Terms of Use

Last Updated: 11/12/2025

GLOBAL INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Buddy: For a Better You ("Buddy"). Buddy is a global platform operated by Cold Brew Tech Private Limited ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") that enables users to connect with independent Support Coaches for wellness-focused audio and video interactions.

These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your access and use of the Buddy mobile application and associated services ("Platform").

Because Buddy operates internationally, these Terms are organized into:

  • Section 1 – Global Terms (apply to all users worldwide)
  • Section 2 – Additional Terms for Users Accessing Buddy from India
  • Section 3 – Additional Terms for Users Accessing Buddy Outside India (including specific terms applicable to users in the United States)

If there is any conflict between the Global Terms and the regional terms that apply to your location of access, the regional terms prevail.

By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you must stop using the Platform.

SECTION 1 : GLOBAL TERMS (APPLICABLE TO ALL USERS)

1. About the Platform

Buddy provides a digital platform enabling users to connect with independent Support Coaches for personal well-being conversations, self-improvement topics, motivation, and general life support. Support Coaches are not medical professionals, not licensed therapists, and do not provide clinical, diagnostic, or therapeutic services.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old and have legal capacity to enter into a contract. Users under 18 are not permitted to use the Platform under any circumstances.

3. Account Registration

You must provide accurate information during registration and keep your account credentials secure. You are responsible for all activity occurring under your account.

4. Prohibited Conduct

All users, in every region, must NOT:

  • Harass, threaten, or abuse Support Coaches or users
  • Record audio or video sessions without clear consent
  • Upload illegal, harmful, explicit, or hateful content
  • Use Buddy for medical emergencies or licensed mental healthcare
  • Impersonate any licensed health professional
  • Interfere with or attempt to breach Platform security
  • Engage in fraud, scams, or deceptive practices

5. User Content

Users retain ownership of content they share but grant Buddy a limited license to operate and improve the service. Content may be removed for violations of these Terms.

6. Audio/Video Interaction Rules

You agree:

  • Not to record or capture any session without explicit consent
  • Not to request explicit content
  • Not to share harmful or illegal material
  • Not to coerce, manipulate, or pressure Support Coaches

7. Support Coaches are Independent Contractors

Support Coaches:

  • Are not employees of Buddy
  • Operate independently
  • Set their own style of interaction within community guidelines

Buddy does not control or endorse their statements.

8. Safety Disclaimer

Buddy does not provide:

  • Counseling
  • Psychotherapy
  • Diagnosis
  • Emergency crisis support

If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.

9. Termination

Buddy may suspend or terminate accounts for violations of these Terms. Users may delete their accounts at any time.

10. Updates

The Platform may require updates for continued use. Updates may be automatically installed depending on device settings.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Buddy is not responsible for:

  • Emotional distress
  • Technical failures
  • User misconduct
  • Loss of data
  • Indirect or consequential damages

Regional-specific liability provisions appear in Sections 2 and 3.

SECTION 2 - ADDITIONAL TERMS FOR USERS ACCESSING BUDDY FROM INDIA

CHANGES TO SERVICES

Our Platform is dynamic and may change rapidly. As such, we may change the services we provide at our discretion. We may temporarily or permanently stop providing Services or any features to you generally.

We may remove or add functionalities to our Platform and Services without any notice. However, if we make a change where your consent is required, we will make sure to ask for it. Please be sure to keep visiting this page from time to time to stay updated on our latest changes and developments.

WHO MAY USE OUR SERVICES

Our platform connects you with experts across various fields and allows you to share content, including images and videos. While you may seek suggestions or advice from these experts, we do not guarantee the accuracy of such information. Users are encouraged to exercise their own discretion before acting on any recommendations. ("Service/Services")

To use our Services, you must register on our Platform by entering your phone number and the One-Time-Password sent by us via SMS to your phone number. You may use our Services only if you are capable of forming a binding agreement with us and are legally permitted to use our Services. If you are accepting these Terms on behalf of a company or any legal persons, then you represent and warrant that you have the authority to bind such an entity to these Terms and effectively "you" and "your" shall refer to the company.

