Privacy & Terms of Use

1. Community & Event Privacy

A. Event Privacy

• Confidentiality (Chatham House Rule): We encourage an open exchange of ideas. You are free to share the insights and wisdom gained at our events, provided you never reveal the identity or affiliation of the speaker(s) without their permission.
• Commemorative Photos: Facilitators may take a group photo to commemorate the session. Participation is entirely optional. You may opt out or ask to be the photographer.
• Photography & Anonymity: We respect your visual privacy.
  • Default Anonymity: We generally do not post identifiable photos of attendees on public channels. If we share photos without explicit consent, we will apply filters, blurring, stickers, or other methods to hide or distort faces to protect your identity.
  • Consent for Originals: We will only post original, unaltered photos where you are clearly identifiable if we have obtained your verbal or written consent at the event.
  • Opt-Out: You may always opt out of being in the frame entirely by informing the Host.

B. Communication & Groups

We rely on external platforms to manage our peer-powered community:

• Group Chats: We use messaging apps like WhatsApp and Line for coordination. Be aware that some of these platforms may display your phone number to other group members. To protect the privacy and safety of these digital spaces, invite links are strictly shared in person at the conclusion of our offline events. We do not distribute official group links via email, social media, or public channels. Please beware of unauthorized links or groups claiming affiliation with Curious Souls Café.
• Events: We use Meetup.com for RSVPs and scheduling. Please note that Meetup's Privacy Policy applies when you use them.
• Newsletter (Substack): Our newsletter is hosted on Substack. Subscribing to our Substack is a separate action from RSVPing to an event on Meetup. When you subscribe, your email is stored on Substack's servers and is subject to Substack's Privacy Policy. We do not sync your Meetup RSVP data with our newsletter list without your explicit opt-in.
• Email: If you email us, we use your address solely to reply to your inquiry. We do not build marketing lists.
• Cookies & Local Storage: We do not use "tracking" or "advertising" cookies. However, our hosting providers (Cloudflare, GitHub) may utilize essential security cookies (e.g., for bot detection or load balancing) which are strictly necessary for the site to function and cannot be disabled.

C. Community Contributions

• Global Curiosities: By submitting a question (e.g., during an event), you grant us permission to incorporate it into our community deck. These questions are generally kept anonymous unless the author provides consent.
• Session Insights: An anonymized summary may be shared for sessions where key insights are identified. Facilitators and participants may reflect on the discussion and contribute to a summary or collaborative workbook based on their notes and observations. Questions may be revisited in future sessions in an anonymized manner.
• User-Submitted Content: We use Google Forms (Google Privacy Policy) for live question submissions and Microsoft Forms (Microsoft Privacy Statement) for anonymous feedback. When you submit, we collect only data you provide. By submitting a question, you acknowledge and agree that your content will be shared publicly (e.g., on a Live Board, public Google Sheet, or open-source repository). Please do not include personal information.

D. Accessibility & Inclusivity

Curious Souls Café is committed to fostering an inclusive community. However, as a grassroots initiative, our events are hosted in third-party public venues (cafes, parks, community centers) over which we have no control.

• Venue Access: We cannot guarantee that every venue will be fully wheelchair accessible or sensory-friendly. We encourage attendees with specific needs to contact the Volunteer Host via the event page prior to attending.
• Digital Access: We strive to make our web tools accessible, but they are provided "as-is." If you encounter difficulties using our app, please contact us.

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2. Digital Tools & App Privacy

Our digital tools (app.curioussouls.cafe) are designed with a "local-first" philosophy.

