Terms and Conditions

Please read these terms carefully before using RYT by Hand.

Last updated: December 10, 2024 · Version 1.0

1. Introduction and Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to RYT by Hand ("App," "Service," "we," "us," or "our"). These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the RYT by Hand mobile application and all related services.

By creating an account, accessing, or using the App, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the App.

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Your continued use of the App following any changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. We track which version of these Terms you accepted during registration.

2. Scope and Purpose of the App

2.1 App Description

RYT by Hand is a social connection and card sharing mobile application that enables meaningful connections through personalized card messages. The App facilitates authentic connection and thoughtful communication between users.

2.2 Core Features

The App provides the following features:

Card System:

  • Create and compose personalized cards with text content and images
  • Send cards to connections (registered users) or custom recipients (non-users)
  • Save cards as drafts for later completion
  • Manage a journal of sent, received, and draft cards
  • Upload and attach images to cards with automatic optimization
  • View and filter cards by status (sent, received, drafts)
  • Respond to weekly writing prompts and reflection exercises
  • Add comments to received cards

Social Connections:

  • Search and discover other registered users
  • Send, receive, accept, and decline connection requests
  • View profiles of connected users
  • Manage your network of connections
  • Track connection statistics and metrics

Custom Recipients:

  • Create recipient profiles for people who do not have App accounts
  • Store contact information for custom recipients
  • Send cards to custom recipients
  • Edit and delete custom recipients

Personal Notes:

  • Create personal notes linked to connections or recipients
  • Set due dates for notes
  • Filter and organize notes
  • Track upcoming due dates

Events and Reminders:

  • Create events (birthdays, anniversaries, custom events)
  • Set recurring events (yearly, monthly, weekly, or one-time)
  • Configure notification reminders (7 days, 3 days, 1 day before)
  • Link events to connections or recipients
  • Enable or disable notifications per event

User Profile:

  • Create and manage your user profile
  • Upload profile photos
  • Maintain personal information and address details
  • Edit profile information at any time

3. Account Registration and Management

3.1 Account Creation

To use the App, you must create an account by providing:

Required Information:

  • Valid email address
  • Secure password
  • First name
  • Last name
  • Phone number
  • Gender

Optional Information:

  • Profile photo
  • Date of birth
  • Address (street, city, state, zip code, country)

3.2 Account Requirements

You agree that:

  1. You are at least 13 years of age
  2. You will provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration
  3. You will maintain and promptly update your account information to keep it accurate
  4. You will maintain the security of your password and accept all risks of unauthorized access
  5. You will immediately notify us of any unauthorized use of your account
  6. You will not create more than one personal account
  7. You will not share your account credentials with others

3.3 Account Verification

Your account may require email verification before full access is granted. We use secure authentication services to manage your account credentials and sessions.

3.4 Profile Completion

Certain features may require you to complete your profile with additional information. The App may prompt you to complete required profile fields before accessing all features.

3.5 Session Management

The App maintains secure sessions that:

  • Automatically refresh authentication tokens
  • Persist across app restarts
  • Validate session integrity before sensitive operations
  • May be terminated for security reasons

4. User Responsibilities and Acceptable Use

4.1 Acceptable Use

You agree to use the App only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You will:

  1. Use the App in a manner consistent with its intended purpose of fostering meaningful personal connections
  2. Respect the privacy and rights of other users
  3. Maintain accurate information in your profile and communications
  4. Use appropriate and respectful language in all cards and messages

4.2 Prohibited Conduct

You agree NOT to:

  1. Impersonation: Create accounts or content that impersonates any person or entity
  2. Harassment: Send unwanted, offensive, harassing, or threatening cards or messages
  3. Spam: Send unsolicited bulk messages or connection requests
  4. Malicious Content: Upload or transmit content containing viruses, malware, or harmful code
  5. Illegal Activities: Use the App for any illegal purpose or in violation of any law
  6. Unauthorized Access: Attempt to gain unauthorized access to other accounts or systems
  7. Data Scraping: Scrape, harvest, or collect information about other users without consent
  8. Reverse Engineering: Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble any part of the App
  9. Circumvention: Circumvent, disable, or interfere with security features of the App
  10. False Information: Provide false or misleading information
  11. Commercial Use: Use the App for unauthorized commercial purposes
  12. Interference: Interfere with or disrupt the App's operation or servers

