Terms of Service

Effective Date: April 4, 2026

Summary: These Terms of Service govern your use of the Buddy mobile application operated by iBuddy Technologies Inc. By creating an account or using the App, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. Please read them carefully. You may opt out of marketing communications at any time through your Settings.

Acceptance of Terms
Service Description
User Accounts
Eight-Layer Safety and Verification System
Buddy Terms
Payment Terms
AI-Powered Features
Prohibited Conduct
Termination and Suspension
Intellectual Property
Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability
Dispute Resolution
Governing Law
General Provisions
Changes to These Terms
Contact Information

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you and iBuddy Technologies Inc. ("iBuddy," "we," "us," or "our") governing your use of the Buddy mobile application ("App") and all related services ("Services"). By creating an account, accessing, or using the App, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use the App.

Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the United States to use the App. By using the App, you represent and warrant that you meet these requirements.

Definitions

"App" or "Platform" means the Buddy mobile application and the website at www.ibuddytechnologies.com
"Client" means a user who books Buddy services
"Companion" or "Buddy" means a verified independent service provider who provides services through the Platform
"User" means any person who accesses or uses the App or Website (Client, Companion, or visitor)
"Session" means a scheduled or on-demand Buddy service booking
"Service Lane" means one of the three categories of services offered through the Platform: Companionship, Support, or Errands
"Buddy Type" means a specific service category within a Service Lane (e.g., Gym Buddy, Sober Companion, Surgery Buddy)
"Content" means any text, images, video, audio recordings, reviews, or other materials submitted through the App

2. Service Description

Buddy is an AI-powered online marketplace platform that connects Clients with verified, independent Buddies (Companions) across three service lanes:

Companionship Lane: Activities, outings, and social connection. Buddy Types include Gym Buddy, Movie Buddy, Dining Buddy, Concert Buddy, Beach Buddy, Dancing Buddy, Walk Buddy, Travel Buddy, and Special Events Buddy.
Support Lane: Certified sober companions and recovery coaches providing professional recovery support. Buddy Types include Sober Companion and Recovery Coach. This lane requires additional certifications and a minimum of 2 years of personal sobriety.
Errands Lane: Everyday tasks, pickups, and appointments. Buddy Types include Grocery Runs, Pharmacy Pickups, Surgery Buddy, Dog Walking, and Everyday Tasks.

iBuddy Technologies Inc. is a technology platform provider only. Companions set their own rates per lane and choose which lanes they operate in.

Important Disclaimers

We are NOT a healthcare provider, medical facility, or treatment center

We do NOT employ companions. All companions are independent contractors

We do NOT provide medical, therapeutic, counseling, or clinical services

We are NOT a substitute for professional substance abuse treatment, medical care, or emergency services

We do NOT guarantee any specific outcomes

The platform facilitates connections between Clients and Companions but does not directly provide companion, support, or errand services

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Registration

To use the App, you must create an account. Registration requires: phone number verification, full name, email address, email verification via one-time password (OTP), and password creation. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information and to update your information as necessary.

3.2 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials. You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized access to your account. You may not share your account credentials with any other person.

3.3 One Account Per Person

Each individual may maintain only one account. Creating multiple accounts is a violation of these Terms and may result in permanent termination of all associated accounts.

3.4 Dual-Role Accounts

Users may operate as both a Client and a Companion simultaneously. Each role requires separate onboarding and is subject to its own specific terms and requirements. Suspension or termination of one role may or may not affect the other role (see Section 8.4).

3.5 Communication Preferences

The App provides the following notification controls in Settings:

Push notifications (toggle on/off)
Email notifications (toggle on/off)
Session reminders (toggle on/off)
SMS marketing (opt out by replying STOP to any marketing message)
Email marketing (unsubscribe via the link included in every marketing email)

Critical transactional messages related to bookings, payments, safety alerts, and account security cannot be disabled while your account is active.

We maintain an email bounce tracking and suppression system. If your email address generates bounces or complaints, it may be added to our suppression list to protect our email deliverability. You may request removal from the suppression list by contacting support.

4. Eight-Layer Safety and Verification System

Buddy implements a comprehensive eight-layer safety system to protect all users. By using the Platform, you agree to comply with all safety protocols described below.

4.1 Pre-Onboarding Requirements (Before Activation)

All companions must complete the following before being activated on the Platform: criminal background check through our licensed provider, and government-issued photo ID verification (document numbers securely hashed). Companions registering for the Support lane must additionally provide required professional certifications (across five certification categories: Peer Support Specialist, Recovery Coach, Certified Addiction Counselor, Licensed Addiction Counselor, and Sober Companion/Coach) and verification of a minimum of 2 years of personal sobriety. Companionship and Errands lane companions are not required to hold sobriety-related certifications.