A. Data Storage & Local Control

• User Consent: By using the Web App, you consent to our use of "Local Storage" on your device to save your preferences, notes, and question history. No tracking cookies are sent to our servers.
• Local Storage: Custom questions, saved items, and preferences are saved locally in your browser's localStorage.
• Sensitive Data (Mood Tracking): The "Zen Mode" feature allows you to log your current mood. This data is classified as sensitive personal information. We explicitly declare that this data is stored exclusively in your browser's Local Storage. It is never transmitted to our servers, analyzed for behavioral profiling, or aggregated.
  • No Crisis Monitoring: The application does not monitor your mood data for distress signals. If you input data indicating self-harm or crisis, the App cannot and will not alert emergency services.
• Automated Browser Deletion: Please be aware that modern browsers may automatically delete 'Local Storage' data after a certain period of inactivity (e.g., often 7 days for Safari on iOS and iPadOS). To prevent unrecoverable data loss, we strongly recommend regularly performing manual backup, or using the (beta) 'Backup' / 'Export' features in the Collection tool.
• Unencrypted Notes: Please be aware that data saved in your browser is unencrypted. Anyone with physical access to your unlocked device could potentially read your saved notes.
• Backup Files (JSON): The "Backup & Restore" feature generates a JSON file containing your saved questions, notes, and mood history.
  • Security: This file is unencrypted plain text. Do not save it to public cloud folders or shared computers.
  • Integrity: We caution against manually editing this file. Modifying the JSON structure may result in data corruption that prevents the app from restoring your collection. We cannot recover corrupted backup files.
• No Accounts: You do not need to create an account to use our digital tools.

Security Warning: While we strive to use commercially acceptable means (like HTTPS and reputable third-party providers) to protect your information, no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee its absolute security.

B. Third-Party Services

Specific advanced features connect to third-party APIs or services to function:

• AI Generation: Connects to Pollinations.ai (experimental). Do not include personally identifiable information (PII) in AI prompts.
• Community Platforms (Meetup.com): Our website embeds links from Meetup.com. Clicking these links will transfer you to the Meetup platform. Your interactions there are governed by Meetup's Terms of Service, and your RSVP status for our events is visible to the public according to your Meetup privacy settings.
• Translation Features: If you use the "Translate" feature on a question card, the specific text of that card is transmitted to third-party translation providers (e.g., Google Translate or DeepL) to generate the result. No other user data (notes, history) is sent with this request.
• Hosted Mode: Connects to Pastebin or Pastes.io. You are voluntarily uploading content to a public clipboard.
• Data Import: Uses public proxies (e.g., AllOrigins, CORSProxy) to bypass browser security when importing decks via URL. These services see the requested URL.
• Live Data (Google Services): To display live questions, this application connects directly to Google Sheets. When you join a session, your IP address is processed by Google to retrieve the session data. Submitting a question directs you to a Google Form.

C. Infrastructure & Hosting

• Hosting Providers: This site is hosted via GitHub Pages and Cloudflare Pages. Standard server logs (e.g., IP address, browser type) are automatically collected by these providers for security and performance.
• External Assets (CDNs): To style the app, we load resources (Icons, Fonts such as Google Fonts) from standard Content Delivery Networks. Your IP address is visible to them when these assets load.

D. Your Data Rights

Depending on where you are in the world (including under the GDPR in Europe or the CCPA in California), you have specific legal rights regarding your personal data. As a decentralized, grassroots community, here is how you can exercise them with us:

• Right to Access & Rectify: You can access and edit your notes and saved items directly within the app.
• Right to Erasure (Right to be Forgotten): You can instantly clear your local app data by clearing your browser cache or by clicking the "Remove Data" link at the bottom of our app's main page. To request the deletion of any personally identifiable information (PII) inadvertently submitted via forms or live boards, please email us at [email protected].
• Right to Object: Our use of localStorage is classified as "Strictly Necessary" for the App's core functionality (saving questions for discussion, adding notes to saved items, saving decks offline, etc.). If you object to this, you may disable storage in your browser settings, but the App tools will not function correctly.

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3. Terms of Use & Liability Waiver

By participating in Curious Souls Café (CSC) events, accessing our digital tools, or interacting with our community, you explicitly agree to the following terms. You also represent that you are at least 18 years of age.

A. Volunteer Nature & Scope of Operations

Curious Souls Café is a grassroots initiative, not a professional service provider.

