Terms of Service

HARDSTOP LLC

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

Updated Date: April 4, 2026

HardStop LLC · 131 Continental Dr Suite 305, Newark, DE 19713 · [email protected]

Summary

This is the short version. The full legal terms follow below and apply to your use of HardStop. But here is what you actually need to know before you read anything else.

What HardStop is: A voluntary porn-blocking service for iPhone, Mac, and Windows. You choose to install it and you choose your wait time period. You are in control of those decisions. We are just here to honour them.

Free trial: You get 7 days free. No card is charged during the trial. Cancel any time during those 7 days and nothing happens.

Zero Access Guarantee: If explicit content gets through HardStop while our filter is active on your device, we will refund every dollar you have paid us. So we stand behind ours completely. If it fails you through a fault in our service, you should not pay for it. Full details are in Section 7.6.

Cancelling: You can cancel your subscription any time by emailing us at [email protected]. Cancelling stops future billing. Removing the software from your device is a separate step and we walk you through it when you are ready.

One subscription, all platforms: A single HardStop subscription covers your iPhone, Mac, and Windows devices. You do not pay separately per device or per platform.

How it works on iPhone: HardStop installs at the system level of your iPhone. We hold the password to remove it. When you want out, your wait time starts counting. We send you the password after it expires. We also apply network-level content filtering that blocks adult content before your device connects to it.

How it works on Mac and Windows: HardStop installs two things on your computer. First, a network filtering application that blocks adult content at the network level. Second, a background process called the HardStop Enforcer that keeps the filtering application running so you cannot simply close it and bypass the filter. Both launch automatically when you start your computer. When you want out, the same wait time process applies. Once your wait time expires, we email you an uninstaller. You run it, then follow our instructions to remove the filtering application.

What we can and cannot see:

We want to be completely upfront about this because it matters to you.

What we cannot see — and this is what actually matters — is anything you do on your computer. We cannot see what websites you visit. We cannot see your browsing history. We cannot see your files, messages, photos, or anything else on your device. We are not watching you. We are not monitoring you. We have no ability to do any of that through HardStop. The only thing our filtering service does is block adult content at the network level. That is it.

The wait time — the important part:

We hold the means of removing HardStop from your device. That is the whole point — so you cannot disable the filter in a moment of weakness.

When you want your device back, your wait time starts counting. If you chose a period at signup, that applies. If you did not choose one, the default is 72 hours. We deliver the means of removal after it expires.

Backup requirement for iPhone users: You must back up your iPhone before installation. The supervision process carries a small risk of data loss if something goes wrong on your device. Back up first. This is not optional and we are not responsible if you skip it.

If you have a genuine emergency — medical, safety, or mental health crisis — we have a process to get you access as fast as humanly possible. See Section 4.4.

PLEASE READ THESE TERMS CAREFULLY BEFORE USING HARDSTOP.

By checking the agreement box at checkout and again at the point of device setup, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be legally bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"), the Privacy Policy, and the Device Modification Disclosure. Your consent is recorded by timestamp and associated with your account. If you do not agree, you must not access or use HardStop.

These Terms contain a mandatory arbitration clause and class action waiver in Section 22. Please read that section carefully as it affects your legal rights.

These Terms govern your access to and use of HardStop, a voluntary digital accountability service provided by HardStop LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("HardStop", "we", "us", or "our"). "You" or "User" means the individual or parent/guardian entering into this agreement.

1. Who May Use HardStop

1.1 Age Requirement

HardStop is intended for individuals who are 18 years of age or older. By accessing or using HardStop, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years old.

1.2 Parental Purchase for a Minor's Device

HardStop is not a parental control application and is not marketed as one. However, a parent or legal guardian may choose to purchase HardStop to install on a device used by a minor in their care. If you are purchasing HardStop for a minor's device:

You, the parent or legal guardian, are the sole contracting party and enter into this Agreement on your own behalf and on behalf of the minor. You represent that you are the minor's parent or legal guardian with full legal authority to consent to installation of HardStop on that device. You accept full and sole responsibility for all consequences arising from installation and use of HardStop on the minor's device. You agree to indemnify HardStop against any claims brought by or on behalf of the minor in connection with such installation (see Section 15). HardStop is not responsible for monitoring the minor or providing child safety services beyond the filtering settings you configure. Any purchase of HardStop for a minor's device is entirely at the parent's or guardian's election and risk. HardStop makes no representation that its service is suitable for minors.

1.3 Own-Device and Informed Consent Requirement

You represent and warrant that you are installing HardStop on a device you own or are legally authorised to manage. You must not install HardStop on any device without the express, informed, and freely given consent of its legal owner.

