General Terms and Conditions of Connou UG

Preamble

These General Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern the relationship between Connou UG, Birkenhof 2, 720144 Dußlingen, Germany ("Connou") and the users of its services ("Users"). By registering on Connou (via www.connou.app or mobile apps for iOS and Android), Users accept these Terms. If a User disagrees, they must refrain from registering.

We do not conduct criminal background checks.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy.

1. Scope

These Terms apply to Connou’s website, mobile apps, and related services. Deviations from these Terms require written consent from Connou. These Terms, alongside the Content and Conduct Policy and any additional agreements, form the binding contract between Connou and the User.

2. Contract Formation and Pricing

Free Services and University Reserved Areas: Connou is generally free to use. Certain areas of the platform are reserved for universities and paid for by university partners, not by the users. These reserved areas are accessible to users based on university partnerships, with no costs to the users.
Third-Party Provider Terms: While Connou is free to use, users may interact with third-party providers (e.g., Apple, Google Play) for certain actions like app installation. However, no charges are incurred by users for accessing core features or university-funded areas.

3. Connou Services

Connou provides a social network for users to connect with others and build various types of relationships. Registered users can access profiles, share content, and communicate with others. Connou also offers a SPAM filter for private messages, but it does not guarantee perfect filtering.

Connou aims to maintain an annual availability of 98%, excluding maintenance and factors outside Connou’s control (e.g., force majeure).

4. University Reserved Features

University-Funded Features: While Connou is free to all users, certain enhanced features or sections are reserved for universities and funded by university partners. These reserved features are available to users based on institutional partnerships, with no direct charge to users.
No Charge to Users: Users do not bear any direct costs for accessing the platform's features, including the university-funded areas.

5. Termination by User

Termination: Users may terminate their account at any time without notice, either by deleting their account through the platform or by sending a written request.
Impact on Features: Upon account termination, access to Connou’s free and university-funded areas will be revoked. There is no financial impact on users as no paid features are involved.

6. Termination by Connou

Termination by Connou: Connou reserves the right to terminate a user’s account with two weeks’ notice. In cases of misconduct or violation of the terms, Connou may terminate without notice.
Impact on Features: Termination of the account by Connou will result in the loss of access to free and university-funded features. Since no fees are involved, no refunds or financial settlements are applicable.

7. User Obligations

Users must:

Provide accurate personal information. Connou may verify the identity of users at its discretion.
Refrain from posting offensive, discriminatory, or otherwise illegal content.
Grant Connou a non-exclusive, transferable, sub-licensable right to use any content posted by the User (e.g., images, texts) for commercial or non-commercial purposes.
Avoid using Connou for unlawful activities, such as SPAM, phishing, or unauthorized commercial use.

8. Liability and Compensation

Connou’s liability is limited to breaches of essential obligations or in cases of gross negligence or intent. Connou is not responsible for the content posted by users unless it is aware of its illegality.

9. Changes to the Terms

Connou reserves the right to update these Terms. Users will be notified of changes and may object within two weeks. Failure to object implies acceptance of the revised Terms.

10. Dispute Resolution and Applicable Law

Dispute Resolution: Users agree to resolve disputes through arbitration under the German Institution of Arbitration (DIS) unless they are consumers. Consumers may pursue claims through standard legal channels.
Applicable Law: These Terms are governed by the laws of Germany. For users outside Germany, mandatory local laws may apply where necessary.

11. Final Provisions

Amendments: Any amendments to these Terms must be made in writing. This applies to the waiver of this text form requirement as well.
Severability Clause: Should any provision of this contract be or become invalid, the validity of the rest of the contract remains unaffected.

12. Revocation Rights (for EU residents)

EU residents have the right to withdraw from a contract within fourteen days without giving any reason. To exercise this right, users must inform Connou in writing (e.g., by letter or email). For more details, please refer to our cancellation policy in the Terms.