4.3 Content Responsibility

You are solely responsible for all content you create, upload, or transmit through the App, including:

  • Card content (text and images)
  • Profile information and photos
  • Notes and event descriptions
  • Custom recipient information
  • Comments on cards

5. User-Generated Content

5.1 Content Ownership

You retain ownership of all content you create and upload to the App. By submitting content, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, store, and display your content solely for the purpose of operating and providing the App's services.

5.2 Content Types

The App allows you to create and manage the following content:

Cards:

  • Text content with a maximum practical length
  • Attached images (optimized automatically)
  • Tags for categorization
  • Status: draft, sent, or received

Notes:

  • Text content
  • Optional due dates
  • Optional links to connections or recipients

Events:

  • Event name and description
  • Event type (birthday, anniversary, holiday, custom)
  • Event date
  • Recurrence settings

Recipient Profiles:

  • Name and contact information
  • Profile photos
  • Relationship type

5.3 Content Storage

Your content is stored securely in our cloud database. Images are stored in secure storage buckets with access controls.

5.4 Content Restrictions

You agree not to upload, create, or transmit content that:

  1. Is defamatory, obscene, pornographic, or offensive
  2. Infringes on intellectual property rights of others
  3. Contains personal information of others without their consent
  4. Violates any applicable law or regulation
  5. Contains false or misleading information

6. Cards, Connections, Recipients, and Events

6.1 Cards

Creating Cards:

  • Cards can be created as drafts or sent immediately
  • Cards may include text content and optional images
  • Cards can be sent to registered users (connections) or custom recipients
  • Draft cards can only be deleted by the sender
  • Sent cards cannot be deleted or recalled

Receiving Cards:

  • You will receive notifications when cards are sent to you (if notifications are enabled)
  • Received cards are marked with read status
  • You may add comments to received cards

Card Visibility:

  • Cards sent to you are visible only to you and the sender
  • Your sent cards are visible only to you and the recipient

6.2 Connections

Connection Requests:

  • You may send connection requests to other registered users
  • Connection requests require acceptance by the recipient
  • Pending requests can be cancelled by the sender
  • Requests can be accepted or declined by the recipient

Connection Status:

  • Pending: Request sent, awaiting response
  • Accepted: Connection established
  • Declined: Request rejected
  • Blocked: User blocked (if feature available)

Connection Features:

  • View profiles of accepted connections (limited information)
  • Send cards to accepted connections
  • Delete connections at any time

Connection Limitations:

  • You cannot send duplicate connection requests
  • Declined requests may have restrictions on re-requesting

6.3 Custom Recipients

Purpose:

Custom recipients allow you to send cards to people who do not have accounts in the App.

Management:

  • You may create, edit, and delete custom recipients
  • Custom recipients are private and visible only to you
  • Information stored includes name, contact details, and optional profile information
  • Deleting a recipient may affect associated cards and events

Responsibility:

  • You are responsible for the accuracy of recipient information
  • You should only create recipient profiles for people you know personally
  • You should not create recipient profiles for people without their knowledge if you intend to contact them through other means

6.4 Events

Creating Events:

  • Events can be linked to connections or recipients
  • Events support various types: birthday, anniversary, holiday, custom
  • Events can be set as recurring (yearly, monthly, weekly) or one-time

Notifications:

  • Event notifications are sent 7 days, 3 days, and 1 day before the event date
  • Notifications can be enabled or disabled globally or per-event
  • Birthday notifications have global and per-person override settings
  • Notifications require device permissions to be granted

Event Management:

  • You may edit or delete events at any time
  • Deleting an event cancels associated notifications

