Terms of Service

Effective Date: 01.01.2026

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of Hardstop, Hardstop LLC, and Try Hardstop (collectively, “Hardstop”, “we”, “us”, or “our”). By purchasing, accessing, or using Hardstop, you agree to be legally bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you must not use the service.

1. Intended Use & Age Requirment

Adults Only: Hardstop is intended exclusively for use by individuals 18 years of age or older. By using Hardstop, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years old.

Not a Parental Control Service: Hardstop is designed as a voluntary accountability tool for adults managing their own devices.

It is NOT:

  • A parental control application

  • Designed for monitoring minors

  • Intended for installation on devices used by individuals under 18

  • A tool for managing others' devices

Personal Accountability: Hardstop is designed for adults who voluntarily choose accountability tools for personal digital wellness goals. You must be installing Hardstop on your own device(s) for your own use.

Prohibition on Minor Use: You may not:

  • Install Hardstop on devices primarily used by minors

  • Use Hardstop as a parental control tool

  • Create accounts on behalf of individuals under 18

  • Represent yourself as 18+ if you are not

Account Termination: Hardstop reserves the right to immediately terminate accounts if we determine the service is being used on devices belonging to minors, for parental control purposes, or by individuals under 18.


2. Nature of the Service

Hardstop is a voluntary digital accountability service designed for adults (18+) seeking to maintain healthy digital boundaries for personal wellness goals.

How It Works: Hardstop uses DNS-level content filtering with password-protected configuration controls to block access to adult content. The service includes:

  • Configuration profiles installed at the device or system level

  • DNS-based filtering that blocks adult content domains

  • Password custody during your pre-selected "cooling off period"

  • Network-level controls to prevent filtering bypass

  • 24/7 support for password release and account management

Service Features: This may include, but is not limited to:

  • DNS-based filtering and enforcement

  • MDM enforcement

  • Configuration profiles that cannot be removed without password access

  • Content and website controls

  • Network configuration management

  • VPN and proxy blocking (where technically feasible)

Voluntary Participation:

  • You are enrolling yourself on your own device(s)

  • This is a personal accountability tool, not a monitoring service

  • You maintain control by choosing your cooling off period

  • You can request early access or cancel at any time

What Hardstop Blocks:

  • Adult content domains at the DNS level

  • Access to configuration removal without password

  • VPN and proxy services that could bypass filtering (on supported platforms)

  • Additional sites you specifically request to block (optional)

  • Reddit & X media (images & video) are blocked in app & browser.

What Hardstop Does NOT Block:

  • General internet access

  • Reddit and X apps and browser access

  • Productivity tools and work applications

  • News, education, or other legitimate content

  • Emergency services or crisis resources

  • Communication tools (email, messaging, video calls)

Service Impact: The service is intentional by design and may significantly alter device functionality for its intended purpose: supporting your personal accountability goals.


3. User Consent and Authorisation

By using Hardstop, you expressly and irrevocably authorize Hardstop to:

  • Install and manage configuration profiles on your device

  • Enforce DNS-level content filtering

  • Enforce MDM-level protection

  • Enforce network, application, and system-level controls

  • Maintain administrative authority over filtering configurations

  • Hold your configuration password for your selected cooling off period

  • Modify controls in accordance with your requests and the program structure

Own Device Requirement: You represent and warrant that:

  • You are installing Hardstop on your own device(s) for your own personal use

  • You are the legal owner or have explicit authorization to manage the device

  • You are not installing this on behalf of another person (including minors)

  • You have full authority to grant the permissions required

Password Control: You acknowledge and agree that:

  • Configuration passwords are held by Hardstop during your cooling off period

  • You cannot access or remove configurations without this password

  • Some controls may not be adjustable or removable by you during the active service period

  • Requesting your password begins a waiting period (your cooling off period) unless an emergency (see emergency section below)


4. Voluntary Participation

You confirm that:

  • You are 18 years of age or older

  • You are enrolling yourself voluntarily for your own personal accountability

  • You understand the nature and impact of device-level controls

  • You are the legal owner or authorized user of the device(s)

  • You have full authority to grant the permissions required

  • This is your personal choice to support your own digital wellness goals

Not Imposed by Others: You confirm that Hardstop is:

