Terms of Service

Effective Date: 13 February 2025

Last Updated: 13 February 2025

Welcome to Neighbourly! These User Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between Neighbourly Technologies (Pty) Ltd ("Neighbourly," "we," "our," or "us") and you, the user of Neighbourly's website, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the "Platform"). Please carefully read these Terms before using the Platform. By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Platform.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
1.1. About Neighbourly
1.2. Acceptance of Terms
1.3. Changes to Terms
1.4. Contact Information

2. User Eligibility and Registration
2.1. Eligibility
2.2. Registration
2.3. Account Security
2.4. Account Types
2.5. Account Deactivation

3. User Categories and Account Types
3.1. Free Members
3.2. Paid Members
3.3. Businesses
3.4. Government Organizations

4. User Content and Conduct
4.1. User Content
4.2. Prohibited Content and Activities
4.3. Reporting Violations
4.4. Content Ownership
4.5. Content Removal and Suspension

5. Privacy and Data Collection
5.1. Privacy Policy
5.2. User Data Collection
5.3. Cookies and Tracking
5.4. Data Security
5.5. Third-Party Links

6. Community Guidelines
6.1. Respectful Conduct
6.2. Community Safety
6.3. Content Guidelines
6.4. Reporting Abuse

7. Intellectual Property
7.1. Copyright
7.2. Trademarks
7.3. License Grant
7.4. Copyright Infringement Claims

8. Advertising and Sponsored Content
8.1. Advertiser Terms
8.2. Sponsored Content
8.3. Ad Targeting
8.4. Refund Policy

9. Termination and Account Suspension
9.1. Termination by Users
9.2. Termination by Neighbourly
9.3. Consequences of Termination
9.4. Survival of Terms

10. Dispute Resolution
10.1. Binding Arbitration
10.2. Governing Law
10.3. Venue for Disputes
10.4. Injunctive Relief

11. Limitation of Liability
11.1. Disclaimer of Warranties
11.2. Limitation of Liability
11.3. Indemnification

12. General Provisions
12.1. Entire Agreement
12.2. Severability
12.3. Waiver
12.4. Assignment
12.5. Third-Party Beneficiaries
12.6. Headings
12.7. Contact Information

13. Legal Compliance and Governing Law
13.1. Compliance with Laws
13.2. Governing Law and Venue

14. Effective Date and Amendments
14.1. Effective Date
14.2. Amendments

1. Introduction

1.1. About Neighbourly

1.1.1. Neighbourly's Mission

Neighbourly is a neighborhood social media platform available as a website and mobile app for Android and iOS devices. Our mission is to connect neighbors, foster a sense of community, and enable meaningful interactions within neighborhoods.

1.1.2. Community Building

Neighbourly serves as a platform for residents, businesses, and government organizations to engage with one another, share information, and collaborate on local initiatives.

1.2. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the Platform, including our website and mobile apps, users agree to abide by these Terms, which constitute a legally binding agreement. Please read these terms carefully before using our Platform.

1.3. Changes to Terms

Neighbourly reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Users will be notified of significant changes. Continued use of the Platform after changes are made constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

1.4. Contact Information

For inquiries, questions, or concerns related to these Terms or Neighbourly's services, please contact our support team at [contact@email.com].

2. User Eligibility and Registration

2.1. Eligibility

To use Neighbourly, you must meet eligibility criteria:

- Individuals: Users must be at least 16 years old or meet the minimum age required by local data protection laws.
- Businesses and Government Organizations: Businesses and government organizations are also eligible to join Neighbourly.

2.2. Registration

2.2.1. User Registration

Users must complete the registration process to create an account. During registration, you agree to provide accurate and current information.

2.2.2. Business and Government Registration

Businesses and government organizations must register as entities and provide accurate information about their identity and purpose on Neighbourly.

2.3. Account Security

2.3.1. User Responsibilities

Users are responsible for maintaining the security of their accounts. This includes safeguarding login credentials and promptly reporting any unauthorized access.

2.3.2. Neighbourly's Commitment

Neighbourly employs security measures to protect user data. However, users acknowledge that no online platform is entirely free from risks, and they use Neighbourly at their own risk.

2.4. Account Types

Neighbourly offers different account types:

2.4.1. Free Members

- Free members can create profiles and access basic Neighbourly features.
- Profile branding may include sponsored content.

2.4.2. Paid Members

- Paid members enjoy enhanced features and an ad-free experience for a subscription fee.

2.4.3. Businesses

- Businesses can create profiles, advertise on Neighbourly, and engage with the community.
- Business accounts must adhere to Neighbourly's advertising policies.

2.4.4. Government Organizations

- Government organizations can create profiles to share important information, engage with residents, and collaborate on local initiatives.
- These organizations play a vital role in building community connections.

2.5. Account Deactivation

Users can deactivate or delete their accounts at any time. Deactivation will remove the user's profile and associated content from public view.



3. User Categories and Account Types

3.1. Free Members

Free members can create profiles and access basic Neighbourly features. However, their profiles may include sponsored content from advertisers.

