SnipURL

Terms of Service

Please read these terms carefully before using our Lightning Network-powered URL monetization service.

Last Updated: June 21, 2025

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of SnipURL ("we," "our," or "us"), a Lightning Network-powered URL monetization service operated at snipurl.net (the "Service"). By using our Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Important Notice

Lightning Network transactions are final and irreversible. Please ensure you understand the risks associated with cryptocurrency payments before using our service.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using SnipURL, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use our Service.

  • You must be at least 18 years old to use this Service
  • You must have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements
  • Your use of the Service must comply with all applicable laws and regulations

2. Description of Service

SnipURL provides a platform that allows users to:

  • Create Monetized Links: Transform any URL into a payment-gated link
  • Set Payment Amounts: Specify payment amounts in satoshis for link access
  • Receive Instant Payouts: Get paid instantly via Lightning Network when users pay to access your links
  • Track Analytics: Monitor click rates, payment completion rates, and earnings
  • API Access: Integrate SnipURL functionality into your applications

3. Lightning Network Requirements

Lightning Network Understanding Required

Our service operates exclusively on the Bitcoin Lightning Network. You must understand how Lightning Network payments work before using our service.

Lightning Address Requirements

  • You must provide a valid Lightning Address to receive payments
  • You are responsible for maintaining access to your Lightning Address
  • We are not responsible for payments sent to invalid or inaccessible Lightning Addresses
  • Lightning Address providers may have their own terms and fees

Payment Characteristics

  • Instant Settlement: Payments are processed immediately and cannot be reversed
  • Network Fees: Lightning Network routing fees may apply and are separate from our service
  • Payment Failures: Technical issues may prevent payment completion; we are not liable for such failures
  • Minimum Amounts: Lightning Network has practical minimum payment amounts (typically 1 satoshi)

4. User Responsibilities

Content Responsibilities

  • You are solely responsible for all URLs you monetize through our Service
  • You must own or have permission to monetize the content behind your URLs
  • You must ensure your content complies with all applicable laws
  • You must not use our Service to monetize illegal, harmful, or infringing content

Payment Responsibilities

  • You are responsible for setting appropriate payment amounts for your content
  • You must provide accurate Lightning Address information for receiving payments
  • You are responsible for any taxes owed on payments received through our Service
  • You must maintain sufficient Lightning Network capacity to receive payments

Security Responsibilities

  • Protect your Lightning Address and associated wallet credentials
  • Monitor your monetized links for unauthorized access or misuse
  • Report any security incidents or suspicious activity immediately
  • Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where available

5. Prohibited Uses

You may not use our Service for any of the following prohibited purposes:

Illegal Activities

  • Any illegal activity or promotion of illegal activities
  • Money laundering or financing of terrorist activities
  • Tax evasion or other financial crimes
  • Violation of sanctions or export controls

Harmful Content

  • Malware, viruses, or other malicious software
  • Phishing, scams, or fraudulent schemes
  • Spam or unsolicited commercial communications
  • Content that infringes intellectual property rights
  • Adult content involving minors
  • Content promoting violence, hatred, or discrimination

Technical Abuse

  • Attempting to reverse-engineer or hack our Service
  • Using automated tools to create excessive links or generate fake traffic
  • Overloading our systems with excessive requests
  • Circumventing payment requirements or security measures

6. Service Availability and Modifications

Service Availability

  • We strive for high uptime but do not guarantee uninterrupted service availability
  • Lightning Network dependencies may affect service performance
  • Scheduled maintenance may temporarily interrupt service
  • We reserve the right to suspend service for security or legal reasons

Service Modifications

  • We may modify, update, or discontinue features at any time
  • We will provide reasonable notice for material changes
  • Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of modifications
  • We may adjust fees or pricing with 30 days' notice

7. Fees and Pricing

Current Fee Structure

  • Link Creation: Free to create monetized links
  • Payment Processing: We currently do not charge fees on successful payments
  • Network Fees: Lightning Network routing fees are separate and not controlled by us
  • API Usage: API access is currently free with rate limits

Fee Changes

  • We reserve the right to introduce or modify fees with 30 days' notice
  • Fee changes will be communicated through our website and service notifications
  • You may discontinue use if you disagree with fee changes

8. Intellectual Property

Our Intellectual Property

  • SnipURL, our logo, and service marks are our intellectual property
  • Our software, algorithms, and service architecture are proprietary
  • You may not copy, modify, or create derivative works of our Service
  • API access grants limited usage rights only

Your Content

  • You retain ownership of your content and URLs
  • You grant us a limited license to process and display your monetized links
  • You warrant that you have the right to monetize your content
  • You are responsible for resolving any intellectual property disputes

9. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection and use of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

  • We collect minimal personal information necessary for service operation
  • Lightning Addresses are required for payment processing
  • We use analytics to improve service performance
  • We implement industry-standard security measures

10. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

Important Legal Disclaimers

The following limitations may not apply in your jurisdiction. Please consult local laws for your specific rights.

