Effective from: October 1, 2024

Introduction

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

1. 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 strive to maintain a safe and respectful platform. The following activities are strictly prohibited:

  • Harassment or Bullying: Any behavior that threatens, intimidates, or targets 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: Engaging in or promoting illegal activities, including but not limited to drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, or terrorism.
  • Impersonation: Falsely representing another person, organization, or brand without authorization.
  • Explicit Content: Posting pornographic, violent, or other inappropriate content that violates local laws or platform standards.
  • Cybercrime: Engaging in hacking, phishing, spreading malware or viruses, or any unauthorized activities aimed at compromising the platform’s security.
  • Misuse of Personal Information: Collecting or sharing personal data without consent, violating privacy laws, including GDPR.
  • Spam: Sending unsolicited messages or advertisements, or engaging in activities that disrupt the normal use of the platform.
  • Exploiting System Vulnerabilities: Attempting to exploit bugs, manipulate the platform, reverse engineer, or use software to disrupt the platform.

3. Responsibility for Content

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 content that violates these TOS.

4. Reporting Violations

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

5. Legal Obligations and Cooperation with Authorities

We reserve the right to cooperate with law enforcement and government authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and beyond. The following activities may be reported to authorities:

  • Threats of violence or endangerment
  • Exploitation or abuse of children
  • 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 disclose user data or relevant information when legally required.

6. Account Suspension

Violations of these terms may result in the suspension or permanent termination of your account. In serious cases, we may restrict access to certain features or report violations to the relevant authorities.

7. Privacy and Data Processing

Your privacy is important to us. For details on how we collect, use, and protect your personal information, please refer to 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. Changes to the TOS

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

9. Governing Law

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

10. No Participation in EU Dispute Resolution

We are not obliged to participate in any dispute resolution procedures before a consumer arbitration board and do not participate in such procedures.