  • Not imposed by a parent, guardian, or family member

  • Not imposed by an employer or institution

  • Not court-mandated or legally required

  • Your own voluntary decision for personal accountability

Your Autonomy: While Hardstop creates intentional friction through cooling off periods, you maintain ultimate control:

  • You choose your cooling off period duration

  • You can request your password at any time

  • You can request early access for emergencies or special circumstances

  • You can cancel your subscription at any time

  • We respect your autonomy and will work with you to balance your immediate needs with your stated long-term goals


5. Acknowledgement of Service Impact

You understand and accept that Hardstop may:

  • Limit access to websites, applications, or services you later decide you want

  • Prevent installation or removal of certain applications

  • Constrain browser choice or functionality

  • Limit access to system settings or network behavior

  • Block VPN or proxy services that could bypass filtering

  • Interfere with entertainment, social, or non-essential services

  • Require support involvement and waiting periods to make adjustments

Intentional Design: These outcomes are an intentional part of the accountability service and are not considered defects or service failures. The purpose is to create deliberate friction between impulse and action, supporting your personal goals.

Emergency Access: If you need immediate access due to emergency circumstances, contact emergency support (see Section 11).


6. Cooling Off Period and Password Management

Purpose: The "cooling off period" is the cornerstone of Hardstop's accountability model. It creates intentional friction and time for reflection between the impulse to disable filtering and the ability to do so.

How It Works:

  1. Selection: When you sign up, you choose your cooling off period duration

    • Examples: 24 hours, 48 hours, 3 days, 7 days, or custom duration

    • This is the minimum time you must wait after requesting your password

  2. Password Custody: Hardstop holds your configuration password during this period

    • You cannot remove or disable filtering without this password

    • The password is unique to your configuration

  3. Request Process: To receive your password:

    • Submit a request via email to info@tryhardstop.com

    • Wait until your cooling off period expires

    • Receive password via email to your registered address

Request Timeline:

  • You may request your password at any time

  • Standard processing: Password delivered 24 business hours after your cooling off period expires

  • Example: If you have a 7-day cooling off period:

    • Day 0: You request password

    • Day 7: Cooling off period expires or you request password

    • Day 8: Password delivered (24 hrs after expiration)

Changing Your Cooling Off Period:

  • You may change your cooling off period at any time via contacting us

  • New cooling off periods apply to future password requests

  • Existing cooling off periods in progress are not affected by changes

Early Access Requests: You may request early access before your cooling off period expires:

  • Emergency situations: Medical emergency, mental health crisis, safety concerns

  • Special circumstances: Unexpected work requirements, travel, family emergency

Our Approach to Early Access: We respect that circumstances change and life happens. There is no judgment in requesting early access. We aim to balance your immediate needs with your stated accountability goals, always prioritizing your safety and wellbeing.

Password Delivery:

  • Passwords are sent to your registered email address only

  • You are responsible for maintaining access to this email

  • Lost email access may delay password delivery

  • We cannot deliver passwords via phone, text, or alternative email addresses for security reasons

Important Notes:

  • The cooling off period is designed to help you pause and reconsider impulsive decisions

  • It is not designed to trap you or prevent legitimate access needs

  • We are here to support your goals, not to control you

  • You can cancel your subscription at any time (though this does not immediately remove configurations)


7. No Guarantee of Outcomes

Hardstop does not guarantee:

  • Behavioral change

  • Addiction recovery

  • Mental health outcomes

  • Productivity improvements

  • Relationship improvements

  • Complete prevention of circumvention

  • 100% blocking effectiveness

Tool, Not Treatment: Hardstop is a tool that supports personal accountability through technological barriers and intentional friction. It is not:

  • A substitute for therapy or professional treatment

  • A cure for addiction or compulsive behaviors

  • A guarantee of personal transformation

  • Medical or mental health treatment

Your Responsibility: Outcomes depend on your individual behavior, commitment, and broader support systems. Hardstop is most effective as part of a comprehensive approach to digital wellness that may include professional support, community accountability, and personal development work.


8. Circumvention and Interference

You agree not to:

  • Attempt to bypass, disable, or interfere with filtering controls

  • Factory reset devices to evade enforcement without first requesting your password

  • Use VPNs, proxies, or exploits to defeat network-level controls

  • Attempt to remove profiles or configurations without authorization

  • Share methods of circumvention with other users

  • Reverse engineer Hardstop's filtering mechanisms

Consequences: Such actions may result in:

  • Suspension of support services

  • Termination of service without refund

  • Forfeiture of remaining subscription period

Good Faith: We understand that technical troubleshooting sometimes requires testing system behavior. Contact support if you need to temporarily adjust settings for legitimate technical reasons.


