NETCHAIN TERMS OF USE

Effective Date: [16/08/2026]
Last Updated: [16/08/2026]

Welcome to Netchain, a South African social media and online community platform.

These Terms of Use (“Terms”, “Terms of Use” or “Agreement”) govern your access to and use of the Netchain website, applications, services, features, content and related products (collectively, the “Platform”).

By creating an account, accessing, browsing or using Netchain, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree with these Terms, you should not create an account or use the Platform.

1. About Netchain

Netchain is a social networking platform with roots dating back to 2009.

The platform has evolved through different names and stages, including Afroforum and Afroshub, before becoming Netchain.

Netchain provides users with tools and services that may allow them to create profiles, communicate with other users, publish content, participate in communities, share media, discover information, promote businesses and interact with other members of the Netchain community.

Netchain is continually developing and may introduce, modify or discontinue features from time to time.

2. Acceptance of These Terms

By using Netchain, you confirm that:

• You have read these Terms.

• You understand these Terms.

• You agree to comply with these Terms.

• You will comply with applicable laws and regulations.

• You will respect the rights of other users.

• You will provide accurate information where required.

• You will not use Netchain for unlawful, fraudulent or abusive purposes.

If you are using Netchain on behalf of a company, organisation or other legal entity, you confirm that you have authority to accept these Terms on behalf of that entity.

3. Eligibility

Netchain is intended for users who are legally permitted to use social networking services in their jurisdiction.

Where applicable, certain age restrictions may apply.

Users must not create an account or use Netchain if they are legally prohibited from doing so.

Parents and guardians are responsible for understanding and supervising the online activities of children and minors in their care.

Netchain may introduce additional age-verification, parental-consent or child-safety requirements where required by applicable law.

4. Creating an Account

Some Netchain features may require you to create an account.

When creating an account, you agree to:

• Provide truthful and accurate information.

• Keep your information reasonably up to date.

• Protect your login credentials.

• Keep your password confidential.

• Not share your account with unauthorised persons.

• Notify Netchain if you believe your account has been compromised.

• Not create accounts for fraudulent or deceptive purposes.

You are responsible for activity conducted through your account unless the activity occurred because of a security failure attributable to Netchain or another circumstance for which you are not legally responsible.

5. Account Security

Users are responsible for taking reasonable precautions to protect their accounts.

You should:

• Use a strong and unique password.

• Avoid sharing your password.

• Avoid using the same password across multiple services.

• Log out of shared or public devices.

• Keep your registered email address or other recovery information secure.

• Report suspicious account activity promptly.

Netchain may implement security features such as authentication controls, login monitoring, verification systems or other security measures.

No internet service can guarantee absolute security. Netchain therefore does not promise that the Platform will always be completely free from security threats, attacks or unauthorised activity.

6. Your Content

Netchain allows users to create, upload, publish, transmit or otherwise share content.

“User Content” may include:

• Text

• Posts

• Comments

• Photographs

• Videos

• Audio

• Graphics

• Profile information

• Links

• Reviews

• Messages

• Community content

• Business information

• Other materials submitted through the Platform

You remain responsible for the User Content that you submit.

You should only publish content that you have the legal right to publish.

7. Rights You Grant to Netchain

By submitting User Content to Netchain, you grant Netchain a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence, to the extent necessary to operate, provide, maintain, improve and promote the Platform, to host, store, reproduce, transmit, display and distribute that content through Netchain.

This licence is intended to allow Netchain to technically operate its social networking services.

For example, Netchain needs permission to display your photograph when you upload it to your profile or share your post with other users.

You retain ownership of your original User Content unless you have separately agreed otherwise.

Netchain does not automatically acquire ownership of your original photographs, videos, writings or other original works merely because you upload them to the Platform.

8. Your Responsibility for Content

You are responsible for ensuring that your content does not:

• Violate the law.

• Infringe copyright or intellectual property rights.

• Violate another person's privacy.

• Contain unlawful threats.

• Facilitate fraud.

• Impersonate another person.

• Contain malicious software.

• Promote criminal activity.

