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Terms of Service

Last updated: June 10, 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

By downloading, installing, or using Scowld ("the App"), you agree to these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, do not use the App.

2. Description of Service

Scowld is an iOS AI companion app with the following features:

  • Bring-your-own-key conversational AI with multiple provider options.
  • An animated VRM companion with lip sync, idle animations, and expression support.
  • Optional hands-free wake mode that can start voice recording when the selected companion name is detected.
  • Voice input using native iOS speech recognition or configured cloud STT providers.
  • Text-to-speech output using your ElevenLabs or OpenAI API key.
  • Optional camera/vision context.
  • Saved past chats and selectable conversation context stored locally on device.

The App is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind.

3. Bring Your Own Keys

Scowld does not include subscriptions, paywalls, voice credits, extra credit packs, or Apple in-app purchases in version 2.0.

  • You are responsible for provider accounts, API keys, provider billing, rate limits, and acceptable use policies.
  • Provider API keys are stored in the iOS Keychain on your device.
  • Third-party providers may charge your provider account based on your usage.
  • Scowld is not responsible for third-party provider billing, credits, quotas, or refunds.

4. Your Responsibilities

  • Lawful use: You agree not to use Scowld for illegal, harmful, abusive, harassing, threatening, exploitative, or otherwise objectionable purposes.
  • Content: You are responsible for content you submit and for how you use generated responses.
  • AI limitations: Do not rely on AI responses for medical, legal, financial, safety-critical, or emergency advice.
  • Camera and microphone: When you enable these permissions, you consent to their use for the purposes described in the Privacy Policy. If hands-free mode is enabled, the microphone may remain active while the app is open and idle so Scowld can listen on device for Bella or your saved custom companion name. Scowld does not use Apple's TrueDepth API or collect face data.
  • Third-party terms: You must comply with applicable terms and acceptable use policies of providers you configure, including AI, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, Apple platform services, and Vercel.

5. Service Limits and Availability

  • Cloud AI, cloud speech-to-text, and cloud text-to-speech require an active internet connection and valid provider API keys.
  • Hands-free wake detection requires microphone and speech recognition permission, may miss wake phrases, and may occasionally trigger unexpectedly.
  • Third-party providers may change, fail, rate limit, or become unavailable.
  • Features and provider options may change over time.

6. AI Output Disclaimer

AI-generated responses may be inaccurate, incomplete, biased, offensive, or inappropriate. Scowld is an entertainment and companion experience, not a professional advisor. You are responsible for evaluating any output before relying on it.

7. Third-Party Services

The App integrates with third-party services not owned or controlled by the developer, including AI providers, speech-to-text providers, ElevenLabs, Apple services, and Vercel hosting. The developer is not responsible for third-party service content, policies, pricing, billing, availability, or data practices.

8. Intellectual Property

The Scowld name, logo, branding, app design, and website are owned by Apoorv Darshan unless otherwise stated. The Scowld app source code is open source and released under the MIT License at github.com/apoorvdarshan/scowld. The bundled character/avatar frontend is based on Amica / Arbius AI components credited in the app.

9. Termination

You may stop using Scowld at any time by deleting the app. We may restrict or disable access if we believe the service is being abused, used unlawfully, or used in violation of these terms.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, the developer is not liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including loss of data, profits, use, or access, arising from your use of Scowld.

11. Changes to Terms

We may update these terms from time to time. Updated terms will be posted on this page with a revised date. Continued use of Scowld after changes are posted means you accept the updated terms.

12. Contact

For questions about these terms, contact:
Apoorv Darshan - ad13dtu@gmail.com