4.2 Layer 1: Profile Photo Lock

Once a companion uploads their profile photo during onboarding, it is permanently locked. Only administrators may change a locked profile photo, and re-verification is required after any change.

4.3 Layer 2: Video Introductions

Companions record a video introduction during onboarding. Clients can review this video before booking to confirm the companion's identity and demeanor.

4.4 Layer 3: Live Facial Verification (Scheduled Sessions)

Before every scheduled session, companions must pass a live facial verification selfie compared against their locked profile photo. A minimum AI-generated match score is required. Failure results in automatic session cancellation and account suspension pending review.

4.5 Layer 4: Real-Time GPS Tracking

During all active sessions, real-time GPS location is tracked for safety purposes. This enables ETA calculations for clients, emergency contact alerts during SOS events, and creates an audit trail for safety investigations.

4.6 Layer 5: On-Demand Urgent Verification

For on-demand (immediate) requests, companions must pass heightened verification: a photo verification AND a video verification, both requiring elevated AI match scores. Verification must be completed within a short time window. Failure results in suspension pending review, and the request is reassigned to another companion.

4.7 Layer 6: En Route Video Verification

While traveling to a client, companions record a short video that is compared via AI to their profile video. The client receives this video before the companion arrives.

4.8 Layer 7: At-the-Door Client Approval Gate

Upon arrival, the companion takes a final selfie at the client's location. The client sees a side-by-side comparison of this selfie with the companion's locked profile photo. The client must approve the companion's identity before the session begins. Rejection triggers a full refund and companion account suspension pending review.

4.9 Layer 8: Emergency Safety Features

One-tap 911 dialing
SOS button with a 3-second confirmation countdown
Automatic GPS capture and SMS alert to emergency contacts upon SOS activation
Ride detection for enhanced safety
Trust and Safety team notification upon all emergency events
Crisis resource hotlines: SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) and 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

5. Buddy Terms

5.1 Independent Contractor Status

Companions are independent contractors and are NOT employees, agents, or representatives of iBuddy Technologies Inc. As independent contractors, companions are solely responsible for:

Their own federal, state, and local taxes (IRS Form 1099 will be provided for applicable earnings)
Obtaining and maintaining their own insurance coverage
Complying with all applicable laws and regulations
Setting their own rates and availability

5.2 Scope of Practice

Permitted Activities (All Lanes):

Companionship, social connection, and emotional support
Accompaniment to activities, outings, appointments, and events
Assistance with everyday errands (grocery runs, pharmacy pickups, dog walking, etc.)
Surgery and medical appointment accompaniment (non-medical support only)
Calling 911 in emergencies
Session documentation and reporting
Transportation assistance

Permitted Activities (Support Lane Only):

Sobriety monitoring and accountability
Accompaniment to recovery meetings
Recovery coaching and peer support
Administration of Narcan/naloxone (if certified)

Prohibited Activities (All Lanes)

Diagnosing any medical or mental health condition

Providing therapy, counseling, or clinical treatment

Prescribing or administering any medication (except Narcan for certified Support lane companions)

Handling, transporting, or disposing of illegal substances

Being present during active substance use

Guaranteeing any specific outcomes (recovery or otherwise)

Providing legal, financial, or medical advice

Performing any medical, nursing, or clinical procedures

5.3 Certification and Ongoing Requirements

Companions must maintain current certifications as required by their approved care level. Criminal background checks must be renewed annually. Failure to maintain certifications or pass a renewal background check will result in account suspension until requirements are met.

5.4 Insurance Recommendations

While not required by the platform, we strongly recommend that companions obtain:

General liability insurance ($1,000,000 to $2,000,000 coverage)
Professional liability/errors and omissions insurance ($1,000,000 coverage)
Abuse and molestation coverage
Commercial auto insurance (if transporting clients)

iBuddy Technologies Inc. does NOT provide liability coverage for companions.

5.5 Automatic Suspension Triggers

Companion accounts may be automatically suspended for:

Failing facial verification (below required threshold)
Client rejection of verification photo at the door
Average rating falling below 60%
Safety policy violations
Failure to maintain required certifications

Suspended companions may submit an appeal explaining the circumstances. Appeals are reviewed by our Trust and Safety team. Decisions are typically rendered within 3-5 business days.

