Acceptable Use Policy

1. Purpose

This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") governs your use of Echo's SMS broadcasting and coordination service. This policy is designed to protect all users, prevent abuse, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

2. Permitted Uses

Echo is designed for personal family and group coordination, including:

• Family Coordination: Medical updates, births, emergencies, family events
• Group Updates: Keeping multiple people informed during important situations
• Visit Coordination: Scheduling and managing visits to family members
• Emergency Communication: Rapid communication during time-sensitive situations
• Event Organization: Coordinating family gatherings, reunions, or activities

3. Prohibited Uses

The following uses are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate account suspension or termination:

3.1 Spam and Unsolicited Messages

• Sending unsolicited commercial messages or advertisements
• Mass messaging to people who have not consented
• Any form of spam, bulk messaging, or chain messages
• Marketing or promotional messages without explicit opt-in

3.2 Harassment and Abuse

• Harassment, threats, or intimidation
• Hate speech or discriminatory content
• Bullying or abusive messages
• Stalking or unwanted contact

3.3 Illegal Activities

• Any illegal activity or promotion of illegal activity
• Fraud, scams, or phishing attempts
• Transmission of malicious code or viruses
• Violation of any applicable laws or regulations

3.4 Misuse of Service

• Circumventing or attempting to circumvent any security features
• Automated or bot-driven messaging
• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to other accounts
• Interfering with or disrupting the Service
• Using the Service to impersonate others

4. Consent Requirements

As a group coordinator, you must:

• Obtain explicit consent from all recipients before adding them to groups
• Clearly explain what messages they will receive
• Provide a clear opt-out mechanism (Echo automatically supports "STOP")
• Honor all opt-out requests immediately
• Not re-add people who have opted out without fresh consent

5. Message Content Standards

All messages must:

• Be truthful and not misleading
• Respect recipients' privacy and dignity
• Comply with all applicable laws
• Not contain illegal content or promote illegal activities

6. Rate Limits and Fair Use

Echo implements reasonable rate limits to prevent abuse and ensure service quality for all users. Excessive use, as determined by Echo in its sole discretion, may result in temporary restrictions or account termination.

7. Enforcement

Echo reserves the right to:

• Investigate potential violations of this AUP
• Remove or disable access to content that violates this policy
• Suspend or terminate accounts that violate this policy
• Report illegal activities to appropriate authorities
• Take legal action when necessary

8. Reporting Violations

If you believe someone is violating this Acceptable Use Policy, please report it:

• Email: abuse@tryecho.family
• Include: User's phone number, description of violation, and any evidence

We investigate all reported violations and take appropriate action.

9. Compliance with Laws

You must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including:

• Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
• CAN-SPAM Act
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
• All applicable telecommunications and privacy laws

10. Changes to This Policy

Echo may modify this Acceptable Use Policy at any time. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified policy.

11. Contact

Questions about this Acceptable Use Policy:

• Email: legal@tryecho.family
• Website: tryecho.family/contact