• Legal Entity Status: Curious Souls Café is an unincorporated grassroots community initiative and is not a registered charity, or commercial entity. We do not accept donations, ensuring our gatherings remain focused purely on equal peer connection. Please beware of anyone soliciting funds on our behalf.
• Peer-to-Peer Facilitation: You acknowledge that all events are facilitated by Independent Volunteer Hosts. These individuals are community peers utilizing our free tools to organize their own local gatherings; they are not employees, contractors, counselors, or legal representatives of the Curious Souls Café initiative or its creators.
• No Duty of Care: By attending, you agree that these volunteers act in good faith to coordinate a social gathering but do not owe you a professional "duty of care" (e.g., regarding security, medical aid, or expert advice) beyond what one ordinary citizen owes another in a social setting.
• Non-Professional Context: Discussions are casual and non-academic. The community is not a substitute for professional advice such as psychological counseling, medical advice, or legal consultation.
• Peer-to-Peer Advice Disclaimer: During sessions, other participants may offer advice regarding health, mental well-being, finance, or legal matters. You acknowledge that such advice is anecdotal, personal opinion, and unverified. Curious Souls Café is not responsible for any actions you take based on advice received from other attendees. Always consult a qualified professional before making significant life decisions based on community discussions.
• Authorized Regions & Scope: The official "Curious Souls Café" community network is strictly limited to the specific cities and regions currently listed on our website's official Meetup group list. We do not maintain chapters, appoint organizers, or conduct public activities in any region not explicitly listed.
• Personal Use of Tools: While our digital conversation tools are available, any use of these tools in a region unlisted in our list of groups on our main page is considered a private, personal activity by independent individuals. Such gatherings are not sanctioned, supervised, or affiliated with the Curious Souls Café initiative in any capacity.

B. Assumption of Risk & Compliance

• Voluntary Participation: All events are attended on a purely voluntary basis. You voluntarily assume all inherent risks associated with social gatherings, including but not limited to health risks, interpersonal conflicts, or travel risks.
• Local Laws & Customs: You are solely responsible for ensuring your participation complies with all local laws, regulations, and customs in the specific city/country where the event takes place.
• Liability for Shared Information: You acknowledge that sharing personal stories is optional. Curious Souls Café and its facilitators are not liable for any emotional distress or personal consequences resulting from the information you voluntarily share during a session.
• Emergency Medical Consent: In the event of a medical emergency where you are unable to speak for yourself, you grant Volunteer Hosts permission to contact emergency services (e.g., calling an ambulance). You agree to assume full financial responsibility for any medical transport or treatment costs incurred.
• Communicable Disease Waiver: You acknowledge the inherent risk of exposure to communicable diseases (e.g., COVID-19, flu) in any public gathering. By attending, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure and agree not to hold Curious Souls Café or its hosts liable for any illness.
• Content Sensitivity & Emotional Well-being: While our community is built on mutual support, you always retain the absolute right to "pass" on any question or conversation that feels overwhelming. Our question cards, app prompts, and community discussions are designed to explore deep and sometimes difficult philosophical or personal topics. You acknowledge that engaging with this content may evoke strong, unexpected emotional responses or touch upon past trauma. You agree to interact with all materials and conversations entirely at your own risk. Curious Souls Café, its creators, and volunteer hosts assume no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any psychological distress, trauma response, adverse mental health outcomes, or personal actions resulting from your use of our tools or participation in any sanctioned or unsanctioned gatherings.

C. Comprehensive Release of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, you hereby release, waive, and discharge:

• 1. The Initiative: The creators, maintainers, and contributors of the "Curious Souls Café" website and digital tools; AND
• 2. The Hosts: The specific Volunteer Hosts and Facilitators of the event you attend.

This release covers any and all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of your participation, including personal injury, property damage, emotional distress, or legal consequences.

D. Intellectual Property Rights

• Our Content: The Curious Souls Café name, logo, original icons, and the code powering this web application are the proprietary works of the creators and maintainers ofCurious Souls Café. You may not use them for commercial purposes without prior written permission.
• Your Submissions (License Grant): By submitting questions, feedback, or topics to us (digitally or on paper), you retain ownership of your ideas. However, you grant Curious Souls Café a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, adapt, publish, and display that content in our decks, apps, and marketing materials without compensation.
• Content Removal (Author Opt-Out): While you grant us a license to use your submitted questions, we deeply respect our community. If you ever change your mind and wish to retract a question you originally authored (whether submitted at a live event or online), please email us at [email protected] with the exact text of the question, and we will remove it from our open-source repository and apps as soon as possible.

