Terms of Service

1. Definitions

In these Terms:

• "Service" refers to the Automate America platform, the FEED professional marketplace, website, mobile applications, and all related services.

• "FEED" refers to the professional talent marketplace operated by Automate America, Inc., accessible at automateamerica.com.

• "Professional" refers to individuals who create profiles to find work opportunities through the Service.

• "Customer" or "Company" refers to businesses or individuals who use the Service to find and hire Professionals.

• "User" refers to any person who accesses or uses the Service, including both Professionals and Customers.

• "Content" refers to any text, images, data, or other materials uploaded, posted, or transmitted through the Service.

• "Contract" refers to any agreement between a Professional and Customer facilitated through the Service, including work requests, direct job postings, and White Glove arrangements.

• "White Glove Service" refers to our premium service where Automate America handles billing, payments, compliance, and acts as an intermediary between Professional and Customer.

• "Standard Service" refers to our basic service where Users handle contracts and payments directly.

• "Connection" refers to a professional networking relationship between two Users on the platform that enables access to direct contact information and messaging.

• "Connection Subscription" refers to the paid subscription tiers that allow Users to establish Connections beyond the free tier limit.

• "Boost" refers to the paid feature that provides enhanced visibility for job postings or professional profiles in the feed and search results.

• "Business Group" refers to a company-created organizational unit on the platform that enables team management, contractor pooling, shared work assignments, and group administration.

• "Achievement Badge" refers to a digital recognition awarded to Users based on platform activity, including completing contracts, receiving reviews, building connections, and maintaining profile quality.

• "Timesheet" refers to a record of hours worked by a Professional under a Contract, submitted through the Service for approval and payment processing.

• "Invoice" refers to a billing document generated through the Service for work performed under a Contract, including line items for labor, travel, and approved expenses.

• "Work Request" refers to a job posting or project request created by a Customer seeking Professional services through the platform.

• "Insurance Fee" refers to an additional fee applied to White Glove Contracts when a Professional does not have valid business liability insurance on file.

• "Notification" refers to an automated communication sent by the Service to Users regarding account activity, contract updates, connection requests, or other platform events.

• "Personal Data" has the meaning given under applicable data protection laws, including the GDPR, CCPA, and PIPEDA.

2. Eligibility and Account Registration

• *2.1 Eligibility**
• You must be at least 18 years old and legally able to enter into contracts to use our Service. By using the Service, you represent and warrant that you meet these requirements.

• *2.2 Account Registration**
• To access certain features of the Service, you must register for an account. When registering, you agree to:
• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and update your information to keep it accurate
• Maintain the security of your password and account
• Accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use

• *2.3 Account Types**
• Professional Accounts: For individuals seeking work opportunities
• Customer Accounts: For businesses seeking to hire Professionals
• Admin Accounts: For authorized representatives managing Company accounts

• *2.4 Account Verification**
• We may verify your identity, credentials, or business information. You consent to such verification and agree to cooperate with our verification processes.

3. Description of Services

• *3.1 Platform Services**
• Automate America provides a staffing and workforce automation platform that connects Professionals with Customers across the manufacturing, industrial automation, and technology sectors. Our services include:
• Profile creation and management
• Job posting, Work Requests, and application management
• Search and matching functionality
• Messaging and communication tools
• Contract creation, management, and lifecycle tracking
• Timesheet submission, approval workflows, and time tracking
• Invoice generation and payment processing (White Glove)
• Professional networking and Connections
• Business Group creation and team management
• Achievement Badges and reputation tracking
• Automated Notifications and alerts
• Connection Subscription management
• Boost and promoted visibility features

• *3.2 Standard Service**
• With Standard Service:
• Customers post jobs and connect with Professionals directly
• Users handle contracts, billing, and payments independently
• Automate America provides the platform but does not process payments

• *3.3 White Glove Service**
• With White Glove Service:
• Automate America acts as an intermediary between Professional and Customer
• Automate America invoices Customers on behalf of Professionals
• Automate America pays Professionals within 3-5 business days of Timesheet approval
• Payment terms are Net 30 unless otherwise agreed in the Contract
• A service fee of up to 20% is applied to labor and travel costs and disclosed at contract creation
• An Insurance Fee of up to 5% may be applied if the Professional does not have valid business liability insurance on file
• Automate America handles compliance documentation and tax reporting
• Late payments from Customers may incur fees of 1.5% per month on outstanding balances

• *3.4 No Employment Relationship**
• Automate America is a platform provider. We do not employ Professionals. Professionals are independent contractors. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment relationship between Automate America and any User.

