Terms and Conditions
effective date: march 1, 2025
1. Introduction
1.1 Overview of Lighthouse’s Purpose and Functionality
Lighthouse (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is a social networking platform designed to connect individuals locally and globally. Our platform allows users to create personal profiles, engage in interest-based connections, and communicate via messaging, video chat and more. Lighthouse is built around a privacy-first approach, ensuring that user profiles remain hidden by default and are only visible when a mutual connection is established.
By using Lighthouse, you can:
- Create an account and build a profile based on your interests.
- Connect with other users through a mutual acceptance process.
- Engage in messaging, video chat, and community discussions.
- Discover new people while maintaining control over your profile visibility.
- Lighthouse is not a dating app and not a professional networking service, though social and professional interactions may naturally emerge.
Lighthouse is not a dating app and not a professional networking service, though social and professional interactions may naturally emerge.
1.2 Agreement to Terms
By accessing or using Lighthouse, you agree to comply with these Terms & Conditions (“Terms”), as well as our published policies, and guidelines.
By using Lighthouse, you:
- Confirm that you are at least 14 years old or meet the minimum legal age in your jurisdiction.
- Agree to provide accurate information during registration and keep it updated.
- Understand that your use of the platform is at your own risk, including interactions with other users.
- Agree that Lighthouse reserves the right to moderate, restrict, or terminate access at its discretion.
- If you do not agree to these Terms, you must discontinue the use of Lighthouse immediately.
If you do not agree to these Terms, you must discontinue the use of Lighthouse immediately
1.3 Changes to Terms & Conditions
Lighthouse reserves the right to modify or update these Terms at any time. Changes may be made to reflect:
- Legal and regulatory compliance updates.
- Improvements in platform functionality and security.
- Adjustments based on user feedback and industry best practices.
In the event of significant updates, we will notify users via email or in-app notifications. Continued use of Lighthouse after updates signifies your acceptance of the revised Terms
1.4 Contact Information
For any inquiries, concerns, or disputes regarding these Terms, you may contact us at:
My Lighthouse LLC 200 N Green St. 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60607
support@hellolighthouse.com
2. User Eligibility & Registration
2.1 Age Requirements
Lighthouse is available only to individuals who are 14 years or older or meet the legal age requirement in their jurisdiction.
By registering, you confirm that:
- You meet the minimum age requirement for your region.
- If you falsely represent your age, your account may be immediately terminated without notice.
We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If a minor is found using Lighthouse, their account will be suspended, and any collected data will be deleted as per our Privacy Policy.
2.2 Account Creation Process
To access Lighthouse, users must register an account by providing the following required information:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth (DOB)
- Email Address
- Username (alias name)
- Phone Number
- Gender
- Location (City & State/Country)
Providing false or misleading information may result in account suspension or permanent termination.
2.3 Verification Process (Optional Selfie Verification)
Lighthouse offers an optional verification feature to confirm a user’s identity. Users can verify their profiles by:
- Uploading a selfie-style photo that matches their profile picture.
- Undergoing an automated or manual photo-matching process.
Verified profiles may receive a badge or indicator, signifying that their profile has been authenticated. Lighthouse does not guarantee identity verification accuracy, and users should exercise discretion when interacting with others.
2.4 Account Authentication & Security
To enhance security and streamline access, Lighthouse does not use traditional passwords. Instead, users authenticate via:
- Mobile phone-based login only (No email-based login until added in the future).
- One-time passcode (OTP) authentication, where a secure code is sent to the registered phone number each time the user logs in.
This method enhances security by eliminating password breaches and reducing unauthorized access. Users are responsible for ensuring that their registered phone number remains active and secure.
3. Privacy & Data Usage
3.1 Account Privacy
Lighthouse is designed with a privacy-first approach, ensuring that user profiles remain hidden unless specific interactions occur. By default, all profiles are private and only become visible when a user sends a connection request and the recipient accepts the request. Until mutual acceptance is established, a user’s profile details, including name, interests, and other personal information, are not publicly accessible. This mechanism is in place to protect user privacy, minimize unsolicited interactions, and enhance user control over their personal data.