E. Community Conduct & Termination

To ensure a safe environment for all peers, participants agree to the following:

• Respect & Non-Judgment: Participants agree to listen actively and honor diverse perspectives without passing judgment or engaging in harassment.
• Zero-Tolerance Harassment: We do not tolerate harassment in any form. This includes, but is not limited to: unwanted physical contact, sexual attention, stalking, sustained disruption of talks, or offensive comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, or religion.
• Reporting Harassment: If you experience or witness harassment, please report it to your Volunteer Host immediately. If you are uncomfortable reporting to the Host (or if the Host is the issue), please contact the core team directly at [email protected]. All reports are handled with strict confidentiality.
• The Right to Pass: In any round, you may choose to "pass" or skip a question if you feel uncomfortable answering.
• Safety & Sensitivity: Curious Souls Café focuses on our shared humanity. While we welcome diverse viewpoints, we steer clear of partisan or sectarian debates, choosing instead to share personal experiences. Therefore, participants and Volunteer Hosts agree to avoid introducing highly polarizing topics that may detract from this focus or violate local laws regarding sensitive speech. The Host reserves the right to pause or redirect conversation to ensure the group's safety, and the initiative assumes no liability for the introduction of, or any outcomes resulting from, such unauthorized discussions.
• No Solicitation: Our events are a space for genuine connection, not commercial networking. You agree not to use our events or digital platforms to solicit clients, recruit for multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes, promote political campaigns, or sell products/services to other attendees without prior written permission from the organizers.
• Termination of Access: Curious Souls Café and its Volunteer Hosts reserve the right to refuse entry, remove a participant from an event, or block access to our digital tools at their sole discretion, particularly in cases of harassment, safety concerns, or violation of these community guidelines.

F. Digital App Disclaimers

• "As-Is" Service: The website and tools are provided "as-is" without warranties of any kind. We are not responsible for data loss (e.g., if your browser cache is cleared), service interruptions, or errors.
• Service Availability & Third-Party Reliance: Many of our digital features (such as AI generation, live boards, and translation) rely entirely on free, third-party APIs and infrastructure. We do not guarantee the continuous availability of these tools. If a third-party provider changes their terms, introduces paywalls, or discontinues their service, we reserve the right to limit, modify, or permanently remove those features from our app at any time, without prior notice or liability.
• Links to Third-Party Websites: Our Service may contain links to third-party websites or services (such as Meetup.com, Substack, Pollinations.ai) that are not owned or controlled by us. We assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites.
• Off-Site Security: We do not pass any authentication tokens or user data to third-party sites (like Meetup or Substack) when you click external links. You are responsible for logging in and managing your privacy settings on those separate platforms.
• Content Disclaimer: Content provided here is for conversation and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute professional, medical, or legal advice.
• External Resources & Book References: Our content often references books, movies, or articles for philosophical discussion. Unless explicitly stated, Curious Souls Café has no commercial affiliation with the authors or publishers of these works. References are for educational purposes only.
• App Ecosystem: By navigating to other tools in this app (Builder, Live Session, etc.), you agree to the specific Terms of Use and Privacy Policies found on those pages.
• User-Generated Content: If you use our "Deck Builder" or submit questions, you acknowledge that you are the sole author. You agree not to generate hate speech, illegal content, or content that violates third-party rights.
• AI-Generated Content: The "AI Gen" feature connects to external services (Pollinations.ai). We do not control and are not responsible for the accuracy, uniqueness, or safety of AI-generated text. Please verify any AI content before using it.
• AI Output Ownership: You acknowledge that content generated via the AI tools (Deck Builder) may not be copyrightable under current laws. Curious Souls Café claims no ownership over AI-generated outputs, nor do we guarantee your ability to copyright them.
• Third-Party Services: This app integrates with Microsoft/Google Forms, Pastebin/Pastes.io, and others. We are not affiliated or responsible for the availability or privacy practices of these external platforms. Please review their separate Terms of Service available online.
• AI Accuracy & Bias: The "Deck Builder" features utilize experimental AI technology (Pollinations.ai). You acknowledge that AI-generated content may be inaccurate, biased, or nonsensical. Curious Souls Café does not endorse the generated content and is not liable for any offensive or inappropriate text produced by the AI. You agree to review all AI-generated questions before sharing them.
• Photosensitivity Warning: The "Dice Roller" and "Randomizer" tools contain rapid flashing colors and animations. Individuals with photosensitive epilepsy or other motion sensitivities should use caution or avoid these specific features.
• URL-Based Data Sharing: In the Deck Builder's "Direct QR" mode, your content is encoded directly into the shareable link/QR code. If you share this link, anyone with the link possesses the data. Do not put passwords, private health data, or sensitive personal information into custom decks.