4. User Obligations and Conduct

• *4.1 General Obligations**
• All Users agree to:
• Use the Service only for lawful purposes
• Provide accurate information in profiles, job postings, and communications
• Respect intellectual property rights
• Maintain confidentiality of proprietary information
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

• *4.2 Prohibited Conduct**
• Users may not:
• Post false, misleading, or deceptive information
• Harass, threaten, or discriminate against other Users
• Circumvent the platform to avoid fees (for White Glove Users)
• Share login credentials with unauthorized persons
• Use automated tools to scrape, crawl, or programmatically access the Service
• Post spam, malware, or malicious content
• Impersonate another person or entity
• Violate any third party's rights
• Interfere with the proper operation of the Service
• Attempt to reverse-engineer, decompile, or extract the algorithms or data models of the Service
• Create fake profiles or misrepresent credentials, certifications, or work history
• Solicit Users for competing services through the platform
• Engage in price manipulation or bid rigging

• *4.3 Professional-Specific Obligations**
• Professionals additionally agree to:
• Accurately represent skills, experience, and certifications
• Complete accepted work professionally and on time
• Submit accurate timesheets and expense reports
• Maintain appropriate insurance coverage as required
• Comply with all Client workplace policies while on assignment

• *4.4 Customer-Specific Obligations**
• Customers additionally agree to:
• Provide accurate job descriptions and requirements
• Respond to applications in a timely manner
• Pay for services as agreed in Contracts
• Provide a safe working environment
• Not discriminate in hiring practices

5. Contracts and Work Arrangements

• *5.1 Contract Formation**
• Contracts between Professionals and Customers are formed when both parties accept the terms through the Service. Automate America facilitates contract creation but is not a party to the contract between Professional and Customer (except for payment obligations in White Glove).

• *5.2 Contract Terms**
• Each Contract specifies:
• Scope of work and deliverables
• Compensation and payment terms
• Duration and schedule
• Location and travel requirements
• Service level (Standard or White Glove)

• *5.3 Contract Lifecycle**
• Contracts on the platform follow a defined lifecycle: posting, application, offer, acceptance, active work, and completion. Contracts may also be paused, resumed, extended, renewed, amended, or cancelled in accordance with the terms agreed upon by the parties. Automate America is not liable for any losses arising from contract status changes initiated by either party.

• *5.4 Timesheets**
• For active Contracts, Professionals submit Timesheets recording hours worked, travel time, and related expenses. Customers are responsible for reviewing and approving Timesheets in a timely manner. Disputed hours should be resolved directly between the parties. Automate America is not responsible for verifying the accuracy of Timesheet entries and shall not be liable for any disputes arising from Timesheet submissions, approvals, or rejections.

• *5.5 Invoices**
• Upon Timesheet approval for White Glove Contracts, Invoices are generated automatically. The Invoice reflects approved hours, applicable rates, expenses, service fees, and any Insurance Fee. Invoice payment terms (Net 15 through Net 90) are specified in the Contract. Automate America is not liable for invoice calculation errors caused by incorrect Timesheet data submitted by Users.

• *5.6 Work Requests**
• Customers may post Work Requests describing project needs, required skills, compensation, and timelines. Professionals may apply to Work Requests through the platform. Posting a Work Request does not obligate the Customer to hire any Professional, and applying does not guarantee selection.

• *5.7 Contract Disputes**
• Users should attempt to resolve contract disputes directly. For White Glove contracts, we may assist with mediation. Automate America is not responsible for resolving disputes but may suspend accounts involved in disputes.

• *5.8 Contract Cancellation**
• Cancellation terms are specified in each Contract. Early termination may result in fees or penalties as specified in the Contract.

6. Payments and Fees

• *6.1 Professional Fees**
• The Service is free for Professionals. No fees are charged for profile creation, job applications, or basic platform usage.

