Terms of Service

Effective Date: April 1, 2026 · Version 1.0

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the EmpathySystem platform (the "Services"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Services.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and EmpathySystem Inc. ("EmpathySystem," "we," "us"). We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify registered users of material changes at least 30 days before they take effect. Continued use of the Services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

2. Description of Services

EmpathySystem provides a participant-owned, privacy-first social engagement and support platform designed to help individuals navigate social services, build stability, and connect with resources. Our Services include:

  • Case Management Tools: Coordination between participants and case managers at enrolled organizations.
  • Seth AI Companion: An AI-powered conversational assistant that provides general guidance, resource suggestions, and encouragement. Seth is not a therapist, counselor, medical professional, or legal advisor.
  • Community Feed: A positive-only social space for sharing experiences and connecting with others.
  • Resource Directory: A searchable catalog of programs, services, and support resources.
  • Document Management: Secure storage and sharing of personal documents.
  • Impact Reporting: Privacy-preserving aggregated outcome reports for organizations and funders.

3. Eligibility

You must be at least 13 years old to use the Services. Users between ages 13 and 17 may use the platform only with the consent and oversight of a parent, guardian, or authorized case manager. By using the Services, you represent that you meet these eligibility requirements.

4. Account Registration & Security

To access certain features, you must create an account. You agree to:

  • Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration.
  • Maintain the security of your password and account credentials.
  • Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access to your account.
  • Accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account.

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms or pose a security risk.

5. Acceptable Use

You agree to use the Services only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You agree not to:

  • Post content that is abusive, harassing, threatening, hateful, or discriminatory.
  • Impersonate any person or entity, or misrepresent your affiliation with any person or entity.
  • Attempt to access another user's account or personal data without authorization.
  • Use the Services to distribute spam, malware, or other harmful content.
  • Interfere with or disrupt the Services, servers, or networks connected to the Services.
  • Attempt to reverse-engineer, decompile, or extract source code from the Services.
  • Use the Services in any way that violates applicable laws or regulations.
  • Scrape, mine, or collect user data from the platform without express written consent.

Our community operates on a positive-only algorithm principle. Content designed to provoke negativity, fear, shame, or harmful comparisons will be removed.

6. AI Services & Limitations

Our Services include AI-powered features, including the Seth AI Companion. By using these features, you acknowledge and agree that:

  • Not Professional Advice: Seth and all AI features provide general information and encouragement only. AI-generated content does not constitute medical, legal, financial, therapeutic, or professional advice of any kind.
  • No Guaranteed Accuracy: AI-generated responses may be incomplete, inaccurate, or not applicable to your specific situation. Always verify important information with qualified professionals.
  • Human Oversight: AI features are designed to augment, not replace, human support. Case managers maintain oversight of AI-suggested interventions. You may request human-only support at any time.
  • Consent-Based Access: AI features only access data buckets you have explicitly authorized. You can modify your AI consent settings at any time.
  • No Automated Decisions: AI is not used to make decisions about your eligibility for benefits, services, or opportunities. For details on how AI is used, see our AI Decision Notice.
  • Minor Suitability: Seth and AI features may not be suitable for all minors. Users between ages 13 and 17 should use AI features only with the oversight of a parent, guardian, or authorized case manager.
  • Safety Protocol: Our AI safety protocol, including crisis detection procedures and resources, is published at AI Safety Protocol.

7. User Content

You retain ownership of all content you submit to the Services ("User Content"), including posts, messages, documents, and profile information. By submitting User Content, you grant EmpathySystem a limited, non-exclusive license to store, process, and display your content solely for the purpose of providing the Services and as permitted by your consent settings.

Your data is yours. You control it. We will never sell your User Content, use it for advertising, or share it beyond the scope of your consent settings.

You are responsible for ensuring that your User Content does not violate the rights of any third party or any applicable law.

8. Intellectual Property

The Services, including all software, designs, text, graphics, logos, and other materials (excluding User Content), are the property of EmpathySystem Inc. and are protected by copyright, trademark, patent, and other intellectual property laws.

"EmpathySystem," "EmpathySystem.ai," "Seth," the Seth symbol ◎, and "MPT.social" are trademarks of EmpathySystem Inc. You may not use these marks without our prior written consent.

Patent pending. All rights reserved.

9. Privacy

Your use of the Services is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which describes how we collect, use, share, and protect your information. By using the Services, you consent to the practices described in our Privacy Policy.

10. Disclaimers

THE 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.

We do not warrant that the Services will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content obtained through the Services, including AI-generated content.

Emergency Services: The Services are not a substitute for emergency services. If you are in crisis or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988).

11. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, EMPATHYSYSTEM INC. AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF DATA, LOSS OF PROFITS, OR LOSS OF GOODWILL, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF THE SERVICES.

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE SERVICES SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID US, IF ANY, IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

12. Termination

You may stop using the Services and request account deletion at any time through your account settings or by contacting us at support@empathysystem.ai.

We may suspend or terminate your access to the Services if you violate these Terms, engage in conduct that is harmful to other users or the platform, or as required by law. We will provide reasonable notice when possible.

Upon termination, your right to use the Services ceases immediately. Subject to our Privacy Policy and applicable data retention requirements, your personal data will be deleted within 30 days of account deletion.

13. Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from these Terms or the Services shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, except that either party may seek injunctive relief in a court of competent jurisdiction.

You agree to resolve disputes on an individual basis. Class actions and class arbitrations are not permitted under these Terms.

14. Contact Us

For questions about these Terms:

  • Email: support@empathysystem.ai
  • Mail: EmpathySystem Inc., Attn: Legal, PO Box [TBD], California, USA