3.2 Data Collection: Required vs. Optional Data
To operate Lighthouse effectively, we collect certain required and optional user data. The following data is mandatory for account creation and use of the platform: (i) Full Name, (ii) Date of Birth (DOB), (iii) Email Address, (iv) Phone Number, (v) Gender, and (vi) Location (City & State/Country). Additional data may be collected optionally, such as profile pictures, interest-based preferences, and other user-provided content. Users may choose not to provide optional data, but this may limit their access to certain platform features. Lighthouse does not collect sensitive health data unless explicitly input by users in their profiles, and any inferences drawn from user preferences are subject to privacy safeguards.
3.3 Account Deactivation vs. Deletion
Users have the option to deactivate their accounts at any time. When an account is deactivated, all profile details, messages, and other user-generated content are hidden from public and private view. However, account data is not permanently deleted, as Lighthouse does not currently offer a full deletion feature. The platform retains deactivated account information to allow users to reactivate their accounts seamlessly and to comply with applicable legal, security, and operational requirements. Users who wish to request complete data removal may contact Lighthouse Support, subject to verification and applicable laws.
3.4 Data Security Measures
Lighthouse prioritizes data security by implementing a mobile-only access policy and one-time passcode (OTP) authentication. Users do not create or store passwords; instead, a secure OTP is sent to the registered phone number for login authentication. This method reduces the risk of unauthorized access, phishing attacks, and credential theft. Lighthouse also employs encryption, secure data storage, and access controls to protect user information from unauthorized use or exposure. Users are responsible for maintaining the security of their registered phone numbers, as any unauthorized access to their device could compromise their account.
3.5 Lighthouse’s Rights to Store, Process, and Use User Data
By using Lighthouse, users acknowledge and consent to the collection, storage, processing, and use of their data as outlined in our Privacy Policy. This includes using data for personalized matchmaking, algorithmic recommendations, fraud prevention, platform analytics, and compliance with legal obligations. Lighthouse reserves the right to retain user data for as long as necessary to fulfill these purposes unless a valid deletion request is submitted and approved. Users also agree that their publicly shared content (such as prompts, profile details, and messages sent to other users) may remain visible even if they deactivate their account until the recipient removes it or the platform enforces content moderation. Lighthouse does not sell personal data to third parties, but may share anonymized data for research, analytics, or platform improvement purposes.
3.6 Advertising & Audience Building
By using Lighthouse, you acknowledge and consent to the use of anonymized behavioral data and user communications for marketing purposes and audience segmentation. Lighthouse may leverage user engagement insights to:
- Improve targeted advertising campaigns and optimize user acquisition strategies.
- Use customer names, emails, and other details to create Custom Audiences for targeted advertising on platforms such as Facebook and Google.
- Build Lookalike Audiences to reach similar users through third-party advertising platforms like Facebook, Google, and TikTok.
- Conduct performance tracking and analytics to refine marketing effectiveness.
Lighthouse will not sell personal user data to third-party advertisers. However, customer data may be used internally for marketing efforts, including ad targeting and audience building on third-party platforms. Lighthouse will not expose individual user identities or sensitive data publicly.
4. User Conduct & Content Guidelines
4.1 Prohibitions
User agrees that it may NOT: (a) use the platform or any content or information available through the platform for any unauthorized purpose; (b) interfere with or damage the platform including, without limitation, through the use of viruses, spyware, malware, harmful code, flood pings, denial of service attacks, packet or IP spoofing, forged routing, or methods that in any way reproduce or circumvent the navigational structure or presentation of the platform ; (c) use the platform to collect, store, or distribute (e.g., “phish”) any information about any other person in violation of any law, including information related to persons 13 years of age or younger; (d) use to platform to send or store infringing, sexually explicit, harassing, obscene, threatening, libelous, or otherwise unlawful or tortious communications or material, including material harmful to children or in violation of third-party privacy rights; (e) use the platform to impersonate any person, company, or entity, or misrepresent user’s identity; (f) modify, sublicense, assign, give, transfer, translate, sell, resell, reverse engineer, decipher, decompile, or otherwise disassemble any code, data, content, services, or information available through the platform or any software components used on or for the platform or access thereto; (g) attempt to gain unauthorized access to the platform or its related systems or networks; (h) use any third-party software or scripts to utilize the platform or collect information from or through the platform ; (i) distribute, re-distribute, or permit transfer of the platform or content or information available through the platform in violation of any export or import law and/or regulation or restriction of the United States of America and its agencies or authorities, or without all required approvals, licenses or exemptions; (j) use the platform to disseminate, store, or transmit unsolicited messages, chain letters, or unsolicited commercial e-mail; (k) use the platform to disseminate, store, or transmit files, graphics, software or other