Terms of Use

1. Acceptance of Terms

By downloading, installing, or using VaultChat ("the Application"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree, do not install or use the application.

These terms apply to all versions of VaultChat, including updates released after you install the application.

2. Description of Service

VaultChat is a person-to-person encrypted messaging application. It:

• Operates on the Nostr open protocol using independent third-party relay servers.
• Uses end-to-end encryption (NIP-44 v2) for all messages.
• Does not operate central servers for message routing, storage, or user account management.
• Requires no account registration, email address, or phone number.
• Is designed for direct, one-to-one private communication.

3. User Responsibilities

You agree to use VaultChat only for lawful purposes and in accordance with applicable law. You must not use the application to:

• Transmit, distribute, or store content that is illegal under applicable law.
• Harass, threaten, or harm other individuals.
• Distribute malware, spam, or unsolicited communications.
• Attempt to compromise the security, integrity, or availability of relay servers or the Nostr network.
• Impersonate other individuals or entities.

4. Key Management & Backup

Your Nostr private key is the sole means of accessing your VaultChat identity and messages. You are solely responsible for:

• Keeping your private key secure and confidential.
• Creating encrypted backups using the built-in Backup & Restore feature.
• Storing backup passwords in a safe location.

VaultChat developers cannot recover lost private keys or message history. There is no account recovery mechanism. Loss of your private key without a backup is permanent and irreversible.

5. Third-Party Infrastructure

VaultChat routes messages through independent Nostr relay servers and uses third-party file hosting services for encrypted attachments. These third-party services are subject to their own terms and privacy policies. VaultChat is not responsible for the availability, conduct, or policies of third-party relay operators or file hosting providers.

6. Disclaimer of Warranties

VaultChat is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. VaultChat does not warrant that:

• The application will be error-free or uninterrupted.
• Messages will be delivered within any specific timeframe.
• Third-party relay servers will remain available.
• The application is free from security vulnerabilities.

7. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, VaultChat and its developers shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of messages, loss of private keys, or inability to communicate.

Our total liability for any claim arising from these terms or your use of the application shall not exceed the amount you paid for the application. The application is free of charge.

8. Open Source

VaultChat is open source software. The source code is available on GitHub at github.com/blejusca/VaultChat under its respective open source license. You are free to inspect, fork, and contribute to the codebase in accordance with the license terms.

Redistribution of VaultChat under a different name or with malicious modifications is prohibited.

9. Termination

You may stop using VaultChat at any time by uninstalling it. Uninstalling permanently deletes all locally stored data including keys, messages, and contacts.

We reserve the right to discontinue the application or remove it from distribution platforms with reasonable advance notice.

10. Governing Law

These terms are governed by and construed in accordance with Romanian law and applicable European Union regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

11. Contact

For questions about these Terms of Use: contact@vaultchat.app

GitHub: github.com/blejusca/VaultChat