arbitration administered by JAMS under its Streamlined Arbitration Rules, except where prohibited by law. YOU WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL AND TO PARTICIPATE IN CLASS ACTIONS.

15.3 Opt-Out

You may opt out of the arbitration agreement by sending written notice to huddlevent@gmail.com within 30 days of first accepting these Terms. Include your name, phone number, and a clear statement that you wish to opt out.

15.4 Exceptions

Either party may seek injunctive relief in court to protect intellectual property rights or prevent irreparable harm. Small claims court actions are also exempt from arbitration.

16. General Provisions

16.1 Governing Law

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

16.2 Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be notified through the app, via push notification, or by email. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

16.3 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full effect.

16.4 Entire Agreement

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

16.5 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms without our consent. We may assign these Terms without restriction in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

16.6 Waiver

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

16.7 App Store Terms

If you download our app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, you also agree to the terms of those platforms. In case of conflict, these Terms take precedence to the extent permitted.

17. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, the Platform, or to report issues, please contact us:

Email: huddlevent@gmail.com

Website: https://huddl.world

Response Time: We aim to respond within 48 hours

Safety Issues: For urgent safety concerns, use the in-app reporting feature or email with "URGENT" in the subject line

Acknowledgment

BY CREATING AN ACCOUNT, DOWNLOADING OUR APP, OR USING HUDDL, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS OF SERVICE, OUR PRIVACY POLICY, AND OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE, YOU MUST NOT USE THE PLATFORM.