Terms of Use

1.1 Geographic Scope — Canada

SafeSpace is intended for residents of Canada aged 16 and over. By creating an account or using SafeSpace, you declare and guarantee that you reside in Canada and use the application from Canada. Residents of Quebec are subject to Quebec Law 25 and the Civil Code of Québec. Residents of other Canadian provinces are subject to PIPEDA and applicable provincial laws. If there is a conflict between provincial laws and these Terms, the provisions most protective of the user apply. SafeSpace reserves the right to deactivate any account detected as being used outside Canada.

1.2 Governing Law

These Terms are governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of Quebec and Canada.

1.3 Acceptance of the Terms

By creating an account, installing the application, or using SafeSpace, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms and the SafeSpace Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use SafeSpace. These Terms form a whole with the Privacy Policy. In the event of a conflict regarding personal information, the Privacy Policy prevails.

3.1 Additional Measures for Ages 16–17

Due to the sensitive nature of mental health data:

• Explicit consent is required during registration;
• Strong recommendation to inform a parent or responsible adult;
• Periodic reminders encouraging professional consultation in case of distress.

3.2 Youth Protection Reporting

Under Quebec youth protection law, SafeSpace or its facilitators may report situations where a minor's safety or development may be compromised.

3.3 Intervention in Case of Imminent Risk

In case of serious or imminent risk to a user or third party, SafeSpace may contact emergency services; share minimal necessary information with authorities; and suspend or delete the account concerned.

4.1 Suspension or Deletion by SafeSpace

SafeSpace may suspend or delete an account in cases including: violation of these Terms; dangerous or threatening behavior; false age or residency information; abuse of the platform; or creating multiple accounts to bypass suspension.

4.2 Inactive Accounts

An account is considered inactive after 24 months without login. Users will receive notice 30 days before deactivation.

5.1 Respect and Kindness

Users must treat others with respect and must not harass, intimidate, threaten, or discriminate against any user.

5.2 Prohibited Content

The following content is strictly prohibited: illegal content; defamatory, hateful, or discriminatory content; pornographic content; detailed descriptions of self-harm or suicide methods; promotion of suicide or violence; targeted harassment; sharing personal information of others without consent; and automated content or bots.

5.3 Emotional Safety Guidelines

Users agree to share personal experiences rather than medical advice; never describe self-harm methods; avoid stigmatizing language; redirect users in crisis to professional resources; and avoid advice that replaces professional evaluation. Content may be reported and removed without notice if it violates these Terms.

6.1 Crisis Resources

Crisis resources are available in the app at all times, including: 911, Quebec Suicide Crisis Line, Canada Suicide Prevention Line, Crisis Montreal, Tel-jeunes, Text 535353, Suicide.ca, and Youth Protection Services.

6.2 Detection and Reporting

SafeSpace may detect crisis situations through user reports, facilitator reports, and expressions of suicidal intent.

6.3 Escalation Protocol

SafeSpace follows a crisis escalation process:

1. Immediate display of crisis resources;
2. Contact by facilitator or moderator;
3. Emergency escalation if necessary.

6.4 Operational Limits

SafeSpace does not monitor all communications in real time. Facilitators are volunteers and not healthcare professionals. In immediate danger, users must contact emergency services directly.

7.1 Peer Support

SafeSpace is based on peer support and shared experiences, not professional advice.

7.2 Legal Status of Facilitators

Facilitators are independent volunteers, not employees or agents of SafeSpace. They are trained in community support, not healthcare.

7.3 Platform Responsibilities

SafeSpace acts as an intermediary platform and will remove illegal or dangerous content once notified.

7.4 Not a Replacement for Professional Services

SafeSpace does not replace doctors, therapists, or emergency services.

10.1 User Content License

Users retain ownership of their content but grant SafeSpace a limited license to display and store the content within the platform. SafeSpace may not use user content for marketing, advertising, AI training, or commercial research without explicit consent.

10.2 SafeSpace Property

The application code, brand, designs, and infrastructure belong to Application SafeSpace.

14.1 By SafeSpace

Accounts may be suspended or terminated according to these Terms.

14.2 By the User

Users may delete their account at any time. Data deletion follows the Privacy Policy retention schedule.