9. Future Technology Changes

Future Technology Changes

You acknowledge that Hardstop may:

  • Introduce new filtering or device-management technologies

  • Modify enforcement mechanisms as platforms evolve

  • Adjust technical implementation without prior notice

  • Change service providers or underlying infrastructure

  • Enhance blocking capabilities

Not Material Changes: These technical changes do not constitute a material change to the service's core purpose: providing DNS-level content filtering, systemic network protection, with password-protected accountability.

Your Rights: If a technical change fundamentally alters how the service works or significantly reduces its effectiveness, you may cancel your subscription.


10. Memberships

Hardstop memberships grant access to the Hardstop program and associated filtering controls for the duration of the active membership period.

Membership access is conditional on:

  • Active payment status

  • Ongoing compliance with these Terms

  • Being 18 years of age or older

  • Using the service for personal accountability (not managing others' devices)

Memberships are:

  • Personal and non-transferable

  • Limited to devices you personally own and use

  • Subject to these Terms of Service

Free Trial:

  • New users receive a 3-day free trial

  • No payment is required during the trial period

  • You will not be charged unless you continue beyond the trial period

  • You may cancel anytime during the trial at no cost

  • If you do not cancel, your trial automatically converts to a paid subscription


11. Subscriptions

Hardstop may be offered as a recurring subscription or fixed-term program. The subscription term and renewal conditions are disclosed at checkout and form part of these Terms.

Automatic Renewal

Unless otherwise stated, subscriptions automatically renew at the end of each billing cycle at the then-current rate unless cancelled prior to renewal.

You are responsible for managing cancellations before renewal.

Cancellation

Cancelling a subscription:

  • Stops future billing immediately

  • Does not automatically remove existing device configurations or controls

  • Does not entitle you to a refund for the current billing period unless required by law

  • Does not provide immediate access to your configuration password

After Cancellation: To remove Hardstop filtering after cancelling:

  1. Request your configuration password (if cooling off period is active)

  2. Wait for cooling off period to expire (if applicable)

  3. Receive password via email

  4. Follow uninstall instructions at [link to knowledge base]

Post-Cancellation Effect

Configurations may remain active after cancellation until you:

  • Request and receive your password

  • Complete the uninstall process

Immediate removal is not guaranteed. Your account data will be retained for 30 days after cancellation, then permanently deleted.


12. Support and Password Release

Support Channels:

Password Release - Standard Process:

  1. Request your password via info@tryhardstop.com

  2. We confirm your identity using account email

  3. Cooling off period timer begins (if not already running)

  4. Password delivered 24 hours after cooling off period expires

  5. Use password to remove configuration per uninstall instructions

Password Release - Emergency Process: For genuine emergencies (medical, mental health crisis, safety):

  1. Email info@tryhardstop.com with subject line "EMERGENCY ACCESS"

  2. Briefly explain the emergency situation

  3. We review and respond within 2 hours during business hours

  4. Emergency requests may be granted before cooling off period expires

What Qualifies as Emergency:

  • Medical emergency requiring access to health information

  • Mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts

  • Safety concern or domestic violence situation

  • Child emergency requiring immediate device access

  • Other situations where delay could cause serious harm

Response Time Commitments:

  • Standard password requests: 24 hours after cooling off period expires

  • Standard support inquiries: Within 24 business hours

  • Emergency requests: Within 2 hours during business hours

  • After-hours emergencies: Within 8 hours

Limitations: Hardstop cannot guarantee:

  • Instant access (please maintain emergency contact methods)

  • Access during system outages or technical failures

  • Access if you lose access to your registered email account

  • Response times outside business hours for non-emergency requests

Identity Verification: For security, passwords are only released to the email address registered to your account. We cannot release passwords via:

  • Phone calls

  • Text messages

  • Alternative email addresses

  • Third parties

Our Philosophy: We are here to support your goals, not to judge or control you. If you need access, we will work with you respectfully and promptly. Your wellbeing and autonomy are our priorities.


