📋 Plain English Summary
Use Zero for legitimate private communication. Don't use it for illegal activities, harassment, or harm. We provide the service as-is with no data collection. You're responsible for your device's security and your local message backups.
1. Acceptance of Terms
By downloading, installing, or using Zero Messenger ("Zero," "the App," "the Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to these terms, do not use Zero.
2. Description of Service
Zero is a privacy-focused messaging application that provides:
- End-to-end encrypted messaging using post-quantum cryptography
- Encrypted voice and video calls
- Secure file sharing
- Zero server-side message storage
- Sealed sender metadata protection
Zero operates as a relay service only. Messages pass through our servers and are immediately deleted upon delivery. We do not store, read, or have access to your communications.
3. Privacy Commitment
Our privacy commitment is fundamental to these terms:
- We do not collect or store your messages
- We do not have access to your encryption keys
- We cannot see who messages whom (sealed sender)
- We do not collect personal information, analytics, or telemetry
- We do not sell, share, or monetize any user data
For complete details, please read our Privacy Policy.
4. User Responsibilities
By using Zero, you agree to:
- Use the service only for lawful purposes
- Not use Zero to harass, threaten, or harm others
- Not use Zero to distribute illegal content
- Not attempt to compromise the security of the service or other users
- Not reverse engineer, decompile, or attempt to extract source code
- Maintain the security of your own device
- Keep your app updated to the latest version
5. Prohibited Uses
You may not use Zero for:
- Any illegal activities under applicable law
- Harassment, stalking, or threatening behavior
- Distribution of malware or malicious content
- Spam or unsolicited bulk messaging
- Impersonation or fraud
- Distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM)
- Terrorism or incitement of violence
- Any activity that violates the rights of others
⚠️ Important Notice
While we cannot monitor message content due to our encryption architecture, we reserve the right to terminate accounts reported for prohibited uses. Users who violate these terms may be permanently banned from the service.
6. Account and Security
Account Creation: Zero accounts are pseudonymous. No phone number or email is required. You are identified by a randomly generated ID.
Security Features: Zero provides security features including PIN/password protection, biometric authentication, duress passwords, and stealth mode. You are responsible for configuring and using these features appropriately.
Device Security: Your messages are stored encrypted on your device. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your device, including keeping your operating system updated and using device encryption.
Recovery: Because we do not store your messages or encryption keys, we cannot help you recover lost messages. If you lose your device or delete the app without a backup, your messages are permanently lost.
7. Backups
Zero provides local encrypted backup functionality:
- Backups are encrypted with AES-256 and stored on your device
- We do not have access to your backups
- You are responsible for securing and maintaining your backups
- Lost backup passwords cannot be recovered
8. Intellectual Property
The Zero application, including its design, code, and branding, is protected by intellectual property laws. You may not:
- Copy, modify, or distribute the application
- Use Zero's branding or trademarks without permission
- Create derivative works based on Zero
- Remove any proprietary notices from the application
9. Disclaimer of Warranties
Zero is provided "as is" and "as available" 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
- Uninterrupted or error-free service
We do not warrant that the service will meet your specific requirements or that any errors will be corrected.
10. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Zero and its developers shall not be liable for:
- Any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
- Loss of data, profits, or business opportunities
- Any damages arising from your use or inability to use the service
- Any unauthorized access to your transmissions or data
- Any third-party conduct on the service
11. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Zero and its developers from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from:
- Your use of the service
- Your violation of these terms
- Your violation of any rights of another party
12. Service Modifications
We reserve the right to:
- Modify or discontinue the service at any time
- Update the application with new features or security improvements
- Change these terms with notice posted on our website
Continued use of Zero after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.
13. Termination
You may stop using Zero at any time by deleting the application. We may terminate or suspend access to the service immediately, without notice, for conduct that we believe:
- Violates these terms
- Is harmful to other users or the service
- Is illegal or potentially illegal
14. Governing Law
These terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with applicable laws, without regard to conflict of law principles.
15. Dispute Resolution
Any disputes arising from these terms or your use of Zero shall be resolved through good-faith negotiation. If negotiation fails, disputes shall be submitted to binding arbitration.
16. Severability
If any provision of these terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
17. Entire Agreement
These Terms of Use, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Zero regarding the use of the service.
18. Contact
For questions about these Terms of Use, please contact us:
Email: support@zeromessenger.org
🤝 Our Commitment
We built Zero because we believe private communication is a fundamental right. These terms exist to ensure the service remains available for legitimate use while protecting all users. We're committed to transparency, privacy, and building technology that respects your rights.