Terms of Service

1. Introduction and Acceptance

Welcome to Sooda ("Platform," "Service," "we," "us," or "our"), a K-beauty discovery and community platform operated by sapienta ("Company"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Sooda platform, including our website, mobile applications, community features, and all related services.

By creating an account, accessing, or using any part of the Service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Service.

2. Service Description

2.1 Features

Sooda provides a platform for K-beauty enthusiasts that includes:

• K-beauty product information and discovery
• User-generated product reviews and ratings
• TikTok K-beauty content discovery and curation
• Community rewards and points system

2.2 Community Activities

The Service includes community-driven activities such as product reviews, discussion participation, content sharing, and engagement through our Discord server and other integrated platforms.

2.3 TikTok Content Discovery

Sooda provides links to K-beauty content on TikTok as part of our content discovery features. We display external links to TikTok content only; we do not embed, host, or store TikTok videos on our platform. All TikTok content is accessed through TikTok's own platform and is subject to TikTok's Terms of Service.

2.4 User Status

You are an independent member of the Sooda community. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment, agency, partnership, or joint venture relationship between you and sapienta. You are not an employee, contractor, or agent of sapienta.

3. Eligibility and Account

3.1 Age Requirements

You must be at least 13 years of age to use the Service. If you are between 13 and 18 years of age (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction), you may only use the Service with the consent and supervision of a parent or legal guardian who agrees to be bound by these Terms. We reserve the right to request proof of age or parental consent at any time.

3.2 Registration

To access certain features, you must create an account. Account registration requires:

• A valid Discord account (required for community participation)
• Social media account linking (optional, for enhanced features)

You may not:

• Create multiple accounts for the same person
• Use another person's account without authorization
• Provide false or misleading registration information
• Register an account on behalf of someone else without their permission

3.3 Account Responsibility

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You must immediately notify us at support@sooda.beauty if you suspect any unauthorized use of your account.

4. Community Events and Points

4.1 Points System

Sooda operates a community points system ("Bubbles") that allows members to earn points through qualifying activities.

• Earning: Points may be earned through product reviews, community participation, content creation, and other qualifying activities as specified by Sooda
• Legal Nature: Points have no cash value, are not currency, and cannot be transferred, sold, or exchanged for cash
• Balance: Sooda reserves the right to adjust point balances, earning rates, and redemption values at any time with or without notice

4.2 Activity Verification

All point-earning activities are subject to verification. This includes but is not limited to:

• Review verification: Reviews must be original, honest, and based on genuine product experience
• TikTok content verification: Linked TikTok content must be authentic and comply with both our and TikTok's guidelines
• Quality standards: Activities must meet minimum quality standards as determined by Sooda

4.3 Reward Redemption

• Available Rewards: Points may be redeemed for gift cards, product samples, and other rewards as made available by Sooda
• Minors: Members under 18 must have parental or guardian consent for reward redemptions
• Process: Redemptions are processed within a reasonable timeframe; availability of specific rewards is not guaranteed
• Limitations: Sooda may impose redemption limits, minimum thresholds, or expiration periods on points

4.4 Tax Responsibility

You are solely responsible for any tax obligations arising from rewards received through the Service. Sooda does not provide tax advice and is not responsible for your tax reporting obligations.

4.5 Point Forfeiture

Points may be forfeited upon account termination, violation of these Terms, detection of fraudulent activity, or extended account inactivity as determined by Sooda.

5. Third-Party Platform Compliance

5.1 Obligations

When using Sooda in connection with third-party platforms (including but not limited to TikTok, Discord, and reward platform providers), you must comply with all applicable terms of service, community guidelines, and policies of those platforms at all times.

5.3 Sooda's Position

Sooda is not responsible for any actions taken by third-party platforms against your account. We do not guarantee that any activity on our platform will comply with the terms of any third-party service.

5.4 Your Responsibility

It is your sole responsibility to understand and comply with the terms of any third-party platform you use in connection with Sooda. You assume all risk associated with third-party platform actions.

5.5 TikTok Account Linking

By connecting your TikTok account to Sooda, you:

• Authorize us to access your TikTok profile information through the official TikTok API
• Agree that we will securely store and process your TikTok account information solely for the purposes of providing and improving the Service
• Understand that we comply with TikTok's Developer Terms and API Guidelines
• Acknowledge that you must comply with TikTok's Terms of Service and Community Guidelines
• May disconnect your TikTok account at any time through your account settings

5.6 Discord Integration

Our service integrates with Discord for community features. By connecting your Discord account, you authorize us to access certain information from your Discord profile. You must comply with Discord's Terms of Service when using our platform. Discord is required for full community participation.

6. Member Code of Conduct

6.1 Permitted Activities

You may use the Service to:

• Discover and review K-beauty products
• Participate in community discussions and events
• Share original content related to K-beauty
• Earn and redeem community points through legitimate activities
• Connect with other K-beauty enthusiasts

6.2 Prohibited Activities

You may not engage in the following:

Account Fraud:

• Creating multiple accounts for the same person
• Using fake or misleading identity information
• Sharing accounts or account credentials

Automation:

• Using bots, scripts, or automated tools to interact with the Service
• Scraping or data mining any part of the platform
• Automating account creation, reviews, or engagement

Activity Abuse:

• Submitting fake, plagiarized, or AI-generated reviews as genuine
• Manipulating the points system through fraudulent activities
• Coordinating with others to artificially inflate points or engagement

Platform Violations:

• Harassing, bullying, or threatening other members
• Circumventing any security measures or access restrictions
• Interfering with the proper functioning of the Service

6.3 Right to Refuse

Sooda reserves the right to refuse service, remove content, or terminate accounts at our sole discretion for any violation of these conduct standards.

