Terms of Service

VAULT Storage Empire is a fully decentralized, zero-knowledge encrypted file storage platform built on the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP). Files are encrypted exclusively in your browser using AES-GCM-256 before any data is transmitted. The VAULT canister and its operators never receive, process, or store your encryption keys or file contents in cleartext. Your Internet Identity principal is the sole identifier used to associate files, storage plans, and account settings with your account.

By accessing VAULT Storage Empire, you agree to these Terms of Service. You are solely responsible for: (a) maintaining access to your Internet Identity and device credentials; (b) safeguarding your master encryption key, guardian shards, and recovery materials; (c) ensuring your heir and guardians are properly configured and have active VAULT accounts; (d) performing regular manual check-ins to prevent the Dead Man's Switch from triggering; (e) all content you upload to the platform.

You may not use VAULT to store, transmit, or distribute: (a) content that is illegal under the laws of Georgia or any applicable jurisdiction; (b) malware, ransomware, or any harmful executable code; (c) content that infringes intellectual property rights of third parties; (d) content that constitutes harassment, abuse, or threats. VAULT reserves the right to terminate accounts found in violation of this policy. Because all data is encrypted, VAULT cannot proactively scan file contents. Enforcement is based on verified reports and on-chain metadata only.

All file encryption and decryption occurs in your browser. The platform uses AES-GCM-256 with a unique random 12-byte IV per file. Your master key is derived deterministically from your Internet Identity principal using HKDF and is never stored, transmitted, or accessible to VAULT. For details on data collection and handling, see the Privacy Policy.

Storage plans are purchased using ICP, ckBTC, ckETH, or ckUSDC via on-chain transfers. All prices are calculated dynamically based on storage size, duration, and live exchange rates from the ICP Exchange Rate Canister. A free tier of 100 MB for 30 days is provided automatically to new users. Payments are non-refundable except as required by applicable law, or where an automatic refund is triggered by the Saga Pattern (upload failure after payment). Payment history shows the USD value at the time of payment for reference. Duplicate or replay payments are blocked using processed block height tracking.

The Dead Man's Switch feature transfers encrypted file metadata to a designated heir if no manual check-in occurs within your configured inactivity threshold, followed by the configured grace period. Proof of life is defined exclusively as a deliberate manual check-in action (clicking the Check In button in your dashboard). Passive activity such as opening the app, uploading files, or browsing does not constitute proof of life and does not reset the inactivity timer. VAULT is not liable for unintended inheritance transfers resulting from failure to perform a manual check-in. Your heir must explicitly accept the inheritance assignment to receive files.

VAULT Storage Empire is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, express or implied. To the maximum extent permitted under Georgian law, VAULT shall not be liable for: (a) loss of data due to encryption key loss; (b) service interruptions on the Internet Computer Protocol; (c) losses resulting from smart contract bugs or canister failures; (d) unintended Dead Man's Switch activations resulting from failure to check in; (e) losses arising from compromised Internet Identity credentials. Your use of VAULT is at your own risk.

VAULT may update these Terms of Service at any time. Continued use of the service after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms. VAULT may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms. Upon account termination or deletion, all user data is removed from stable memory following the 7-day grace period. You may delete your account at any time using the account deletion feature in Key Management.

These Terms of Service are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Georgia (the country), specifically the Civil Code of Georgia. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Georgia. Data is stored on the Internet Computer Protocol, a decentralized global network operated by independent node providers across multiple countries worldwide. There is no single data residency jurisdiction for ICP-hosted data.

For support, billing inquiries, refund requests, or account-related questions, contact support through the Caffeine platform. Do not contact DFINITY Foundation for VAULT-specific support. DFINITY is the creator of the Internet Computer but is not affiliated with or responsible for VAULT Storage Empire.