• Encourage violence.

• Facilitate exploitation or abuse.

• Contain unlawful discriminatory material.

• Contain non-consensually shared intimate material.

• Deliberately deceive users.

• Contain harmful or abusive content prohibited by Netchain's policies.

You must also comply with Netchain's Community Standards and other policies that may apply to your use of the Platform.

9. Prohibited Activities

You may not use Netchain to:

9.1 Harass or Abuse Others

You must not repeatedly harass, threaten, intimidate, stalk or deliberately target another person.

9.2 Impersonate Others

You may not impersonate another individual, company, public figure, organisation or other entity in a deceptive manner.

9.3 Commit Fraud

You may not use Netchain for scams, phishing, fraudulent schemes, deceptive financial activities or other unlawful conduct.

9.4 Spread Malware

You may not upload or distribute viruses, malware, ransomware, spyware or other malicious software.

9.5 Manipulate the Platform

You may not attempt to artificially manipulate:

• Followers

• Likes

• Views

• Comments

• Rankings

• Recommendations

• Engagement

• Account activity

through bots, automated systems, fake accounts or other deceptive methods.

9.6 Unauthorised Access

You may not attempt to access another user's account, Netchain's systems, databases or infrastructure without authorisation.

9.7 Scraping and Data Collection

You may not systematically collect, scrape, harvest or extract information from Netchain without appropriate authorisation.

9.8 Circumvent Security

You may not attempt to bypass security controls, access restrictions, technical limitations or other protective mechanisms.

10. Illegal Content

Users must not use Netchain to publish, distribute, promote or facilitate unlawful content or activity.

Netchain may remove or restrict access to content where it reasonably believes that the content violates applicable law, these Terms or Netchain policies.

Where required by law, Netchain may cooperate with appropriate law-enforcement or regulatory authorities.

11. Hate Speech and Discrimination

Netchain is intended to provide a diverse and inclusive environment.

Users must not use the Platform to promote unlawful discrimination, targeted harassment or hateful conduct against individuals or groups.

Netchain may take action against content or accounts that violate applicable laws or Netchain's Community Standards.

12. Violence and Threats

Content that contains credible threats of violence, encouragement of violence or other serious harmful activity may be removed.

Where appropriate and legally required, Netchain may refer serious threats or unlawful activity to relevant authorities.

13. Child Safety

Netchain takes the safety of children and young people seriously.

Users must not use Netchain to exploit, abuse, groom, sexually exploit or otherwise harm children.

Any content or conduct involving child sexual exploitation or abuse may be removed and may be reported to appropriate authorities where required.

Netchain may implement additional safeguards designed to protect minors.

14. Sexual Content and Exploitation

Users must comply with Netchain's rules regarding sexual and adult content.

Content involving exploitation, abuse, non-consensual intimate imagery or sexual exploitation of minors is strictly prohibited.

Netchain may remove prohibited material and take action against accounts responsible for such activity.

15. Spam

Users may not use Netchain to distribute excessive unsolicited communications or repetitive promotional content.

Examples may include:

• Bulk unsolicited messages

• Automated comments

• Fake engagement

• Repetitive posts

• Misleading promotional campaigns

• Unauthorised advertising

• Spam links

16. Advertising and Commercial Activity

Netchain may provide advertising, promotional and commercial features.

Businesses and advertisers must ensure that their advertisements and commercial activities comply with applicable laws and Netchain advertising policies.

Advertisements should not deliberately mislead users.

Netchain may reject, restrict or remove advertisements that violate applicable law or Netchain policies.

Where advertising or sponsored content is used, Netchain may apply appropriate labels or disclosures.

17. Businesses and Marketplace Activities

Where Netchain provides business, marketplace or commercial functionality, users are responsible for their own transactions unless Netchain expressly states otherwise.

Netchain may not be a party to transactions between users and businesses.

Users should independently verify sellers, products, services, prices, payment details and other transaction information before completing a transaction.

Netchain is not responsible for the quality, legality, availability or performance of products or services offered by independent users or businesses unless expressly stated.