Service Disclaimers

  • AS-IS SERVICE: Our Service is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind
  • NO UPTIME GUARANTEE: We do not guarantee continuous, uninterrupted service availability
  • LIGHTNING NETWORK RISKS: We are not responsible for Lightning Network failures or issues
  • THIRD-PARTY SERVICES: We are not responsible for third-party Lightning Address providers

Limitation of Liability

  • Our liability is limited to the amount of fees you have paid to us in the last 12 months
  • We are not liable for lost profits, data, or business opportunities
  • We are not liable for Lightning Network transaction failures or delays
  • Force majeure events (natural disasters, government actions, etc.) limit our liability

Bitcoin and Lightning Network Risks

  • Volatility: Bitcoin prices are volatile; satoshi values may fluctuate significantly
  • Technical Risks: Lightning Network is experimental technology with inherent risks
  • Regulatory Risks: Cryptocurrency regulations may change and affect service availability
  • Irreversibility: Lightning payments cannot be reversed or refunded

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless SnipURL, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, losses, or damages arising from:

  • Your use of the Service or violation of these Terms
  • Your monetized content or the destinations of your URLs
  • Your infringement of any intellectual property or other rights
  • Your violation of any law or regulation
  • Any false or misleading information you provide

12. Termination

Termination by You

  • You may stop using our Service at any time
  • You may delete your monetized links through our interface
  • Outstanding payments will continue to be processed

Termination by Us

  • We may suspend or terminate your access for Terms violations
  • We may terminate the Service entirely with reasonable notice
  • We may remove content that violates our policies
  • Repeat violators will be permanently banned

Effect of Termination

  • Your monetized links will stop functioning
  • Pending payments will be processed where technically feasible
  • Data retention is subject to our Privacy Policy
  • These Terms survive termination where applicable

13. Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution

Before initiating formal dispute proceedings, we encourage you to contact us to seek informal resolution. Most disputes can be resolved quickly and cost-effectively through direct communication.

Arbitration Agreement

  • Disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration rather than court proceedings
  • Arbitration will be conducted under prevailing commercial arbitration rules
  • Class action lawsuits are waived in favor of individual arbitration
  • You may opt out of arbitration by contacting us within 30 days of first use

Exceptions to Arbitration

  • Intellectual property disputes may be resolved in court
  • Small claims court proceedings are permitted
  • Injunctive relief may be sought in court when appropriate

14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [JURISDICTION TO BE SPECIFIED], without regard to conflict of law principles. Any legal proceedings will be conducted in the courts of [JURISDICTION TO BE SPECIFIED].

15. International Users

  • Our Service is available globally, subject to local laws and regulations
  • You are responsible for compliance with your local laws
  • Some features may not be available in certain jurisdictions
  • We may restrict access in jurisdictions where our Service is prohibited
  • Cryptocurrency regulations vary by country; ensure compliance with local laws

16. Miscellaneous

Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and SnipURL regarding the use of our Service.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.

Assignment

  • You may not assign your rights under these Terms without our consent
  • We may assign our rights and obligations under these Terms
  • These Terms bind successors and permitted assigns

Force Majeure

We are not liable for any failure to perform due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, terrorism, government actions, or technical failures of the Lightning Network.

17. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our Service, applicable laws, or business practices. We will provide notice of material changes by:

  • Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of these Terms
  • Displaying a prominent notice on our website
  • For significant changes, providing 30 days' advance notice

Continued use of our Service after such changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. If you disagree with the changes, you should discontinue use of our Service.

18. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms or need to contact us regarding legal matters, please reach out:

  • Legal: legal@snipurl.net
  • Support: support@snipurl.net
  • Website: https://snipurl.net
  • Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM UTC

For Emergencies: If you discover security vulnerabilities or urgent legal issues, please contact us immediately at urgent@snipurl.net with "URGENT" in the subject line.