1.4 Prohibition on Coercive Installation

HardStop is designed exclusively for voluntary self-use. This is particularly important on Mac and Windows, where installing software on another person's device without their knowledge is easier than on iPhone. Installation of HardStop on another adult's device without their full, informed, and freely given consent is a material breach of these Terms and may constitute a criminal offence under applicable law, including laws relating to stalking, coercive control, and unauthorised access to computer systems.

HardStop explicitly prohibits use of its service as a tool of intimate partner control, domestic surveillance, or any form of coercion. If HardStop determines the service is being used in this manner, the account will be terminated immediately and the means of removal will be released to the device owner upon verified request.

If you believe HardStop has been installed on your device without your consent, contact [email protected] immediately. We will assist you in removing it.

1.5 Other Prohibited Uses

You may not use HardStop to circumvent any legal obligation or court order, or to violate any applicable law or regulation.

2. How HardStop Works on iPhone

2.1 The Two-Layer System

HardStop's iPhone service uses two complementary technologies to deliver its accountability service.

Device Supervision: HardStop modifies your iPhone's configuration using a device supervision process. In plain terms, this establishes supervision on your device, which enables a password-protected configuration profile to be installed. That profile cannot be removed without the password held by HardStop. HardStop does not have ongoing remote access to your device, cannot see your activity, and cannot push commands to your device. The supervision solely enables the password-protected profile to function.

Network-Level Content Filtering: HardStop configures your device to route its DNS queries — the lookups your phone performs to find websites — through a third-party content filtering provider. This blocks access to adult content domains at the network level before your device connects to them. It also blocks Reddit image and video media and X (formerly Twitter) image and video media, in-app and in-browser. You may also request custom domains to be blocked.

2.2 What HardStop Blocks on iPhone

Adult content websites via network-level domain filtering; image and video media on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), in-app and in-browser; custom websites and applications you specifically request to block; removal of the iOS configuration profile without the HardStop-held password.

2.3 What HardStop Does Not Block on iPhone

General internet access and non-adult content; Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) text-based browsing and functionality; productivity, communication, health, education, or work applications; emergency services, crisis resources, and health applications; content outside the scope of your configured filter settings.

2.4 Platform Dependency — iPhone

HardStop's iPhone supervision technology depends entirely on Apple's iOS platform and Apple's policies. Apple may, at any time and without notice, release software updates, change platform policies, or implement security measures that limit, disrupt, or entirely prevent HardStop's supervision mechanism from functioning. HardStop's network-level filtering depends on a third-party filtering provider whose availability and functionality are outside HardStop's control.

By using HardStop on iPhone, you explicitly acknowledge and accept this platform dependency risk. Disruption caused by Apple or our third-party filtering provider does not constitute a failure of service by HardStop and does not automatically entitle you to a refund. See Section 6 for full details.

3. How HardStop Works on Mac and Windows

3.1 The Two-Layer System

HardStop's Mac and Windows service uses two complementary components installed on your computer.

Network Filtering Application: HardStop installs a network filtering application on your device that routes your DNS queries and network traffic through enterprise-grade filtering infrastructure operated by a third-party provider. This blocks access to adult content domains at the network level before your device connects to them. This application launches automatically each time you start your computer. You may also request custom domains to be blocked.

The HardStop Enforcer: The HardStop Enforcer is a background process installed alongside the network filtering application. Its sole function is to ensure the filtering application cannot be closed, disabled, or toggled off through application controls or system settings. If the filtering application is closed for any reason, the Enforcer restarts it automatically. The Enforcer launches automatically each time you start your computer. The Enforcer does not access, read, or transmit any data from your device. It has no independent network communication capability. It does one thing: it keeps the filtering application running.

3.2 What HardStop Blocks on Mac and Windows

Adult content websites via network-level domain filtering; custom websites you specifically request to block; the ability to close or disable the filtering application through application controls; the ability to toggle off content filtering through the filtering application's settings.

3.3 What HardStop Does Not Block on Mac and Windows

General internet access and non-adult content; productivity, communication, health, education, or work applications; emergency services, crisis resources, and health applications; access to your files, applications, or any other function of your computer unrelated to content filtering.

3.4 Data Visibility — What We Can and Cannot See on Mac and Windows

This section is important. Please read it carefully.

Because your device is enrolled in HardStop's filtering infrastructure, certain technical device information is visible to HardStop within our infrastructure provider's administrative dashboard. This is a technical consequence of how device enrollment works and is necessary for the service to function.

The information visible to HardStop includes: your email address; your device name; a system-assigned device identifier; your device's MAC address; your device's serial number; your device model and operating system version; connection status and last-seen timestamps; and your approximate geographic location at city level based on your connection point.