• *6.2 Customer Fees**
• Standard Service: Free to post jobs and use platform features
• White Glove Service: Service fee of up to 20% applied to labor and travel costs on each contract (disclosed at contract creation)
• Insurance Fee: An additional fee of up to 5% may be applied to White Glove Contracts where the Professional does not have valid business liability insurance on file. This fee applies to labor and travel costs only, not expenses.
• Boost Feature: Paid visibility enhancement for job postings or profiles, billed on a recurring weekly basis at the then-current rate
• Connection Subscriptions: Premium Connection features beyond the free tier require a paid subscription, billed monthly or annually at the then-current rate

• *6.3 White Glove Payment Terms**
• For White Glove contracts:
• Customers are invoiced by Automate America
• Payment terms are Net 30 unless otherwise agreed
• Late payments may incur fees of 1.5% per month on outstanding balances
• Professionals are paid within 3-5 business days of Timesheet approval
• Expenses submitted by Professionals are passed through at cost with no markup

• *6.4 Standard Payment Terms**
• For Standard contracts, Users handle payments directly. Automate America is not responsible for payment disputes between Users.

• *6.5 Payment Processing**
• All payments processed through the Service are handled via Stripe, our third-party payment processor. By using our payment features, you also agree to Stripe's terms of service. All transactions are in United States Dollars (USD).

• *6.6 Refund Policy**
• Refunds for platform fees (Boost, Connection Subscriptions) may be issued at Automate America's sole discretion within 7 days of purchase. White Glove service fees are non-refundable once work has commenced. Specific refund terms for Connection Subscriptions and Boosts are set forth in the applicable supplemental terms.

• *6.7 Taxes and Tax Reporting**
• Users are responsible for their own tax obligations. For White Glove Contracts, Automate America will issue IRS Form 1099-NEC to Professionals who receive $600 or more in payments during a calendar year, as required by applicable law. Automate America does not provide tax advice, and Users should consult their own tax advisors regarding their obligations.

• *6.8 Fee Modifications**
• Automate America reserves the right to modify fee structures, service fees, and subscription pricing with 30 days advance notice to affected Users. Price changes for existing subscriptions take effect at the next renewal period.

7. Intellectual Property

• *7.1 Platform Ownership**
• Automate America owns all rights to the Service, including software, design, logos, and trademarks. Users may not copy, modify, or distribute platform elements without permission.

• *7.2 User Content**
• Users retain ownership of Content they post. By posting Content, you grant Automate America a non-exclusive, worldwide license to use, display, and distribute that Content in connection with the Service.

• *7.3 Work Product**
• Ownership of work product created during Contracts is determined by the Contract terms between Professional and Customer.

• *7.4 Feedback**
• Any feedback or suggestions provided to Automate America may be used without obligation or compensation.

8. Privacy and Data Protection

• *8.1 Privacy Policy**
• Our Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. By using the Service, you agree to our Privacy Policy.

• *8.2 Data Sharing**
• We share User information as necessary to facilitate the Service, including sharing Professional profiles with Customers and vice versa.

• *8.3 Data Security**
• We implement reasonable security measures to protect User data. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

• *8.4 International Data Protection Compliance**
• Automate America is committed to compliance with applicable data protection regulations, including:
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) for Users in the European Economic Area
• CCPA/CPRA (California Consumer Privacy Act / California Privacy Rights Act) for California residents
• PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) for Canadian Users

• *8.5 Your Data Rights**
• Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights including:
• Right to access your Personal Data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure (right to be forgotten)
• Right to data portability
• Right to restrict or object to processing
• Right to withdraw consent

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at legal@automateamerica.com or use the account settings in the Service.

• *8.6 Data Collected for Platform Features**
• In addition to the data described in our Privacy Policy, we collect and process the following categories of data to operate platform features:
• Badge Data: Platform activity used to calculate Achievement Badge progress, including contract completions, review counts, connection metrics, and profile quality scores
• Notification Preferences: Your preferred communication channels, event subscriptions, and opt-out selections
• Business Group Data: Membership status, role assignments, group activity logs, and intra-group data sharing as described in Section 15.4
• Connection Data: Connection history, tier subscription status, and contact information shared upon Connection establishment

This data is processed for the purposes of providing the Service and is subject to the rights described in Section 8.5 and our Privacy Policy.

9. Account Deletion and Data Portability

• *9.1 Right to Account Deletion**
• You may request deletion of your account and associated Personal Data at any time through your account settings or by contacting legal@automateamerica.com.