material that actually, impliedly, or potentially infringes the intellectual property rights of any person, entity, partnership, organization, association, or otherwise; (l) adapt, translate, or create any derivative works of the platform or merge the platform into any other software; (m) use the platform to display or promote spyware, adware, spam, or other malicious programs or code, counterfeit goods, items subject to U.S. embargo, hate materials or materials urging acts of terrorism or violence, goods made from protected animal/plant species, recalled goods, any hacking, surveillance, interception, or descrambling equipment, illegal drugs and paraphernalia, unlicensed sale of prescription drugs and medical devices, the sale of tobacco or alcohol to persons under twenty-one (21) years of age, pornography, prostitution, body parts, any items used for theft, fireworks, explosives, and hazardous materials, government IDs, police items, unlicensed trade or dealing in stocks and securities, gambling items, professional services regulated by state licensing regimes, non-transferable items such as airline tickets or event tickets, non-packaged food items, or weapons and accessories; (n) remove, alter, or obscure any proprietary notice (including any notice of copyright or trademark) of Lighthouse or its affiliates, partners, suppliers or the licensors of the platform or materials available thereon or otherwise obscure or modify the any manner in which the platform is displayed; (o) share access to user’s account or utilize multiple accounts to avoid payment walls; (p) access or utilize the platform without permission on a stolen or lost device; or (q) assist any third-party in doing any of the foregoing.
4.2 User Responsibility for Content
Users are solely responsible for the content they create, share, and interact with on Lighthouse. By posting or sharing content, users confirm that they (i) own the content or have the legal right to share it, (ii) do not infringe upon any intellectual property, privacy, or other rights of third parties, and (iii) understand that their content may be reviewed, flagged, or removed if it violates these Terms. Lighthouse is not liable for user-generated content and does not endorse any opinions, statements, or representations made by users. Users are expected to exercise discretion and report any violations they encounter on the platform.
4.3 Moderation & Reporting
Lighthouse provides users with tools to report inappropriate content, harassment, and policy violations. Reports are reviewed by the Lighthouse moderation team, which has the authority to warn, suspend, or permanently ban users based on the severity and frequency of violations. The platform does not guarantee immediate action on reports, but strives to address them in a timely manner. Additionally, Lighthouse reserves the right to remove or restrict content at its sole discretion if it is deemed harmful, misleading, or disruptive to the platform’s intended use. Users who repeatedly violate these guidelines may face permanent account termination without prior notice.
4.4 Content Ownership
Users retain ownership of all original content they create and upload to Lighthouse. However, by posting content, users grant Lighthouse a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, reproduce, modify, and distribute such content for platform-related purposes. This includes showing user-generated content in feeds, promotional materials, and algorithmic recommendations. This license is revocable upon content deletion, except where (i) the content has already been shared with other users or (ii) Lighthouse has retained it for legal or moderation purposes. Lighthouse does not claim ownership over private messages, but reserves the right to remove, restrict, or refuse content that violates these Terms.
5. AI Usage & Transparency
5.1 AI-Driven Features
Lighthouse utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to enhance user experience, facilitate connections, and maintain platform integrity. AI-driven features on Lighthouse include: (i) Algorithmic Matching: AI analyzes user preferences, interests, and activity patterns to suggest potential connections. (ii) Content Moderation: AI-assisted moderation tools scan for prohibited content, spam, and policy violations. Automated systems flag potentially harmful content for human review. (iii) Chatbots and Automated Interactions: AI-powered chatbots may assist users with onboarding, support requests, and feature navigation. While these AI systems are designed to improve platform usability and safety, they do not replace human oversight in critical moderation and decision-making processes.
5.2 Transparency Commitment
Lighthouse is committed to AI transparency and user awareness. Users will be informed whenever AI systems influence their experience, including but not limited to: (i) Connection recommendations, which are AI-generated based on user input and behavioral signals. (ii) Automated moderation actions, such as content removal or warnings issued due to AI-detected violations. (iii) Chatbot interactions, where automated responses are clearly identified as non-human. Lighthouse aims to provide users with context and explanations regarding AI decisions whenever feasible. If AI flags or moderates content, users will have the option to request a manual review where applicable in the future
5.3 Limitations of AI
While Lighthouse’s AI-driven features are built with advanced learning capabilities, they are not infallible. Users acknowledge and agree that: (i) AI-based recommendations, content moderation, and decisions may not always be accurate or error-free. (ii) The AI system may occasionally misinterpret context, leading to false positives or negatives in content moderation. (iii) Lighthouse does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or suitability of AI-generated recommendations or decisions. By using Lighthouse, users accept that AI serves as an enhancement tool rather than an absolute decision-maker and that AI-generated interactions are subject to improvement and refinement over time.