What HardStop cannot see — and this is what matters:

HardStop has disabled all activity logging across its filtering infrastructure. This means HardStop cannot see your DNS queries, cannot see the websites you visit or attempt to visit, cannot see your browsing history, and cannot see any network activity on your device. HardStop cannot see your files, your messages, your emails, your photos, your screen, or anything else on your computer. HardStop is not monitoring your behaviour, is not conducting surveillance on your device, and has no capability to do so through the HardStop service.

The device enrollment information listed above is static technical information that exists solely so your device can be identified within our filtering infrastructure as an enrolled HardStop device. HardStop does not use this information for any purpose other than administering your service, confirming your device's enrollment status, and facilitating your removal from the service when your wait time expires.

HardStop's network filtering infrastructure is operated by Cloudflare, Inc. Cloudflare processes traffic data through its own network in accordance with Cloudflare's Privacy Policy, available at cloudflare.com/privacypolicy. HardStop does not control Cloudflare's infrastructure-level data processing. You should review Cloudflare's Privacy Policy to understand how Cloudflare handles data passing through its network.

3.5 Platform Dependency — Mac and Windows

HardStop's Mac and Windows service depends on third-party filtering infrastructure whose availability and functionality are outside HardStop's control. The provider may, at any time, update its software, change its policies, or implement changes that limit or disrupt HardStop's filtering capability. By using HardStop on Mac or Windows, you explicitly acknowledge this platform dependency risk. Disruption caused by the third-party provider does not constitute a failure of service by HardStop. Section 6 applies to any refund considerations arising from third-party platform changes.

4. User Consent and Authorisation

4.1 Express Authorisation

By using HardStop, you expressly authorise HardStop, for the duration of your active service period, to:

For iPhone: install and manage configuration profiles on your iOS device; configure network-level content filtering via a third-party filtering provider; apply device supervision via a device configuration process; hold your configuration profile password during your chosen wait time period; and modify controls in accordance with your requests and these Terms.

For Mac and Windows: install a network filtering application and the HardStop Enforcer on your device; enroll your device in HardStop's filtering infrastructure; configure network-level content filtering through that infrastructure; maintain the Enforcer process to ensure the filtering application remains active; access the device enrollment information visible in the filtering infrastructure's administrative dashboard as described in Section 3.4; and modify controls in accordance with your requests and these Terms.

This authorisation is limited to the duration of your active subscription and wait time period. It does not grant HardStop any right to access your personal data, files, messages, photos, or device usage information.

4.2 Consent Process — Clickwrap Agreement

HardStop obtains your consent in two stages, both of which are required before the service is active.

The first stage occurs at checkout. You are required to check an unchecked box confirming that you have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy before your purchase is processed. Pre-ticked boxes are not used. Your consent, including timestamp, account email, IP address, and the version of the Terms in effect at that time, is recorded and stored by HardStop.

The second stage occurs inside the HardStop setup application immediately before the service is applied to your device. You are required to check a second unchecked box specifically acknowledging, for iPhone users: that you understand device supervision will be applied to your iPhone; that you have completed a full device backup; that HardStop will hold your configuration profile password for your chosen wait time period; and that you have read and understood the Device Modification Disclosure. For Mac and Windows users: that you understand a network filtering application and the HardStop Enforcer will be installed on your device; that the filtering application will launch at startup and cannot be closed without completing the wait time process; that HardStop will retain the means of removal for your chosen wait time period; and that certain technical device information will be visible to HardStop as described in Section 3.4. The service cannot be activated until this box is checked. This consent is timestamped and stored.

Both consent records constitute a binding clickwrap agreement enforceable under applicable law, including in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union. These records serve as HardStop's evidence of your informed consent in any dispute.

4.3 Voluntary Participation

You confirm your use of HardStop is entirely voluntary, freely chosen, and not imposed by any employer, institution, court, or other authority. HardStop is your own decision to support your personal digital wellness goals.

5. The Wait Time Period

5.1 Purpose

The wait time period is the core feature of HardStop's accountability model. It creates deliberate, user-chosen friction between the impulse to disable content filtering and the ability to act on that impulse. This intentional delay is the primary service HardStop provides.

5.2 How It Works

When you sign up, you choose your wait time duration. If you do not specify a preference, or if HardStop has not received a confirmed selection from you, your wait time period defaults to 72 hours. There is no maximum wait time period. When you request removal from HardStop, your wait time timer begins. HardStop delivers the means of removal within 24 hours after your wait time period expires. For iPhone users, this means your configuration profile password. For Mac and Windows users, this means your uninstaller download link. You may change your chosen period at any time by contacting us. Changes apply to future requests only. An active wait time period already in progress is not shortened by a subsequent change request.

