1. Agreement to Terms
By downloading, accessing, or using the QuakeTrack mobile application ("App"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not download or use this App.
These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and QuakeTrack ("we," "our," or "us").
2. Description of Service
QuakeTrack is a mobile application that provides:
- Real-time earthquake data from multiple seismic monitoring agencies
- Customizable earthquake alerts and notifications
- Interactive maps displaying earthquake locations
- Seismograph data visualization
- Community seismic detection features
- Felt report submission capabilities
The App is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for official emergency alerts or professional seismic analysis.
3. Eligibility
By using this App, you represent and warrant that you:
- Are at least 13 years of age (or the minimum age of digital consent in your country)
- Have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms
- Will use the App in accordance with these Terms
- Will not use the App for any illegal or unauthorized purpose
4. Account Registration
4.1 Account Creation
To access certain features, you must create an account using Firebase Authentication. You agree to:
- Provide accurate, current, and complete information
- Maintain the security of your account credentials
- Accept all risks of unauthorized access to your account
- Notify us immediately of any security breach
4.2 Account Responsibilities
You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account. You may not:
- Share your account credentials with others
- Transfer your account to another person
- Create multiple accounts for the same user
- Use another person's account without permission
5. User Conduct
You agree not to:
- Use the App for any illegal purpose or in violation of any laws
- Interfere with or disrupt the App or servers
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the App or its systems
- Use the App to transmit malware, viruses, or harmful code
- Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the App
- Remove any proprietary notices or labels from the App
- Use the App to harass, abuse, or harm others
- Submit false or misleading felt reports
- Interfere with community seismograph data collection
6. Data and Privacy
Your use of the App is also governed by our Privacy Policy. By using the App, you consent to the collection and use of information as outlined in the Privacy Policy.
7. Intellectual Property
7.1 Our Property
The App, including its features, design, graphics, and content, is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You agree not to:
- Copy, modify, or distribute App content
- Use our trademarks without permission
- Create derivative works based on the App
7.2 User Content
By submitting felt reports or other content to the App, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute that content within the App.
8. Earthquake Data Disclaimer
8.1 Data Sources
Earthquake data is provided by third-party agencies including:
- United States Geological Survey (USGS)
- European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC)
- South African Council for Geoscience (SEC)
We do not control the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this data.
8.2 Not an Official Alert System
QuakeTrack is NOT an official emergency alert system. For official earthquake warnings and emergency information, you should:
- Follow instructions from local emergency management agencies
- Monitor official government seismic monitoring services
- Sign up for official emergency alert systems in your area
- Follow guidance from local authorities during seismic events
8.3 No Warranty for Data Accuracy
We do not guarantee that earthquake data will be:
- Accurate, complete, or current
- Delivered without delays or interruptions
- Free from errors or omissions
9. Community Seismograph Feature
9.1 Participation
By enabling the Community Seismograph feature, you agree to:
- Allow the App to collect seismic data from your device's sensors
- Contribute this data to the community network
- Understand that data quality may vary based on device capabilities
9.2 Data Usage
Community seismic data may be:
- Shared with other users in anonymized form
- Used to generate community alerts
- Analyzed for research purposes
10. Third-Party Services
The App uses third-party services including:
- Firebase (Google): Authentication, database, cloud messaging, crash reporting
- Google Mobile Ads: Advertisement delivery
- Google Sign-In: Authentication
- USGS, EMSC, SEC: Earthquake data providers
Use of these services is subject to their respective terms and privacy policies.
11. Advertisements
The App may display advertisements through Google AdMob. You acknowledge that:
- Ads may be targeted based on your device information
- Ad content is controlled by third parties
- We are not responsible for ad content or accuracy
12. Disclaimer of Warranties
We do not warrant that:
- The App will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free
- Defects will be corrected
- The App will meet your requirements
- Earthquake alerts will be timely or accurate
13. Limitation of Liability
- Loss of profits, data, or business opportunities
- Personal injury or property damage
- Failure to receive earthquake alerts
- Reliance on earthquake data provided by the App
- Any other damages resulting from use of the App
Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid (if any) to use the App.
14. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless QuakeTrack from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:
- Your use of the App
- Your violation of these Terms
- Your submission of user content
- Your violation of any third-party rights
15. Termination
15.1 By You
You may terminate your account at any time by deleting your account through the App or contacting us.
15.2 By Us
We may suspend or terminate your access to the App at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice.
15.3 Effect of Termination
Upon termination, your right to use the App will immediately cease. All provisions of these Terms which by their nature should survive termination shall survive.
16. Modifications to the App
We reserve the right to:
- Modify or discontinue the App at any time
- Change features, functionality, or availability
- Remove content or features without notice
17. Changes to Terms
We may modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by:
- Posting the new Terms in the App
- Updating the "Last Updated" date
- Requiring you to accept the new Terms
Your continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.
18. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of South Africa, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
19. Dispute Resolution
19.1 Informal Resolution
Before filing a claim, you agree to try to resolve disputes by contacting us at support.quaketrack@gmail.com.
19.2 Arbitration
Any dispute arising from these Terms shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA).
19.3 Class Action Waiver
You waive any right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration.
20. International Use
The App is intended for users worldwide. You are responsible for compliance with local laws in your jurisdiction.
21. Children's Privacy
The App is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.
22. Contact Information
For questions about these Terms, contact us at:
- Email: support.quaketrack@gmail.com
- Website: https://quakewatch-89047796-c7f3c.web.app
23. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
24. Waiver
Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not be considered a waiver of those rights.
25. Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and QuakeTrack regarding the App.