PRIVACY POLICY

To effectively provide and introduce any new Services to you, we collect certain information such as your phone number, your gender and your name from you. We may further request and store additional information. The Buddy Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share and store the information collected. The Buddy Privacy Policy also details your rights under law and how you may control the data you provide us.

DELIVERY, CANCELLATION AND REFUND

No refund shall be processed on the order of any reports under any circumstances if the order has reached the "processing" stage. The risk and liability of placing order in a haste and careless manner totally lies with the User and the platform is not responsible for any refund once the processing stage has started.

Any technical delay or glitch reported in the platform during the processing of the request which includes generating reports by the service provider shall not be eligible for claiming refund. The User agrees that the timelines are approximate and all essential steps would be taken to adhere to the timelines as displayed.

No refund shall be processed for the reason that in-correct information or data has been provided by You. The User agrees to be careful while providing any information to the Platform and must re-check the information filled before clicking on "Submit". The User can request for change in the in-correct information or data entered provided, the request for such change has been made with the customer care within 1 (one hour) of execution of the service rendered by the service provider.

In case the platform or Payment gateway's webpage, that is linked to the platform, is experiencing any server related issues like 'slow down' or 'failure' or 'session timeout', the User shall, before initiating the second payment, check whether his/her Bank Account has been debited or not and accordingly resort to one of the following options:

  • In case the Bank Account appears to be debited, ensure that you do not make the payment twice and immediately thereafter contact us via customer care to confirm payment.
  • In case the Bank Account is not debited, the User may initiate a fresh transaction to make payment.

If there are orders that the Platform is unable to accept and must cancel, the Platform at its sole discretion, reserves the right to refuse or cancel any order for any reason whatsoever. Some situations may result in the order being cancelled and include, without limitation, non-availability of the service, inaccuracy, error in pricing information or other problems as identified. If the User's order is cancelled after charges being paid against the said service, the said amount paid for booking shall be refunded.

These Terms of Use constitute the complete agreement between you and Cold Brew Tech Private Limited regarding your use of the Buddy Platform.

For any questions regarding these Terms, please contact us through the grievance redressal mechanisms provided above.

SECTION 3 - ADDITIONAL TERMS FOR USERS ACCESSING BUDDY OUTSIDE INDIA

1. Nature of Services

Buddy provides wellness-oriented conversations. Support Coaches are not licensed therapists, counselors, psychologists, or medical professionals.

Buddy does not provide:

  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Therapy
  • Crisis support
  • Medical advice

2. Emergency & Crisis

If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, harm to others, or any crisis:

  • Call 911 (United States)
  • Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • Contact local emergency services

Buddy cannot and does not provide emergency assistance.

3. Child Safety (U.S. and international)

Buddy complies with:

  • COPPA
  • U.S. Federal CSAM laws

Any suspected child exploitation content will be reported to NCMEC and law enforcement.

4. Refunds

Because Support Coaches provide real-time human interaction:

Completed minutes are non-refundable

Refunds may be issued for:

  • Coach no-shows
  • Technical failures
  • Duplicate charges
  • Verified payment errors

Refund requests must be made within 72 hours.

5. Payment Terms

Payments may be processed via:

  • Apple In-App Purchases
  • Stripe or other approved processors

Support Coaches are independent contractors and responsible for their own taxes.

6. Recording of Sessions

You are strictly prohibited from recording, screen capturing, or distributing any part of audio or video sessions without express consent.

7. Privacy

For users in applicable jurisdictions:

  • You may request access, deletion, or correction of your data
  • Buddy does not "sell" personal data

8. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Delaware, USA, excluding conflict-of-law principles.

9. Binding Arbitration Agreement

Disputes must be resolved through individual arbitration under the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA). Class actions and jury trials are waived.

You may opt out within 30 days of account creation.

10. Contests and Promotions

Void where prohibited.

11. Support Contact

Buddy Support

Email: care@talktobuddy.in