Terms Of Use

“Terms and Conditions” is a document governing the contractual relationship between the provider of a service and its user.

  1. Rules for Acceptable use of M8Chat.au
    Disclaimer.
  2. Website Ownership and Copyright.
  3. Privacy policy on Data Collection and Usage.
  4. Termination Provisions.
    Applicable law and jurisdiction.
  5. Procedure for Resolving Disputes.

Rules for Acceptable use of M8Chat.AU

  1. Users must comply with all applicable local, state, national, and international laws and regulations when using the website.
  2. Users are prohibited from engaging in any conduct that restricts or inhibits any other user from using or enjoying the website.
  3. Harassment, intimidation, or disruptive behaviour towards other users is not allowed.
  4. Users may not use the website for any unlawful purposes, including but not limited to:
    • Posting or transmitting harmful, abusive, harassing, obscene, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable content.
    • Spreading viruses, malware, or other harmful software.
    • Attempting to gain unauthorized access to any part of the website or other systems or networks connected to the website.

Disclaimer

Please read this Disclaimer carefully before using M8Chat.au and any social media platform, website or other media forms operated by M8Chat

  1. M8Chat, the Admin Team and any other related groups, persons, individuals that are associated with M8Chat, make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability or suitability with respect to any information or content provided or contained within any of the public forums (including but not limited to the M8Chat.au, The Trade Shack, Telegram, Signal, Face Book, X, YouTube, Rumble, Brighteon, Snapchat, TikTok, WhatsApp, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and discussions, Conference meetings, presentations, videos or any other mediums that may be created in the future) that M8Chat and/or M8Chat Members’ share, create, post or promote (Public Forums).
  2. All information is for entertainment purposes only. M8Chat does not warrant or guarantee and accepts no legal liability whatsoever arising from or in connection with the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any material contained on the Public Forums. 
  3. M8Chat has no political allegiances and any post made or shared by M8Chat does not imply any allegiance to any political party, political individual or other such related group, movement, organisation or such by the act of M8Chat Members posting any such information on M8Chat Public Forums.
  4. Posts concerning public activities such as rallies, causes, protests etc. by M8Chat Members shall not imply that M8Chat, the Admin Team and any other member groups or related groups, persons, individuals, subsidiaries that are associated with M8Chat have any allegiance to, involvement with, or are promoting any of these types of activities ‘by association’ to the content of a poster on any social media platforms.
  5. M8Chat, the Admin Team and any other related groups, persons, individuals, subsidiaries that are associated with M8Chat shall not be liable for any content by M8Chat Members and others who post on M8Chat Public Forums that allude to incitement, terrorist activities, unlawful acts and/or to create followings for and in such activities.
  6. The M8Chat Public Forums are a source for M8Chat Members to freely share their views, including political and other topics. However, M8Chat, the Admin Team and any other related groups, persons, individuals, subsidiaries that are associated with M8Chat do not necessarily agree or disagree, approve or disprove any such viewpoints and are not liable to the viewpoints of M8Chat Member posts.
  7. M8Chat Public Forums provide a variety of information for awareness and information shared from and between M8Chat Members. As such, this content and any discussions are not necessarily a reflection on the beliefs of M8Chat, the Admin Team, other Members and any other related groups, persons, individuals, subsidiaries that are associated with M8Chat. The Public Forums are a conduit for sharing information, content, material, viewpoints and free discussion between individuals. It is up to the individual Members and those using these Public Forums (including speakers, viewers, guests, presenters etc.) as to their own individual views and beliefs on the information, content, material and discussions shared. Any action and outcomes as a result of any posts on M8Chat Public Forums will be deemed separate and not binding on M8Chat, the Admin Team and any other related groups, persons, individuals, subsidiaries that are associated with M8Chat.
  8. Any M8Chat Member, who posts on a Public Forum, does so under the acceptance that they take full responsibility for any actions or outcomes resulting from their posts, and in the knowledge and acceptance that M8Chat, the Admin Team and any other related groups, persons, individuals, subsidiaries that are associated with M8Chat do not take any liability or responsibility.
  9. M8Chat Members may freely post on the basis/proviso that the onus for the information posted is on the Member their self and not M8Chat, the Admin Team or any other related groups, persons, individuals, subsidiaries that are associated with M8Chat, and that they have taken all reasonable measures to ensure that they are not sharing false, misleading, dangerous, or unlawful material.
  10. M8Chat, the Admin Team, other M8Chat Members and any other related groups, persons, individuals, subsidiaries that are associated with M8Chat are exempt from any legal proceedings and liabilities as a result of posts by individual M8Chat Members that may lead to such.
    Website Ownership and Copyright.
  11. All content, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, videos, images, software, and other materials (the “Content”) available on M8Chat.au and its associated platforms, is the property of M8Chat, its affiliates, or third-party licensors and is protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.
  12. The Content is owned by M8Chat and is copyrighted. All rights are reserved. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of the Content is strictly prohibited. Users may not modify, publish, transmit, participate in the transfer or sale of, reproduce, create derivative works from, or exploit any Content in any way without prior written consent from M8Chat.
  13. By posting or submitting content to the Public Forums of M8Chat.au, users grant M8Chat a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, and irrevocable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, distribute, and display such content in any media, whether now known or hereinafter developed. Users affirm that they own or have the necessary rights to post the content and that it does not infringe upon any third-party rights.
    Users must provide appropriate credit when using any original Content from M8Chat and must link back to the original Content when possible. Any use of Content from M8Chat.au must comply with the specified attribution requirements.
  14. Any third-party content that may appear on M8Chat.au is subject to the copyright and ownership rights of the respective holders. Users must seek permission from the original copyright holder for any use of that content outside of fair use.
  15. If users believe that any material on M8Chat.au infringes their copyright, they should notify M8Chat in writing, providing details of the copyrighted work and the infringing material. M8Chat will investigate and take appropriate action, in accordance with applicable copyright laws.
  16. M8Chat reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes will be posted on the website, and continued use of the website following any changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms and Conditions.
  17. These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the bylaws of M8Chat.au Private Members association. Any disputes arising under or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of M8Chat.au Private members association.
    By using M8Chat au and its associated platforms, users acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions regarding ownership and copyright.

