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Terms of Service

Effective Date: July 7, 2026 Last Updated: July 7, 2026

Developer: Parthiv Kumar Nikku

1. Acceptance of Terms

By downloading, installing, or using darkVault ("the Application"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms").

If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Application.

2. About darkVault

darkVault is an open-source Android application that enables users to securely encrypt and store files within their personal Google Drive account using a zero-knowledge architecture.

darkVault encrypts files locally on your device before upload. The developer cannot access your encrypted files, encryption keys, or Master Password.

3. Eligibility

You must be legally capable of entering into a binding agreement under the laws of your jurisdiction.

If you are under the age of majority in your jurisdiction, you may only use darkVault with permission from a parent or legal guardian.

4. Open Source Software

darkVault is distributed as open-source software.

The source code is publicly available on GitHub and may be used, modified, and redistributed only in accordance with the project's software license.

Nothing in these Terms replaces or modifies the rights granted by the applicable open-source license.

5. User Responsibilities

You are solely responsible for:

  • Choosing a strong Master Password
  • Securely storing your Recovery Key
  • Maintaining backups of important data
  • Protecting access to your device
  • Using the Application lawfully

You acknowledge that the security of your encrypted data ultimately depends upon the secrecy of your Master Password and Recovery Key.

6. Zero-Knowledge Design

darkVault follows a zero-knowledge architecture.

Accordingly:

  • The developer cannot recover your Master Password.
  • The developer cannot decrypt your files.
  • The developer cannot restore lost encryption keys.
  • The developer cannot access your Google Drive contents.

If you lose both your Master Password and Recovery Key, your encrypted data cannot be recovered.

7. Google Drive Integration

darkVault uses the official Google Drive API solely as a storage backend.

Use of Google Drive remains subject to Google's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

The developer is not responsible for:

  • Google Drive availability
  • Account suspension
  • Storage limitations
  • Service interruptions
  • Data loss caused by Google services

Your Google credentials are handled exclusively by Google's authentication services.

8. Acceptable Use

You agree not to use darkVault:

  • In violation of applicable laws or regulations
  • To distribute malware or malicious software
  • To infringe intellectual property rights
  • To facilitate unauthorized access to systems or data
  • For activities prohibited by applicable law

The developer does not monitor user content because encrypted data is inaccessible by design.

9. Security Research

Security research is encouraged.

Researchers are welcome to audit the source code and perform responsible security testing.

Security vulnerabilities should be reported according to the project's SECURITY.md policy.

Public disclosure should follow responsible disclosure practices to allow reasonable time for remediation.

Recognition through GitHub Security Advisories or CVE assignment is subject to the severity of the finding, responsible disclosure, and the policies of GitHub and the applicable CVE Numbering Authority (CNA). The developer cannot guarantee issuance of a CVE or public advisory.

10. Updates

The Application may receive updates that:

  • Add new functionality
  • Improve security
  • Fix defects
  • Modify supported features

You are responsible for installing updates appropriate for your environment.

11. Availability

darkVault is provided on an "as available" basis.

The developer does not guarantee:

  • Continuous availability
  • Compatibility with every Android device
  • Compatibility with future Android releases
  • Error-free operation
  • Uninterrupted service

12. Disclaimer of Warranties

To the maximum extent permitted by law, darkVault is provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied.

This includes, without limitation:

  • Merchantability
  • Fitness for a particular purpose
  • Non-infringement
  • Accuracy
  • Reliability
  • Availability

Use of the Application is entirely at your own risk.

13. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the developer shall not be liable for any:

  • Data loss
  • Lost profits
  • Business interruption
  • Device damage
  • Corrupted backups
  • Loss of access due to forgotten passwords
  • Indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages

This limitation applies even if the developer has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

14. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the developer from claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses arising from:

  • Your misuse of the Application
  • Your violation of these Terms
  • Your violation of applicable law
  • Your infringement of third-party rights

15. Third-Party Services

darkVault relies upon third-party services including:

  • Google Drive
  • Google Identity Services
  • Android operating system

These services operate under their own terms and privacy policies.

The developer has no control over their availability or operation.

16. Termination

You may stop using darkVault at any time.

The developer may discontinue development or distribution of the Application without prior notice.

Sections relating to liability, disclaimers, governing law, and intellectual property shall survive termination.

17. Changes to These Terms

These Terms may be updated from time to time.

Updated versions will be published through the project's GitHub repository and official website.

Continued use of the Application after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

18. Contact

For questions regarding these Terms:

Developer Parthiv Kumar Nikku

Email develop@parthiv.sec

Project Website https://scap3sh4rk.github.io/darkVault/

GitHub Repository https://github.com/scap3sh4rk/darkVault

19. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India.

Any disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts of India.

20. Entire Agreement

These Terms of Service constitute the entire agreement between you and the developer regarding your use of darkVault and supersede any prior understandings or agreements relating to the Application.