6. Payment Terms

6.1 Client Subscription Plans

Free: $0/month — Basic platform access, 10 AI companion messages/month, 10% service fee on bookings
Basic: $9.99/month — Unlimited AI messages, conversation history, daily recovery content
Premium: $29.99/month — Voice conversations, priority companion matching, crisis support features
VIP Companion Pass: $99.99/month — Reduced 5% service fee, no surge pricing, $20 in monthly booking credits
Lifetime Access: $499.99 one-time — All Premium features permanently, $20 monthly booking credits, no recurring fees

6.2 Companion Subscription Plans

Free: $0/month — Access to all booking types, surge pricing eligible, 20% platform fee
Premium: $79.99/month — Priority listing in search results, analytics dashboard, 17% platform fee
Pro: $149.99/month — Featured badge, guaranteed lead placement, advanced analytics, 15% platform fee

6.3 Session Fees

Companion platform fee: 20% of session price (17% for Premium, 15% for Pro subscribers)
Client service fee: 10% of session price (5% for VIP subscribers)
Companions set their own hourly and daily rates
All payments are processed securely through Stripe

6.4 On-Demand Payment Model

For on-demand (immediate) companion requests:

On-demand requests are available in three session types: Crisis (2-hour minimum), Support (1-hour minimum), and Accountability (flexible duration)
A pre-authorized hold is placed on the client's saved payment card after the companion passes verification
The hold is captured (charged) upon session completion
The hold is released (no charge) if the session is cancelled before it begins
If the payment hold fails for any reason (no saved card, insufficient funds, card declined), the request is automatically re-pooled to other companions and the original companion is NOT dispatched
This system operates on a fail-closed basis: no successful payment hold means no companion dispatch
On-demand requests expire automatically after 10 minutes if no companion accepts
Surge pricing may apply during periods of high demand. VIP subscribers are exempt from surge pricing
Cancellation after companion dispatch may result in a partial cancellation fee

6.5 Cancellation and Refund Policy

48+ hours before session: 100% refund
24-48 hours before session: 50% refund
Less than 24 hours before session: No refund
Client rejection of companion at door (verification failure): 100% refund
Safety-related cancellation (by either party): 100% refund

Refunds are processed through the original payment method and may take 5-10 business days to appear.

6.6 Companion Payouts

Automatic Weekly Payout: Processed every Monday at 12:00 AM UTC, no fee, standard 7-day bank transfer.

Instant Payout: Available anytime, 1% processing fee, immediate transfer to debit card or bank account.

Payout Methods: Bank account (ACH), debit card (instant), Venmo, Zelle. All payouts are processed through Stripe Connect.

7. AI-Powered Features

7.1 AI Companion Chat

The App includes an AI-powered companion chat feature that provides automated conversational support. This feature uses third-party AI language model providers to generate responses. The AI companion is NOT a licensed therapist, counselor, medical professional, or substitute for professional care. AI-generated responses are for informational and emotional support purposes only.

7.2 Voice Conversation Mode

The App supports bidirectional voice conversations with the AI companion, including:

Speech-to-text transcription of your voice input using third-party transcription services
Text-to-speech audio responses using third-party voice synthesis services
Multiple selectable voice options (male and female presets)
Support for English and Spanish languages

Voice recordings are processed in real time and are not permanently stored after transcription is complete.

7.3 AI Usage Limits

AI companion chat usage is subject to the message limits of your subscription tier. When your message limit is reached, you will need to upgrade your subscription to continue using AI features.

7.4 AI Content Disclaimer

AI-generated content may contain errors, inaccuracies, or inappropriate responses. iBuddy Technologies Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or appropriateness of AI-generated content. The AI companion does NOT have access to real-time information, cannot make emergency calls, and should NOT be relied upon in crisis situations. If you are experiencing a crisis, use the SOS emergency feature or call 911 directly.

8. Prohibited Conduct

You agree NOT to:

Engage in harassment, threats, intimidation, or violence toward any user
Use the Platform for any illegal activity
Provide false, misleading, or fraudulent information
Circumvent Platform payment processing (e.g., arranging off-platform payments)
Create multiple accounts to evade a ban or suspension
Impersonate another person or entity
Share your account credentials with others
Use the Services while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances (applicable to companions during sessions)
Solicit clients or companions for off-platform services
Record sessions without the consent of all parties
Engage in discriminatory behavior based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic
Tamper with, circumvent, or attempt to defeat any safety verification system

9. Termination and Suspension

8.1 Temporary Suspensions

We may temporarily suspend your account for violations of these Terms. Temporary suspensions range from 24 hours to 30 days depending on the severity of the violation. Your account will be automatically reinstated after the suspension period expires. You will be notified via email and in-app notification. Repeated violations result in escalating suspension durations.

8.2 Permanent Bans

We may permanently ban your account for:

Fraud, identity theft, or use of fraudulent documents
Violence, threats of violence, or sexual misconduct
Repeated safety verification failures or policy violations
Ban evasion attempts

8.3 Ban Evasion Prevention

We employ multiple identification and verification methods to detect and prevent banned users from creating new accounts, including device-level checks, document verification, and biometric comparison.

Attempted ban evasion will result in immediate and permanent termination of the new account.

