Terms of Service

Effective Date: 11 January 2024

Welcome to Shane! By accessing or using the Shane platform (web app or mobile app) provided by Shane Collective ("we," "us," or "our"), you agree to comply with these Terms of Service ("Terms").

If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use Shane.

1. Overview of Services

The web app provides tools for users to search, rate, and review LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces and services globally. The mobile app, launching in 2025, will provide these features as well as safe navigation and emergency safety tools. Our platform is intended to foster safety, inclusivity, and community.

2. Eligibility

Shane does not enforce a minimum age requirement for using the platform. However, users are encouraged to comply with local laws regarding internet use.

3. User Accounts

  • Creating a profile will be required for the mobile app to verify that each user is a human.

  • We will not share sensitive data, and personally identifiable information (PII) will not be used in the app.

  • All public-facing user profile information will be fully anonymized to protect users' privacy.

4. Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

  • Use Shane for unlawful purposes or to promote any illegal activities.

  • Scrape, extract, or harvest data from Shane’s platform (this includes automated means such as bots or crawlers).

  • Post false or defamatory information about businesses or entities. Shane is not responsible for any negative reviews posted by users. Any negative review is solely the opinion of the user, who will bear responsibility for any defamatory claims.

  • Engage in activities that violate the safety or privacy of users, including the outing or naming of individuals or organizations not publicly identified as LGBTQ+.

5. Allow List for Unsafe Regions

In countries where being LGBTQ+ is illegal or unsafe, Shane operates under a restricted allow list policy, which limits listed entities to:

  • International advocacy organizations such as UNHCR or Human Rights Watch.

  • Local LGBTQ+ organizations that are publicly active in the region.

  • Entities that explicitly request to be listed as a ratable entity on Shane.

This measure protects users and organizations from unnecessary risks.

6. Intellectual Property

All content and materials on Shane, including logos, designs, and databases, are owned by Shane Collective or licensed to us. You may not use our intellectual property without prior written consent.

7. Limitation of Liability

We strive to protect and uplift the LGBTQ+ community. Shane Collective will not tolerate any outing of individuals or organizations who are not publicly out or have not explicitly requested to be listed as LGBTQ+ led. While we provide tools to ensure user safety and platform reliability, we are not liable for any harm caused by the misuse of the platform.

8. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Ireland. Disputes will be resolved in Irish courts unless otherwise required by applicable law.

9. Changes to the Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Changes will be communicated via the Shane platform or email.