Terms of Services

Last updated: 2024/11/04

1. Applicability

These General Terms and Conditions ("Terms") apply to all services provided through Blockshard ("we," "us," "our") on our website, www.blockshard.io, and all related subdomains. By using any of our services, you ("user," "customer") agree to be bound by these Terms. You confirm that you can understand English and accept these Terms in English. Please read these Terms carefully before using Blockshard’s services or website. By using our services, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms.

1.1. Definitions

• "Blockshard" refers to the non-custodial blockchain infrastructure services provided by us.
• "Website" refers to www.blockshard.io and all its subdomains.
• "Service" or "Services" refers to all services provided by Blockshard, including staking services, validator operations, technical support, and infrastructure monitoring.
• "You," "Your," "Customer," or "User" refers to the individual or entity using our services.
• "Staking" refers to locking cryptocurrencies with a validator to secure a blockchain network and earn staking rewards.
• "Stake" or "Delegation" refers to the amount of cryptocurrency locked with a validator.
• "Validator" refers to the node(s) operated by Blockshard that help maintain consensus in blockchain networks.
• "Slashing" refers to the reduction of staked assets as a penalty for validator downtime or misbehavior, as defined by blockchain protocols.
• "Unbonding" refers to the process of withdrawing staked assets from a validator, with an associated unbonding period during which the assets are locked.

By using our services and website, you consent to these Terms and our Privacy Policy. You also confirm that you meet the legal age and requirements in your jurisdiction to use our services.

2. Services Provided

Blockshard provides blockchain infrastructure and validator services, including staking support on Ethereum and other networks. Our services include operating and maintaining validator nodes to contribute to network security.

2.1 Staking Services

• Customers may delegate cryptocurrencies to Blockshard’s validators. In return, users may earn rewards directly from the blockchain network. Blockshard may deduct a commission from these rewards as a fee for our services.
• Rewards are subject to network conditions and may fluctuate. Blockshard cannot guarantee a specific return rate.

2.1.1 Unbonding Time

• Each blockchain network imposes its own unbonding time for staked cryptocurrencies. During this period, users cannot transfer or sell their cryptocurrencies. Blockshard has no control over these unbonding periods and is not liable for any consequences during the unbonding process.

2.1.2 Slashing Risk

• While we take measures to minimize risks, slashing events may occur due to technical errors, network issues, or validator downtime. If slashing occurs, a portion of the staked assets may be irreversibly lost. Blockshard will not compensate for any losses due to slashing, and users assume this risk when delegating assets to our validators.

2.1.3 Governance Participation

• Blockshard may participate in governance processes on behalf of its users when this is a technical feature of the blockchain network. In such cases, Blockshard will vote on governance proposals using the assets delegated to its validators. If users prefer, they may override Blockshard’s vote by participating directly in governance processes, where this functionality is available.
• Blockshard is not liable for any governance decisions made on behalf of users, and users are encouraged to participate directly in governance when desired.

3. User Responsibilities

By using our services, you confirm the following:

• You are legally allowed to use our services under your local laws and regulations.
• You are responsible for complying with applicable tax laws regarding your cryptocurrency holdings, staking rewards, and any other income from blockchain networks.
• You agree not to use our services for any illegal or malicious activities.

3.1 Staking Decisions

• You are solely responsible for deciding whether, how much, and where to stake your cryptocurrencies. Blockshard is not liable for any losses resulting from your staking decisions, changes in network conditions, or any other factors affecting your stake.

3.2 Prohibited Actions

• You agree not to disrupt, interfere with, or damage any part of our services or infrastructure. Any unauthorized attempts to compromise our hardware or software, including but not limited to DDos attacks or malicious code, are strictly prohibited.

4. Intellectual Property

4.1 Blockshard Content

• All content provided by Blockshard, including text, images, logos, software, and code, is protected by copyright and/or trademark laws. You may not copy, reproduce, or distribute our content without explicit permission.

4.2 User Content

• Any content submitted by users to Blockshard, including feedback or ideas, becomes our exclusive property. By submitting content, you guarantee that you have the right to provide it and that it does not infringe on any third-party rights.

4.3 Software & Code

• Use of Blockshard's code and software is governed by these Terms and any applicable open-source licenses. Unauthorized copying, distribution, or modification of our software is prohibited.

5. Global Compliance and User Responsibility

5.1 Jurisdiction and Governing Law

• Blockshard is based in Switzerland, and these Terms are governed by Swiss law. By using our services, you agree that any legal claims or disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Switzerland.

5.2 International Use

• Blockshard’s services are accessible globally. You agree that it is your responsibility to ensure that your use of our services is compliant with local laws and regulations in your jurisdiction. Blockshard makes no representation that its services are appropriate or available for use in all locations and is not responsible for any legal issues that arise from your use of our services in a particular jurisdiction.

5.3 Data Protection and Privacy Compliance

• Blockshard complies with applicable data protection regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for users in the European Union. By using our services, you consent to the collection and processing of personal data as outlined in our Privacy Policy. Users in other jurisdictions, such as California, are also protected under relevant privacy laws (e.g., the California Consumer Privacy Act).

5.4 Export Control and Sanctions

• You agree not to use Blockshard’s services if you are located in a country or jurisdiction subject to sanctions or trade restrictions imposed by Switzerland, the United Nations, or other international organizations. It is your responsibility to ensure that using our services does not violate applicable export control laws.

6. Limitation of Liability

6.1 General Risks

• Using blockchain services involves inherent risks, including but not limited to slashing, downtime, security vulnerabilities, and market fluctuations. Blockshard is not liable for any losses or damages resulting from these risks or from user decisions.

6.2 Limitation of Liability

• Blockshard is not responsible for any losses related to blockchain network failures, slashing events, unclaimed rewards, technical malfunctions, or third-party services. You use our services at your own risk.

6.3 International Disputes

• In the event of a dispute arising between a global user and Blockshard, both parties agree to attempt to resolve the dispute through good-faith negotiations. If a resolution cannot be reached, the dispute will be settled through arbitration in Switzerland, unless otherwise mandated by applicable law.

7. Changes to Terms

Blockshard reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective upon publication on our website. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

8. Taxes and Duties

Users are solely responsible for any taxes, duties, or other fees related to their use of Blockshard’s services or earnings from cryptocurrency staking. Blockshard will not be liable for any tax-related issues.

9. Contact Information

For any questions regarding these Terms, please contact us at hello@blockshard.io.