G. Safety regarding "Action Prompts" & Challenges

The "Action Prompts" and "Dice Challenges" features are designed to suggest fun, voluntary social interactions. By using these tools, you agree that:

• Voluntary Nature: You are never required to perform a prompt. You should always use your best judgment and decline any prompt that feels unsafe, inappropriate, or uncomfortable.
• Physical Safety: You agree not to perform any action that endangers yourself, others, or property. Curious Souls Café is not liable for injuries or damages resulting from the execution of these prompts.
• Consent: If a prompt involves interacting with another person (e.g., "High five a stranger"), you must obtain their verbal or non-verbal consent first.

H. Prohibited Technical Uses

You agree not to engage in any of the following activities:

• Scraping: Scraping, harvesting, or extracting data (including questions, card content, and user data) from the Service using automated means (bots, spiders, scrapers) without our prior written permission.
• Reverse Engineering: Reverse engineering, decompiling, or attempting to derive source code from any part of the Service.
• AI Training: Using the Service or its content to train artificial intelligence models without our explicit permission.

I. Event Changes & Force Majeure

Curious Souls Café and its Volunteer Hosts reserve the right to cancel, postpone, or restructure events for any reason, including but not limited to severe weather, venue unavailability, or low enrollment.

• Notification: We will attempt to notify attendees via the platform used for RSVP (e.g., Meetup.com) as soon as possible.
• Costs: We are not liable for any personal expenses incurred by attendees (transport, accommodation, etc.) in relation to a cancelled or modified event.

J. Digital Content Moderation

While we encourage open expression, our digital tools (such as the Live Board and Deck Builder) are subject to moderation to ensure community safety.

• Right to Remove: We reserve the right, but do not assume the obligation, to remove or edit any user-submitted content that we determine, in our sole discretion, to be unlawful, offensive, threatening, libelous, pornographic, obscene, or otherwise objectionable or violates any party’s intellectual property or these Terms of Use.
• Automated Filters: Some of our tools may employ automated keyword filters to prevent the submission of hate speech or profanity.

K. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Curious Souls Café, its volunteer hosts, and contributors from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, judgments, awards, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or relating to:

• Your violation of these Terms of Use;
• Your use of our digital tools, including any content you submit to the Live Board or Deck Builder;
• Your conduct at any offline event, including damage to venue property or injury to other attendees.

L. Venue & Financial Responsibility

Our events are hosted in third-party establishments (cafes, restaurants, community spaces).

• Food & Beverage: You are solely responsible for paying for your own food and drinks. Curious Souls Café and its hosts are not liable for any unpaid bills left by attendees.
• Property Damage: You agree to treat the venue with respect. You are personally liable for any damage you cause to the venue's property (e.g., broken furniture, glassware) and agree to settle such matters directly with the venue management.
• Personal Property: You are solely responsible for your personal belongings (bags, electronics, etc.). Curious Souls Café and the venue are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items.

M. Alcohol & Substance Policy

Events may take place in venues where alcohol is served. Attendance does not require alcohol consumption.

