Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing, browsing, or using Metachess.org (the "Platform"), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"), as well as our Privacy Policy. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Metachess.org ("we," "us," "our").

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting. Your continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. We recommend reviewing this page periodically.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 13 years of age to use Metachess.org. By using the Platform, you represent and warrant that you meet this age requirement.

If you are between 13 and 18 years old (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction), you may only use the Platform with the involvement, supervision, and approval of a parent or legal guardian who agrees to be bound by these Terms.

Users under 13 are strictly prohibited from creating accounts or using the Platform. We reserve the right to terminate accounts that violate this age restriction.

3. Account Registration and Security

3.1 Account Creation

To access certain features of the Platform, you may be required to create an account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update such information as necessary.

3.2 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to:

• Use a strong and unique password
• Not share your account credentials with others
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
• Log out from your account at the end of each session when using shared devices

We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to comply with these security obligations.

3.3 Account Termination

You may terminate your account at any time through the account settings or by contacting us at contact@metachess.org. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms or for any other reason at our sole discretion.

4. User Conduct and Community Rules

Metachess.org is committed to maintaining a respectful, safe, and fair environment for all users. By using the Platform, you agree to the following conduct standards:

4.1 Prohibited Conduct

You agree NOT to:

• Cheat or use unfair assistance: Use chess engines, bots, external software, or receive outside assistance during rated games
• Harass or abuse others: Engage in harassment, hate speech, threats, bullying, or discriminatory language
• Spam or advertise: Post unsolicited commercial content, advertisements, or repetitive messages
• Impersonate others: Pretend to be another person, entity, or Metachess staff member
• Share inappropriate content: Post sexually explicit, violent, illegal, or otherwise offensive material
• Exploit vulnerabilities: Attempt to hack, disrupt, or exploit security flaws in the Platform
• Create multiple accounts: Maintain multiple accounts to manipulate ratings, evade bans, or abuse systems
• Engage in match manipulation: Intentionally lose games, collude with opponents, or manipulate ratings
• Violate intellectual property: Upload content that infringes on copyrights, trademarks, or other IP rights
• Encourage rule violations: Assist, encourage, or facilitate others in violating these Terms

4.2 Fair Play

Metachess.org has zero tolerance for cheating. We employ automated detection systems and manual review to identify unfair play. Violations result in immediate account suspension or permanent ban, with no refunds for premium subscriptions.

4.3 Reporting Violations

If you encounter behavior that violates these rules, please report it through the in-platform reporting system or contact us at contact@metachess.org.

5. Intellectual Property Rights

5.1 Platform Content

All content on Metachess.org, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, software, code, design elements, and functionality, is the property of Metachess.org or its licensors and is protected by international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works of, publicly display, or exploit any Platform content without our prior written consent.

5.2 Limited License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Platform for personal, non-commercial purposes in accordance with these Terms.

6. User-Generated Content

6.1 Your Content

You may create, upload, or share content on Metachess.org, including but not limited to custom chess modes, Workshop items, comments, profiles, and game annotations ("User Content").

You retain ownership of your User Content but grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, modify, and display your User Content in connection with operating and promoting the Platform.

6.2 Content Standards

You represent and warrant that your User Content:

• Does not violate any laws or these Terms
• Does not infringe on third-party intellectual property rights
• Is not harmful, offensive, or inappropriate
• Does not contain malware, viruses, or malicious code

6.3 Content Moderation

We reserve the right, but are not obligated, to monitor, review, and remove User Content that violates these Terms or is otherwise objectionable. We may remove content without notice.

6.4 Workshop Content

Custom modes and extensions published through the Workshop must comply with additional Workshop guidelines. Workshop creators are solely responsible for their creations and must ensure they do not infringe on third-party rights.

7. Premium Services and Payment

7.1 Subscription Services

Metachess.org offers premium subscription services ("Premium") that provide enhanced features and functionality. Premium subscriptions are billed on a recurring basis (monthly, annually, or as otherwise specified).

7.2 Payment Terms

• All fees are stated in the currency displayed at the time of purchase
• You authorize us to charge your payment method for all fees incurred
• Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled before the renewal date
• Prices are subject to change with notice provided to active subscribers

7.3 Refunds

Refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis. Generally, no refunds are provided for partially used subscription periods. Accounts terminated for Terms violations are not eligible for refunds.

7.4 Cancellation

You may cancel your Premium subscription at any time. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period. You will retain Premium access until that date.

8. Donations

Metachess.org accepts voluntary donations to support platform development and operation. Donations are non-refundable and do not grant gameplay advantages or preferential treatment.

Donors may receive recognition through cosmetic badges or other non-gameplay-affecting acknowledgments. Donation perks do not constitute purchases of goods or services.

9. Privacy and Data Protection

Your use of the Platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which describes how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. By using the Platform, you consent to our data practices as described in the Privacy Policy.

We collect minimal necessary data, do not sell user data, and do not use invasive third-party tracking. For detailed information, please review our Privacy Policy.

10. Prohibited Activities

In addition to the conduct rules outlined above, you agree not to:

• Access the Platform through automated means (bots, scrapers) without authorization
• Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble any part of the Platform
• Interfere with or disrupt the Platform's servers or networks
• Circumvent any security measures or access restrictions
• Use the Platform for any illegal purpose
• Collect or harvest user data without consent
• Transmit any viruses, malware, or harmful code

11. Termination and Suspension

11.1 Termination by Us

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account and access to the Platform at any time, with or without notice, for any reason, including but not limited to:

• Violation of these Terms
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Extended periods of inactivity
• Risk to platform security or integrity

11.2 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your right to use the Platform immediately ceases. We may delete your account data, though certain information may be retained as required by law or legitimate business purposes. Termination does not relieve you of obligations incurred prior to termination.

12. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

12.1 "As Is" Service

The Platform is 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.

We do not warrant that:

• The Platform will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free
• Defects will be corrected
• The Platform is free of viruses or harmful components
• Results obtained from using the Platform will be accurate or reliable

12.2 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Metachess.org and its operators, developers, and affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, use, or goodwill, arising out of or related to your use of the Platform.

Our total liability for all claims related to the Platform shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim, or $100 USD, whichever is greater.

12.3 Third-Party Content

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites, services, or Workshop content. We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of third parties. Your interactions with third parties are solely between you and them.

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 Informal Resolution

If you have a dispute with us, please first contact us at contact@metachess.org and attempt to resolve the matter informally. We are committed to working with users to reach fair solutions.

13.2 Mediation

If informal resolution fails, disputes may be resolved through online mediation. Both parties agree to participate in good-faith mediation before pursuing other remedies.

13.3 Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with international commercial principles and general principles of fairness. Where applicable local laws provide greater consumer protections, those laws shall apply.

13.4 Jurisdiction

Any legal action related to these Terms shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in your country of residence, or through international online dispute resolution platforms.

14. Changes to the Platform

We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Platform at any time without notice. We are not liable to you or any third party for any modification, suspension, or discontinuance of the Platform or any features.

15. General Provisions

15.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any additional guidelines posted on the Platform, constitute the entire agreement between you and Metachess.org regarding use of the Platform.

15.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

15.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

15.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your account without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms without restriction.

15.5 Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, pandemics, internet failures, or government actions.

16. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about these Terms, please contact us:

• Email: contact@metachess.org
• Website: metachess.org
• Documentation: docs.metachess.org

We aim to respond to all inquiries within 48-72 hours during business days.