Terms and Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User," "you," or "your") and SurveyCircles ("we," "us," or "our") regarding your use of the SurveyCircles platform and services.

By accessing, browsing, or using our website, mobile application, or any related services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

1.1 Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to use our services. If you are between 13 and 18 years old, you may only use our services with the consent and supervision of a parent or legal guardian.

1.2 Modifications

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of significant changes through email or platform notifications. Your continued use of our services after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

2. Description of Service

SurveyCircles is an online platform that connects researchers with survey participants to facilitate academic and market research studies.

2.1 Platform Features

• Survey creation and distribution tools for researchers
• Participant recruitment and matching services
• Data collection and analysis capabilities
• Communication tools between researchers and participants
• Payment processing for participant compensation
• Quality assurance and fraud prevention measures

2.2 Service Availability

We strive to maintain continuous service availability but do not guarantee uninterrupted access. We may temporarily suspend services for maintenance, updates, or technical issues.

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Creation

To access certain features, you must create an account by providing accurate and complete information. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

3.2 Account Types

• Researcher Accounts: For individuals or organizations conducting research studies
• Participant Accounts: For individuals participating in research studies
• Institutional Accounts: For academic institutions and research organizations

3.3 Account Security

You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account. You must immediately notify us of any unauthorized use of your account or any security breach.

4. User Conduct

By using our platform, you agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations and to respect the rights of other users.

4.1 Prohibited Activities

You may not:

• Provide false, misleading, or inaccurate information
• Create multiple accounts to circumvent platform restrictions
• Engage in fraudulent activities or attempt to manipulate survey results
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Use automated tools to access or interact with our platform
• Share account credentials with third parties

4.2 Research Standards

Researchers using our platform must:

• Comply with applicable research ethics guidelines
• Obtain necessary institutional approvals (IRB, ethics committee)
• Provide clear and accurate study descriptions
• Respect participant rights and privacy
• Use collected data only for stated research purposes

5. Content and Ownership

5.1 User Content

You retain ownership of content you create or upload to our platform, including survey questions, responses, and research data. However, you grant us a limited license to use this content to provide our services.

5.2 Platform Content

All content provided by SurveyCircles, including software, text, graphics, logos, and trademarks, is owned by us or our licensors and is protected by intellectual property laws.

5.3 Data Rights

• Survey Data: Researchers own the data collected through their studies
• Participant Data: Participants retain rights over their personal information
• Platform Data: We own aggregated, anonymized usage data

6. Research Ethics

6.1 Ethical Standards

All research conducted through our platform must adhere to established ethical standards, including:

• Informed consent from participants
• Voluntary participation with the right to withdraw
• Minimization of risks to participants
• Fair compensation for participation
• Confidentiality and data protection

6.2 Prohibited Research

We prohibit research that:

• Involves deception without proper justification and debriefing
• Poses significant psychological or physical risks
• Targets vulnerable populations without appropriate protections
• Violates applicable laws or regulations
• Involves illegal activities or content

7. Payments and Billing

7.1 Researcher Payments

Researchers may be charged fees for premium features, participant recruitment, or data collection services. All fees are clearly disclosed before purchase.

7.2 Participant Compensation

Participants may receive compensation for their participation in studies. Compensation amounts are determined by researchers and clearly communicated before participation.

7.3 Payment Processing

• Payments are processed through secure third-party providers
• We do not store complete payment card information
• Refunds are subject to our refund policy
• Disputed charges should be reported immediately

8. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and protection of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

8.1 Data Collection

We collect information necessary to provide our services, including account information, survey responses, and usage data.

8.2 Data Use

We use collected data to provide services, improve our platform, and comply with legal obligations. We do not sell personal information to third parties.

9. Disclaimers

9.1 Service Disclaimer

Our services are provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

9.2 Content Disclaimer

We do not endorse, guarantee, or assume responsibility for any content, research, or information provided by users. Users are solely responsible for their content and activities.

9.3 Third-Party Services

Our platform may integrate with third-party services. We are not responsible for the availability, accuracy, or content of such services.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, SurveyCircles shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to:

• Loss of profits, data, or business opportunities
• Service interruptions or technical failures
• User content or third-party actions
• Unauthorized access to or alteration of data

Our total liability for any claims arising from these Terms or your use of our services shall not exceed the amount paid by you to us in the twelve months preceding the claim.

11. Termination

11.1 Termination by User

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us or using account deletion features. Upon termination, your access to our services will cease.

11.2 Termination by SurveyCircles

We may suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms, engage in prohibited activities, or for other legitimate business reasons.

11.3 Effect of Termination

• Your right to use our services will immediately cease
• We may delete your account and associated data
• Outstanding obligations will survive termination
• Certain provisions of these Terms will continue to apply

12. General Provisions

12.1 Governing Law

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

12.2 Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of our services will be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

12.3 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

12.4 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and SurveyCircles regarding your use of our services.

12.5 Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us using the information provided below.