1. Introduction

By accessing or using the Lingochats platform, you accept and agree to comply with these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, you must not use the platform. These Terms form a binding legal agreement between you and Lingochats, LLC.

1.1 What These Terms Cover

These Terms govern your use of www.lingochats.com and any related subdomains, mobile applications, and software. By creating an account, you form a legal agreement with Lingochats. Our Cancellation and Refund Policy, Payment and Withdrawal Policy, and Privacy and Cookie Policy are also part of this agreement.

Your personal data is collected and used as described in our Privacy and Cookie Policy.

1.2 Types of Users

You may use Lingochats as a Learner, Local, or Visitor. All users are bound by these Terms when using any part of the Lingochats platform.

1.3 Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. Updates will be posted on the website and, for significant changes, sent to you via email or platform notification. Continued use of the Platform means you accept the updated Terms.

2. Eligibility and Account Use

2.1 Who Can Use Lingochats

You must be at least 18 years old to use our services, or 13 and older with direct supervision from a parent or legal guardian. Users in Russia, Belarus, and other restricted areas cannot use Lingochats.

2.2 Identity Verification

Locals may be asked to submit a government-issued ID for identity verification. We do not guarantee the accuracy of user information. Please use caution when interacting with other users.

2.3 Background Checks

We may use third-party services to perform background checks. We do not verify or guarantee the accuracy of these reports. You agree we may use this information to make decisions about user accounts.

2.4 Data and Privacy

Using Lingochats may involve providing personal information. See our Privacy and Cookie Policy for details on how we handle your data.

2.5 Payments and Credits

Payments are handled by third parties like PayPal and Square. Learners buy credits to book Locals. Credits pay for services and are not redeemable outside Lingochats.

2.6 Refunds

Refund requests are governed by our Payment and Withdrawal Policy. Refunds are granted at our sole discretion.

3. User Rights and Limitations

3.1 Access License

Learners and Locals receive a limited, personal, non-transferable license to use the Platform. You may not scrape, copy, or republish content without written permission.

3.2 Account Responsibilities

Create only one account and do not share login details. You’re responsible for all activity on your account. If you register through a third-party service, you permit us to access necessary information from that service.

3.3 Interactions and Conduct

Lingochats does not intervene in most Learner-Local interactions but may do so if needed. You must follow our platform rules and avoid soliciting off-platform transactions.

3.4 Local Commitments

• Comply with all laws in their area
• Provide services professionally
• Use Lingochats exclusively for payments
• Let Lingochats promote their services

3.5 Learner Commitments

• Show up for sessions
• Pay using Lingochats credits
• Interact in good faith

3.6 Use of Profile Images

Locals allow us to use their name and profile image in marketing materials. You can request removal by contacting support@lingochats.com.

3.7 Rankings and Discovery

Locals are shown based on topic expertise, location, ratings, and supported languages.

3.8 Reporting Issues

Email support@lingochats.com with the subject line “Formal Complaint.” We’ll review and follow up as needed.

3.9 Referrals

Referrers may share a unique link. Referees may get a discount. Referrers may earn credits or bonuses, which expire after 180 days of inactivity.

3.10 Platform Limits

You agree to follow our User Code of Conduct while using the platform.

4. Lingochats Content

All content on the Platform is protected. You may view or print it for personal use only. Don’t modify or distribute it without permission.

5. User-Generated Content

You are responsible for anything you post. Do not upload copyrighted or harmful material. Lingochats may moderate or remove content. Report infringements to legal@lingochats.com.

6. External Links

We may link to third-party sites. We are not responsible for their content or policies.

7. Advertising

We may display ads. Your dealings with advertisers are between you and them.

8. No Endorsements

Mentions of third-party products do not imply endorsement by Lingochats.

9. Independent Relationship

Locals are independent contractors and not Lingochats employees. They manage their own schedules, rates, and legal obligations.

10. Account Transfers

You may not assign your account or obligations without our written approval.

11. Feedback

By submitting feedback, you allow Lingochats to use it freely, with no obligation to credit or compensate you.

12. Reviews

Locals may receive reviews from Learners. These affect their profile ranking and visibility.

13. Notifications

We contact you via email or platform notifications. Please keep your contact details current.

14. Account Termination

We may suspend or close your account for violations or inactivity. Unused credits may be lost if your account is deleted.

15. IP Rights

All intellectual property belongs to Lingochats. Do not use our trademarks or branding without permission.

16. Copyright Infringement (DMCA)

Report suspected violations to legal@lingochats.com with the required DMCA details.

17. Confidentiality

Do not misuse confidential information gained through the platform.

18. Disclaimer

The platform is used at your own risk. Lingochats does not guarantee the accuracy of information or outcomes. We are not responsible for user interactions.

19. Limitation of Liability

We are not liable for indirect damages. Our liability is limited to what you paid us in the previous three months.

20. Jurisdiction Limitations

Some provisions may not apply in all locations due to local laws.

21. International Use

Lingochats operates from the U.S. Users outside the U.S. must comply with their own laws.

22. Export Restrictions

Users in countries under U.S. sanctions are not permitted to use Lingochats.

23. Liquidated Damages

In cases of serious violations, Lingochats may retain funds in your account as an estimate of damages.

24. Indemnity

You agree to hold Lingochats harmless from any claims related to your use of the platform.

25. Disputes and Arbitration

Disputes will be resolved by individual arbitration in Wisconsin. No class actions are allowed.

26. No Solicitation

You may not use the platform to solicit users or promote other services.

27. Headings

Section titles are for reference only and do not affect interpretation.

28. Complete Agreement

These Terms represent the full agreement between you and Lingochats. If any part is invalid, the rest remains enforceable.

29. Contact Us

Contact support@lingochats.com or visit our Contact Page for assistance.