Privacy Policy on Data Collection and Usage

  1. At M8Chat.au, we believe data sovereignty is crucial for ensuring your privacy and security in an increasingly digital world. But what does data sovereignty really mean for you as a member? It’s about protecting your personal information and giving you control over your data while keeping it safe within Australian borders. Most importantly, it’s a shared responsibility—one that we take seriously and one that you, as a member, play a crucial role in.
  2. M8Chat.au is committed to keeping your personal information secure. We pledge to never sell or share your data with third parties. Unlike many mainstream platforms that collect and sell user data for advertising or other purposes, we safeguard your information. All your communications on M8Chat.au are encrypted, ensuring that they remain private and accessible only to you and the people you choose to communicate with. (M8Chat.au cannot and will not read those messages due to the encryption).
  3. Our platform is built on secure, open-source technologies like Synapse Matrix and Element-Web. These systems provide robust encryption, keeping your conversations, data, and any personal information safe. End-to-end encryption means that even M8Chat.au cannot access your private messages or video calls. We continually update our security protocols to ensure your data is protected against emerging threats.
  4. All data is stored locally in Australia, ensuring Australian data protection laws govern your information. This is critical, as many mainstream platforms store data overseas, which means your information could be subjected to foreign laws that don’t prioritize privacy. Keeping your data within Australia not only enhances security but also ensures compliance with local laws that are designed to protect your rights.
  5. While we do everything in our power to protect your data, it’s important to acknowledge that no system is immune to evolving cyber threats. In today’s digital age, hacking techniques are constantly advancing, and even the most secure systems can face attempts to breach them. The Australian Government itself is not required to disclose every instance of hacking within its agencies, meaning that even state-level databases are vulnerable. This reality makes it essential for all online platforms, including M8Chat.au, to adapt and update their security measures constantly.
  6. That’s why we emphasize transparency. We want you to understand that while we invest in robust security measures, complete invulnerability to hacking is a challenge for any digital system. Nonetheless, we take every possible step to keep your data safe from prying eyes and malicious actors. Your data will never be shared without your consent, and you can rest assured that M8Chat.au is doing its utmost to protect your privacy.
  7. Data sovereignty is a two-way street. While we are committed to protecting your data, you, as a member, also play an important role in safeguarding your own information. The most important step you can take is to think before you post. Before entering or sharing any personal data, consider whether it’s truly necessary to do so. The beauty of M8Chat.au’s platform is that it gives you full control over what information you share and with whom.
  8. This empowerment allows you to make decisions about your privacy. You can choose to reveal only relevant information for specific conversations, groups, or transactions. If you don’t want your personal details to be visible, you don’t have to share them. The flexibility of the platform allows you to maintain your privacy on your own terms.
  9. Some users may have concerns about TradeShack.au, our sister platform, which facilitates local trade within postcode communities. Naturally, you might wonder how engaging in trading could impact your privacy.
  10. Rest assured, TradeShack.au operates on a separate system from M8Chat.au, which means there is no direct sharing of data between the two platforms. This separation helps maintain your privacy when engaging in trade activities.
    When you join TradeShack, only minimal information is required to create a seller or trader profile. You can even use an alias if you prefer, keeping your identity as private as you wish. You control how much information you reveal during transactions, and this helps ensure that trading on TradeShack is a secure and comfortable experience. The flexibility to keep your details private until necessary is a key part of the privacy commitment we offer across all M8Chat.au systems.
  11. At M8Chat.au, we see data sovereignty as a partnership between the platform and its members. We are committed to providing the highest level of privacy protection, but we also recognise that you, the user, play an essential role in ensuring that your data remains safe. You have full control over your data—whether that’s within M8Chat when creating groups or while trading on TradeShack.au.
  12. We empower you to make informed decisions about what you post and how you engage with the platform. By thinking critically about the information you share, you take an active role in safeguarding your privacy. Whether you’re messaging someone, participating in group discussions, or trading locally, M8Chat.au gives you the tools to ensure that you stay in control.
  13. Data sovereignty is a critical issue in today’s globalized, data-driven world. On many popular platforms, your data is stored on servers located in different countries, often without your knowledge. These servers may be subject to foreign laws that do not prioritize your privacy, potentially exposing your information to external parties. Not only that, your behaviour online is tracked and sold or shared for marketing purposes.
  14. By keeping your data stored in Australia, M8Chat.au ensures that it is governed by Australian laws, which are designed to protect you as an individual. This also means that your data is not exposed to foreign governments or entities that may have different priorities when it comes to privacy and user rights.
    In short, data sovereignty gives you more control over your personal information. You’re not just using a platform—you’re engaging with a system that respects your privacy and gives you the tools to manage it effectively. With M8Chat.au, you’re not just another user whose data is commodified for advertising or sold to third parties. Instead, you’re a member of a secure platform that values your privacy as much as you do.
  15. When you join M8Chat.au, you’re not just joining a platform—you’re joining a community that values your privacy, security, and control. We provide the tools you need to communicate, collaborate, and trade in a safe and private environment. From encrypted messaging and video calls to secure trade through TradeShack.au, M8Chat.au allows you to decide how your data is used and shared.
  16. Our commitment to data sovereignty means that your data stays in Australia, governed by laws that protect you. We do our best to keep your information safe, but it’s your active participation in thinking carefully about what you share that ensures your privacy is fully protected.

Termination Provisions

  1. All members of M8Chat.au are required to adhere to the established community guidelines. In the event that a member violates these guidelines, their membership may be terminated at the discretion of M8Chat.au.
    M8Chat.au reserves the right to terminate memberships that have been inactive for an extended period, typically exceeding 12 months. This policy helps maintain an active and engaged community.
  2. M8Chat.au has zero tolerance for any illegal or inappropriate behaviour conducted through or in association with the platform. This includes but is not limited to harassment, bullying, or sharing of unauthorized content. Such actions will result in immediate termination of membership.
    In the unlikely event that M8Chat.au ceases operations, all memberships will be terminated accordingly. However, the M8Chat.au team is dedicated to providing a stable and long-lasting platform for the community.
  3. If a membership is terminated, M8Chat.au will notify the affected member via email, outlining the reasons for the termination and any necessary next steps.
    M8Chat.au is committed to nurturing a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment for all members. By adhering to the community guidelines and engaging in positive interactions, members can ensure a thriving and inclusive experience on the platform.