3.2. Paid Members

Paid members subscribe to Neighbourly for a fee and enjoy enhanced features such as an ad-free experience. Paid subscriptions are subject to separate terms and pricing.

3.3. Businesses

Businesses on Neighbourly can create profiles, post updates, and advertise their products or services to the community. Business accounts must adhere to Neighbourly's advertising policies.

3.4. Government Organizations

Government organizations can create profiles to share important information, engage with residents, and collaborate on local initiatives. These organizations play a vital role in building community connections.

4. User Content and Conduct

4.1. User Content

4.1.1. Ownership

Users retain ownership of the content they post on Neighbourly. However, by posting content, users grant Neighbourly a non-exclusive license to use, display, and distribute that content on the platform.

4.1.2. User Responsibilities

Users are solely responsible for the content they post, ensuring it complies with these terms and applicable laws. Users must respect the intellectual property rights of others.

4.2. Prohibited Content and Activities

Neighbourly prohibits certain content and activities, including but not limited to:

- Hate speech, harassment, or bullying.
- False or misleading information.
- Spam or excessive self-promotion.
- Violations of intellectual property rights.
- Impersonation of individuals, businesses, or government organizations.

4.3. Reporting Violations

Users can report content or activities that violate these terms or Neighbourly's community guidelines. Neighbourly will investigate and take appropriate action.

4.4. Content Removal and Suspension

Neighbourly reserves the right to remove content and suspend or terminate accounts for violations of these terms. Serious violations may result in immediate termination.

5. Privacy and Data Collection

5.1. Privacy Policy

Users should review Neighbourly's Privacy Policy to understand how their data is collected, used, and protected.

5.2. User Data Collection

Neighbourly collects user data to provide and improve its services. Data collection is governed by Neighbourly's Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.

5.3. Cookies and Tracking

Neighbourly may use cookies and tracking technologies to enhance user experiences. Users can manage cookie preferences through their browser settings.

5.4. Data Security

Neighbourly implements security measures to protect user data. However, users acknowledge that no online platform is entirely risk-free.

5.5. Third-Party Links

Neighbourly may contain links to third-party websites. Neighbourly is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these sites.

6. Community Guidelines

6.1. Respectful Conduct

Users are expected to engage with respect, courtesy, and consideration for others within the Neighbourly community.

6.2. Community Safety

Neighbourly prioritizes community safety. Users are encouraged to report any safety concerns or suspicious activities.

6.3. Content Guidelines

Users must adhere to Neighbourly's content guidelines, ensuring that posted content is appropriate for all users.

6.4. Reporting Abuse

6.4.1. Reporting Mechanisms

Neighbourly encourages users to report any abusive behavior, harassment, or violations of community guidelines promptly. Users can report such incidents through the platform's reporting mechanisms, which may include reporting a specific post, comment, or user profile.

6.4.2. Investigation and Action

Upon receiving a report, Neighbourly will conduct a thorough investigation into the reported behavior. If a violation is confirmed, appropriate action will be taken, which may include content removal, warnings, temporary suspensions, or, in severe cases, permanent account termination.

6.4.3. Protection of Reporting Users

Neighbourly is committed to protecting users who report violations in good faith from any form of retaliation. Users can report any retaliatory actions, and Neighbourly will take appropriate measures to prevent such behavior.

7. Intellectual Property

7.1. Copyright

Users must respect copyright laws and should not post copyrighted content without proper authorization.

7.2. Trademarks

Users should respect trademark rights and avoid using trademarks without permission.

7.3. License Grant

7.3.1. User License

By posting content on Neighbourly, users grant Neighbourly a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, display, and distribute that content on the platform. This license is solely for the purpose of operating and improving Neighbourly's services.

7.3.2. Duration of License

This license continues for as long as the user's content remains on Neighbourly or until the user deletes their account. Once content is removed by the user or by Neighbourly, the license for that content terminates.

7.3.3. Content Retention

Neighbourly may retain and continue to display content even after a user's account is deactivated or deleted for a reasonable period, primarily for record-keeping and community continuity purposes.

7.4. Copyright Infringement Claims

7.4.1. Reporting Copyright Infringement

If a user believes their copyrighted work has been used on Neighbourly without authorization, they may submit a Copyright Infringement Report to Neighbourly's designated agent. This report should include specific information as outlined in Neighbourly's Copyright Infringement Policy.

7.4.2. Investigation and Action

Upon receipt of a valid Copyright Infringement Report, Neighbourly will investigate the claim promptly. If copyright infringement is confirmed, the infringing content will be removed, and appropriate action will be taken against the infringing user.

7.4.3. Counter-Notification

If a user believes their content was wrongly removed due to a copyright claim, they may submit a Counter-Notification to Neighbourly's designated agent. Neighbourly will then provide the claimant's information to the user who submitted the original Copyright Infringement Report. Legal action may be pursued by the claimant if necessary.

8. Advertising and Sponsored Content

8.1. Advertiser Terms

Advertisers on Neighbourly must adhere to separate advertising terms and policies.

