Terms of Service

1. What You're Agreeing To

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Backchannel service, including our SMS-based AI concierge, website, and any future mobile applications or messaging channels (collectively, the "Service"), provided by Tiny Mammoth Inc. ("we," "us," or "our").

By using the Service, whether you texted us directly, responded to an event invitation, or interacted with us through any other channel, you agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you don't agree, please don't use the Service.

2. How You Join Backchannel

Direct Sign-Up

You can join by texting our number directly. We'll ask you some questions, verify your professional identity, and ask you to accept these Terms. Your account is created progressively; we save your information as you provide it.

Event Invitation

When you register for a professional event that partners with Backchannel, the event host may share your registration information with us. This is done with your explicit, separate consent, collected by the host as a distinct opt-in during their registration process, not bundled into general event registration. We'll reach out via SMS to introduce ourselves and give you the choice to participate. You must accept these Terms directly to access the full Service.

Third-Party AI Assistants

In the future, you may access Backchannel through a third-party AI assistant. That assistant will need your authorization to act on your behalf, and these Terms still apply to your use of the Service through any assistant.

Your Relationship With Backchannel

Regardless of how you joined, whether via the Backchannel website or AI concierge, a third-party event sign-up, or a third-party AI assistant, once you accept these Terms your relationship with Backchannel is direct and independent.

If you signed up via a third party initially, your relationship with Backchannel is owned directly by you. Third parties do not have the right to modify or terminate your Backchannel profile or account, and the status of any third party's relationship with Backchannel will not affect your relationship with Backchannel. You have full control over your account, profile, connections, and Reputation Score. Only you can terminate your account (see Section 12).

Privacy Protection for Invited Users

If you are a third-party developer or event host who invites users or attendees to Backchannel, whether directly, via bulk upload, or through API integration with Backchannel, you understand and agree that each individual person retains sole direct control over their profile, preferences, and account on Backchannel once they begin interacting with the Service. You do not have the right to modify their profile, preferences, or account status with Backchannel on their behalf.

This protection exists to safeguard user privacy. Backchannel members have the right to manage their own professional presence on the platform without interference from the party that initially introduced them to the Service.

3. Eligibility

To use the Service, you must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction, if higher). By using the Service, you represent that you meet this requirement and that you will comply with these Terms.

4. Your Account

You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current information during sign-up and correct it if it changes
• Keep your account credentials secure and not share them
• Notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access

You're responsible for all activity under your account. One person, one account. Don't create multiple accounts or impersonate others.

5. How the Service Works

AI-Powered Communications

When you interact with Backchannel, you are communicating with an AI agent, not a human. Our AI concierge is designed to be helpful, professional, and respectful. While we work hard to make it accurate and useful, AI outputs may occasionally contain errors or imperfections. Important professional decisions should always involve your own judgment.

SMS Communications

The Service communicates primarily via SMS text messages. By using the Service, you consent to receive text messages from us at the phone number you provide. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply.

To stop receiving messages, reply STOP at any time. Reply HELP for assistance. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

Matching and Introductions

Our AI matching engine identifies potential connections based on your professional profile, goals, and expertise. Every introduction requires mutual consent; both parties must agree before any contact information is shared. We use automated scoring and profiling to rank opportunities (see our Privacy Policy for details on how this works and your rights regarding automated decisions).

Reputation Score

We calculate a Reputation Score based on how you engage with the Service. This score affects the priority and quality of opportunities you receive. The score is based on responsiveness, helpfulness, engagement, diversity of interactions, consistency, and feedback from other users. While automated systems help calculate and apply the score, it is not based solely on automated decision-making. You can view your score through the Service. For details on how the score is calculated and your rights, see our Privacy Policy.

If you object to automated profiling, we will accommodate your request to the extent possible. Some features of the Service, such as personalized matching and Reputation Score calculation, rely on automated processing and may be limited if you opt out, but your account will remain active and you can still use the Service.

6. Your Content and Data

You retain ownership of everything you provide to us ("Your Content"). By using the Service, you grant us a license to use Your Content as follows:

• Profile information: We may use your name, title, company, and professional details to operate the matching and introduction features of the Service.
• Messages and conversations: We analyze your messages to extract professional knowledge signals (expertise, interests, goals) that improve your matches. We store only normalized summaries in our matching database, not your raw message text. We will not display your message content to other users.
• Feedback: We use your feedback about connections to improve matching quality and calculate Reputation Scores.

