Effective Date: October 29, 2024

Welcome to NewsBriefApp.com (the “Site”), operated by Sphere23 LLC (“Sphere23,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of our services, including our website, mobile application, email newsletters, and related products and services (collectively, the “Services”). By accessing or using our Services, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use our Services.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By using our Services or registering for an account, you agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy. These Terms apply to you and your use of the Services.

2. Eligibility

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old or the legal age in your jurisdiction to use our Services. If you are under 18, you need parental consent.
• Restrictions: Users under 13 years old are not permitted to use our Services. If you know someone under 13 using our Services, please contact us at admin@newsbriefapp.com.
• Access Denial: If we have previously restricted your access to our Services, you cannot use them without our written permission.

3. Account Registration and Security

• Creating an Account: You may need to create an account by providing a username, password, and other required information. Ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date.
• Account Responsibility: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account.
• Third-Party Accounts: You can access our Services through third-party accounts (e.g., Facebook, Google). By doing so, you allow us to use certain information from those accounts as described in our Privacy Policy.

4. Proprietary Rights

• Our Content: All content on the Services, including text, images, videos, and software, is owned by Sphere23 or our partners and is protected by intellectual property laws.
• Trademarks: Our logos and trademarks are owned by Sphere23. You may not use them without our written permission.
• No License Granted: These Terms do not grant you any rights to our intellectual property except as expressly stated.

5. User Content

• Responsibility: Any content you post on the Services (“User Content”) is your responsibility. Ensure you have the rights to share it.
• License to Us: By posting User Content, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, modify, and distribute your content in connection with the Services.
• Content Standards: Do not post content that is illegal, offensive, or infringes on others’ rights. We may remove such content at our discretion.

6. Prohibited Uses

You agree not to use the Services for:

• Illegal Activities: Any unlawful purpose or activity.
• Intellectual Property Infringement: Posting content you do not have rights to.
• Privacy Violations: Collecting or storing others’ personal information without consent.
• Disruptive Behavior: Interfering with the functionality of the Services or other users’ enjoyment.
• Unauthorized Access: Attempting to hack or bypass security measures.
• Spam and Advertising: Sending unsolicited messages or advertisements.

7. Content Moderation and Safety Measures

In accordance with Apple App Store's Guideline 1.2, we have implemented the following measures to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all users:

• Agreement to Terms: By using our Services, you agree to these Terms, which include a strict no-tolerance policy for objectionable content and abusive behavior.

• Content Filtering: We employ automated and manual filtering systems to identify and prevent the posting of objectionable content. However, no filtering system is perfect, and some inappropriate content may still appear.

• Flagging Objectionable Content: Users can report objectionable content online by using the “Report” feature available on each piece of User Content. To report content, click the “Report” button and follow the prompts to specify the issue.

• Blocking Abusive Users: Users can block other users who engage in abusive or inappropriate behavior. To block a user, navigate to the user’s profile and select the “Block” option.

• Response to Reports: We are committed to addressing reports of objectionable content and abusive behavior promptly. Upon receiving a report, we will review and take appropriate action within 24 hours, which may include:

  • Removing the Offending Content: Deleting or restricting access to the content that violates our policies.
  • Terminating the User’s Account: Ejecting the user who provided the offending content from the Services to prevent further violations.

These actions ensure that our community remains safe and respectful for all users.

8. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

• As-Is Basis: The Services are provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, either express or implied.
• No Guarantee: We do not guarantee that the Services will be error-free, secure, or uninterrupted.
• Limitation of Liability: Sphere23 and its affiliates are not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Services. Our total liability does not exceed the amount you have paid us, if any.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold Sphere23 harmless from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses arising from your use of the Services, violation of these Terms, or infringement of any rights of others.

10. Termination

• Termination by You: You can stop using the Services at any time.
• Termination by Us: We may terminate or suspend your access to the Services for any reason, including violation of these Terms, without notice.
• Effects of Termination: Upon termination, your rights to use the Services will cease, and any provisions that should survive termination will remain in effect.

11. Mandatory Arbitration and Class Action Waiver

• Important: Any disputes related to these Terms or your use of the Services will be resolved through binding arbitration, and you waive your right to participate in a class action.

• Dispute Resolution: Before seeking arbitration, you must contact us at admin@newsbriefapp.com to attempt to resolve the dispute.

• Arbitration Process: If unresolved, disputes will be arbitrated by JAMS under their rules. Arbitration will take place in the United States.

• Class Action Waiver: You and Sphere23 agree to resolve disputes individually and not as part of a group.

• Exceptions: Intellectual property claims and small claims may be brought in court.

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of New York, USA. Any legal actions must be filed in the state or federal courts located in New York, New York.

13. General Terms

• Modifications: We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the Services constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
• Force Majeure: We are not liable for delays or failures caused by events beyond our control.
• No Waiver: Failure to enforce any part of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of our rights.
• Entire Agreement: These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Sphere23 regarding the use of the Services.
• Severability: If any part of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining sections will remain in effect.
• Notices: We may notify you of changes or important information through email or postings on the Services.

14. Community Guidelines

At NewsBriefApp.com, we strive to maintain a friendly and respectful community where all users can engage in meaningful discussions. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, please adhere to the following Community Guidelines. Failure to comply with these rules may result in account suspension or an immediate ban from our Services.

1. Be Respectful

Treat all members with kindness and respect. Avoid using language or engaging in behavior that you wouldn't direct towards a friend. Personal attacks, harassment, or derogatory remarks are not tolerated.

2. No Hate Speech

We have a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech. Content that promotes racism, discrimination, bullying, or violence against individuals or groups based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic is strictly prohibited.

3. No Misinformation

Ensure that all information you share is accurate and truthful. Do not post or distribute false statements, rumors, or misleading information. Spreading misinformation undermines the integrity of our community and can cause harm.

4. No Spam

Avoid posting repetitive, commercial, or irrelevant comments. Spam includes unsolicited advertisements, promotional content, or any other posts that do not contribute to meaningful discussions. Keep the conversation focused and valuable for all users.

5. Constructive Contributions

Aim to add value to discussions by providing thoughtful, well-reasoned, and relevant contributions. Engage in debates respectfully and be open to different perspectives.

6. Protect Privacy

Respect the privacy of others. Do not share personal information, including addresses, phone numbers, or other sensitive data, without explicit consent from the individual involved.

7. Report Violations

If you encounter content or behavior that violates these Community Guidelines, please report it using the “Report” feature available on each piece of User Content. Our moderation team will review the report and take appropriate action within 24 hours.

8. Compliance with Laws

All users must comply with applicable local, state, national, and international laws while using our Services. Illegal activities or content are strictly forbidden and will result in immediate action.

Enforcement and Consequences

Sphere23 LLC reserves the right to enforce these Community Guidelines at our discretion. Actions for violations may include, but are not limited to:

• Content Removal: Deleting or restricting access to offending content.
• Account Suspension: Temporarily disabling a user’s account to prevent further violations.
• Account Termination: Permanently banning a user from accessing our Services.

15. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

Sphere23 LLC
Attn: Legal Department
Email: admin@newsbriefapp.com