Talking-Buddy App: General Terms and Conditions

Last updated: April 1, 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the talking-buddy app (“App”), you agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) and all applicable laws and regulations. If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use the App.

2. User Eligibility

Users must meet the minimum age requirement to use social media without parental or adult supervision in the USA and Canada. By creating an account, you confirm you meet this age requirement.

3. App Services

The talking-buddy app connects Callers (customers) with Talking-Buddies (independent service providers) to engage in audio and/or video calls for emotional support and communication. Talking-Buddies are independent service providers, and no licenses or training are required.

4. Payments and Fees

Callers must pay a fee per call. The service is charged per 10-minute call, with additional charges applied for every extra 5-minute interval. All payments are processed through a third-party provider. Talking-Buddies are compensated per call. Payment schedules, rates, and other financial arrangements are managed through the App.

5. Conduct Guidelines

Users agree not to:

  1. Share, discuss, or display any form of nudity, profanity, or NSFW content.
  2. Use the App for harassment, abusive behavior, or any harmful or illegal activities.
  3. Impersonate any individual or entity or falsely claim affiliations.

Violation of these guidelines may lead to immediate suspension or termination of the account without notice.

6. Call Recording and Consent

Audio and video calls may be recorded under specific conditions. Consent is required from both parties before recording a video call. If either party denies video call recording, the call will proceed as an audio call only. Recorded calls may be used for support request resolution.

7. Third-Party Services

The App may share user information with third-party providers for payment processing, notifications, and other services as necessary to operate and maintain the App.

8. Liability Limitations

The App does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of information shared by Talking-Buddies. Users agree that the App is not liable for any damages arising from use of the services.

9. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms at our discretion. Continued use of the App indicates acceptance of any modifications. Users are encouraged to review the Terms periodically.

10. Contact Information

For support, users must submit inquiries via the in-app support form.

11. Support Request Resolution

Support Requests may be submitted via the in-app support form. Recorded calls will serve as the primary evidence in case of support requests. Calls not recorded due to lack of consent will not be eligible for support request review.

12. Support Request Categories

To effectively categorize and segregate support requests for the talking-buddy app, the fullowing categories have been established:

  1. Call-Related Support Requests (Requires Call Recording for Resolution)

    2. These support requests specifically involve issues directly related to the interaction during a call. Call recordings will be the primary evidence for resolution.

    1. Content Support Requests: Allegations of inappropriate behavior, language, or content shared during the call (e.g., harassment, discriminatory remarks).
    2. Quality of Service: Complaints about the Talking-Buddy’s behavior, lack of engagement, or not meeting expectations.
    3. Unauthorized Recording or Privacy Concerns: Claims that a call was recorded without proper consent or concerns about data usage.
    4. Technical Issues During Call: Claims of dropped calls, poor audio/video quality, or issues caused by the platform affecting the session.

  2. Non-Call-Related Support Requests (Does Not Require Call Recording)

    3. These support requests involve matters unrelated to the content of the call and can be resolved without recordings.

    1. Billing and Payment Issues:
      1. Incorrect charges for calls.
      2. Refund requests or support requests over completed vs. canceled calls.
      3. Payment delays for Talking-Buddies.
    2. Account and Profile Management:
      1. Issues with account creation, suspension, or termination.
      2. Complaints about profile misrepresentation (e.g., Talking-Buddy not reflecting their actual qualifications).
    3. Privacy and Data Concerns:Issues related to data storage, sharing, or perceived breaches of confidentiality.
    4. App Functionality Issues:Bugs, crashes, or inability to access features like call initiation, preferences, or support forms.
    5. General Feedback or Inquiries:Suggestions for app improvement or inquiries about features.

  3. Escalated or Legal Support Requests

    4. These involve situations where informal resolution has failed or where legal intervention may be required:

    1. Severe Misconduct Allegations: Serious complaints such as fraud, exploitation, or safety threats.
    2. Jurisdictional Complaints:: Support Requests involving cross-border legal complexities.