This license is non-exclusive, royalty-free, and limited to operating, improving, and promoting the Service. We won't use your content for unrelated purposes. If Tiny Mammoth Inc. is acquired or merged, this license transfers with the company (we'll notify you).

You represent that you have the right to share any content you provide and that it doesn't violate anyone else's rights.

7. What You Can't Do

Don't:

• Violate any applicable law or regulation
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other users or our AI concierge
• Impersonate another person or misrepresent your professional identity
• Use the Service to spam, phish, or distribute malware
• Attempt to reverse-engineer, scrape, or extract data from the Service
• Use the Service for any purpose other than professional networking
• Attempt to manipulate your Reputation Score through artificial activity
• Use the Service to collect personal information about other users beyond what's shared through a mutually accepted introduction

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these rules.

8. Community Standards

Backchannel is a professional environment. We expect members to:

• Be respectful and honest in all interactions
• Respond to connection opportunities in a reasonable time (even if it's a "no thanks"); silence wastes others' time and affects your Reputation Score)
• Follow through on accepted introductions
• Keep confidential information shared during connections private
• Provide honest feedback about your connection experiences

We may remove content or take action on accounts that violate these standards.

9. Intellectual Property

The Service and all its content, including text, graphics, logos, AI models, algorithms, and software—are owned by Tiny Mammoth Inc. or its licensors and are protected by intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works without our permission.

10. Payments and Credits (Future)

Backchannel is currently free to use. In the future, we may introduce premium features, credits, or payment functionality. When we do:

• We'll clearly communicate any fees before they apply
• You'll have the option to accept or decline paid features
• If you earn credits or revenue through the platform, you'll be responsible for applicable taxes
• Payment processing will be handled by third-party providers (such as Stripe), subject to their terms

We'll update these Terms before launching any paid features.

11. Third-Party Links and Services

The Service may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services. We don't control these services and aren't responsible for their content or practices. Your use of third-party services is at your own risk and subject to their terms.

12. Termination

You can stop using the Service at any time by replying STOP to any SMS message or by contacting us to delete your account.

We may suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms, if your behavior harms other users or the network, or if we're required to by law. Where possible, we'll give you notice and an opportunity to export your data.

On termination, your right to use the Service ends. We'll handle your data according to our Privacy Policy's retention schedule. The following sections survive termination: Your Content and Data, Disclaimers, Limitation of Liability, Indemnification, and Governing Law.

Third-party changes do not affect your account. If a third party that introduced you to Backchannel ends their relationship with us, your account, data, connections, and Reputation Score remain intact. Your membership is with Backchannel directly.

13. Disclaimers

The Service is provided "as is" and "as available." We don't guarantee that:

• The Service will be uninterrupted or error-free
• AI-generated content will always be accurate or appropriate
• Any particular connection or introduction will result in a successful professional relationship
• Matching scores or Reputation Scores will perfectly reflect professional value

We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

14. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Tiny Mammoth Inc. and its affiliates, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, including loss of profits, data, business opportunities, or professional reputation, arising from your use of the Service.

Our total aggregate liability for any claim related to the Service is limited to the greater of (a) the amount you've paid us in the 12 months preceding the claim, or (b) $100.

Some jurisdictions don't allow these limitations, so they may not fully apply to you.

15. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Tiny Mammoth Inc. and its affiliates, officers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from your violation of these Terms, your misuse of the Service, or your violation of any third party's rights.

16. Disputes and Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict of law principles.

If we have a dispute, let's try to work it out first. Contact us and we'll make a good-faith effort to resolve it. If we can't resolve it informally within 30 days, either party may bring a claim in the state or federal courts located in Travis County, Texas.

For EU/EEA users: Nothing in these Terms limits your rights under mandatory EU consumer protection law, including your right to bring claims in your local courts.

17. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. For material changes, we'll notify you via SMS or email at least 14 days before the changes take effect. Your continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance. If you don't agree with updated Terms, you should stop using the Service.

18. General

• Entire agreement: These Terms, our Privacy Policy, and any Host Agreement or Data Processing Agreement that applies to you constitute the entire agreement between us.
• Severability: If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect.
• No waiver: Our failure to enforce any provision doesn't waive our right to enforce it later.
• Assignment: We may assign our rights and obligations under these Terms in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets. You may not assign your rights without our consent.

19. Contact

Questions? Contact us at legal@tinymammoth.xyz or:

Tiny Mammoth Inc.
5900 Balcones Drive, STE 100
Austin, TX 78731