5.3 Your Explicit Acknowledgements

By selecting your wait time period and proceeding with setup, you explicitly acknowledge that: you chose this restriction freely and voluntarily; HardStop is contractually obligated to honour your chosen period; the wait time period is not a device lockout — it is the service you purchased and requested; HardStop is fulfilling its contractual obligations by maintaining the wait time period, not acting against your interests; and you cannot demand immediate release on the basis of changed preference or urge alone during an active period.

5.4 Emergency Access

HardStop maintains an emergency access process for genuine emergencies, including: medical emergency requiring immediate device access; mental health crisis or suicidal ideation; domestic violence or personal safety threat; child emergency; or any situation where delay could cause serious harm to you or others.

To request emergency access: email [email protected] with the subject line "EMERGENCY ACCESS" and a brief description of the situation.

In a genuine emergency, HardStop will release the means of removal as soon as is humanly possible. We do not commit to a specific response window for emergencies because we operate across multiple time zones and cannot guarantee staffing at every hour. What we can commit to is this: emergency requests are treated as the absolute highest priority, will never be queued behind standard requests, and will be acted on by the first available team member regardless of the time of day or day of week.

An automatic reply will be sent immediately upon receipt of any emergency access request. That reply will include crisis support resources including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (US), Lifeline on 13 11 14 (AU), and Samaritans on 116 123 (UK), regardless of the nature of the emergency.

HardStop is not a medical provider, crisis service, or emergency responder. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, contact emergency services — 911 (US), 999 (UK), or 000 (AU) — or a crisis line immediately. Do not rely on HardStop to respond in a life-threatening situation. HardStop will always grant release in a genuine safety emergency.

6. Subscriptions and Billing

6.1 Pricing

HardStop is offered as an annual subscription at USD $97.00 per year. One subscription covers all supported platforms and devices. All prices are in USD. Local currency equivalents may vary with exchange rates.

6.2 Free Trial

New users receive a 7-day free trial with no payment required. If you do not cancel before the trial expires, your subscription automatically converts to a paid annual subscription at USD $97.00. You may cancel anytime during the trial at no cost.

6.3 Automatic Renewal Disclosure

Your HardStop subscription renews automatically each year at USD $97.00 unless you cancel before the renewal date. You will receive an email reminder at least 7 days before each renewal. To cancel, email [email protected] or use your account settings. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period.

6.4 Payment Processing

Payment is processed by our third-party payment processor. By enrolling, you authorise HardStop to charge your nominated payment method for the applicable subscription fee. The specific processor may change without requiring a Terms update.

6.5 Price Changes

HardStop may change subscription pricing with 30 days' written notice by email. Your current billing period always completes at the original price. Continued use after the notice period constitutes acceptance of updated pricing.

6.6 Failed Payments

If a payment fails, HardStop may suspend your account and cease providing active support services. However, regardless of payment status, HardStop will never withhold the means of removal from your device as a means of enforcing payment. If your account is suspended due to non-payment and you wish to exit the service, contact [email protected] and we will provide the means of removal within 5 business days to your registered email address. HardStop may pursue unpaid subscription fees through appropriate legal or collection channels separately from and independently of any removal obligation. Accounts in payment default for more than 14 days may be terminated at HardStop's discretion.

6.7 Chargebacks

If you initiate a chargeback or payment dispute with your bank or card provider, HardStop may terminate your account and apply a permanent ban from the service. HardStop will not withhold the means of removal from your device as a consequence of a chargeback. Your removal credentials will be released to your registered email address within 5 business days of the chargeback being initiated, regardless of the outcome of the dispute. HardStop reserves the right to contest chargebacks it believes to be fraudulent or made in bad faith. Please contact [email protected] before initiating a chargeback — most billing disputes can be resolved quickly and without involving your card provider.

7. Refund Policy

7.1 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

HardStop offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for new subscribers. If you are not satisfied for any reason within 30 days of your initial purchase, contact [email protected] for a full refund. No lengthy explanation required. This guarantee applies to your initial purchase only and does not apply to renewal periods. Refunds are processed within 5–10 business days to your original payment method.

7.2 After 30 Days

After the 30-day guarantee period, all payments are non-refundable, including for: partial billing periods or early cancellation; dissatisfaction, change of mind, or non-use; inability to tolerate the wait time period; or account termination for breach of these Terms.

7.3 Platform Change Carve-Out

If Apple, or any third-party provider whose infrastructure HardStop relies on to deliver its service, updates their software, security frameworks, or policies in a way that limits, disrupts, or renders HardStop partially or wholly ineffective, this does not constitute a failure of service by HardStop LLC. You acknowledged this platform dependency risk in Sections 2.4 and 3.5.