13. Arbitration Clause and Class Action Waiver

  1. Users must submit a written notice of support request via the in-app support form before initiating arbitration, allowing both parties an opportunity for informal resolution.
  2. Arbitration Agreement: By using the talking-buddy app, you agree that any support requests, claims, or controversies arising out of or related to these Terms, your relationship with talking-buddy, or your use of the App will be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration. Arbitration will be conducted by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or an equivalent arbitration body under its Consumer Arbitration Roles. This provision includes, but is not limited to, support requests involving breach of contract, torts, statutory claims, or any other matters related to the App.
    1. Arbitration Location and Jurisdiction: For users in the USA and Canada, arbitration will take place in the state of Georgia.
    2. Arbitration Fees: Each party will be responsible for their own legal fees and costs associated with arbitration, but the App will cover arbitration fees to the extent required by law.
    3. Waiver of Jury Trial: Both parties waive the right to a trial by jury in any support request.
  3. Class Action Waiver: You agree to resolve any support requests with talking-buddy on an individual basis only and waive the right to participate in any class, collective, or representative action against talking-buddy or its affiliates. No arbitration or proceeding will be combined with another without the prior written consent of all involved parties.
    1. Exceptions: This class action waiver does not apply to cases where such a waiver is prohibited by law. Users retain the right to bring individual claims in small claims court if they qualify.

Talking-Buddy App Community Standards for Safe and Ethical Conduct

The Talking-Buddy app is a platform designed to foster respectful, supportive, and safe interactions between Callers and Talking-Buddies. Our Community Standards ensure that all users contribute to a positive environment, promoting ethical conduct and maintaining the integrity of the platform. By using Talking-Buddy, you agree to abide by these standards.

1. Respect and Inclusivity

  1. Treat all users with dignity and respect, regardless of their background, beliefs, or preferences.
  2. Discrimination, harassment, or hate speech based on race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or other personal characteristics is strictly prohibited.

2. Privacy and Confidentiality

  1. Do not share or request personal information, such as addresses, phone numbers, or social media handles.
  2. Conversations are confidential. Do not disclose or share the content of your interactions without explicit consent.
  3. Callers are strictly advised not to share personal health information (PHI) or sensitive medical details during conversations on the talking-buddy app. This includes but is not limited to:
    1. Medical diagnoses, treatment history, or prescribed medications
    2. Mental health evaluations or ongoing therapy information
    3. Details of hospital visits, medical reports, or lab results

      4. The talking-buddy app is not a healthcare service and does not employ licensed medical professionals. All interactions are intended solely for emotional expression and peer-based support.

      Call recordings are not used for clinical documentation and are retained only temporarily for support request resolution. Users who share such information do so at their discretion. The Talking-Buddy app and AHAN Apps LLC assume no responsibility for the use or misinterpretation of such disclosures.

3. Appropriate Communication

  1. Prohibited Language and Content:
    1. No use of profanity, offensive language, or inappropriate remarks.
    2. Avoid making any comments or using words that are vulgar, sexually explicit, or disrespectful.
  2. NSFW Content:Sharing or discussing content that is sexually explicit, violent, graphic, or otherwise categorized as NSFW (Not Safe for Work) is strictly prohibited.
  3. Tone of Interaction:Maintain a respectful and constructive tone during all conversations.

4. Honesty and Integrity

  1. Be truthful about your identity and intentions.
  2. Talking-Buddies must not misrepresent their skills or qualifications.
  3. Callers should provide accurate and clear information about their concerns or needs.

5. Consent for Recording

  1. Respect the platform's consent roles for call recording.
  2. Video call recordings require mutual agreement from both the Caller and Talking-Buddy. If either party declines recording, the call will switch to audio-only.

6. Safe and Ethical Use

  1. Illegal and Prohibited Activities:
    1. Do not use the platform for illegal activities, scams, or harmful behavior.
    2. Talking-Buddies must not provide medical, legal, or professional advice unless specifically qualified.
  2. Exploitation: Do not exploit or manipulate vulnerable individuals for personal gain.

7. Reporting Violations

  1. Report any breaches of these standards through the in-app support form.
  2. Do not make false or malicious reports.

8. Consequences for Violations

  1. Violations of these standards may result in warnings, account suspension, or permanent termination.
  2. Severe breaches, such as illegal activities, may be reported to the relevant authorities.

9. Commitment to Improvement

  1. We encourage feedback and suggestions to improve the app's community experience. By working together, we aim to maintain a supportive and positive platform for everyone.

By adhering to these standards, users help create a safe, judgment-free space where individuals can connect, support one another, and share their thoughts.