Terms of Service

Core Services

• Decentralized Messaging: Peer-to-peer encrypted messaging with zero metadata collection
• Invisible Wallet: Zero-knowledge key management with guardian-based security and multi-chain support
• Escrow Services: Secure multi-chain cryptocurrency escrow with automated settlement
• Pinning/Storage: Decentralized file storage with ZKIM CAS and Arweave integration
• Grid Network: Decentralized relay network for message delivery

Service Availability

As a decentralized platform, zk.im operates differently from traditional services:

• No SLA Guarantees: We do not provide service level agreements. The platform operates on a best-effort basis through the peer-to-peer network.
• Network-Dependent: Service availability depends on the health of the P2P network and peer participation.
• No Central Authority: There is no single point of control or failure, but also no central entity to guarantee uptime.

Account & Key Management

• Wallet Security: You are solely responsible for securing your wallet and private keys. We do not store your keys and cannot recover them if lost.
• Invisible Wallet: For Invisible Wallet users, you are responsible for:
  • Maintaining access to your TOTP authenticator
  • Managing your guardian network
  • Keeping backup codes secure
  • Understanding that keys are constructed on-demand and never stored
• Username Registration: Username registrations are permanent on Arweave. Choose carefully as they cannot be transferred or deleted.

Acceptable Use

You agree to use zk.im only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms:

• You will not use the platform for illegal activities
• You will not attempt to compromise network security
• You will not spam or harass other users
• You will not attempt to reverse engineer or exploit the platform
• You will respect the privacy and rights of other users

Content Responsibility

You are solely responsible for all content you create, transmit, or store using zk.im:

• You own the rights to all content you create
• You will not share copyrighted material without authorization
• You will not share illegal, harmful, or offensive content
• You understand that encrypted content is stored in decentralized systems

Invisible Wallet Transaction Fees

All outbound transactions from Invisible Wallet incur a fee:

• Fee Amount: $0.50 USD equivalent per outbound transaction
• Payment Method: Fee is paid in the native token of the blockchain (e.g., ETH on Ethereum, MATIC on Polygon)
• Fee Calculation: Fee amount is calculated based on real-time USD price of the native token
• Fee Collection: Fee is automatically deducted and sent to designated fee-collection addresses on each chain
• Transparency: All fee transactions are visible on the blockchain

Storage Plans

Pinning/Storage service pricing:

• Free Tier: 1GB of storage included for all users
• Paid Plans: Additional storage available with crypto payments
• Payment: Storage plans are paid directly via cryptocurrency (no credit cards or traditional payment methods)

No Refunds

Due to the decentralized nature of blockchain transactions, all fees and payments are final and non-refundable. Please ensure you understand the fees before initiating transactions.

Guardian Responsibilities

If you serve as a guardian for another user, you agree to:

• Respond promptly to recovery or transaction approval requests
• Keep your guardian account secure
• Verify the identity of the requester before approving
• Maintain availability for guardian duties

Progressive Security Model

Guardian approval requirements vary by transaction value:

• Micro Transactions (< $10): No guardian approval required
• Low Value ($10 - $100): 1 of 2 guardians required
• Medium Value ($100 - $1,000): 2 of 3 guardians required
• High Value ($1,000 - $10,000): 3 of 5 guardians required
• Critical Value ($10,000 - $100,000): 4 of 7 guardians required
• Extreme Value (> $100,000): 5 of 10 guardians required

Guardian Limitations

Guardians cannot:

• Access your funds without your authorization
• Decrypt your messages or data
• Modify your account settings
• Bypass security requirements

Guardians can only approve recovery requests or high-value transactions when explicitly requested by you.

Platform IP

The zk.im platform, including its software, design, and documentation, is protected by intellectual property laws. All rights not expressly granted are reserved.

User Content

You retain all rights to content you create using zk.im. By using the platform, you grant us a limited license to store and transmit your encrypted content through the decentralized network as necessary to provide the service.

Open Source Components

zk.im uses various open-source libraries and components. These are governed by their respective licenses (MIT, Apache 2.0, etc.). We respect all open-source licenses and contribute back to the community where possible.

Service Disclaimers

zk.im is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties:

• No Uptime Guarantee: We do not guarantee continuous, uninterrupted, or secure access to the service
• Network-Dependent: Service quality depends on peer participation and network health
• No Data Loss Protection: While we use decentralized storage, data loss is possible due to network issues or user error
• No Key Recovery: We cannot recover lost keys or access to Invisible Wallet if guardians are unavailable

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, zk.im and its operators shall not be liable for:

• Loss of funds due to lost keys or compromised wallets
• Service interruptions or network failures
• Data loss or corruption
• Unauthorized access to your account (if keys are compromised)
• Guardian failures or unavailability
• Blockchain network issues or transaction failures
• Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages

User Responsibility

You acknowledge that you are solely responsible for:

• Securing your wallet and private keys
• Backing up your recovery information
• Managing your guardian network
• Verifying transaction details before confirming
• Understanding the risks of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology

Termination by You

You may stop using zk.im at any time. You can delete your data by unpinning from ZKIM CAS. Note that some data (like username registrations) may be permanently stored on Arweave.

Termination by Us

Due to the decentralized nature of the platform, we have limited ability to terminate access. However, we reserve the right to take action if you violate these Terms, though enforcement is limited by the platform's architecture.