18. Intellectual Property

Netchain and its licensors may own rights in:

• The Netchain name

• Netchain logos

• Platform design

• Software

• Code

• Graphics

• User interface

• Branding

• Trademarks

• Platform features

• Original Netchain content

You may not copy, reproduce, modify, distribute, sell or commercially exploit Netchain's protected intellectual property without appropriate permission.

Nothing in these Terms transfers ownership of Netchain's intellectual property to you.

19. Copyright Complaints

If you believe that content on Netchain infringes your copyright, you may submit a copyright complaint through Netchain's designated reporting process.

A complaint should include sufficient information to allow Netchain to understand:

• The copyrighted work.

• The allegedly infringing material.

• Where the material appears on Netchain.

• Your contact information.

• Evidence that you own or are authorised to represent the copyright owner.

• A statement that the information provided is accurate.

Netchain may remove or restrict allegedly infringing material where appropriate.

20. Privacy

Your privacy is important to us.

Netchain's collection, use, storage, disclosure and protection of personal information are governed by our Privacy Policy.

The Privacy Policy should explain:

• What information Netchain collects.

• Why information is collected.

• How information is used.

• How information is stored.

• When information may be shared.

• Cookies and similar technologies.

• User rights.

• Data retention.

• Security measures.

• How users can contact Netchain regarding privacy.

For users in South Africa, Netchain should ensure that its privacy practices are aligned with applicable requirements, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) where applicable.

21. Data Protection

Netchain will take reasonable and appropriate measures designed to protect personal information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration, destruction or disclosure.

However, no online system can guarantee absolute security.

Users should therefore take reasonable precautions to protect their own information and accounts.

22. Third-Party Services

Netchain may integrate with or provide links to third-party websites, applications, payment services, advertising services or other external platforms.

Third-party services may have their own terms and privacy policies.

Netchain is not responsible for the policies, security, availability or practices of independent third parties unless otherwise required by law.

23. External Links

Netchain may contain links to websites operated by third parties.

A link does not necessarily mean that Netchain endorses the linked website, company, product or service.

Users access external websites at their own risk.

24. Content Moderation

Netchain may use a combination of:

• User reports

• Human review

• Automated systems

• Security systems

• Spam detection

• Other technical tools

• Legal requests

• Community standards

to identify and address content or activity that may violate these Terms or applicable law.

Netchain may remove, restrict, label, reduce the distribution of or otherwise limit content where appropriate.

25. Reporting Content

Users may report content, accounts or behaviour that they believe:

• Violates these Terms.

• Violates Netchain policies.

• Is unlawful.

• Is abusive.

• Is fraudulent.

• Presents a safety risk.

• Infringes intellectual property rights.

Reports should be made honestly and should contain sufficient information to help Netchain assess the matter.

Abuse of reporting systems may itself result in account restrictions.

26. Content Removal and Account Restrictions

Netchain may take action when a user or content violates:

• These Terms;

• Community Standards;

• Applicable law;

• Security requirements;

• Intellectual property rights;

• Privacy rights;

• Other Netchain policies.

Possible actions may include:

• Warning the user;

• Removing content;

• Limiting content distribution;

• Restricting certain features;

• Temporarily suspending an account;

• Permanently terminating an account;

• Blocking access to particular services.

Where appropriate and feasible, Netchain may provide information about the reason for significant enforcement actions.

27. Appeals

Where Netchain restricts or removes content or suspends an account, users may have an opportunity to request a review, subject to the nature of the action and applicable law.

An appeal should explain why the user believes the decision was incorrect.

Netchain may review relevant information and determine whether the original action should be maintained, modified or reversed.

Where required by applicable law, additional complaint or dispute-resolution rights may apply.

28. Account Termination by You

You may stop using Netchain at any time.

Where account deletion functionality is available, you may request deletion of your account through the relevant account settings or support process.

Certain information may need to be retained where required by law, necessary for legitimate security purposes, required to resolve disputes or otherwise permitted by applicable law.

29. Account Suspension or Termination by Netchain

Netchain may suspend or terminate accounts where reasonably necessary to:

• Protect users.