• *9.2 Deletion Process**
• Upon receiving a deletion request:
• We will send a confirmation email to verify the request
• A 30-day grace period applies, during which you may cancel the request
• After the grace period, your account and Personal Data will be permanently deleted
• Certain data may be retained as required by law (e.g., tax records, legal obligations)

• *9.3 Data Portability**
• You may request an export of your Personal Data in a machine-readable format. Export requests are processed within 30 days in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

• *9.4 Effect of Deletion**
• Upon account deletion:
• Your profile will be removed from search results and public visibility
• Active Contracts must be completed or properly terminated prior to deletion
• Outstanding payment obligations remain due regardless of account status
• Reviews and ratings you have left may be anonymized but retained
• Business Group memberships will be terminated and your group data removed
• Achievement Badges and associated progress data will be deleted
• Active Connection Subscriptions and Boosts will be cancelled without refund for the current period

10. Disclaimers and Limitations

• *10.1 Service Provided "As Is"**
• THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

• *10.2 No Guarantee**
• We do not guarantee:
• That Professionals will find work or Customers will find suitable candidates
• The accuracy of information provided by other Users
• The quality of work performed by Professionals
• That the Service will be uninterrupted or error-free
• The delivery, timing, or receipt of any Notification
• That Achievement Badges reflect actual professional competence or qualifications

• *10.3 Limitation of Liability**
• TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, AUTOMATE AMERICA SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUES, WHETHER INCURRED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO:
• USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE SERVICE
• HIRING DECISIONS MADE IN RELIANCE ON PROFILES, BADGES, OR REVIEWS
• DISPUTES BETWEEN USERS, BUSINESS GROUP MEMBERS, OR CONTRACT PARTIES
• DELAYED, MISSED, OR UNDELIVERED NOTIFICATIONS
• INACCURATE TIMESHEET DATA, INVOICE CALCULATIONS, OR PAYMENT PROCESSING
• ACTIONS TAKEN BY BUSINESS GROUP MANAGERS OR MEMBERS
• WEATHER ALERTS OR SAFETY INFORMATION PROVIDED THROUGH THE PLATFORM

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) THE FEES PAID TO US IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, OR (B) $100.

• *10.4 Indemnification**
• Users agree to indemnify and hold harmless Automate America, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from their use of the Service, violation of these Terms, or infringement of any third party's rights.

For White Glove Service, Automate America will indemnify Professionals against claims arising solely from Automate America's failure to remit payments received from Customers.

11. Termination

• *11.1 Termination by User**
• You may close your account at any time through your account settings. Active Contracts must be completed or properly terminated before account closure.

• *11.2 Termination by Automate America**
• We may suspend or terminate your account if you:
• Violate these Terms
• Engage in fraudulent activity
• Have outstanding payment obligations
• Fail to maintain accurate account information
• Receive multiple complaints from other Users
• Manipulate the Achievement Badge system or platform metrics

• *11.3 Effect of Termination**
• Upon termination:
• Access to the Service will be revoked
• Outstanding payment obligations remain due
• Active Connection Subscriptions and Boosts will be cancelled
• Business Group memberships will be terminated
• Provisions that should survive termination will remain in effect

12. Dispute Resolution

• *12.1 Governing Law**
• These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of South Carolina, without regard to conflict of law principles.

• *12.2 Arbitration**
• Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Service shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Greenville, South Carolina, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

• *12.3 Class Action Waiver**
• You agree to resolve disputes individually and waive any right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration.

• *12.4 Exceptions**
• Notwithstanding the above, either party may seek injunctive relief in court for intellectual property infringement or unauthorized use.

13. Professional Portfolio

• *13.1 Portfolio Section**
• The platform provides a portfolio section accessible at /?section=portfolio where professionals can showcase their completed work, ratings, and professional achievements.

• *13.2 Ratings and Reviews**
• Ratings are calculated based on verified feedback from companies and clients with whom you have completed work through the platform
• Ratings use a 5-star scale and reflect the average of all verified reviews
• Both professionals and companies may leave reviews after work is completed
• Reviews cannot be edited after 30 days but may be flagged for policy violations

• *13.3 Right to Dispute**
• You have the right to dispute any rating or review that you believe is:
• Fraudulent or submitted by someone with whom you did not work
• Defamatory, discriminatory, or in violation of our content policies
• Factually inaccurate regarding the scope or quality of work performed

To dispute a review, contact legal@automateamerica.com with the review details and your basis for the dispute. Automate America will investigate and respond within 14 days.

• *13.4 Portfolio Data**
• Your portfolio displays summary information including project count, total hours, and average rating. Company names are shown using first name only (e.g., "John D.") to protect individual privacy. Full project details are visible only to you and the associated company.

