Please read these terms and scroll to the end to continue. While you read, your browser may ask to use your camera and microphone — allow them so everything’s ready the moment the call begins.
Last updated 20 October 2026
1. Agreement to these Terms
By selecting “Accept,” you (“you” or the “Guest”) agree to these Terms & Conditions and our Privacy Notice. If you do not agree, do not proceed with the call.
2. The service
Deaf Chat provides accessibility-focused communication tools. Automated speech recognition (“ASR”) converts a hearing participant’s spoken words into on-screen text for a Deaf or hard-of-hearing participant, and text-to-speech (“TTS”) synthesis voices that participant’s typed replies in near real time.
3. Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years old, or the age of majority where you live, and have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms. If you join on behalf of an organization, you represent that you are authorized to bind it.
4. Device permissions
To take part in a call, Deaf Chat requests access to your camera and microphone. Access to your approximate location is optional and on by default; it is requested only if you enable sharing. You may grant or deny any permission in your browser and revoke it at any time through your browser’s site settings. Declining camera or microphone access will prevent the call from connecting, though you may still read the conversation.
5. AI-assisted translation and accuracy
Automated transcription and synthesized speech are provided on a best-effort basis and may contain errors, omissions, or delays. Accuracy can be affected by audio quality, accents, background noise, specialized terminology, and network conditions. You should not rely on Deaf Chat for communications in which inaccuracies could cause harm.
6. Not for emergencies
Deaf Chat is not an emergency service and does not connect to 911, 112, or any public safety answering point. It is not a substitute for a certified telecommunications relay service. In an emergency, use your local emergency number or an approved relay provider.
7. Consent to processing of call content
To deliver the call, your camera video and microphone audio are sent live to the other participant, and your call audio and the other participant’s typed text are processed by an AI voice service (OpenAI) while the call is in progress. In this demonstration, Deaf Chat uses this content only to run the call and does not retain it after the session ends; the AI provider handles it under its own data-processing terms.
8. Recording
Deaf Chat does not record calls by default. You agree not to record, store, or redistribute any part of a call without the informed consent of every participant and in compliance with all applicable laws, which in some places require the consent of all parties.
9. Privacy, data, and preview diagnostics
We collect only what is needed to operate the service, and optional location data is collected only when you choose to share it. We do not sell your personal data. Because this is a preview, we also receive limited session diagnostics to confirm the experience works: your IP address and approximate edge location, which device permissions you allowed, the names your browser reports for your camera and microphone, and your shared location if you enabled it. These diagnostics are visible to the Deaf Chat team on an internal dashboard and retained only briefly.
10. Acceptable use
You agree not to misuse the service, including through unlawful, harassing, deceptive, or abusive conduct; impersonation; interception or disruption of communications; reverse engineering; or any use that infringes the rights of others.
11. Accessibility commitment
Deaf Chat exists to advance equitable, dignified communication for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. We welcome accessibility feedback and aim to meet recognized accessibility standards.
12. Intellectual property
The service — including its software, branding, and the Deaf Chat robot mascot — is owned by Deaf Chat and its licensors and is protected by intellectual-property laws. No rights are granted to you except as expressly set out in these Terms.
13. Disclaimers
The service is provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy, and non-infringement.
14. Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Deaf Chat and its affiliates will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or for lost profits or data, arising from or related to your use of the service.
15. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Deaf Chat and its affiliates from any claims, losses, or expenses arising out of your misuse of the service or your violation of these Terms.
16. Changes to these Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. When we do, we will revise the “Last updated” date above. Continuing to use the service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
17. Governing law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, USA, without regard to its conflict-of-laws rules. The courts located in Delaware will have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute not subject to binding arbitration.
18. Contact
Questions about these Terms? Reach our team at legal@deafchat.online.
By accepting, you confirm that you have read and understood these Terms & Conditions.
