Terms and Conditions

1. Overview

Welcome to Heard, a wellness and recovery platform designed to help individuals heal, reflect, and rebuild through guided journaling, education, and supportive tools.

By downloading, accessing, or using the Heard app, website, or related services (collectively, the "Service"), you agree to these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"). If you do not agree, please discontinue use immediately.

These Terms apply globally and comply with applicable laws, including the Australian Consumer Law, GDPR (EU/UK), CCPA (US), and other international consumer protections.

2. Who We Are

Heard is operated by Heard Collective Pty Ltd, an Australian company committed to trauma-informed technology and ethical digital wellness. We provide self-guided reflection tools, not therapy or crisis support.

3. Eligibility

• You must be 16 years or older (or the minimum age in your country) to use Heard.
• By using the app, you confirm that you are legally able to enter a binding agreement in your jurisdiction.
• Heard is not designed for children, minors, or individuals under 16 without parental consent.

4. Purpose of the App

Heard is intended for self-reflection, journaling, and emotional wellbeing. It is not a substitute for therapy, counselling, medical advice, or crisis intervention.

5. Your Account

You may need to create an account to access certain features. You agree to:

• Provide accurate information when creating an account.
• Keep your login credentials secure and confidential.
• Notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access.

Heard Collective Pty Ltd is not responsible for loss or damage arising from unauthorized use of your account.

6. Subscriptions and Payments

• Heard offers both free (Whisper) and paid (Echo) subscription tiers.
• Payments are processed through Apple App Store, Google Play, or Stripe.
• All prices are listed in your local currency and may include applicable taxes.
• Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the next billing cycle.
• You may manage or cancel your subscription through your device's store settings.

Refunds: As per App Store and Google Play policy, all refunds must be requested directly through those platforms. If you experience an issue, please contact us at hello@heard-app.com and we'll guide you through the process.

7. Use of AI Reflections (Raya)

Heard includes an AI-powered reflection feature ("Raya's Reflection"). By using this feature, you understand that:

• Reflections are automatically generated using secure third-party AI technology (such as OpenAI).
• Raya's responses are for supportive and educational purposes only, not professional advice.
• All AI communications are private, not stored externally, and not used to train AI models.
• You are responsible for the content you input.

8. Intellectual Property

All content in the Heard app — including text, graphics, design, branding, and software — is owned by Heard Collective Pty Ltd or licensed to it.

You may not:

• Copy, reproduce, or distribute any content without written permission.
• Reverse-engineer, resell, or exploit the Service for commercial gain.
• Use Heard's name, logo, or AI persona ("Raya") for any promotional or derivative purposes without authorization.

9. User-Generated Content

You retain ownership of all journal entries, reflections, and media you create.

By saving or sharing content within Heard, you grant us a limited, encrypted, and non-exclusive license to store and process it solely for app functionality (e.g., saving entries, generating reflections, or syncing across devices).

We will never sell, publish, or share your private entries.

10. Safety, Content & Conduct

You agree not to:

• Post, save, or share content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, or harassing.
• Attempt to access another user's data.
• Use Heard for self-harm promotion, harassment, or abusive purposes.

We may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms to maintain a safe community.

11. Data Protection & Privacy

Your use of Heard is governed by our Privacy Policy, which outlines how we collect, store, and protect your data. Key points:

• All data is encrypted.
• You can request deletion of your data at any time.
• We comply with global privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA, etc.).

For questions, contact: hello@heard-app.com

12. Disclaimers

• Heard is a self-guided wellness tool. We do not guarantee specific emotional or psychological outcomes.
• We are not responsible for any decisions you make based on reflections or journaling insights.
• AI reflections are supportive suggestions, not professional or therapeutic advice.
• We make no warranties regarding uninterrupted or error-free operation.
• Use the app at your own discretion and always seek professional help when needed.

13. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

• Heard Collective Pty Ltd and its affiliates are not liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential losses resulting from your use or inability to use the app.
• This includes, but is not limited to, loss of emotional wellbeing, data, or subscription payments due to third-party service interruptions.
• In jurisdictions where limitations of liability are restricted, our liability will not exceed the amount you paid for your subscription in the past 12 months.

14. Termination

You may delete your account at any time through the in-app settings. Heard Collective may suspend or terminate accounts that:

• Breach these Terms;
• Misuse the Service; or
• Pose security or legal risks.

Upon deletion, all journal data and reflections will be permanently removed from our systems (except where legally required to retain records).

15. Changes to the Terms

We may update these Terms periodically to reflect app updates, new laws, or technical changes. Significant updates will be announced in-app or via email. Your continued use of Heard constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

16. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia, without regard to conflict of law principles. You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland for any disputes arising under these Terms.

17. Contact Us