Terms of Service - DirectGov

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using DirectGov ("the Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use the Service.

2. Description of Service

DirectGov is a platform for civic engagement that allows users to:

Submit policy proposals
Review AI-generated analysis of proposals including fiscal impact, equity analysis, and bill text
Comment on and vote on proposals
Engage in democratic discussion

3. User Accounts

3.1 Registration

To use certain features of the Service, you must create an account. You agree to:

Provide accurate and complete information
Maintain the security of your password
Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
Be responsible for all activities that occur under your account

3.2 Email Verification

You must verify your email address to access certain features. We may restrict unverified accounts from creating proposals or voting.

4. User Conduct

You agree not to:

Post content that is illegal, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable
Impersonate any person or entity
Submit spam, advertisements, or solicitations
Use automated systems (bots) to access the Service without permission
Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Service or other users' accounts
Interfere with or disrupt the Service or servers

5. Content

5.1 User Content

You retain ownership of content you submit to the Service. By submitting content, you grant DirectGov a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute your content in connection with the Service.

5.2 AI-Generated Content

The Service uses AI to generate analysis, bill text, and other content. This content is provided "as is" for informational and educational purposes only. AI-generated content:

May contain errors or inaccuracies
Should not be relied upon as professional advice (legal, financial, or otherwise)
Is not endorsed or verified by DirectGov
Should be independently verified before making decisions

5.3 Content Moderation

We reserve the right to remove any content that violates these Terms or is otherwise objectionable, at our sole discretion.

6. Intellectual Property

The Service, including its design, features, and functionality, is owned by DirectGov and protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

7. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

8. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, DIRECTGOV SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUES, WHETHER INCURRED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OR ANY LOSS OF DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless DirectGov and its affiliates from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of the Service or violation of these Terms.

10. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your account at any time, with or without cause or notice. Upon termination, your right to use the Service will immediately cease.

11. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes by posting a notice on the Service or via email. Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

12. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.

13. Contact

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us through the Service.