• Protect Netchain.

• Prevent fraud.

• Address security threats.

• Enforce these Terms.

• Comply with applicable law.

• Prevent abuse.

• Protect intellectual property.

• Address repeated violations.

Netchain will seek to apply enforcement reasonably and proportionately, subject to legal and security requirements.

30. Platform Availability

Netchain aims to provide a reliable service but does not guarantee uninterrupted availability.

The Platform may occasionally be unavailable because of:

• Maintenance

• Upgrades

• Technical problems

• Cybersecurity incidents

• Network failures

• Third-party service failures

• Natural disasters

• Government actions

• Other circumstances beyond reasonable control

Netchain may modify, suspend or discontinue features where necessary.

31. Changes to Netchain

Netchain may update, improve, modify or discontinue features.

New features may also be subject to additional terms.

Where changes materially affect users' rights or obligations, Netchain will seek to provide appropriate notice where required by law.

32. Changes to These Terms

Netchain may update these Terms from time to time.

The updated version will be published on the Platform with a revised “Last Updated” date.

Where legally required, Netchain will provide additional notice of material changes.

Your continued use of Netchain after the effective date of updated Terms may constitute acceptance of the updated Terms to the extent permitted by applicable law.

If you do not agree with material changes, you should stop using the Platform and, where available, close your account.

33. Transparency

Netchain aims to communicate its rules in a clear and understandable manner.

We may publish or provide information regarding:

• Platform policies

• Major policy changes

• Content moderation practices

• User reporting systems

• Security practices

• Privacy practices

• Other matters relevant to the operation of the Platform

Transparency is an important part of building trust with our community.

34. No Guarantee of User Content

Netchain does not guarantee that User Content is:

• Accurate;

• Complete;

• Reliable;

• Current;

• Safe;

• Legal;

• Appropriate.

Users should exercise their own judgement when relying on information published by other users.

35. User-to-User Interactions

Netchain provides tools that allow users to interact with one another.

You are responsible for your interactions with other users.

Netchain does not guarantee the identity, intentions, background, conduct or reliability of another user.

Users should exercise caution when communicating with people they do not know personally.

Never share passwords, banking credentials, authentication codes or other highly sensitive information with another user.

36. Scams and Fraud Prevention

Netchain may implement measures designed to detect and prevent scams and fraudulent activity.

However, users should remain vigilant.

Be cautious of users requesting:

• Money;

• Banking information;

• Passwords;

• Verification codes;

• Personal identification documents;

• Cryptocurrency transfers;

• Investment payments;

• Emergency payments;

• Unusual fees.

If something appears suspicious, report it to Netchain.

37. Children's Privacy

Netchain does not knowingly seek to collect personal information from children in circumstances where such collection is prohibited by applicable law.

Where the law requires parental or guardian consent, Netchain will seek to comply with the applicable requirements.

Parents or guardians who believe that a child has provided personal information inappropriately should contact Netchain through the designated privacy or support channel.

38. International Users

Although Netchain is proudly South African, the Platform may be accessible to users outside South Africa.

Different countries have different laws concerning privacy, consumer rights, online safety, content and digital services.

Users accessing Netchain from another country are responsible for complying with laws applicable to them.

Where mandatory local laws provide users with rights that cannot legally be excluded, those rights remain unaffected.

39. Consumer Rights

Nothing in these Terms is intended to exclude or limit rights that cannot legally be excluded under applicable consumer-protection law.

Where mandatory consumer rights apply, those rights will continue to apply.

40. Disclaimers

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Netchain provides the Platform on an “as available” basis.

Netchain does not guarantee that:

• The Platform will always be available;

• The Platform will always operate without errors;

• User-generated content will be accurate;

• All content will be suitable for every user;

• Security risks will never occur;

• Third-party services will always function;

• The Platform will satisfy every user's individual requirements.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability that cannot legally be excluded.

41. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Netchain and its directors, officers, employees, contractors and service providers will not be responsible for losses arising from matters outside Netchain's reasonable control.