13. After Cooling Off Period:

To remove Hardstop filtering after your cooling off period:

  1. Request Password: Email info@tryhardstop.com requesting your configuration password

  2. Wait: Your cooling off period begins/continues

  3. Receive Password: Password delivered 24 hours after cooling off period expires

  4. Uninstall: Follow platform-specific instructions below

Uninstall Instructions:

iOS/iPadOS:

  1. Open Settings > General > VPN & Device Management

  2. Tap the Hardstop profile

  3. Tap "Remove Profile"

  4. Enter the password provided by Hardstop

  5. Confirm removal

macOS:

  1. Open System Preferences > Profiles

  2. Select the Hardstop profile

  3. Click the minus (-) button

  4. Enter the password provided by Hardstop

  5. Confirm removal

    During Cooling Off Period: If you need to remove Hardstop before your cooling off period expires:

After Removal:

  • Your device returns to normal operation immediately

  • DNS filtering stops

  • All Hardstop configurations are removed

  • Your account remains active unless you separately cancel your subscription

  • You may reinstall Hardstop at any time

Account Cancellation vs. Uninstall:

  • Cancelling subscription = stops future billing, but doesn't remove configurations

  • Uninstalling = removes configurations from device, but doesn't cancel subscription

  • To fully exit: Cancel subscription AND uninstall from devices


14. Billing and Payments

Payment Authorization

By enrolling, you authorize Hardstop LLC to charge your nominated payment method in accordance with your selected plan.

Free Trial:

  • 3-day free trial for new users

  • No payment required during trial

  • Trial converts to paid subscription automatically unless cancelled

  • Cancel anytime during trial at no cost

Subscription Billing:

  • Recurring subscriptions: 0.33¢ per day, billed every 75 days

  • Billed automatically to your payment method on file

  • You will receive email notification before each billing cycle

Refunds

Except where required by applicable law, all payments are non-refundable, including for:

  • Partial periods

  • Early termination

  • Dissatisfaction or non-use

  • Inability to complete cooling off period

  • Change of mind

Exception: If Hardstop fails to work as described or provide the core service (DNS filtering), contact info@tryhardstop.com. We will work with you to resolve the technical issue.

Got it — here's the corrected version:

Refunds & Money-Back Guarantee

We stand behind HardStop with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied for any reason within 30 days of your initial purchase, contact info@tryhardstop.com for a full refund — no questions asked.

After 30 Days

After the 30-day guarantee period, all payments are non-refundable, including for:

  • Partial billing periods
  • Early termination or cancellation
  • Dissatisfaction or non-use
  • Inability to complete cooling off period
  • Change of mind

Technical Issues Exception

If HardStop fails to deliver its core service (content blocking via DNS filtering and device-level controls), contact info@tryhardstop.com. We will work with you to resolve the issue regardless of when it occurs. If we are unable to resolve a verified technical failure within a reasonable timeframe, you may be eligible for a pro-rata refund at our discretion.

Platform Changes

If Apple, Google, Microsoft, or any other operating system provider updates their software, policies, or security framework in a way that limits, disrupts, or renders HardStop ineffective, this does not constitute a failure of service by HardStop and does not entitle you to a refund. HardStop is not responsible for third-party platform changes beyond our control. We will make reasonable efforts to restore functionality, but continued service effectiveness is subject to the capabilities permitted by the underlying platform.

Failed Payments

If a payment fails, HardStop may:

  • Suspend support services and password release
  • Maintain active device configurations (blocking remains active)
  • Terminate your account after 14 days of non-payment

Continued non-payment may result in termination and loss of access to support for password release.

Price Changes

HardStop may change pricing with 30 days' advance notice. Continued use after the notice period constitutes acceptance of updated pricing. Existing subscription periods will complete at the original price.

Chargebacks

Initiating a chargeback without first contacting HardStop support may result in:

  • Immediate suspension of support services
  • Inability to obtain configuration password
  • Termination of service
  • Permanent ban from HardStop services

Please contact support first to resolve any billing disputes.

How to Request a Refund

Email info@tryhardstop.com with your account details. Refunds are processed within 5–10 business days to the original payment method.


15. Device and Data Responsibility

You remain solely responsible for:

  • Backing up personal data before installing Hardstop

  • Device compatibility and performance

  • Account credentials and email access

  • Compliance with manufacturer terms (Apple, Google, Microsoft, etc.)