8.4 Dual-Role Ban Architecture

Our suspension and ban system recognizes the unique needs of the recovery community:

A banned companion may retain their client access (compassionate recovery principle — we do not cut off someone from recovery support services)

A banned client may NOT register as a companion (safety priority — client-side violations indicate a safety risk for the companion role)

A both-role suspension blocks all access to the App, including login

Each determination is made on a case-by-case basis by our Trust and Safety team

8.5 Voluntary Termination

You may delete your account at any time through the App Settings. Upon account deletion:

Your data will be retained per the retention schedule in our Privacy Policy
Any active bookings will be cancelled with the applicable refund policy
Companion earnings that have been processed will still be paid out
Your account information will be anonymized within 90 days (except where legal retention is required)

10. Intellectual Property

The App, including all content, features, functionality, design, trademarks, logos, and service marks, is owned by iBuddy Technologies Inc. and is protected by United States and international intellectual property laws.

Your License:

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use the App for its intended purpose, subject to these Terms.

User Content License:

By submitting content (reviews, photos, videos, messages) through the App, you grant iBuddy Technologies Inc. a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, and display such content in connection with operating and improving the Platform.

Restrictions:

You may not:

Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble any part of the App
Scrape, crawl, or use automated means to access the App
Copy, modify, or create derivative works of the App
Remove any copyright, trademark, or proprietary notices

11. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

10.1 Disclaimers

THE APP AND SERVICES ARE 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, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. iBuddy Technologies Inc. does not warrant that the App will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure.

We are NOT a healthcare provider and do NOT provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

We do NOT employ companions and are NOT responsible for their actions or omissions.

We do NOT guarantee any specific recovery outcomes.

10.2 Companion Liability

Companions operate as independent contractors and are solely responsible for their own actions and omissions during sessions. iBuddy Technologies Inc. is not liable for the acts, errors, omissions, representations, warranties, or negligence of any companion. Companions may be protected by Good Samaritan laws when providing emergency assistance in good faith.

10.3 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL iBUDDY TECHNOLOGIES INC., ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, REGARDLESS OF THE CAUSE OF ACTION OR THE THEORY OF LIABILITY.

OUR TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR YOUR USE OF THE APP SHALL NOT EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF PLATFORM FEES PAID BY YOU IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM.

10.4 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless iBuddy Technologies Inc. and its officers, directors, employees, contractors, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising out of or relating to:

Your use or misuse of the App
Your violation of these Terms
Your violation of any applicable law or regulation
Any content you submit through the App
Your negligence or willful misconduct

12. Dispute Resolution

11.1 Informal Resolution

Before initiating formal proceedings, you agree to first attempt to resolve any dispute informally by contacting us at legal@ibuddytechnologies.com. We will attempt to resolve the dispute through good-faith negotiation for a period of 30 days.

11.2 Binding Arbitration

If informal resolution is unsuccessful, any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or the App shall be resolved by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules. Arbitration shall be conducted on an individual basis only. The arbitration shall take place in the State of Delaware or may be conducted remotely via video conference at the arbitrator's discretion. Each party shall bear its own costs and attorney fees unless the arbitrator determines otherwise.

11.3 Class Action Waiver

YOU AGREE TO WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL. YOU AGREE TO WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION, COLLECTIVE ACTION, PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ACTION, OR ANY OTHER REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.

Opt-Out Right: You may opt out of this arbitration agreement and class action waiver by sending written notice to legal@ibuddytechnologies.com within 30 days of creating your account. Your notice must include your full name, account email, and a clear statement that you wish to opt out.

If the class action waiver is found to be unenforceable, the entire arbitration provision shall be null and void, and disputes shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in Delaware.

11.4 Exceptions to Arbitration

The following are excluded from the arbitration requirement:

Disputes eligible for small claims court
Requests for injunctive or equitable relief related to intellectual property infringement
Emergency safety matters requiring immediate judicial intervention

13. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles. The Federal Arbitration Act governs the interpretation and enforcement of the arbitration provisions in Section 11.

14. General Provisions

Entire Agreement: These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and any applicable supplemental terms, constitute the entire agreement between you and iBuddy Technologies Inc. regarding the App.
Severability: If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
No Waiver: Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.
Assignment: We may assign or transfer these Terms and our rights hereunder without your consent. You may not assign your rights or obligations under these Terms.
Force Majeure: We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, government actions, technology infrastructure failures, or acts of terrorism.
Notices: We may provide notices to you via email, in-app notification, or by posting on the App. You may provide notices to us at the contact information in Section 15.

15. Changes to These Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. For material changes, we will provide at least 30 days advance notice via email and in-app notification before the changes take effect. Your continued use of the App after the effective date of any changes constitutes your acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree with the modified Terms, you must stop using the App and delete your account.

16. Contact Information

Legal Inquiries legal@ibuddytechnologies.com

General Support support@ibuddytechnologies.com

Phone +1 (866) 690-8444

Website www.ibuddytechnologies.com

Mailing Address Available upon request via legal@ibuddytechnologies.com