Nothing in these Terms limits liability where such limitation is prohibited by law, including liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited.

Any limitation of liability should be interpreted only to the extent permitted by applicable law.

42. Indemnity

To the extent permitted by applicable law, you agree to be responsible for claims, losses, liabilities and reasonable expenses arising from your unlawful use of Netchain, your violation of these Terms or your infringement of another person's rights.

This provision does not apply where prohibited by law.

43. Governing Law

These Terms should be governed by the laws applicable in the Republic of South Africa, subject to any mandatory rights or protections that apply to users under the laws of their jurisdiction.

Nothing in this section is intended to remove mandatory consumer, privacy or other legal rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.

44. Dispute Resolution

Netchain encourages users to contact us first to resolve disputes informally.

If you have a complaint, please contact Netchain through the designated support or legal contact channel.

Where a dispute cannot be resolved informally, the parties may pursue the remedies available under applicable law.

Where applicable, users may also have access to statutory complaint mechanisms, regulatory authorities, consumer-protection bodies or other dispute-resolution processes.

45. Privacy Complaints

Privacy-related complaints should be submitted through Netchain's designated privacy contact.

Where applicable, users may also have rights to lodge complaints with the relevant data-protection authority.

For South African users, this may include the Information Regulator of South Africa, depending on the nature of the complaint and applicable law.

46. Intellectual Property Complaints

Copyright, trademark and other intellectual-property complaints should be submitted through Netchain's designated intellectual-property reporting process.

Netchain may investigate legitimate complaints and take appropriate action.

47. Notices

Official notices from Netchain may be provided through:

• Email;

• Notifications within the Platform;

• Account messages;

• Website notices;

• Other appropriate communication channels.

Users are responsible for maintaining access to their registered contact information.

48. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with Netchain's Privacy Policy, Community Standards, Cookie Policy, Advertising Policies and other applicable policies, constitute the terms governing your use of Netchain, subject to applicable law.

Where there is a conflict between documents, the applicable mandatory law will prevail.

49. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, that provision will be interpreted or modified to the minimum extent necessary, where legally permitted.

The remaining provisions will continue to apply.

50. No Waiver

If Netchain does not immediately enforce a provision of these Terms, this does not mean that Netchain has permanently waived its right to enforce that provision later.

51. Assignment

You may not transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without appropriate permission where such permission is required.

Netchain may transfer or assign its rights and obligations where permitted by applicable law, including in connection with a restructuring, merger, acquisition or transfer of the Platform.

52. Contact Netchain

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us.

Netchain

Website: [Insert Netchain Website]

General Support: [Insert Support Email]

Legal Enquiries: [Insert Legal Email]

Privacy Enquiries: [Insert Privacy Email]

Copyright Enquiries: [Insert Copyright Email]

Business Address: [Insert Registered Business Address]

53. Important Policies

For a complete and professionally structured Netchain legal framework, users should also have access to the following documents:

Privacy Policy
Explains how Netchain collects, uses, stores, protects and processes personal information.

Cookie Policy
Explains cookies, tracking technologies and related technologies used by Netchain.

Community Standards
Explains what content and behaviour are permitted and prohibited.

Safety Centre
Provides information about account security, scams, reporting, harassment and user safety.

Copyright Policy
Explains how copyright complaints and intellectual-property matters are handled.

Advertising Policy
Sets standards for advertisements and sponsored content.

Data Deletion Policy
Explains account deletion and applicable data-retention practices.

Child Safety Policy
Provides additional information about protecting minors and preventing exploitation.

54. Our Commitment

Netchain was built to connect people.

As our community continues to grow from its roots in 2009 through Afroforum and Afroshub to Netchain today, we recognise that operating a social network comes with significant responsibilities.

We are committed to building a platform that promotes:

Connection.

Privacy.

Security.

Respect.

Innovation.

Community.

Responsible digital participation.

Our Terms of Use are designed to establish clear expectations for everyone who participates in the Netchain community.

By working together, we can help make Netchain a trusted, responsible and vibrant social network for South Africa and the wider African community.

Netchain — Connecting People. Building Community.