  • Maintaining email access for password recovery

  • Understanding your device's features before installation

Not Our Responsibility: Hardstop is not responsible for:

  • Data loss from any cause

  • Device lockouts or access issues

  • Third-party account issues (Apple ID, Google Account, etc.)

  • Hardware failures or malfunctions

  • Compatibility issues with specific device models or OS versions

  • Conflicts with other security or management software

Your Obligations:

  • Ensure you can access your registered email before requesting password

  • Back up important data regularly

  • Understand how to factory reset your device as a last resort (though this should not be used to circumvent accountability)

  • Maintain active Apple ID / Google Account credentials


16. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

"As Is" Service:

  • Hardstop is provided "as is" and "as available"

  • We make no warranties about uninterrupted service, error-free operation, or specific results

  • We do not warrant that Hardstop will be 100% effective at blocking all content

Liability Limitations:

  • We are not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages

  • We are not liable for loss of profits, data, goodwill, or other intangible losses

  • Total liability is limited to fees paid by you in the preceding 30 days

Examples of Non-Liability: We are not liable for:

  • Mental health outcomes or addiction recovery results

  • Relationship or employment consequences

  • Time lost during cooling off periods

  • Frustration or inconvenience from filtering

  • Technical issues with devices or third-party services

  • Inability to access content when needed

Consumer Protection: Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits non-excludable consumer guarantees under Australian Consumer Law, EU consumer protection laws, or other applicable consumer protection legislation. Where such laws apply and cannot be excluded, our liability is limited to the extent permitted by law.


17. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Hardstop, Hardstop LLC, its directors, officers, employees, agents, and contractors from any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

  • Your use or misuse of the service

  • Your breach of these Terms

  • Disputes regarding device ownership or authority to install Hardstop

  • Your violation of any third-party rights

  • Your installation of Hardstop on devices you don't own or have authority to manage

  • Your misrepresentation of age or eligibility

  • Claims by minors if you installed Hardstop on their devices in violation of these Terms


18. Termination

By Hardstop: We may suspend or terminate your access immediately if you:

  • Breach these Terms

  • Attempt to defeat, bypass, or circumvent controls

  • Abuse or harass support staff

  • Use the service unlawfully

  • Are under 18 years of age

  • Use Hardstop on devices belonging to minors

  • Use Hardstop as a parental control or monitoring tool

  • Misrepresent your identity, age, or device ownership

  • Share circumvention methods with other users

  • Reverse engineer the service

  • Initiate chargebacks without contacting support

Effect of Termination:

  • Your account access is revoked immediately

  • You lose access to support and password release services

  • Billing stops for future periods

  • No refunds for current or past periods

  • Configurations may remain active on devices

Important: Termination does not automatically remove configurations already applied to your devices. However, if you are terminated for age violations (minor use), we will provide your configuration password immediately upon request to allow removal.

By You: You may cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings or by contacting support. See Section 11 (Subscriptions) for cancellation details.


19. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms periodically to reflect:

  • Changes in our service offerings

  • Changes in legal or regulatory requirements

  • Improvements to clarity or user protection

  • Technical changes to our service delivery

Notice:

  • We will post updated Terms on our website

  • The "Effective Date" at the top will be updated

  • For material changes, we will notify you via email

  • Continued use after changes constitute acceptance

Your Rights: If you do not agree with updated Terms:

  • You may cancel your subscription

  • Cancel within 30 days of notice for material changes to receive a pro-rated refund

  • Complete the uninstall process using your configuration password


20. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America, without regard to conflict of law principles. You submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Delaware.

International Users: If you are located outside the United States, your use of Hardstop may also be subject to local laws. You are responsible for compliance with applicable local laws.

Consumer Protection: Nothing in this section removes or limits your rights under mandatory consumer protection laws in your jurisdiction, including but not limited to Australian Consumer Law, EU consumer protection regulations, or UK consumer rights.


  1. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about our Terms of Service, please contact us:

General Inquiries: Email: info@tryhardstop.com

Support & Password Requests: Email: info@tryhardstop.com

Response time: Within 24 business hours

Emergency Access: Email: info@tryhardstop.com
Response time: Within 2 hours during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST)

Mailing Address: Hardstop LLC - 131 Continental Dr Suite 305, Newark, DE 19713 US United States

Business Hours: Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm EST Closed on US federal holidays

Emergency requests received outside business hours will be processed on the next business day unless they involve immediate safety concerns.