Terms of Service

Last Updated: February 4, 2026

Please read these Terms of Service ("Terms") carefully before using the It's Me mobile application ("the App") created by Brian Cartmell ("Developer"). By downloading, installing, or using the App, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Description of Service

It's Me is a personal identity verification tool designed to help users verify the identity of people they communicate with through synchronized verification codes. The App uses cryptographic techniques to generate matching codes between users who have exchanged keys.

The App supports multiple methods of establishing contact, including in-person QR code exchange, Bluetooth exchange, and online exchange via an invite code system. Regardless of exchange method, verification codes are generated locally on your device.

2. Intended Use

The App is intended to be used as a supplementary verification tool to help combat impersonation and deepfake fraud. It is designed for personal, non-commercial use.

3. Online Exchange Service

The App includes an online contact exchange feature that uses servers operated by the Developer to facilitate adding contacts remotely. By using this feature, you acknowledge that:

Encrypted payloads are temporarily stored on our server to facilitate the exchange. The server cannot decrypt these payloads.
A one-way hash of your device fingerprint is transmitted to the server as a session identifier. This hash cannot be reversed to identify you.
Invite data is automatically deleted after 24 hours or upon successful exchange.
A real-time WebSocket relay may be used for direct exchange. Messages are relayed and not stored.
The Developer is not responsible for the security of the out-of-band channel used to share invite codes or encryption codes between users.
Rate limits apply: you may create a limited number of active invites at any time.

4. Trust Levels

The App distinguishes between contact exchange methods and displays trust indicators accordingly:

In-Person exchanges (QR code or Bluetooth while physically present) provide the highest assurance that you are adding the intended person.
Online exchanges provide a lower level of initial assurance. The App requires a Short Authentication String (SAS) verbal confirmation step for online contacts as an additional security measure.

You are responsible for understanding these trust levels and exercising appropriate judgment.

5. Device Transfer

The App provides a device transfer feature that allows you to export your cryptographic identity (including your contacts encryption key) to a new device via a PIN-protected QR code. By using this feature, you acknowledge that:

The export QR code contains your encrypted identity. Anyone who obtains both the QR code and your PIN can import your identity.
You are responsible for keeping the export QR code and PIN secure.
If you forget your export PIN, there is no recovery mechanism. You will need to create a new identity and re-establish all contacts.
The Developer is not responsible for loss of identity or contacts due to forgotten PINs, lost QR codes, or failed transfers.

6. No Warranty

The App is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to the warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and noninfringement.

The Developer makes no warranty that:

The App will meet your specific requirements
The App will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free
The results obtained from using the App will be accurate or reliable
The online exchange servers will be available at all times
Any errors in the App will be corrected

7. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall Brian Cartmell be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to:

Loss of profits, data, or use
Personal injury or property damage
Any damages arising from identity fraud, impersonation, or failed verification
Any damages arising from reliance on the App's verification results
Any damages arising from unauthorized access to or alteration of your data
Any damages arising from server unavailability or data loss during online exchange
Any other intangible losses

In no event shall the total liability to you for all damages exceed the amount you paid for the App (if any).

8. Not a Guarantee of Identity

IMPORTANT: The App is a tool to assist with identity verification, but it is not a guarantee of identity.

Matching verification codes indicate that both devices share the same cryptographic seed established during a key exchange
The App cannot verify that the original key exchange was performed with the intended person
Online exchanges carry additional risk as the initial exchange does not occur face-to-face
The App cannot detect all forms of fraud, impersonation, or social engineering
Users should exercise their own judgment and use additional verification methods for high-stakes situations

You acknowledge that:

The App may produce false positives or false negatives
You are solely responsible for decisions made based on verification results
The App should be used as one factor among many in verifying someone's identity
Phone change detection ("degraded" status) is an indicator, not a guarantee of compromise

9. User Responsibilities

By using the App, you agree to:

Exercise appropriate judgment when establishing contacts, particularly via online exchange
Complete the SAS verification step for online contacts to confirm identity
Keep your device secure and protected with a passcode and/or biometric authentication
Not rely solely on the App for critical identity verification
Not use the App for any illegal purpose
Not attempt to reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the App
Not abuse the online exchange service (e.g., spam invites, automated requests)
Not use the App in any way that could damage, disable, or impair its functionality

10. Security

While the App uses industry-standard cryptographic techniques:

No security system is impenetrable
The Developer cannot guarantee that the App is free from vulnerabilities
You are responsible for maintaining the security of your device
If your device is compromised, your verification keys may be compromised
The security of online exchanges depends in part on the security of the channel used to share invite codes

11. Data Loss

The App stores all data locally on your device, encrypted with a device-bound key. The Developer is not responsible for any loss of data due to:

Device loss, theft, or damage
iOS updates or changes
App deletion (intentional or accidental)
Device malfunction
Failed device transfer
Any other cause

You are solely responsible for transferring your identity when switching devices. The App provides a device transfer feature for this purpose, but the Developer is not liable for failed transfers or lost identities.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Brian Cartmell from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising out of or in any way connected with:

Your use of the App
Your violation of these Terms
Your violation of any rights of another person or entity

13. Modifications to the App and Service

The Developer reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue the App or the online exchange service (or any part thereof) at any time, with or without notice. The Developer shall not be liable to you or any third party for any modification, suspension, or discontinuance of the App or its services.

14. Changes to Terms

The Developer reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting the updated Terms. Your continued use of the App after any changes indicates your acceptance of the new Terms.

15. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New Zealand, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

16. Dispute Resolution

Any dispute arising from these Terms or your use of the App shall be resolved through good-faith negotiation. If negotiation fails, disputes shall be submitted to the appropriate courts in New Zealand.

17. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be struck and the remaining provisions shall be enforced to the fullest extent under law.

18. Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Brian Cartmell regarding the use of the App and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

19. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact:

Email: hello@im.cc