Applicable law and jurisdiction

M8Chat.au is under the international recognised structure of a Private members Association.

Procedure for Resolving Disputes.

  1. If a M8Chat member encounters a dispute with another member or feels that someone has violated the community guidelines, they should report the issue to the M8Chat.au admin.
  2. Upon receiving a report, the M8Chat.au admin will promptly investigate the matter. They will review the available evidence, which may include chat logs, screenshots, or other relevant information. Admin will aim to gather a comprehensive understanding of the situation from all parties involved.
  3. During the investigation, admin will reach out to the members involved in the dispute. They will provide an opportunity for each party to present their perspective and any supporting evidence. Admin will approach these communications in an impartial and objective manner.
  4. In some cases, Admin may determine that mediation is appropriate. They will act as neutral facilitators to help the involved parties find a mutually agreeable resolution. This process may involve guiding discussions, proposing compromises, or offering suggestions to resolve the dispute amicably.
    After thoroughly investigating the dispute and considering all relevant information, Admin will make a decision based on M8Chat.au’s community guidelines and terms of service. This decision may involve issuing warnings, temporary suspensions, or, in severe cases, terminating memberships. Admin will communicate the decision to the involved parties and enforce any necessary actions.
  5. If a member believes that the admins decision is unjust or that they have additional evidence to present, they may submit an appeal. The appeal will be reviewed by admin and the decision made after considering the appeal will be final.
  6. M8Chat.au will handle all disputes and related communications with discretion and confidentiality. The details of the dispute will only be shared with the necessary parties involved in the resolution process.
  7. M8Chat.au will maintain records of disputes and their resolutions to identify patterns or areas for improvement. Admin will regularly review these records to refine dispute resolution procedures and prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.
  8. By following these procedures, M8Chat.au aims to resolve disputes fairly, efficiently, and in a manner that upholds the platform’s values of respect, inclusivity, and community well-being.