HardStop will make reasonable commercial efforts to restore full functionality following any platform change and will notify affected users promptly. If HardStop is unable to restore a materially functional service within 60 days of the disruption, you may contact [email protected] to request a pro-rata refund for the unused portion of your subscription period. HardStop will assess such requests in good faith. This is HardStop's sole refund obligation in connection with third-party platform changes.

7.4 Verified Technical Failure

If HardStop fails to deliver its core service due to a technical failure within HardStop's own control, and cannot resolve the issue within a reasonable timeframe, contact [email protected]. HardStop may, at its discretion, issue a pro-rata refund for a verified and unresolved technical failure.

7.5 Statutory Rights Not Excluded

Nothing in this Section limits statutory refund rights under mandatory consumer protection law, including the Australian Consumer Law, the UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, or applicable EU consumer protection regulations. Where mandatory statutory rights apply, they take precedence over this policy to the extent required by law.

7.6 Zero Access Guarantee

HardStop stands behind the effectiveness of its filtering service. If explicit adult content is accessed on a device where HardStop's filtering is active, and that access occurred due to a failure in HardStop's own filtering service rather than any action by you or any circumstance outside HardStop's control, HardStop will refund the full subscription fees you have paid.

To make a claim under this guarantee, email [email protected] with the subject line "ZERO ACCESS GUARANTEE CLAIM" and a description of what occurred, including the approximate date and device. HardStop will review the claim in good faith and respond within 10 business days.

This guarantee applies only where all of the following conditions are met. HardStop's filtering must have been active and correctly configured on the device at the time of access. The access must not have resulted from your disabling, closing, or circumventing any component of the HardStop service. The access must not have resulted from a third-party platform change, operating system update, or disruption outside HardStop's control as described in Sections 2.4, 3.5, and 7.3. The access must not have occurred on a device not enrolled in or covered by your active HardStop subscription. The claim must be made within 30 days of the access occurring.

Refunds under this guarantee are limited to subscription fees paid to HardStop. This guarantee does not extend to consequential, indirect, or punitive damages of any kind and does not alter the limitation of liability in Section 15. This guarantee applies once per subscription period. Where a refund is issued under this guarantee, your subscription will be cancelled.

Nothing in this Section creates any obligation beyond a subscription fee refund. HardStop makes no representation that its filtering will be effective against all possible means of accessing explicit content, and this guarantee is limited to failures within HardStop's own control.

This guarantee does not limit any statutory rights you hold under the Australian Consumer Law, the UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, or applicable EU consumer protection legislation.

8. Cancellation and Uninstallation

8.1 Cancelling Your Subscription

You may cancel at any time by emailing [email protected] or through your account settings. Cancellation stops future billing but does not remove device configurations, does not release the means of removal, and does not entitle you to a refund for the current billing period unless required by law.

8.2 Removing HardStop from Your Device

Cancelling your subscription and removing HardStop from your device are two separate actions.

For iPhone: email [email protected] to request your password; if a wait time period is active, wait for it to expire or request emergency access per Section 5.4; receive your password to your registered email; open Settings > General > VPN and Device Management > HardStop Profile > Remove Profile > enter password.

For Mac and Windows: email [email protected] to request removal; if a wait time period is active, wait for it to expire or request emergency access per Section 5.4; receive your uninstaller download link to your registered email; download and run the uninstaller, which removes the HardStop Enforcer; follow the provided instructions to remove the filtering application. Following both steps fully removes HardStop's content filtering from your device.

Account cancellation does not equal device uninstallation. Both steps are required to fully exit HardStop.

8.3 Post-Cancellation Data Retention

Account data is retained for 30 days after cancellation, then permanently deleted per our Privacy Policy. Removal credentials are deleted upon confirmed uninstallation or account deletion.

9. Service Availability and Technical Limitations

9.1 No Guarantee of Uninterrupted Service

HardStop is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free service, 100% blocking effectiveness across all platforms and applications, or compatibility with every device model or future operating system version.

9.2 New Device or System Upgrade

If you purchase a new device or perform a major operating system upgrade that disrupts your HardStop configuration, contact [email protected]. We will assist with re-onboarding on your new device at no additional cost during your active subscription period.

If you are transitioning to a new device, contact support before or as soon as possible after making the switch. We will coordinate setup on your new device and, if requested, release the removal credentials for your previous device so that HardStop can be removed from it. Your old device remains protected by HardStop's filtering until you request and receive those credentials. HardStop will not leave a previous device in a restricted state without providing a path to remove it.