14. Trade Verification

• *14.1 Trade Selection**
• Professionals may select their trade, classification level, and work sectors through their profile settings. This information is used to match professionals with relevant opportunities and to display qualifications on profile cards in the feed.

• *14.2 Admin Verification**
• Automate America administrators may verify trade credentials by:
• Reviewing uploaded certifications, licenses, or credentials
• Cross-referencing with public licensing databases
• Confirming work history through completed platform projects

Verified trades receive a verification badge visible on the professional's profile and feed cards.

• *14.3 Consequences of Misrepresentation**
• Misrepresenting trade qualifications, certifications, or classification level may result in:
• Removal of the verification badge
• Profile suspension or termination
• Notification to companies with active or pending contracts
• Permanent ban from the platform in cases of egregious or repeated misrepresentation

• *14.4 Disclaimer**
• Automate America's trade verification is a supplementary check and does not replace employer-side verification of credentials. Companies remain responsible for verifying qualifications to the extent required by their industry and applicable law.

15. Business Groups

• *15.1 Overview**
• Business Groups allow Companies to create organizational units on the platform for managing teams of Professionals. Business Groups enable contractor pooling, shared work assignments, team administration, and group-level reporting.

• *15.2 Creation and Administration**
• Any Customer with a Company account may create one or more Business Groups
• The creator is designated as the Group Manager with full administrative rights
• Group Managers may invite Professionals, assign roles, approve Timesheets and expenses, post Contracts on behalf of the group, and manage group membership
• Group Managers may delegate administrative rights to other members by assigning Manager roles

• *15.3 Membership**
• Professionals may join a Business Group by accepting an invitation or having a join request approved by a Group Manager
• Members may belong to multiple Business Groups simultaneously
• Members may leave a Business Group at any time, subject to completion of active Contracts associated with the group
• Group Managers may remove members from the group at any time

• *15.4 Data Sharing Within Groups**
• By joining a Business Group, members acknowledge and consent to the following data being visible to Group Managers and other authorized administrators:
• Profile information, skills, and qualifications
• Timesheet submissions and approval status
• Contract assignments and work history within the group
• Expense claims associated with group Contracts

This data sharing is necessary for the administration of the Business Group and is disclosed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws, including the CCPA and GDPR.

• *15.5 Liability**
• Automate America is not responsible for:
• Actions taken by Group Managers, including member removal, role changes, or Contract assignments
• Disputes between Business Group members or between members and Group Managers
• Financial obligations between group members, including unpaid wages or disputed expenses
• Data shared within a Business Group as described in Section 15.4

Each Business Group member is independently responsible for their own contractual obligations. The creation or dissolution of a Business Group does not affect the validity of individual Contracts.

• *15.6 Dissolution**
• A Group Manager may dissolve a Business Group at any time. Upon dissolution:
• Active Contracts associated with the group continue under their original terms
• Outstanding Timesheets and Invoices remain valid and must be processed
• Members retain their individual accounts and profile data
• Group-level data and activity logs may be retained by Automate America as required for legal and business purposes

16. Achievement Badges and Reputation

• *16.1 Badge System**
• The platform awards Achievement Badges to Users based on platform activity, including completing Contracts, receiving positive reviews, building Connections, maintaining profile quality, and engaging with the platform. Badges are displayed on User profiles and may influence visibility in the feed algorithm.

• *16.2 Earning and Display**
• Badges are earned automatically when Users meet defined criteria
• Users may choose to display or hide individual Badges on their profiles
• Badge progress, leaderboard rankings, and recommendations are available through the platform

• *16.3 No Endorsement or Certification**
• Achievement Badges are recognition of platform activity only. They do NOT constitute:
• Professional certification, licensure, or endorsement by Automate America
• A guarantee of skill level, work quality, or professional competence
• A recommendation or referral by Automate America for any purpose

Users and Companies should not rely on Achievement Badges as a substitute for independent verification of qualifications, credentials, or fitness for a particular job.

• *16.4 Modification and Revocation**
• Automate America reserves the right to:
• Modify, restructure, or discontinue the Badge system at any time
• Revoke Badges if they were earned through fraudulent or manipulative activity
• Adjust Badge criteria, tiers, and requirements without prior notice
• Remove Badges from accounts that violate these Terms

• *16.5 No Monetary Value**
• Achievement Badges have no monetary value and cannot be transferred, sold, exchanged, or redeemed for cash, credit, or any other consideration.

