diff --git a/terms-of-service.md b/terms-of-service.md index acf1e7b..7a046d7 100644 --- a/terms-of-service.md +++ b/terms-of-service.md @@ -1,15 +1,15 @@ # Terms of Service -**Last updated:** September 10, 2026 +**Last updated:** October 6, 2026 ## In plain language - You are a **member**, not a customer. You help govern this project. -- We provide **private AI chat** through open models, protected by encryption. +- We provide AI chat and API access through open models, with **privacy-protected options** (some models run in encrypted enclaves; others are value-based choices — see §3). - Your prompts and the AI's outputs are yours to keep. - We don't train on your data, and we don't sell it. - AI can be wrong. Use your judgment. -- If you misuse the service, we may remove you (per our Charter). +- If you misuse the service, we may remove you (per our Charter) — and you are responsible for what you do with it (§4). - Our liability is limited to what you've paid in dues. The full terms are below. If anything is unclear, write to info@inference.coop. @@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ The full terms are below. If anything is unclear, write to info@inference.coop. ## 1. Who we are -The **Inference Cooperative** ("we", "us") is a member-governed project providing private AI inference. We are fiscally sponsored by **Metagov**, a nonprofit that provides our financial and legal services. +The **Inference Cooperative** ("we", "us") is a member-governed project providing AI inference. We are fiscally sponsored by **Metagov**, a nonprofit that provides our financial and legal structure. When you join, you become a **member** — someone with a voice in how the project is run — not a customer of a vendor. @@ -34,25 +34,37 @@ When you join, you become a **member** — someone with a voice in how the proje We provide: -- **Private AI chat** through open-source models, served through encrypted (TEE-protected) infrastructure. +- **AI chat and a developer API** through open models from multiple providers. You choose per task not just *which model*, but *which values it embodies*: + - **Privacy-protected** models run inside encrypted (TEE) enclaves, so inputs and outputs are not readable in plaintext at the inference step (Tinfoil). + - **Renewable-energy** models run on 100% renewable infrastructure (GreenPT). + - **Publicly developed** models are fully open — weights, code, and training data (PublicAI / Apertus). - **Web search** and **file uploads** within the chat interface. - **Governance** — a seat in decisions about models, pricing, and direction. +Privacy protection is a **choice you make per model**, not a universal property of the service. Only the Tinfoil models are architecturally private; the others are value-based choices. Please choose the model that matches your needs, and see our [Privacy Policy](privacy-policy.md) for details. + The service is provided **"as is"** and may change as the project evolves. We do not guarantee uptime or specific performance at this stage. ## 4. Acceptable use -You agree not to: +You agree not to use the service to: -- Use the service for anything illegal. -- Harass, abuse, or harm others. -- Attempt to circumvent usage limits or the privacy architecture. -- Share your account credentials or resell access. -- Use the service to generate content that violates our [Code of Conduct](charter.md). +- Violate any law or regulation. +- Generate, distribute, or facilitate **illegal, harmful, abusive, or discriminatory content** — including content that sexualizes minors, defrauds, incites violence, or harasses others. +- Create **deepfakes, impersonations, or deceptive media** of real people without their consent. +- Process **regulated data** — including protected health information (e.g. HIPAA), payment-card data, or other categories that require a separate legal agreement — unless we have agreed to that in writing. +- Submit **special-category personal data** under GDPR Article 9 (health, ethnicity, political views, religion, biometrics, etc.) without a written agreement. +- Use the service in or for the benefit of **embargoed or sanctioned jurisdictions or persons**, or otherwise in violation of **export-control or sanctions law**. +- Use AI outputs as the **sole basis for consequential decisions** — legal, medical, financial, employment, housing, or safety-critical — without appropriate human review and professional oversight. +- Use the service for **high-risk or fail-safe** applications (e.g. critical infrastructure, life-support, weapons systems). +- Attempt to circumvent usage limits, the privacy architecture, or rate limits. +- Share your account credentials, or resell or redistribute access to the service. + +You are **responsible for what you submit and what you do with AI outputs**, and you must have the rights needed to submit your content. ## 5. Usage limits -- Membership includes a **monthly credit budget** (currently $15 of usage). +- Membership includes a **monthly credit budget** (currently $15 of usage, the same for every member regardless of what you pay). - Members may also purchase **credit packs**: non-expiring credits drawn only after the monthly budget is exhausted. Credits do not expire and carry over from month to month. @@ -68,7 +80,7 @@ You agree not to: ## 7. Privacy -Your privacy is a core value, not an afterthought. Inference runs in encrypted enclaves so that even our own infrastructure cannot read your model inputs and outputs at the inference step. Details are in the [Privacy Policy](privacy-policy.md). +Privacy is a core value, but it is not uniform across the service. Some models (Tinfoil) run inference in encrypted enclaves so that inputs and outputs are not readable in plaintext at the inference step; others are selected for renewable energy or public development rather than architectural privacy. **Choose the model that matches your privacy needs.** Details are in the [Privacy Policy](privacy-policy.md). ## 8. Termination @@ -81,11 +93,12 @@ Your privacy is a core value, not an afterthought. Inference runs in encrypted e - Decisions are made through **Loomio** and governed by the [Charter](charter.md). - During the pilot phase, the General Manager holds final discretion; this transitions to full member governance as the project grows. -## 10. Disclaimers and liability +## 10. Disclaimers, liability, and indemnity -- **AI outputs may be inaccurate or inappropriate.** We provide no warranty of correctness. Use your judgment. +- **AI outputs may be inaccurate, biased, or inappropriate.** We provide no warranty of correctness. Use your judgment, and do not rely on outputs as a sole source of truth or as a substitute for professional advice. - To the maximum extent permitted by law, our liability is limited to the amount of dues you have paid. - Members are not personally liable for the project's obligations. +- **You agree to indemnify and hold harmless** the Inference Cooperative, Metagov, and their officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from **your use of the service, your content, your violation of law or third-party rights, or your violation of these Terms**. In plain terms: if what you do with the service causes a legal problem, it is your responsibility, not the co-op's or Metagov's. ## 11. Changes to these terms