Privacy Policy on Data Collection and Usage

  1. At M8Chat.au, we believe data sovereignty is crucial for ensuring your privacy and security in an increasingly digital world. But what does data sovereignty really mean for you as a member? It’s about protecting your personal information and giving you control over your data while keeping it safe within Australian borders. Most importantly, it’s a shared responsibility—one that we take seriously and one that you, as a member, play a crucial role in.
  2. M8Chat.au is committed to keeping your personal information secure. We pledge to never sell or share your data with third parties. Unlike many mainstream platforms that collect and sell user data for advertising or other purposes, we safeguard your information. All your communications on M8Chat.au are encrypted, ensuring that they remain private and accessible only to you and the people you choose to communicate with. (M8Chat.au cannot and will not read those messages due to the encryption).
  3. Our platform is built on secure, open-source technologies like Synapse Matrix and Element-Web. These systems provide robust encryption, keeping your conversations, data, and any personal information safe. End-to-end encryption means that even M8Chat.au cannot access your private messages or video calls. We continually update our security protocols to ensure your data is protected against emerging threats.
  4. All data is stored locally in Australia, ensuring Australian data protection laws govern your information. This is critical, as many mainstream platforms store data overseas, which means your information could be subjected to foreign laws that don’t prioritize privacy. Keeping your data within Australia not only enhances security but also ensures compliance with local laws that are designed to protect your rights.
  5. While we do everything in our power to protect your data, it’s important to acknowledge that no system is immune to evolving cyber threats. In today’s digital age, hacking techniques are constantly advancing, and even the most secure systems can face attempts to breach them. The Australian Government itself is not required to disclose every instance of hacking within its agencies, meaning that even state-level databases are vulnerable. This reality makes it essential for all online platforms, including M8Chat.au, to adapt and update their security measures constantly.
  6. That’s why we emphasize transparency. We want you to understand that while we invest in robust security measures, complete invulnerability to hacking is a challenge for any digital system. Nonetheless, we take every possible step to keep your data safe from prying eyes and malicious actors. Your data will never be shared without your consent, and you can rest assured that M8Chat.au is doing its utmost to protect your privacy.
  7. Data sovereignty is a two-way street. While we are committed to protecting your data, you, as a member, also play an important role in safeguarding your own information. The most important step you can take is to think before you post. Before entering or sharing any personal data, consider whether it’s truly necessary to do so. The beauty of M8Chat.au’s platform is that it gives you full control over what information you share and with whom.
  8. This empowerment allows you to make decisions about your privacy. You can choose to reveal only relevant information for specific conversations, groups, or transactions. If you don’t want your personal details to be visible, you don’t have to share them. The flexibility of the platform allows you to maintain your privacy on your own terms.
  9. Some users may have concerns about TradeShack.au, our sister platform, which facilitates local trade within postcode communities. Naturally, you might wonder how engaging in trading could impact your privacy.
  10. Rest assured, TradeShack.au operates on a separate system from M8Chat.au, which means there is no direct sharing of data between the two platforms. This separation helps maintain your privacy when engaging in trade activities.