9.3 Technical Changes

HardStop may update its technical implementation — including filtering methods, enforcement mechanisms, and third-party service providers — without prior notice. Such changes are made to maintain or improve the service and do not constitute a material change to HardStop's core purpose.

10. No Guarantee of Outcomes — Not a Medical Service

HardStop is a software tool that creates technological accountability barriers. It is not a medical device, therapeutic treatment, addiction recovery program, or mental health service. HardStop makes no representation regarding its effectiveness for any particular individual.

HardStop does not guarantee behavioural change, addiction recovery, mental health improvement, productivity outcomes, or complete prevention of access to adult content via all conceivable means. We strongly encourage users experiencing compulsive or addictive behaviours to also seek professional therapeutic support.

11. User Obligations

11.1 Mandatory Backup Requirement — iPhone Only

If you are installing HardStop on an iPhone, you must create a full backup of your device — via iTunes on a computer or via iCloud — before initiating the HardStop setup process. The device supervision process modifies your iPhone's configuration. While the erasure of personal data is not an intended or expected outcome of this process, unexpected issues can occur with any device modification. HardStop is not responsible for any data loss that occurs during or after installation.

You are solely responsible for verifying that your backup is complete and accessible before proceeding. Verification is not optional. By proceeding with the HardStop iPhone setup process, you confirm that you have completed and verified a full device backup immediately prior to beginning installation. HardStop's exclusion of data loss liability in Section 14.2 is conditional on this backup requirement having been met. Instructions for verifying an iCloud backup are available at tryhardstop.com/setup.

Mac and Windows users are not required to perform a backup before installation as the setup process does not modify system data.

11.2 General Obligations

You agree to: maintain access to your registered email address at all times, as removal credentials are delivered only to your registered email; keep your account details current and accurate; comply with the terms of service of any third-party providers relevant to your device and operating system; and use HardStop only for lawful purposes.

11.3 Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to:

Attempt to bypass, disable, or defeat the content filtering, device supervision controls, the HardStop Enforcer, or any other component of the HardStop service through any means including task managers, process killers, system tools, or third-party software. Uninstall any component of HardStop through system settings or third-party tools without first completing the proper wait time and removal process described in Section 8.2. Use VPNs, proxies, alternative DNS configurations, or any other tool to bypass network-level content filtering. Disable or modify your device's startup settings to prevent any HardStop component from launching. Factory reset your device to circumvent the wait time period without first requesting removal through the proper process. Share circumvention methods with other users. Reverse engineer or attempt to extract HardStop's source code, filtering logic, or technical implementation. Abuse, harass, or threaten HardStop support staff. Misrepresent your age, device ownership, or authority to install HardStop. Install HardStop on any person's device without their full, informed, and freely given consent.

12. Data and Privacy

12.1 Data We Collect and Data Visible to HardStop

HardStop collects and holds the following information directly: your name and email address for account management and removal credential delivery; payment information, which is processed and stored by our third-party payment processor — HardStop does not store full card details; and your chosen wait time period duration.

For Mac and Windows users, additional technical device information is visible to HardStop within our filtering infrastructure provider's administrative dashboard as a consequence of device enrollment. This information is described in full in Section 3.4 and includes device identifiers such as your MAC address and serial number. This information is not actively collected or stored in HardStop's own systems. It is visible within the infrastructure provider's dashboard and is used solely to administer your service.

For iPhone users, HardStop does not collect device identifiers, UDIDs, browsing history, DNS query logs, or any data from your device files, messages, photos, or applications.

12.2 What HardStop Cannot See

HardStop has disabled all activity logging across its filtering infrastructure. HardStop cannot see your DNS queries, browsing history, websites visited, search terms, or network activity. HardStop cannot see your files, messages, emails, photos, or screen content on any platform. HardStop does not monitor device behaviour and has no surveillance capability through the HardStop service on any platform. The HardStop Enforcer has no data collection or transmission capability of any kind.

12.3 Privacy Policy

Our full Privacy Policy at tryhardstop.com/privacy governs how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information and forms part of your legal agreement with HardStop. Users in the EU, UK, and Australia have additional statutory data protection rights set out in the Privacy Policy.

12.4 No Sale of Data

HardStop does not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for marketing or advertising purposes.

12.5 Data Sensitivity

You acknowledge that your account is associated with an adult content filtering service and that the device enrollment information visible to HardStop through our infrastructure provider — including hardware identifiers such as MAC address and serial number — constitutes personal information and is treated as such. HardStop maintains reasonable technical and organisational security measures to protect your data. HardStop does not use device enrollment information for profiling, marketing, or any purpose beyond service administration. In the event of a data breach affecting your personal information, HardStop will notify you in accordance with applicable law.