• Responsible Consumption: If you choose to drink, you agree to do so responsibly and within local legal limits.
• Liability: Curious Souls Café and its hosts are not liable for any consequences of your consumption, including health issues, accidents, or legal infractions.
• Right to Eject: Volunteer Hosts reserve the right to ask any participant who appears visibly intoxicated or disruptive to leave the event immediately.

N. Copyright Claims

We respect the intellectual property rights of others. If you believe that any content posted on our digital tools (e.g., Live Board, Deck Builder) infringes your copyright, please notify us immediately at [email protected].

Please include a description of the copyrighted work and the specific location (URL or card text) of the infringing material. We will investigate and remove validly infringing content in a timely manner.

O. Opinions & Views

Curious Souls Café operates as a neutral platform focused on universal human experiences. The views, opinions, and stories expressed by Volunteer Hosts and event participants are strictly their own and do not reflect or carry the endorsement of the global initiative. We do not support, endorse, or provide a platform for specific political, religious, or ideological agendas.

P. Prevailing Language

These Terms may be translated into other languages for convenience. In the event of a dispute or inconsistency between the English version and a translated version, the English text shall prevail.

Q. Feedback & Unsolicited Ideas

We welcome your feedback and suggestions. However, by submitting ideas, you agree that we are free to use them without any restriction or compensation to you.

R. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall Curious Souls Café, its affiliates, agents, directors, employees, suppliers, or licensors be liable for any indirect, punitive, incidental, special, consequential, or exemplary damages, including without limitation damages for loss of profits, goodwill, use, data, or other intangible losses, arising out of or relating to the use of, or inability to use, the Service. Under no circumstances will Curious Souls Café be responsible for any damage, loss, or injury resulting from hacking, tampering, or other unauthorized access or use of the Service or your account or the information contained therein.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Curious Souls Café assumes no liability or responsibility for any (i) errors, mistakes, or inaccuracies of content; (ii) personal injury or property damage, of any nature whatsoever, resulting from your access to or use of our Service; and (iii) any unauthorized access to or use of our secure servers and/or any and all personal information stored therein. In no event shall Curious Souls Café, its agents, directors, employees, suppliers, or licensors be liable to you for any claims, proceedings, liabilities, obligations, damages, losses, or costs in an amount exceeding the amount you paid to Curious Souls Café hereunder or $100.00, whichever is greater.

S. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

For Offline Events: Any dispute arising from your participation in a physical Curious Souls Café event shall be governed strictly by the laws of the country or territory where that specific physical event took place.

For Digital Services: To the extent permitted by law, any dispute arising from the use of our digital web tools (which are hosted globally) shall first be addressed via amicable, informal negotiation. If the dispute remains unresolved after 30 days, it shall be governed by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the digital platform's primary maintainers are legally based at the time of the dispute.

Arbitration: You agree that any unresolved claims regarding the digital tools shall be settled exclusively through binding, confidential online arbitration (Online Dispute Resolution), waiving the right to a physical court trial, unless local consumer protection laws mandate otherwise.

T. Entire Agreement & General Provisions

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Curious Souls Café regarding our Service and supersede and replace any prior agreements, oral or written.

• Assignment: We may assign or transfer our rights and obligations under these Terms to any party at any time without notice to you. You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent.
• Class Action Waiver: You agree that any dispute resolution proceedings will be conducted only on an individual basis and not in a class, consolidated, or representative action.
• No Waiver: Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms will not be considered a waiver of those rights. The waiver of any such right or provision will be effective only if in writing and signed by a duly authorized representative.
• Survival: Upon termination of your use of the Service or your relationship with us, all provisions of these Terms which by their nature should survive will survive, including, without limitation, ownership provisions, warranty disclaimers, indemnity, and limitations of liability.
• Severability: If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court, the remaining provisions of these Terms will remain in effect.
• Modifications: We may update these terms occasionally; your continued participation implies acceptance of the new terms.

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Contact Us

If you have questions about these guidelines, please reach out:

Email: [email protected]