• *16.6 Badge Data**
• Badge-related data, including activity used to calculate Badge progress, is collected and processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy. This data may be used for feed personalization, platform analytics, and service improvement.

• *16.7 Limitation of Liability**
• AUTOMATE AMERICA SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES ARISING FROM HIRING DECISIONS, BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS, OR OTHER ACTIONS TAKEN IN RELIANCE ON ACHIEVEMENT BADGES. Users and Companies make all engagement decisions at their own risk.

17. Communications and Notifications

• *17.1 Categories of Communications**
• The Service sends the following categories of communications:
• Transactional: Contract updates, Timesheet approvals, Invoice notices, payment confirmations, security alerts, and account-related messages
• Platform Alerts: Connection requests, watchlist updates, availability changes, application status updates, and Badge award notices
• System: Service announcements, policy updates, maintenance notices, and Terms of Service changes
• Marketing: Promotional content, feature announcements, and newsletters (with consent)

• *17.2 Consent**
• By creating an account, you consent to receive transactional and system communications necessary for the operation of the Service. These communications cannot be opted out of as they are essential to your use of the platform. Marketing communications require separate opt-in consent and may be declined at any time.

• *17.3 Communication Channels**
• Communications may be delivered via in-app notification, email, push notification, or SMS. You may manage your channel preferences through your account notification settings.

• *17.4 Opt-Out Rights**
• You may opt out of marketing communications at any time using the unsubscribe link in any marketing email or through your notification settings
• You may adjust Notification preferences by event category and delivery channel
• Transactional communications related to active Contracts, payments, and account security cannot be opted out of while your account is active
• This opt-out process complies with the CAN-SPAM Act, GDPR, and other applicable regulations

• *17.5 Notification Data**
• To generate and deliver Notifications, we process data including your Connection graph, watchlist, availability status, Contract activity, and Notification preferences. This data is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

• *17.6 Third-Party Services**
• Notifications may be delivered through third-party email and messaging services. These providers process your contact information solely for the purpose of delivering communications on behalf of Automate America and are bound by data processing agreements.

• *17.7 Delivery**
• Automate America does not guarantee the delivery, timing, or receipt of any Notification. We are not liable for any damages arising from delayed, missed, or undelivered Notifications, including missed Connection requests, Contract deadlines, or payment due dates.

18. Connection Subscriptions

• *18.1 Free Tier**
• All Users receive a free tier of Connections, allowing a limited number of active Connections at no cost. The current free tier limit is displayed in your account settings.

• *18.2 Paid Subscription Tiers**
• Beyond the free tier limit, Users may subscribe to a paid Connection tier to establish additional Connections. Paid tiers offer increased Connection capacity and may include additional features. Current tier pricing, Connection limits, and included features are available through your account settings.

• *18.3 Billing**
• Connection Subscriptions are billed on a recurring monthly or annual basis
• Payment is processed via Stripe at the time of purchase
• Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled before the next billing cycle
• Failed payments result in a grace period, after which the subscription may be paused

• *18.4 Information Shared on Connection**
• When a Connection is established between two Users, each party gains access to:
• Full name
• Direct email address
• Phone number
• Social media accounts (if provided)
• In-app direct messaging

By establishing a Connection, you consent to sharing this contact information with the connected User.

• *18.5 Upgrades and Downgrades**
• You may upgrade to a higher tier at any time; the price difference is prorated
• Downgrades take effect at the end of the current billing period
• Existing Connections above the new tier limit are preserved but new Connections cannot be added until usage is within the tier limit

• *18.6 Cancellation**
• You may cancel your Connection Subscription at any time through your account settings
• Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period
• Upon cancellation, your account reverts to the free tier
• Existing Connections above the free limit are preserved but marked as inactive

• *18.7 Supplemental Terms**
• Connection Subscriptions are also subject to the Connection Subscription Terms, which provide additional detail on billing, tier changes, and refunds. In the event of a conflict between these Terms and the Connection Subscription Terms, these Terms shall govern.

19. Affiliate and Sponsored Content

• *19.1 Sponsored Content in the Feed**
• The FEED platform may display sponsored or promoted content from affiliate partners. All such content is clearly labeled as "Sponsored" or "Promoted" to distinguish it from organic feed content.