7. Notifications

7.1 Types of Notifications

Push Notifications (Remote):

  • New card received notifications
  • Connection request notifications

Local Notifications:

  • Event reminders (birthdays, anniversaries, custom events)
  • Due date reminders for notes

7.2 Notification Management

  • You may enable or disable push notifications through your device settings
  • You may configure notification preferences within the App
  • Event notifications can be disabled globally or per-recipient
  • Disabling notifications does not affect the underlying data

7.3 Notification Requirements

  • Push notifications require registration of your device token
  • Device tokens are stored securely and removed upon logout
  • Notifications require active device permissions
  • We cannot guarantee delivery of all notifications due to factors beyond our control

8. Privacy and Data Handling

8.1 Data Collection

The App collects and processes personal data as described in our Privacy Policy. By using the App, you consent to such processing.

8.2 Data Storage

  • Your data is stored using Supabase, a secure Backend-as-a-Service platform
  • Database uses Row Level Security (RLS) ensuring users can only access their own data
  • Authentication tokens are stored securely using encrypted device storage
  • Images are stored in secure cloud storage with access controls

8.3 Data Security

We implement the following security measures:

  • Row Level Security: Database policies restrict data access to authorized users only
  • Encrypted Storage: Authentication tokens stored using Expo SecureStore
  • Session Validation: All sensitive operations validate active sessions
  • Ownership Verification: File operations verify user ownership
  • Security Logging: Critical operations are logged for audit purposes
  • HTTPS/TLS: All communications use encrypted connections

8.4 Data Retention

  • Your data is retained as long as your account is active
  • Upon account deletion, all associated data is permanently deleted
  • We do not retain user data after account deletion except as required by law

8.5 Third-Party Services

The App uses the following third-party services:

ServicePurpose
SupabaseDatabase, authentication, file storage
Expo Push NotificationsDelivery of push notifications

9. Account Termination and Deletion

9.1 Voluntary Termination

You may delete your account at any time through the App's settings. Account deletion is:

  • Immediate: Processed without delay
  • Permanent: Cannot be undone
  • Complete: All associated data is deleted

9.2 Effects of Account Deletion

When you delete your account:

  1. Profile Data: Your profile information is permanently deleted
  2. Cards: All cards you created (drafts and sent) are permanently deleted
  3. Notes: All your notes are permanently deleted
  4. Events: All your events are permanently deleted
  5. Recipients: All custom recipients you created are deleted
  6. Connections: Your connections with other users are removed
  7. Push Tokens: Device notification tokens are deleted
  8. Authentication: Your authentication record is removed
  9. Images: All uploaded images (profile, cards) are deleted from storage

9.3 Involuntary Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account if you:

  1. Violate these Terms
  2. Engage in prohibited conduct
  3. Provide false or misleading information
  4. Use the App in a manner that could harm other users or the Service
  5. Attempt to circumvent security measures

9.4 Post-Termination

Upon termination:

  • You will lose access to the App and your data
  • Outstanding obligations survive termination
  • Provisions that by their nature should survive will survive termination

10. Intellectual Property

10.1 App Ownership

The App, including its original content, features, functionality, design, and branding (excluding user-generated content), is owned by us and protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

10.2 Trademarks

"RYT by Hand," the RYT logo, and related names, logos, and designs are trademarks of the App owner. You may not use these trademarks without prior written permission.

10.3 User License

Subject to these Terms, we grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to:

  • Download and install the App on your personal device
  • Access and use the App for personal, non-commercial purposes

10.4 Restrictions

You may not:

  • Copy, modify, or distribute the App
  • Create derivative works based on the App
  • Reverse engineer or decompile the App
  • Remove any copyright or proprietary notices
  • Transfer your license to any third party

10.5 User Content License

By submitting content to the App, you grant us a license to use, store, display, and transmit your content solely for the purpose of providing the Service. This license terminates when you delete your content or account.