8.2. Sponsored Content

Sponsored content on Neighbourly will be clearly labeled as such. Users should be aware that some content may be sponsored.

8.3. Ad Targeting

8.3.1. Ad Preferences

Neighbourly may use information provided by users, including their activity and interests on the platform, to display targeted advertising. Users can manage their ad preferences within their Neighbourly account settings.

8.3.2. Opting Out

Users who do not wish to receive targeted advertising can opt out of ad personalization in their account settings. This may result in the display of less relevant ads but will not affect the overall functionality of the platform.

8.3.3. Transparency

Neighbourly is committed to transparency in ad targeting. Users will be informed when they see an ad based on their activity or interests, and they can access an explanation of why they received a particular ad.

8.4. Refund Policy

8.4.1. Advertiser Refund Policy

Advertisers on Neighbourly are subject to a refund policy outlined in a separate document. This policy covers circumstances under which advertisers may be eligible for a refund and the process for requesting one.

8.4.2. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute regarding refunds or advertising services, Neighbourly will work with advertisers to resolve the issue amicably. If resolution is not achieved, the matter may be subject to the dispute resolution procedures outlined in Section 10.

9. Termination and Account Suspension

9.1. Termination by Users

Users can deactivate or delete their Neighbourly accounts at any time.

9.2. Termination by Neighbourly

Neighbourly reserves the right to terminate or suspend user accounts for violations of these Terms. Serious violations may result in immediate termination.

9.3. Consequences of Termination

9.3.1. Account Deactivation

Upon account deactivation, a user's profile and associated content will no longer be publicly accessible. However, some content may be retained by Neighbourly for a reasonable period as described in Section 7.3.3.

9.3.2. No Data Retrieval

Users acknowledge that once an account is deactivated or deleted, Neighbourly is not responsible for retrieving any content or data associated with that account. Users are encouraged to back up their content if desired before account termination.

9.3.3. Prohibited Re-registration

Users whose accounts have been terminated may not re-register on Neighbourly under a different identity or with a different account unless granted explicit permission by Neighbourly.

10. Dispute Resolution

10.1. Binding Arbitration

Users agree that any disputes with Neighbourly will be resolved through binding arbitration, with limited exceptions.

10.2. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of [Your Jurisdiction].

10.3. Venue for Disputes

Users agree that any legal action or proceedings arising out of or related to these Terms must be brought in the appropriate court located in [Your Jurisdiction].

10.4. Injunctive Relief

10.4.1. Neighbourly's Right to Seek Injunctive Relief

In addition to arbitration, Neighbourly reserves the right to seek injunctive relief, such as a court-issued injunction, to prevent or halt actions or behavior that pose an immediate threat or cause significant harm to Neighbourly, its users, or the community. This may be pursued alongside or independently of arbitration.

10.4.2. Court Intervention

Neighbourly may seek court intervention to enforce or defend its rights, protect the platform's integrity, or respond to actions that violate the law or these Terms.

11. Limitation of Liability

11.1. Disclaimer of Warranties

Neighbourly provides the Platform "as is" without warranties of any kind. Users acknowledge that Neighbourly does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or availability of the Platform.

11.2. Limitation of Liability

Neighbourly is not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from the use of the Platform.

11.3. Indemnification

11.3.1. User's Obligation to Indemnify

Users agree to indemnify and hold harmless Neighbourly, its affiliates, officers, employees, and partners from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses (including attorney's fees) arising out of or in connection with their use of Neighbourly, their violation of these Terms, or their violation of any rights of another.

11.3.2. Neighbourly's Right to Defense

Neighbourly reserves the right to assume the defense and control of any matter subject to indemnification by a user, in which case the user agrees to cooperate with Neighbourly's defense of the claim.

12. General Provisions

12.1. Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between users and Neighbourly regarding the Platform and supersede any prior agreements.

12.2. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect.

12.3. Waiver

Neighbourly's failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision.

12.4. Assignment

Users may not assign or transfer their rights or obligations under these Terms without Neighbourly's prior written consent.

12.5. Third-Party Beneficiaries

These Terms do not confer any rights or benefits to third-party beneficiaries.

12.6. Headings

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

12.7. Contact Information

For inquiries or concerns related to these Terms or Neighbourly's services, contact Neighbourly's support team at support@neighbourly.global.

13. Legal Compliance and Governing Law

13.1. Compliance with Laws

Users must comply with all applicable laws while using Neighbourly.

13.2. Governing Law and Venue

13.2.1. Jurisdiction and Venue

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any legal action or proceedings arising out of or related to these Terms must be brought in the appropriate court located in Republic of South Africa.

14. Effective Date and Amendments

14.1. Effective Date

These terms are effective as of 13 February 2025.

14.2. Amendments

Neighbourly may amend these terms at any time. Significant changes will be communicated to users.

Neighbourly Technologies (Pty) Ltd  
info@neighbourly.global
PostNet Suite # 046, Private Bag X9190
V&A Waterfront, S Arm Rd, The Clocktower, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, 8001 
+27 67 009 8723
neighbourly.global