6. Platform Access & Service Availability
6.1 No Guarantees of Uninterrupted Service
Lighthouse provides access to its platform on an as-is and as-available basis, without guarantees of uninterrupted or error-free operation. Users acknowledge that service disruptions may occur due to: (i) Scheduled maintenance, where updates and improvements may temporarily impact accessibility. (ii) Unexpected technical failures, including server outages, software bugs, or third-party service provider issues. (iii) Security incidents or cyberattacks, which may require emergency response measures, leading to temporary restrictions or suspensions. Lighthouse is not responsible for any inconvenience, data loss, or impact resulting from service interruptions and does not offer compensation for downtime.
6.2 Right to Suspend or Terminate Accounts for Policy Violations
Lighthouse reserves the right to suspend or terminate user accounts at its sole discretion if a user violates these Terms, engages in prohibited activities, or poses a security or legal risk to the platform. Grounds for suspension or termination include but are not limited to: (i) Posting illicit, harmful, or fraudulent content. (ii) Harassment, spam, or manipulation of the platform. (iii) Attempts to bypass security features or engage in fraudulent activities. (iv) Any behavior that compromises the integrity or safety of Lighthouse users. Account terminations may be permanent or temporary, depending on the severity of the violation. Users who believe their account has been wrongfully suspended or terminated may contact Lighthouse support for review.
6.3 Right to Refuse Service to Users Violating Terms
Lighthouse maintains the right to deny access to any individual or entity that does not comply with these Terms or engages in activities that conflict with the platform’s mission and guidelines. This includes but is not limited to: (i) Users who repeatedly violate content policies, despite prior warnings. (ii) Users who attempt to misuse Lighthouse’s features for malicious or illegal purposes. (iii) Any individual or organization attempting to exploit the platform for commercial, fraudulent, or deceptive activities. Decisions to refuse service are made at Lighthouse’s sole discretion and are not subject to appeal unless otherwise stated
6.4 Changes to Platform Features
Lighthouse reserves the right to modify, enhance, or discontinue platform features at any time without prior notice. Feature changes may be made to: (i) Improve platform performance, user experience, and security. (ii) Align with evolving legal and regulatory requirements. (iii) Introduce new functionalities or discontinue outdated ones. Users acknowledge that Lighthouse is not obligated to maintain any specific feature and that continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of any changes made. Lighthouse may provide notifications of significant feature updates but is not required to obtain user consent for changes.
7. Limitation of Liability & Indemnity
7.1 No Liability for Real-World Interactions
Lighthouse is a digital platform that facilitates online connections, but it does not oversee or monitor real-world interactions between users. By using the platform, users acknowledge that Lighthouse does not conduct background checks or verify the authenticity of user identities beyond optional profile verification. Lighthouse does not endorse, guarantee, or assume responsibility for any interactions, agreements, or disputes that arise between users, whether online or offline. Users are solely responsible for exercising caution, discretion, and due diligence before engaging with others. Lighthouse shall not be held liable for any harm, damages, losses, or disputes arising from user interactions.
7.2 Assumption of Risk
By using Lighthouse, users voluntarily assume all risks associated with meeting, communicating, or engaging with other users, whether through online messaging, video chats, or in-person meetups. These risks include but are not limited to: (i) Misrepresentation or fraudulent claims by other users. (ii) Unpleasant, offensive, or inappropriate behavior from other users. (iii) Potential threats to safety, privacy, or financial security. (iv) Any consequences resulting from in-person interactions, including personal injury, theft, emotional distress, or other harm. Lighthouse strongly advises users to take precautions when engaging with others, such as meeting in public places, informing friends or family about planned meetups, and using the platform’s reporting tools if concerns arise. Lighthouse disclaims all responsibility for any harm or damages resulting from user interactions, both online and offline.