    When you join TradeShack, only minimal information is required to create a seller or trader profile. You can even use an alias if you prefer, keeping your identity as private as you wish. You control how much information you reveal during transactions, and this helps ensure that trading on TradeShack is a secure and comfortable experience. The flexibility to keep your details private until necessary is a key part of the privacy commitment we offer across all M8Chat.au systems.
  11. At M8Chat.au, we see data sovereignty as a partnership between the platform and its members. We are committed to providing the highest level of privacy protection, but we also recognise that you, the user, play an essential role in ensuring that your data remains safe. You have full control over your data—whether that’s within M8Chat when creating groups or while trading on TradeShack.au.
  12. We empower you to make informed decisions about what you post and how you engage with the platform. By thinking critically about the information you share, you take an active role in safeguarding your privacy. Whether you’re messaging someone, participating in group discussions, or trading locally, M8Chat.au gives you the tools to ensure that you stay in control.
  13. Data sovereignty is a critical issue in today’s globalized, data-driven world. On many popular platforms, your data is stored on servers located in different countries, often without your knowledge. These servers may be subject to foreign laws that do not prioritize your privacy, potentially exposing your information to external parties. Not only that, your behaviour online is tracked and sold or shared for marketing purposes.
  14. By keeping your data stored in Australia, M8Chat.au ensures that it is governed by Australian laws, which are designed to protect you as an individual. This also means that your data is not exposed to foreign governments or entities that may have different priorities when it comes to privacy and user rights.
    In short, data sovereignty gives you more control over your personal information. You’re not just using a platform—you’re engaging with a system that respects your privacy and gives you the tools to manage it effectively. With M8Chat.au, you’re not just another user whose data is commodified for advertising or sold to third parties. Instead, you’re a member of a secure platform that values your privacy as much as you do.
  15. When you join M8Chat.au, you’re not just joining a platform—you’re joining a community that values your privacy, security, and control. We provide the tools you need to communicate, collaborate, and trade in a safe and private environment. From encrypted messaging and video calls to secure trade through TradeShack.au, M8Chat.au allows you to decide how your data is used and shared.
  16. Our commitment to data sovereignty means that your data stays in Australia, governed by laws that protect you. We do our best to keep your information safe, but it’s your active participation in thinking carefully about what you share that ensures your privacy is fully protected.

Termination Provisions

  1. All members of M8Chat.au are required to adhere to the established community guidelines. In the event that a member violates these guidelines, their membership may be terminated at the discretion of M8Chat.au.
    M8Chat.au reserves the right to terminate memberships that have been inactive for an extended period, typically exceeding 12 months. This policy helps maintain an active and engaged community.
  2. M8Chat.au has zero tolerance for any illegal or inappropriate behaviour conducted through or in association with the platform. This includes but is not limited to harassment, bullying, or sharing of unauthorized content. Such actions will result in immediate termination of membership.
    In the unlikely event that M8Chat.au ceases operations, all memberships will be terminated accordingly. However, the M8Chat.au team is dedicated to providing a stable and long-lasting platform for the community.
  3. If a membership is terminated, M8Chat.au will notify the affected member via email, outlining the reasons for the termination and any necessary next steps.
    M8Chat.au is committed to nurturing a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment for all members. By adhering to the community guidelines and engaging in positive interactions, members can ensure a thriving and inclusive experience on the platform.
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