7. Prohibited Content

You may not post, share, or distribute content that is:

• Political: Partisan political content, campaign materials, or political advocacy
• Religious: Proselytizing, religious recruitment, or content demeaning religious beliefs
• Gambling: Promotion of gambling services, betting, or related activities
• Adult: Sexually explicit, pornographic, or inappropriately suggestive content
• Illegal: Content promoting illegal activities, violence, or criminal behavior
• Hate Speech: Content promoting hatred, discrimination, or violence against any group
• Deceptive: Misleading claims, false advertising, or fraudulent content
• Controlled Substances: Promotion of illegal drugs, misuse of prescription medications, or controlled substances

8. Data Collection and Use

8.1 What We Collect

We collect information necessary to provide and improve the Service, including account information, activity data, connected platform data, and usage analytics. For complete details, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

8.2 TikTok Data Processing

When you connect your TikTok account, we process your TikTok data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and TikTok's Developer Terms. We use TikTok data exclusively to enhance community features and user experience. We do not sell TikTok user data to third parties. You may request deletion of your TikTok data by contacting us at support@sooda.beauty.

9. Account Termination

9.1 By You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us at support@sooda.beauty. Upon termination, your accumulated points will be forfeited and cannot be redeemed or recovered.

9.2 By Sooda

We may suspend or terminate your account immediately, with or without notice, for:

• Violation of these Terms or any applicable policies
• Fraudulent, abusive, or illegal activity
• Extended inactivity
• Any reason at our sole discretion

9.3 Appeal Process

If your account is terminated, you may appeal by contacting support@sooda.beauty within 30 days of termination. Appeals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and Sooda's decision is final.

10. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

10.1 As Is

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.

10.2 No Guarantees

We do not guarantee that:

• The Service will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free
• Any specific rewards or benefits will be available
• Product information or reviews will be accurate or complete
• The Service will meet your specific requirements

10.3 Third-Party Risks

We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or consequences arising from your use of third-party platforms in connection with Sooda, including but not limited to account restrictions, suspensions, or terminations by third-party platforms.

10.4 Reward Platforms

Rewards redeemed through the Service may be subject to the terms and conditions of third-party reward providers. We are not responsible for issues arising from third-party reward fulfillment.

10.5 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, SAPIENTA AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, USE, OR GOODWILL, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE, REGARDLESS OF THE THEORY OF LIABILITY.

11. Indemnification

11.1 Obligations

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless sapienta and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or in any way connected with your use of the Service, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any rights of another party.

11.2 Defense and Settlement

We reserve the right, at our own expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by you. You agree to cooperate with our defense of such claims and not to settle any matter without our prior written consent.

11.3 Survival

This indemnification obligation shall survive the termination or expiration of these Terms and your use of the Service.

12. Changes to Terms

12.1 Right to Modify

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting to the Service unless otherwise specified.

12.2 Notice

For material changes, we will provide notice through one or more of the following: email notification, in-app announcement, Discord community announcement, or prominent notice on our website.

12.3 Acceptance

Your continued use of the Service after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree to the modified Terms, you must stop using the Service.

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 Governing Law

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

13.2 Mandatory Arbitration

Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Service shall be finally resolved by arbitration administered by the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board (KCAB) in Seoul, Republic of Korea, in accordance with the KCAB's arbitration rules in effect at the time of filing.

13.3 Class Action Waiver

YOU AGREE THAT ANY DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEEDINGS WILL BE CONDUCTED ONLY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND NOT IN A CLASS, CONSOLIDATED, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION. You may opt out of this class action waiver by sending written notice to support@sooda.beauty within 30 days of accepting these Terms. Your notice must include your name, account information, and a clear statement that you wish to opt out of the class action waiver.

13.4 Exceptions

Notwithstanding the above, either party may seek injunctive or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to prevent the actual or threatened infringement or misappropriation of intellectual property rights.

13.5 Exclusive Jurisdiction

For any matters not subject to arbitration, the courts located in Seoul, Republic of Korea shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

13.6 Informal Resolution

Before initiating any formal dispute resolution, you agree to first contact us at support@sooda.beauty and attempt to resolve the dispute informally for at least 30 days.

13.7 Severability

If any provision of this dispute resolution section is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue to apply, and any unenforceable provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable.

14. General Provisions

14.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other referenced policies, constitute the entire agreement between you and sapienta regarding the Service.

14.2 Severability

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

14.3 No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

14.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms without restriction.

14.5 Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations due to events beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, terrorism, pandemics, government actions, or infrastructure failures.

14.6 Notices

All notices to Sooda should be sent to support@sooda.beauty. We may provide notices to you through the Service, your registered email address, or our Discord server.

14.7 Language

These Terms are drafted in English. In the event of any conflict between the English version and any translated version, the English version shall prevail.

14.8 Survival

Provisions that by their nature should survive termination shall survive, including but not limited to Sections 10, 11, 13, and 14.

14.9 Relationship of the Parties

Nothing in these Terms creates a partnership, joint venture, employment, or agency relationship between you and sapienta.

14.10 Third-Party Beneficiaries

These Terms do not confer any third-party beneficiary rights. No person or entity other than you and sapienta has any rights under these Terms.

Acknowledgment

By using the Service, you acknowledge that you have read these Terms of Service, understand them, and agree to be bound by them. If you do not agree to these Terms, you are not authorized to use the Service.

For questions or concerns about these Terms, please contact us at support@sooda.beauty.