• *19.2 Platform Right to Reject**
• Automate America reserves the right to review, approve, reject, or remove any affiliate or sponsored content at its sole discretion. Content that violates these Terms, our content policies, or applicable advertising laws will be removed without notice.

• *19.3 FTC Disclosure**
• All affiliate and sponsored content on the platform complies with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines for sponsored content disclosure. Users should be aware that promoted content is paid placement and may not reflect organic algorithmic recommendations.

• *19.4 User Interaction**
• Users may interact with sponsored content (view, click, apply) in the same manner as organic content. Interaction with sponsored content does not create any obligation or commitment on the part of the user.

• *19.5 Affiliate Program**
• Companies interested in promoting their services through the FEED platform may participate in the Automate America Affiliate Program, subject to separate Affiliate Program Terms & Conditions available at /?section=legal&id=affiliate-terms.

20. Weather Alerts

• *20.1 Weather Alert Service**
• The platform provides weather alerts and current conditions for professionals working in outdoor trades (construction, electrical, mechanical, and related fields). Weather data includes temperature, wind speed, humidity, UV index, and safety alerts.

• *20.2 Informational Purpose Only**
• Weather alerts provided through the platform are for informational purposes only. They are NOT a substitute for:
• Employer-mandated safety protocols and procedures
• OSHA guidelines for outdoor work conditions
• Professional weather forecasting services used for critical safety decisions
• Local emergency alerts and warnings issued by government authorities

• *20.3 No Guarantee of Accuracy**
• Weather data is sourced from third-party providers (OpenWeatherMap API) and may not reflect real-time conditions at your specific work location. Automate America does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of weather information.

• *20.4 Limitation of Liability**
• AUTOMATE AMERICA SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INJURIES, OR LOSSES ARISING FROM RELIANCE ON WEATHER ALERTS PROVIDED THROUGH THE PLATFORM. Users and employers are solely responsible for making safety decisions regarding outdoor work conditions.

• *20.5 User Responsibility**
• Professionals should always follow their employer's safety protocols and local weather advisories. The platform's weather alerts are a supplementary tool and should be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, established safety practices.

21. Notice and Takedown Procedures; Copyright Agent

• *21.1 Notice and Takedown**
• If You believe any materials accessible on or from the Website infringe Your copyright, You may request removal of those materials (or access thereto) from the Website by contacting Our copyright agent (identified below) and providing the following information:

• Identification of the copyrighted work that You believe to be infringed. Please describe the work, and where possible include a copy or the location of an authorized version of the work.
• Identification of the material that You believe to be infringing and its location. Please describe the material, and provide Us with other pertinent information that will allow Us to locate the materials.
• Your name, address, telephone number and (if available) email address.
• A statement that You have a good faith belief that the complained of use of the materials is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.
• A statement that the information that You have provided to Us is accurate, and indicating that "under penalty of perjury," You are the copyright owner or are authorized to act on the copyright owner's behalf.
• A signature or the electronic equivalent from the copyright holder or authorized representative.

• *21.2 Copyright Agent**
• Our agent for copyright issues relating to the Website is as follows:

Thomas D. Huycke Dority & Manning, Attorneys At Law, P.A. Two Liberty Square 75 Beattie Place, Suite 1100 Greenville, South Carolina 29601 USA Fax: (864) 233-7342 E-mail: thuycke@dority-manning.com

• *21.3 Repeat Infringers**
• In an effort to protect the rights of copyright owners, We maintain a policy for the termination, in appropriate circumstances, of subscribers and account holders of the Website who are repeat infringers.

22. General Provisions

• *22.1 Entire Agreement**
• These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, Connection Subscription Terms, Boost Terms & Conditions, and any Contract terms, constitute the entire agreement between you and Automate America.

• *22.2 Modifications**
• We may modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email or platform notification at least 30 days before taking effect. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

• *22.3 Severability**
• If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect.

• *22.4 No Waiver**
• Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not waive our right to enforce it later.

• *22.5 Assignment**
• You may not assign your rights under these Terms without our consent. We may assign our rights without restriction.

• *22.6 Force Majeure**
• Neither party shall be liable for delays or failures in performance caused by circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, acts of government, pandemic, war, terrorism, labor disputes, power failures, internet outages, or cyberattacks. If a force majeure event continues for more than 90 days, either party may terminate affected Contracts without penalty.

• *22.7 Contact**
• For questions about these Terms, contact legal@automateamerica.com.

Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account or using our Service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.