7.3 No Warranties on Accuracy of Content or AI-Generated Recommendations
Lighthouse makes use of user-generated content and AI-driven recommendations to enhance user experience. However, Lighthouse does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of any content shared on the platform, including AI-generated suggestions, matches, or moderation decisions Users acknowledge that: (i) AI-driven recommendations are based on algorithms and may not always provide accurate, relevant, or suitable connections. (ii) User-generated content is created by individuals over whom Lighthouse has no control, and Lighthouse does not verify or authenticate such content. (iii) Automated moderation decisions may be subject to errors, false positives, or false negatives, and Lighthouse is not liable for any decisions based on AI moderation. Lighthouse provides the platform on an “as is” and “as available” basis, with no guarantees of accuracy, availability, or fitness for any particular purpose
7.4 Liability Limitation
User accesses the platform at his/her own risk and is singularly responsible for any loss, damage, or costs incurred during such activity. Lighthouse, its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, directors, employees, agents, licensors, successors, or assigns (“Lighthouse Parties”) shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or exemplary damages arising from or relating to: (i) The platform’s availability; (ii) The acts, omissions, or conduct of any user or third-party, whether online or offline; (iii) Any platform content; (iv) Any goods or services acquired as a result of any information obtained or transactions entered into through the platform; (v) Injury or damage to user’s computer or equipment resulting from access to or use of the platform including, but not limited to, web page viewing, file downloading or streaming, server use or access, or following platform links; (vi) Any incorrect or inaccurate content posted on or received from the platform, regardless of the cause of such inaccuracy; (vii) Any conduct of any user of the platform; (viii) User’s termination of this agreement or cancellation of any services; and (ix) Any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, operational delay, communication line failure, or theft, breach, destruction, or alteration of user’s communications. User’s access or use of any third-party internet resource linked to or from the platform, or user’s use of goods or services from third-party internet resources linked to or from the platform, is made at user’s own risk. User hereby releases the Lighthouse Parties from any damages user suffers from user’s access to third-party internet resources, and user agrees not to make any claims against the Lighthouse Parties arising from any purchase or acquisition of goods and services made available through the platform or through third-party internet resources. The Lighthouse Parties shall not be liable for any damages resulting from the failure, by any party, to protect user passwords or account information. The Lighthouse Parties shall not be liable for any failure or performance delay under the terms and conditions due to circumstances beyond the Lighthouse Parties’ control including, but not limited to, natural catastrophes, governmental acts, laws or regulations, terrorism, labor strikes or difficulties, communication system interruptions, hardware or software failures, transportation interruptions, or any inability to acquire materials or supplies. The Lighthouse Parties shall not be liable for any illegal, abusive, or otherwise inappropriate activity performed by user including, without limitation, using the platform to infringe the copyright or other intellectual property right(s) of another. The Lighthouse Parties shall not be liable for compliance or lack thereof by any third parties with respect to any applicable laws and regulations. Without limiting the foregoing, the Lighthouse Parties’ aggregate liability to user or any third party, in any matter arising from or related to the platform or the terms and conditions, shall not exceed the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00). User agrees that the release set forth in these terms and conditions may apply to unknown and unanticipated claims, damages, and expenses, and licensee waives any rights that it might have under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code or any other similar enactment of any jurisdiction. California Civil Code Section 1542 states: A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor.
7.5 Indemnification
User agrees to defend the Lighthouse Parties to the fullest extent permitted by law, against any and all claims, demands and/or actions and indemnify and hold the Lighthouse Parties harmless from and against any and all losses, damages, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, (each a “Claim), regardless of whether such Claim is due to a Lighthouse Party’s active or passive negligence, arising out of or relating to: (i) Any user breach of any provision of these terms and conditions and/or any representation or warranty identified herein; (ii) User’s use or misuse of the platform including, without limitation, any statement, data, or content made, transmitted, received, or republished by Licensee which is infringing or otherwise prohibited as unacceptable in Section _; (iii) Any interactions with third-parties or goods and services obtained thereform; (iv) Any acts by user, user’s agents, or those in user’s reasonable control which occur in the course of providing services offered through the platform; and (v) Any expenses Lighthouse incurs in enforcing this Section including, without limitation, reasonable attorney’s fees and costs..
7.6 Limitation of Action
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, you agree that any claim, dispute, or cause of action arising out of or related to these Terms, your use of Lighthouse, or any services provided, must be filed within one (1) year after such claim or cause of action arose, regardless of any statute or law to the contrary. If not filed within this period, such claim or cause of action shall be permanently barred. This limitation applies to all claims, including but not limited to breach of contract, misrepresentation, negligence, fraud, statutory violations, and privacy-related disputes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this section shall limit any rights that cannot be lawfully restricted, including under applicable consumer protection laws.