12.6 Third-Party Infrastructure Provider

HardStop's Mac and Windows filtering service is delivered through infrastructure operated by Cloudflare, Inc. Cloudflare processes network traffic data in accordance with its own privacy policy, available at cloudflare.com/privacypolicy. HardStop does not control Cloudflare's infrastructure-level data processing. You should review Cloudflare's Privacy Policy to understand how Cloudflare handles data passing through its network independently of HardStop's logging settings.

13. Support and Removal Assistance

13.1 Support Contacts

Standard support: [email protected] — response within 24 business hours. Removal requests: [email protected] — credentials delivered within 24 hours after wait time expires. Emergency access: [email protected] with subject "EMERGENCY ACCESS" — responded to as soon as possible by the first available team member, at any hour.

13.2 Standard Removal Process

Email [email protected] from your registered email address requesting removal. HardStop verifies your identity by email address match. Your wait time period begins or continues. For iPhone users, your configuration profile password is delivered within 24 hours after your wait time period expires. For Mac and Windows users, your uninstaller download link is delivered within 24 hours after your wait time period expires along with instructions for completing removal of the filtering application.

13.3 Identity Verification

Removal credentials are released only to the registered account email address. HardStop cannot release credentials via phone, text message, alternative email addresses, or to third parties. If you lose access to your registered email, contact support immediately — recovery may require additional verification and may cause delays.

14. Intellectual Property

HardStop, its software, website, branding, and all associated content are the intellectual property of HardStop LLC. Nothing in these Terms grants you any right to use HardStop's name, logo, or trademarks without prior written consent.

HardStop's iPhone supervision tool incorporates third-party open-source software licensed under the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL). HardStop complies with applicable open-source licence obligations. Source code attribution is available on request.

15. Limitation of Liability

15.1 "As Is" Service

HardStop is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

15.2 Exclusion of Consequential Damages

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, HardStop is not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including: loss of profits, revenue, or data; mental health or behavioural outcomes; relationship or employment consequences; frustration or inconvenience from wait time periods; data loss during or after iPhone installation where the mandatory backup and verification requirement in Section 11.1 was not completed; third-party platform disruptions including changes by Apple or any filtering infrastructure provider; or inability to access content due to active filtering.

15.3 Liability Cap

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, HardStop's total cumulative liability for any claims arising from or related to these Terms or your use of HardStop shall not exceed the total subscription fees you paid to HardStop in the 12 months immediately preceding the event giving rise to the claim.

15.4 Statutory Rights Preserved

Nothing in this Section excludes or limits consumer guarantees or statutory rights that cannot be excluded under mandatory law, including the Australian Consumer Law, the UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, or applicable EU consumer protection law. Where mandatory statutory rights apply, HardStop's liability is limited to the extent permitted by law.

16. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless HardStop LLC and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and contractors from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses — including reasonable attorneys' fees — arising from or related to: your use or misuse of HardStop; your breach of any provision of these Terms; your misrepresentation of age, device ownership, or eligibility; your installation of HardStop on a device you do not own or are not authorised to manage; any claim brought by or on behalf of a minor arising from your purchase and installation of HardStop on that minor's device; any claim arising from your installation of HardStop on another person's device without their informed consent; or your violation of any applicable law or third-party rights.

17. Term and Termination

17.1 Termination by HardStop

HardStop may suspend or terminate your account immediately if you: breach any provision of these Terms; attempt to bypass or defeat content filtering, device supervision, or the HardStop Enforcer; install HardStop on another person's device without their consent; provide false information about age, identity, or device ownership; abuse or threaten support staff; or use HardStop for any unlawful purpose.

17.2 Effect of Termination — Unconditional Removal

Upon termination of your account for any reason — including termination by HardStop for cause, termination for non-payment, or voluntary cancellation — HardStop will release your removal credentials to your registered email address within 5 business days. For iPhone users this means your configuration profile password. For Mac and Windows users this means your uninstaller download link and removal instructions. This obligation is unconditional. HardStop will not leave any device in a restricted state without providing the means to remove that restriction, regardless of the circumstances or reason for termination.

Additional effects of termination: account access is revoked; future billing ceases; no refund is issued for current or past periods unless required by law or unless Section 7 applies.

17.3 Survival

Sections 4.3, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, and 22 survive termination of these Terms.

