Terms of Service

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Lanternphilia ("we," "our," or "us"). By accessing or using our dating platform and services (the "Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use the Service.

2. Eligibility

2.1 Age Requirement

You must be at least 21 years of age to use this Service. By creating an account, you represent and warrant that:

• You are at least 21 years old
• You have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms
• You are not prohibited from using the Service under applicable laws

2.2 Account Requirements

You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration
• Maintain and update your information to keep it accurate and current
• Maintain the security of your account credentials
• Accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access or security breach

3. Account Verification

3.1 Verification Process

To ensure a safe and authentic community, all users must complete our verification process, which includes:

• Government-issued ID verification
• Identity number verification (SSN, NIN, or equivalent)
• Email account age verification (minimum 3 years)
• Social media account verification (minimum 3 years old)
• Address verification through payment method
• Background check

3.2 Verification Standards

• All verification information must be authentic and belong to you
• We reserve the right to request additional verification at any time
• Verification status may be revoked if fraudulent activity is detected

4. Payment Terms

4.1 Connection Fee

A one-time payment of $4.99 (USD) is required to establish each new connection. Key points:

• Once a connection is established, messaging is unlimited at no additional cost
• All payments are processed securely through our payment processor
• Payment is required before initiating contact with another verified member

4.2 Payment Processing

• We use third-party payment processors to handle transactions
• You agree to provide valid payment information
• You authorize us to charge the connection fee when you initiate a connection
• All fees are non-refundable except as required by law

4.3 Refund Policy

Connection fees are generally non-refundable. Refunds may be issued at our sole discretion in cases of:

• Technical errors preventing connection establishment
• Verified fraud or unauthorized charges
• Account termination due to our error

Refund requests must be submitted within 7 days of the charge.

5. User Conduct

5.1 Acceptable Use

You agree to use the Service only for lawful purposes. You agree NOT to:

• Harass, threaten, or intimidate other users
• Post or transmit any content that is illegal, harmful, or offensive
• Impersonate any person or entity
• Use the Service for commercial purposes without authorization
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Service or other users' accounts
• Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) to access the Service
• Share another user's personal information without consent
• Solicit money or financial information from other users
• Engage in any form of fraud or deception

5.2 Prohibited Content

You may not post, upload, or transmit content that:

• Contains nudity or sexually explicit material
• Promotes violence, discrimination, or hatred
• Infringes on intellectual property rights
• Contains malware or malicious code
• Violates any applicable laws or regulations
• Solicits personal information from minors

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Service Content

The Service and its original content, features, and functionality are owned by Lanternphilia and are protected by international copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, and other intellectual property laws.

6.2 User Content

• You retain ownership of content you post on the Service
• By posting content, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, and display your content
• You represent that you have all necessary rights to grant this license
• You are responsible for the content you post and its compliance with applicable laws

7. Privacy and Data Protection

Your use of the Service is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By using the Service, you consent to the collection, use, and sharing of your information as described in our Privacy Policy.

8. Background Checks

8.1 Background Check Process

• We conduct background checks on all users as part of the verification process
• Background checks may include criminal history searches
• You authorize us to conduct these checks by using the Service

8.2 Background Check Disclosure

• Users who fail background checks may be denied access to the Service
• We do not disclose specific background check results to other users
• Background check decisions may be appealed through our support system

9. Safety and Reporting

9.1 User Safety

9.2 Reporting Violations

If you encounter content or behavior that violates these Terms, report it immediately through:

• The in-app reporting feature
• Email: support@lanternphilia.com
• Our website contact form

10. Account Termination

10.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time through the account settings. Upon termination:

• Your profile will be removed from public view
• Your data will be handled according to our Privacy Policy
• Unused connection fees are not refundable

10.2 Termination by Us

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time for:

• Violation of these Terms
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Risk to user safety
• Extended period of inactivity

11. Disclaimers

12. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

13. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Lanternphilia from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses arising from:

• Your use of the Service
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of another person or entity
• Your content posted on the Service

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Informal Resolution

Before filing a claim, contact us at legal@lanternphilia.com to attempt informal resolution.

14.2 Binding Arbitration

Disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the American Arbitration Association's rules.

14.3 Class Action Waiver

15. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will provide notice of material changes by:

• Posting the new Terms on the Service with a new "Last Updated" date
• Sending an email notification to your registered email address
• Displaying a prominent notice on the Service

16. General Provisions

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Lanternphilia regarding the Service.

17. Contact Information

18. Acknowledgment