7.7 Disclaimer
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Platform and the entirety of its services, content, and information and translations thereof, materials provided therewith, and services which may be obtained thereby are provided “as is” and “as available,” and Lighthouse hereby disclaims all express and implied warranties, including, but not limited to, warranties of merchantability, non-infringement, fitness for a particular purpose, and any warranties that may arise due to course of performance, course of dealing, or usage of trade. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Lighthouse expressly disclaims any representation that: (i) The Platform will meet user’s requirements; (ii) Access to the Platform will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free; (iii) Any information obtained through or from the Platform will be accurate or reliable; (iv) The quality of any goods, services, information, or other material purchased or obtained by user through the Platform or from other users will meet any expectations; (v) Any user-provided information will not be disclosed to third parties; (vi) Any data or software errors will be corrected; (vii) The Platform will operate in a particular configuration with particular hardware or software; (viii) The operation of any third-party or software thereof necessary for Platform operation will be sufficient; or (ix) The Internet generally. No data, advice, or information obtained from Lighthouse shall create any warranty. User hereby waives any statutory rights with respect to implied warranties.
8. Dispute Resolution & Governing Law
8.1 Illinois Law Governs All Disputes
These Terms and any disputes arising from the use of Lighthouse shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Users agree that all disputes, claims, or legal proceedings related to Lighthouse shall be handled in accordance with Illinois law, regardless of where the user resides or accesses the platform.
8.2 Arbitration/Mediation Clause
To ensure efficient resolution of disputes, Lighthouse requires that all disputes between users and Lighthouse be resolved through binding arbitration or mediation, rather than court litigation. Users agree that:
(i) Any claim, controversy, or dispute arising from these Terms shall first be resolved through good-faith mediation, allowing both parties to negotiate a settlement. (ii) If mediation does not resolve the issue, the dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration under the rules of a recognized arbitration body, such as the American Arbitration Association (AAA). (iii) Arbitration shall take place in Chicago, Illinois, unless both parties agree to a virtual proceeding or another location. (iv) Arbitration decisions are final and binding, with limited rights to appeal. By agreeing to arbitration, users waive their right to file a lawsuit in court or participate in a class action lawsuit against Lighthouse.
8.3 Process for User Disputes (Mandatory Mediation Before Legal Action)
Users acknowledge that before pursuing any legal action against Lighthouse, they must first engage in mandatory mediation by submitting a formal dispute notice to Lighthouse’s legal team. The notice must include: (i) A detailed description of the claim or dispute. (ii) Any supporting evidence or documentation. (iii) The requested resolution or remedy. Lighthouse will review the dispute and attempt to resolve it through mediation within 30 days. If mediation is unsuccessful, users may proceed with arbitration as outlined in Section 8.2. This process is designed to minimize legal costs, encourage fair resolutions, and prevent unnecessary litigation. Lighthouse reserves the right to enforce this mediation clause and dismiss claims that do not comply with the dispute resolution process.
9. Account Termination & Appeals
9.1 User-Initiated Account Deactivation
Lighthouse allows users to deactivate their accounts at any time through their account settings. Deactivation results in the following: (i) User profile and associated content are hidden from other users. (ii) Messages and interactions remain stored, but are not visible unless the account is reactivated. (iii) The account can be reactivated at any time by logging in with the registered phone number. Users acknowledge that deactivation does not delete account data from Lighthouse’s servers. If users wish to permanently delete their account and all associated data, they must submit a deletion request to Lighthouse Support. Deletion requests are subject to verification, and Lighthouse reserves the right to retain data where legally required or permitted, such as for fraud prevention, dispute resolution, and compliance purposes.
9.2 Platform-Initiated Account Suspension or Termination
Lighthouse reserves the right to suspend or permanently terminate accounts at its sole discretion if users violate these Terms, engage in prohibited activities, or pose a security or legal risk to the platform. Grounds for suspension or termination include but are not limited to: (i) Posting illicit, harmful, or fraudulent content. (ii) Repeated violations of content guidelines, such as hate speech, harassment, or spam. (iii) Circumventing security measures or engaging in fraudulent activities. (iv) Attempts to manipulate platform features or exploit AI-driven tools. (v) Any actions that compromise the safety, integrity, or operations of Lighthouse. Account suspensions may be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the violation. In cases of permanent bans, all user data and content may be removed, and the user will be prohibited from creating a new account.