18. Business Continuity and Service Wind-Down

In the event that HardStop LLC permanently discontinues its service, becomes insolvent, enters bankruptcy proceedings, or is acquired and the service is not continued by the acquiring entity, HardStop will:

Notify all active users by email at least 30 days in advance of service discontinuation where practicable. Release all removal credentials to registered account email addresses no later than 30 days from the date of discontinuation — for iPhone users this means configuration profile passwords, for Mac and Windows users this means uninstaller download links and removal instructions. Provide full uninstallation instructions to all registered users. Make reasonable efforts to ensure no device remains in a restricted state without the owner having received their removal credentials.

In circumstances where advance notice is not practicable — such as sudden insolvency — HardStop will make best efforts to fulfil these obligations as promptly as possible. This Section constitutes a material commitment to users and shall be treated as a priority obligation in any wind-down, insolvency, or acquisition process.

19. 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. Subject to Section 22, you submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Delaware for any dispute not subject to arbitration.

Nothing in this Section removes mandatory consumer protection rights you hold under Australian Consumer Law, the UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, or applicable EU consumer protection legislation.

20. Changes to These Terms

HardStop may update these Terms to reflect changes in our service, applicable law, or regulatory requirements. Updated Terms will be posted at tryhardstop.com/terms with an updated Effective Date. For material changes, we will notify you by email at least 10 days before changes take effect. Continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance.

If you do not agree with a material change, you may cancel within 30 days of notification and receive a pro-rata refund for any unused subscription period.

21. Miscellaneous

21.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and Device Modification Disclosure, constitute the entire agreement between you and HardStop and supersede all prior understandings and representations. Your clickwrap consent records, as described in Section 4.2, form part of and are incorporated into this agreement.

21.2 Statute of Limitations

To the extent permitted by applicable law, any claim arising from or related to your use of HardStop or these Terms must be brought within one year of the date on which the claim arose, or it is permanently waived.

21.3 Waiver

HardStop's failure to enforce any right or provision is not a waiver of that right. A waiver in one instance does not constitute a waiver on any other occasion.

21.4 Assignment

You may not assign your rights or obligations under these Terms without HardStop's prior written consent. HardStop may assign these Terms — including in connection with a merger, acquisition, or asset sale — without notice or consent.

21.5 Force Majeure

HardStop is not liable for any delay or failure caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including third-party platform changes, service outages, natural disasters, government actions, or cyberattacks.

21.6 Open Source Compliance

HardStop's iPhone supervision tool incorporates third-party software licensed under the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL). HardStop complies with all applicable LGPL obligations. Source code attribution is available on request.

22. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, that provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, or severed if modification is not possible. All remaining provisions continue in full force and effect. The parties agree a court should give effect to the intentions of the parties as reflected in any severed or modified provision.

23. Dispute Resolution and Mandatory Arbitration

IMPORTANT — PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: This section requires you to resolve most disputes with HardStop through binding individual arbitration rather than in court. By accepting these Terms, you waive your right to a jury trial and your right to participate in any class action or representative proceeding. This section does not apply to residents of the European Union or United Kingdom.

23.1 Informal Resolution First

Before initiating arbitration, contact HardStop at [email protected] with a written description of the dispute and your desired resolution. HardStop will attempt to resolve the dispute informally within 30 days. If unresolved, either party may proceed to arbitration.

23.2 Binding Arbitration

Except for claims qualifying for small claims court, any dispute arising from or relating to these Terms, the Privacy Policy, or your use of HardStop — including disputes about the validity or scope of this arbitration clause — shall be resolved by binding individual arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules, available at adr.org. Arbitration will be conducted in English and may be conducted remotely.

23.3 Class Action Waiver

YOU AND HARDSTOP AGREE THAT EACH MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN AN INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY CLASS ACTION, COLLECTIVE ACTION, OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING. The arbitrator may not consolidate more than one person's claims and may not preside over any class or representative proceeding.

23.4 Arbitration Costs

HardStop will pay AAA arbitration fees for claims not exceeding USD $10,000, unless the arbitrator determines the claim was frivolous. Each party bears its own attorneys' fees unless the arbitrator awards fees under applicable law.

23.5 Exceptions

Either party may seek emergency injunctive or equitable relief in a court of competent jurisdiction to prevent irreparable harm pending arbitration. HardStop may also pursue claims in small claims court for matters within that court's jurisdiction.

23.6 EU and UK Users

If you are a resident of the European Union or United Kingdom, the mandatory arbitration provisions of this Section do not apply to you. You retain your rights to bring claims before applicable courts and consumer protection bodies in your jurisdiction.

24. Contact Information

General and support inquiries: [email protected] Emergency access: [email protected] with subject line "EMERGENCY ACCESS" Address: HardStop LLC, 131 Continental Dr Suite 305, Newark, DE 19713, United States Website: tryhardstop.com