11. Disclaimers

11.1 "As Is" Basis

THE APP IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Implied warranties of merchantability
  • Fitness for a particular purpose
  • Non-infringement
  • Accuracy or completeness of content
  • Uninterrupted or error-free operation

11.2 No Guarantee

We do not warrant that:

  1. The App will meet your specific requirements
  2. The App will be available at all times or without interruption
  3. Results from using the App will be accurate or reliable
  4. Errors or defects will be corrected
  5. The App is free of viruses or harmful components
  6. Notifications will be delivered successfully

11.3 User Interactions

We are not responsible for:

  • The conduct of any user
  • Content created or shared by users
  • Disputes between users
  • The accuracy of information provided by other users

11.4 External Factors

We are not responsible for factors beyond our control, including:

  • Device compatibility issues
  • Network connectivity problems
  • Third-party service outages
  • Operating system limitations

12. Limitation of Liability

12.1 Limitation

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL WE, OUR AFFILIATES, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR:

  1. Indirect Damages: Any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
  2. Data Loss: Loss of data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses
  3. Third-Party Actions: Actions of third parties, including other users
  4. Service Issues: Service interruptions, delays, or failures
  5. Content Issues: Errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in content
  6. Unauthorized Access: Unauthorized access to or alteration of your data

12.2 Cap on Liability

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO THE APP SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID US (IF ANY) IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

12.3 Basis of the Bargain

THE LIMITATIONS SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION ARE FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENTS OF THE BASIS OF THE BARGAIN BETWEEN YOU AND US.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless us, our affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and licensors from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

  1. Your use of the App
  2. Your violation of these Terms
  3. Your violation of any rights of another party
  4. Your user-generated content
  5. Your conduct in connection with the App

14. Availability and Service Limitations

14.1 Service Availability

We strive to maintain consistent availability but do not guarantee uninterrupted access. The App may be unavailable due to:

  • Scheduled maintenance
  • Unscheduled maintenance or repairs
  • Technical difficulties
  • Third-party service disruptions
  • Force majeure events

14.2 Platform Support

The App is designed for:

  • iOS: iOS 13 and later (full support)
  • Android: Android 8.0 and later (full support)
  • Web: Limited support (mobile-first design)

14.3 Feature Availability

Some features may:

  • Require specific device capabilities
  • Require specific permissions (camera, photos, notifications)
  • Be modified or discontinued without notice
  • Vary by platform or region

14.4 Modifications

We reserve the right to:

  • Modify or discontinue features
  • Update the App and its functionality
  • Change these Terms with notice

15. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

15.1 Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with applicable laws, without regard to conflict of law principles.

15.2 Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the App shall be resolved through:

  1. Informal Resolution: Good faith negotiation between the parties
  2. Mediation: If informal resolution fails
  3. Legal Proceedings: As a last resort, in courts of competent jurisdiction

15.3 Waiver of Class Actions

To the extent permitted by law, you agree to resolve disputes individually and waive the right to participate in class action lawsuits or class-wide arbitration.

16. General Provisions

16.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and us regarding the App.

16.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

16.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.

16.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms without restriction.

16.5 Notices

We may provide notices to you through:

  • The App interface
  • Email to your registered address
  • Updates to these Terms

16.6 Headings

Section headings are for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of these Terms.

17. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or support regarding these Terms or the App, please contact us:

Email: support@rytbyhand.com

Website: https://app.rytbyhand.com

18. Consent and Acknowledgment

By creating an account and using RYT by Hand, you acknowledge and agree that:

  1. You have read and understood these Terms and Conditions
  2. You agree to be bound by these Terms
  3. You have read and understood our Privacy Policy
  4. You consent to the collection and use of your data as described
  5. You meet the eligibility requirements to use the App
  6. You will comply with all applicable laws and these Terms

Your acceptance is recorded at the time of account creation, including:

  • Timestamp of acceptance
  • Version of Terms accepted
  • Device information (user agent)

These Terms and Conditions were last updated on December 10, 2024.

Version: 1.0