1) Eligibility

• You must be at least 18 years of age (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction).
• You confirm you are legally capable of entering contracts and are using your true identity.

2) Platform Overview

Strings Social is a C2C + B2C hybrid marketplace enabling users to offer and book services. We facilitate discovery, listings, bookings, messaging, and payments.

• We do not employ, supervise, guarantee, or control the conduct or service quality of users.
• Community tools (reviews, ratings, reporting, ID verification, guidelines) help users make informed decisions but are not a guarantee.
• Use is also subject to our Community Governance Policy.

3) User Accounts

• Account Creation: Provide accurate, updated information.
• Security: You are responsible for safeguarding credentials and all activity under your account.
• Termination: We may suspend/terminate accounts violating these Terms or applicable laws.

4) User Responsibilities

Users are solely responsible for their behavior, communications, and services provided or received through the Platform.

• Provide truthful information; avoid misleading, harmful, or illegal content.
• Respect local laws, cultural norms, and fellow users; honor bookings and payments.
• Do not engage in illegal, abusive, fraudulent, or exploitative activities; no spam, malware, scraping, impersonation, or ban circumvention.

Zero‑Tolerance CSAE:

Any attempt to create, promote, or distribute Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation (CSAE) content results in immediate permanent ban and referral to law enforcement.

5) Service Listings & Bookings

• In‑Person Requirement: All services must be face‑to‑face and in person. Digital‑only services are not permitted.
• Listing Guidelines: Use platform templates and compliant media to publish offerings.
• Consumer Responsibilities: Review details before booking; bookings constitute a binding agreement with the Provider.

6) Payments & Fees

• Deemed Supplier Model: We issue invoices to the Consumer on behalf of the Service Provider at booking.
• Upfront Charges: Consumers pay the full amount at the time of booking.
• Payment Hold: Funds are held until service completion and Consumer acknowledgement.
• Provider Payouts: Payouts follow completion minus platform fees, applicable taxes (incl. GST), and transaction charges.
• GST Filing Responsibility: GST-registered Providers file/pay their GST; for non-registered, Strings Social discharges GST liability as deemed supplier.
• Refunds & Cancellations: Governed by the Cancellation & Refund Policy.

7) Dispute Resolution

We offer a dispute resolution mechanism for booking, payment, and service issues with defined timelines and escalation paths per our Dispute Resolution Policy.

8) Content Rights

• You retain ownership of your content.
• By posting, you grant Strings Social a worldwide, royalty‑free license to use, host, reproduce, and display such content for operational and promotional purposes.

9) Privacy

Use of the Platform is subject to our Privacy Policy. By using Strings Social, you consent to our data practices, including storage compliant with applicable laws.

10) Prohibited Activities

• Sexual or exploitative services/content (pornography, escorting, disguised suggestive listings).
• Narcotics & controlled substances; sale/promotion/use of illegal drugs or paraphernalia.
• Spam, automation, phishing, scraping, malware, or any harmful software.
• Harassment, defamation, threats, hate speech, or abusive behavior.
• Fraud, impersonation, fake accounts, or ban circumvention.
• Any activity violating local, national, or international law.

Violations may result in immediate and permanent suspension, content removal, and reporting to authorities.

11) Platform Availability

We strive for uninterrupted service but do not guarantee availability. Maintenance or unforeseen downtime may occur.

12) Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Strings Social and its affiliates from claims and liabilities arising from your conduct, services, content, or violations of these Terms or law.

13) Limitation of Liability

• Strings Social is a facilitation platform and is not liable for user conduct, service quality, or outcomes.
• No liability for indirect/special/consequential damages (loss of profits, data, goodwill, etc.).
• Liability Cap: Lesser of ₹5,000 INR or the commission Strings Social actually received for the specific transaction.
• These limitations apply regardless of legal theory (contract, tort, negligence, etc.).

14) Termination

• By Strings Social: We may suspend/restrict/terminate for violations, unlawful activity, risk, or non-compliance.
• By You: You may close your account; pending items will be handled per relevant policies.
• We may retain limited information for accounting/compliance/legal obligations after closure.
• Indemnification, liability limits, disputes, and governing law survive termination.

15) Modifications to Terms

• We may amend/update these Terms at any time; the current version will be available in-app or on our website.
• Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance. Optional notifications may be provided for significant changes.

16) Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of India. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

17) Contact & Grievance Officer (SPOC)