Why can I only be in 5 circles?

Research shows that meaningful relationships require time and attention. By limiting you to 5 circles, we ensure you can genuinely engage with each community rather than spreading yourself too thin.

Why are circles limited to 12 members?

The number 12 is based on anthropological research about optimal group sizes for deep connection. Smaller groups foster trust, encourage vulnerability, and ensure everyone's voice is heard.

How is my privacy protected?

All conversations are end-to-end encrypted, we never sell your data to advertisers, and we are fully GDPR compliant. What happens in your circle, stays in your circle.

Is The Circle free to use?

The Circle offers a free tier with full access to core features. Our premium membership unlocks additional customization options, enhanced privacy controls, and priority support.

What makes The Circle different from other social networks?

Unlike platforms designed for infinite scrolling and engagement metrics, The Circle is built for depth. No algorithms pushing content, no ads interrupting conversations, no pressure to perform.

Terms of Service | The Circle

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Agreement to Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of The Circle mobile application and related services (collectively, the "Service") operated by The Circle, Inc. ("Company," "we," "us," or "our").

By accessing or using the Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you disagree with any part of the Terms, you may not access the Service.

Eligibility

You must be at least 13 years old to use the Service. By using the Service, you represent and warrant that you meet this age requirement and have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms.

If you are using the Service on behalf of a business or other entity, you represent that you have the authority to bind that entity to these Terms.

Your Account

To use certain features of the Service, you must create an account. You are responsible for:

Providing accurate and complete registration information
Maintaining the security of your account credentials
All activities that occur under your account
Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account if any information provided proves to be inaccurate, false, or in violation of these Terms.

The Circle Philosophy

The Circle is designed for meaningful connections with limits built in:

You may create up to 5 Circles
Each Circle may have up to 10 members
These limits are integral to the Service and may not be circumvented

Attempting to bypass these limitations or using the Service in ways that contradict its intended purpose may result in account suspension or termination.

Acceptable Use

You agree not to use the Service to:

Violate any applicable laws or regulations
Harass, abuse, or harm another person
Share content that is illegal, harmful, threatening, abusive, or defamatory
Impersonate any person or entity
Interfere with or disrupt the Service or servers
Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Service
Use the Service for commercial purposes without our consent
Collect or harvest user information without authorization
Upload viruses or other malicious code
Engage in any activity that could damage our reputation

User Content

You retain ownership of any content you submit, post, or display on or through the Service ("User Content"). By posting User Content, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, store, and display your content solely for the purpose of providing the Service.

You represent and warrant that you own or have the necessary rights to your User Content and that your content does not violate the rights of any third party.

Intellectual Property

The Service and its original content (excluding User Content), features, and functionality are owned by The Circle, Inc. and are protected by international copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, and other intellectual property laws.

Our trademarks and trade dress may not be used in connection with any product or service without our prior written consent.

Subscriptions and Payments

The Circle offers both free and premium subscription tiers. If you choose a premium subscription:

You agree to pay all applicable fees as described at the time of purchase
Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled before the renewal date
You may cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings
Refunds are handled in accordance with the applicable app store policies

Termination

We may terminate or suspend your account and access to the Service immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including if you breach these Terms.

Upon termination, your right to use the Service will cease immediately. If you wish to terminate your account, you may do so by deleting your account in the app settings.

Disclaimers

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

We do not warrant that the Service will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free, that defects will be corrected, or that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components.

Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE CIRCLE, INC. 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, OR ANY LOSS OF DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES.

Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in San Francisco County, California.

Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify or replace these Terms at any time. If a revision is material, we will provide at least 30 days' notice prior to any new terms taking effect.

By continuing to access or use our Service after those revisions become effective, you agree to be bound by the revised terms.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

Email: legal@thecircle.app
Address: The Circle, Inc.
123 Connection Street
San Francisco, CA 94102