9.3 Appeals Process for Suspended or Banned Accounts
Users who believe their account has been wrongfully suspended or terminated may submit an appeal by contacting Lighthouse Support. The appeal request must include: (i) Full name and registered phone number. (ii) Detailed explanation of why the suspension or ban was incorrect. (iii) Any supporting evidence or context to dispute the violation. Lighthouse will review appeals on a case-by-case basis within 10 business days and will notify the user of the final decision. If the appeal is successful, the account will be reinstated with any applicable restrictions or warnings. If denied, the decision is final, and further appeals will not be considered. Lighthouse reserves the right to refuse appeals for users with repeated or severe violations.
10. Cookies & Tracking
10.1 Use of Cookies for Analytics and Personalization
Lighthouse uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience, improve platform performance, and enable personalized content recommendations. Cookies help Lighthouse: (i) Analyze user activity to improve matchmaking, content suggestions, and security measures. (ii) Remember user preferences to enhance ease of access and personalization. (iii) Ensure platform stability and detect fraudulent activity. By using Lighthouse, users consent to the use of cookies and tracking technologies, as outlined in the platform’s Cookie Policy.
10.2 Opt-Out Options for Cookies
Lighthouse provides users with opt-out options for certain types of cookies. Users can: (i) Adjust their browser settings to block or delete cookies. (ii) Modify in-app preferences to disable non-essential tracking. (iii) Opt-out of interest-based advertising where applicable. However, opting out of cookies may impact platform functionality, such as saved preferences, personalized content recommendations, and seamless authentication. Certain cookies, such as those used for security, authentication, and fraud prevention, are essential and cannot be disabled
10.3 Third-Party Integrations
Lighthouse integrates with third-party services for analytics, payment processing, and AI-driven features. These third parties may use cookies and tracking technologies to collect user data in accordance with their respective privacy policies. Key integrations include: (i) Analytics Providers (e.g., Google Analytics, Statpe) to track user behavior and improve platform features. (ii) Payment Processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal) for secure transactions. (iii) AI Tools for algorithmic matchmaking, chatbot interactions, and content moderation. By using Lighthouse, users acknowledge that their data may be processed by third-party providers and are encouraged to review the privacy policies of those services. Lighthouse does not control or assume liability for third-party data handling practices beyond its contractual agreements.
11. Amendments & Updates to Terms
11.1 Right to Modify Terms & Conditions
Lighthouse reserves the right to modify, update, or amend these Terms & Conditions at any time to reflect changes in legal requirements, platform functionality, industry standards, or company policies. Such modifications may include updates related to: (i) User rights and responsibilities, (ii) Content moderation and prohibited activities, (iii) Privacy and data protection practices, (iv) AI usage and platform algorithms, (v) Dispute resolution procedures, and (vi) Any other relevant operational or legal considerations. Changes may be made without prior notice, except where required by law, in which case Lighthouse will ensure compliance with applicable legal notification obligations. Users are encouraged to review these Terms periodically to stay informed of any modifications.
11.2 Notification of Significant Changes
In cases where significant changes impact user rights, data privacy, or legal obligations, Lighthouse will notify users via email, in-app notifications, or announcements on the platform. The notification will include: (i) A summary of the key changes, (ii) The effective date of the updates, and (iii) Instructions on how users can review or take action regarding the changes. Continued use of Lighthouse after the effective date of the modifications constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. If a user does not agree to the changes, their only recourse is to discontinue using the platform and request account deactivation or deletion.
11.3 Severability.
If any provision of these terms is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of these terms will remain in full force and effect. Any provision of these terms held invalid or unenforceable only in part or degree will remain in full force and effect to the extent not held invalid or unenforceable.
12. Contact & Support
12.1 How Users Can Reach Out for Inquiries or Disputes
For any general inquiries, technical support, legal concerns, or dispute resolution matters, users may contact Lighthouse through the following channels:
For assistance with account-related issues, platform functionality, privacy concerns, or general inquiries.
Mailing Address: My Lighthouse LLC 200 N Green St. 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60607
Email: support@hellolighthouse.com
In-App Support:
- Users can also access self-help resources within the Lighthouse app
- Lighthouse strives to respond to all inquiries within a reasonable timeframe, but response times may vary based on the nature and complexity of the request.