Effective Date: October 1, 2024

Introduction

Welcome to Buddytalk and the Budt Group. By using our services, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions. Please read these Terms of Service („TOS“) carefully before accessing or using any part of our platform.

1. User Eligibility

You must be at least 14 years old to use our services. By using Buddytalk or Budt, you confirm that you meet the minimum age requirement and have the legal capacity to enter into this agreement.

2. Prohibited Activities

We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful platform. The following activities are strictly prohibited:

  • Harassment or Bullying: Engaging in any behavior that targets, intimidates, or threatens other users.
  • Hate Speech: Sharing content that promotes discrimination, hatred, or violence based on race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
  • Illegal Activities: Promoting or engaging in illegal activities, including but not limited to drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, or terrorism.
  • Impersonation: Pretending to be another person, organization, or brand without proper authorization.
  • Posting Explicit Content: Sharing pornographic, violent, or otherwise inappropriate content that violates local laws or platform standards.
  • Cybercrime: Hacking, phishing, spreading malware or viruses, or engaging in any unauthorized activities intended to compromise the platform’s security.
  • Misuse of Personal Information: Collecting or distributing personal data without consent, or violating any privacy regulations, including GDPR.
  • Spamming: Sending unsolicited messages, promotional content, or conducting activities that disrupt the normal use of the platform.
  • Exploiting System Vulnerabilities: Attempting to manipulate or exploit bugs, reverse engineering the platform, or using software to disrupt its operation.

3. Content Responsibility

You are solely responsible for the content you post, share, or interact with on Buddytalk and Budt. We do not guarantee the accuracy, legality, or appropriateness of user-provided content. However, we reserve the right to review, remove, or report any content that violates these TOS.

4. Reporting Violations

Users are encouraged to report any violations of these TOS. If you encounter harassment, illegal activities, or any other prohibited behavior, please use the reporting tools available on the platform or contact our support team directly.

5. Legal Obligations and Cooperation with Authorities

We reserve the right to cooperate with law enforcement and governmental authorities in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, and beyond. The following activities may be reported to authorities:

  • Threats of violence or harm
  • Child exploitation or abuse
  • Distribution of illegal substances
  • Terrorist activities
  • Fraud, identity theft, or other cybercrimes

We will respond to lawful requests from government or law enforcement agencies and may disclose user data or relevant information if required by law.

6. Account Termination

Violation of these terms may result in the suspension or permanent termination of your account. In severe cases, we may also restrict access to certain features or report violations to appropriate legal authorities.

7. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. For details on how we collect, use, and protect your personal data, please review our [Privacy Policy]. By using our services, you agree to the collection and processing of your personal data in accordance with our privacy practices.

8. Modifications to the TOS

We reserve the right to modify or update these TOS at any time. Users will be notified of any changes via the platform, and continued use of Buddytalk or Budt constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

9. Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, specifically the laws of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). Any disputes arising under these terms will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Aachen, NRW.