SmallTalk:

chat nearby

Terms of Service

Last updated: February 2026

Agreement

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of SmallTalk: Chat Nearby (“SmallTalk”, “the App”, “we”, “us”, or “our”). By downloading or using the App, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the App.

Will these Terms ever change?

We may update these Terms from time to time as we improve the App. Continued use of the App after changes means you accept the updated Terms.

What about my privacy?

We take your privacy seriously. Please review our Privacy Policy.

How does the App work?

SmallTalk: Chat Nearby is a peer-to-peer Bluetooth messaging app that allows nearby devices to discover each other and exchange messages directly without accounts or central servers (decentralised).

Eligibility

You must be at least 13 years old to use the App.

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) requires that online service providers obtain parental consent before they knowingly collect personally identifiable information online from children who are under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect or solicit personally identifiable information from children under 13 years of age; if you are under 13 years of age, please do not attempt to download or use SmallTalk or send us any personal information. If we learn we have collected personal information from a child under 13 years of age, we will delete that information as quickly as possible. If you believe that someone under 13 years of age may have provided us personal information, please contact us at getsmalltalkapp@gmail.com.

License to Use the App

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to download and use the App for personal, non-commercial use, in accordance with these Terms and Apple’s App Store rules.

You must not:

  • copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works from the App
  • reverse engineer, decompile, or attempt to extract the App's source code
  • use the App unlawfully

All rights not expressly granted are reserved.

Device Permissions

The App uses certain system features:

  • Bluetooth to discover nearby devices and exchange messages
  • Location access for map-related features
  • Notifications (optional)

We do not collect or share your location data.

Disabling permissions may limit functionality.

Acceptable Use of the App

You agree not to use the App to:

  • harass, threaten, or abuse users
  • spam users
  • send illegal, hateful, or harmful content
  • impersonate any person or entity
  • exploit or disrupt the App
  • violate any applicable laws

You are responsible for your behaviour and the content you choose to send or receive.

Safety & Reporting

Users can:

  • block users using a local block list stored on their device
  • report inappropriate users or content to us in-app via email at getsmalltalkapp@gmail.com
  • benefit from basic automated filtering that reduces inappropriate usernames and messages

Due to the App’s peer-to-peer architecture, lack of accounts, and no central servers, we cannot:

  • block specific users on your behalf
  • moderate user behaviour or user-generated content
  • read, edit, delete, or recover messages

Security Disclaimer

Messages are exchanged directly between devices over Bluetooth and are not end-to-end encrypted (E2EE). Do not send confidential or sensitive information through the App.

Third-Party Services

The App may rely on third-party services, such as maps provided by OpenFreeMap.

We do not control their availability or accuracy and are not responsible for outages, rate limits, or restrictions imposed by them.

Your use of third-party services is subject to their own terms.

App Availability & Changes

We are continuously improving the App and may update, modify, or discontinue the App or its features at any time.

We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation.

Bluetooth communication may be affected by device conditions, hardware, distance, or interference.

Intellectual Property

The App, including its design, branding, and code, is owned by us and protected by intellectual property laws.

“SmallTalk” refers solely to this application and is not affiliated with other products or technologies with similar names.

You may not use our branding without our prior written permission.

We respect your intellectual property rights and expect the same courtesy in return.

Disclaimer of Warranties

The App is provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranties of any kind. Use of the App is at your own risk.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we are not liable for:

  • user behaviour or user-generated content
  • loss of messages or data
  • device or connectivity issues
  • service interruptions
  • third-party services
  • indirect or consequential damages

Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid for the App (if any).

Termination

You may stop using the App at any time by deleting it. We may suspend or terminate your access to the App at our discretion, including for violating these Terms or if the App is discontinued.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Australia.

Have questions?

Email us at getsmalltalkapp@gmail.com.