Elphame Terms and Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Elphame ("Elphame," "we," "us," or "our"), accessible via elphame.com. By using our website or any related services (collectively, the "Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please discontinue use of Elphame immediately.

2. Eligibility

• Age Restriction: Elphame is intended for individuals who are at least 18 years old. By using Elphame, you represent and warrant that you meet this requirement.
• Optional Registration: You do not need to create an account to use Elphame. However, certain features may be available only to registered users.

3. Description of the Service

• Rabbit Hole Research: Elphame is a platform designed to help you explore topics in-depth by guiding you through interrelated ideas and resources.
• Third-Party Content and APIs:
  • Elphame integrates third-party APIs, including Google Images, to fetch or display external content.
  • We incorporate third-party AI services (e.g., Cerebras for hosting the Llama 3.1-8b model).
  • Any content or data from these external services is beyond our direct control.
• Notes and Journeys: Elphame allows you to take notes on topics you explore and share your "journeys" (research paths). These journeys are stored in encrypted form on our servers.
• Beta Status: Elphame is currently in beta, and features may be experimental or subject to change without notice.

4. User Accounts

• Optional Account Creation: Registering an account enables additional features (like saving more research journeys). You must provide accurate and current information.
• Account Security: You are responsible for safeguarding your login credentials. If you suspect unauthorized access to your account, contact us immediately at hello@elphame.com

5. Third-Party AI and External Services

• AI Providers: We rely on third-party AI services—including but not limited to Cerebras—to generate or assist with certain content. The Llama 3.1-8b model may be used in the background to facilitate text generation or streaming.
• No Warranties on AI Outputs: We do not control or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or legality of AI-generated content or external resources linked through Elphame. Use of AI-generated information is at your own risk.
• Compliance with Third-Party Terms: Your use of certain features in Elphame may be subject to the terms of these third-party providers.
• Attribution: We may display notices or attributions required by our third-party partners. You agree to abide by any attribution or usage guidelines set by those providers.

6. User Conduct

• Acceptable Use: You agree not to use Elphame for any unlawful purpose or in any way that could harm us or others.
• Content from External Sources: You acknowledge that content you see may come from external services that have their own content policies.
• No Minors: Elphame is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 18.

7. Intellectual Property

• Ownership:
  • Elphame retains all rights, title, and interest to its platform, code, and branding.
  • Third-party content and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.
• User-Sharing: You may share search results or "journeys" publicly via a link, provided it does not violate any intellectual property rights or laws.
• Third-Party Content: All images, text, or other materials fetched through APIs remain the property of the respective sources.

8. Privacy and Data Handling

• Privacy Policy: By using Elphame, you agree to our Privacy Policy.
• Data Storage:
  • We store user "journeys" and notes in encrypted form on our servers.
  • We do not access or decrypt these journeys.
  • Local data may be stored on your device.
• Email Communications:
  • By creating an account, you consent to receiving emails related to your account, such as password resets and security notices.
  • By creating an account, you also consent to receiving marketing emails about new features, updates, promotional content, product announcements, and other communications we believe may be of interest to you.
  • Marketing emails may include information about premium features, special offers, product tips, and platform updates.
  • You can unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time through the link provided in those emails.
• No Guaranteed Security: We employ reasonable measures to protect your data, but no system is foolproof. You use Elphame at your own risk.

9. Disclaimers

• Third-Party and AI Content:
  • Elphame uses external APIs for much of its content and functionality.
  • We make no warranties about the accuracy, reliability, or quality of such content.
• Beta Services:
  • Elphame is in beta and may contain bugs or errors.
  • We reserve the right to modify or remove features at any time without notice.
• "As Is" Basis: Except as required by law, Elphame is provided "as is" and "as available," without warranties of any kind.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent allowed by applicable law, Elphame will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of your use of or inability to use Elphame or third-party content.

11. Termination and Changes

• Termination: We may suspend or terminate your access to Elphame at any time, for any reason or no reason, without prior notice.
• Changes to Terms: These Terms may be updated at any time. The most current version will be posted at elphame.com/terms.

12. Governing Law

These Terms will be governed by and construed in accordance with applicable laws of the user's location or another relevant jurisdiction as determined by conflict-of-law principles. You agree to comply with all local laws in using Elphame.

13. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms, please contact us at: hello@elphame.com

14. Miscellaneous

• Severability: If any provision of these Terms is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect.
• Entire Agreement: These Terms and our Privacy Policy constitute the entire agreement between you and Elphame regarding your use of the Service.