Terms of Service & Privacy Policy Last updated: March 26, 2026 1. Introduction Welcome to msgs.at ("Service", "we", "us", or "our"). msgs.at is a location-based, ephemeral messaging platform that allows users to create and view short messages within a limited geographic radius. By accessing or using the Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, do not use the Service. 2. Eligibility You must be at least 16 years old (or the minimum legal age in your jurisdiction) to use this Service. By using msgs.at, you confirm that: • You meet the age requirement • You have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms 3. Description of the Service msgs.at allows users to: • Create short messages (max. 256 characters) • Share messages tied to a geographic location • View messages posted nearby • Set expiration times (e.g., 1h, 3h, 6h, 12h, 24h) • Optionally protect messages with passwords • Enable "burn after reading" functionality Messages are: • Temporary by design • Not guaranteed to persist • Automatically deleted after expiration (subject to technical limitations) 4. User Responsibility You are solely responsible for any content you create, share, or access. You agree NOT to: • Post illegal, harmful, threatening, abusive, or defamatory content • Share personal data of others without consent • Harass, stalk, or intimidate others • Use the Service for spam or automated abuse • Attempt to reverse engineer or exploit the platform We reserve the right to remove content or restrict access at our discretion. 5. Location-Based Functionality msgs.at uses your device’s location to: • Display nearby messages • Associate messages with a geographic area By using the Service, you consent to: • The processing of approximate location data • The visibility of your messages within a defined radius We do NOT guarantee precise accuracy of location data. 6. Ephemeral Content Disclaimer While msgs.at is designed for temporary messaging: • We do not guarantee immediate or complete deletion • Messages may be temporarily stored for technical, security, or legal reasons • Users may capture content (e.g., screenshots) Do not share sensitive information. 7. Data Collection & Tracking To operate and improve the Service, we collect limited technical data. This may include: • Anonymous or pseudonymous session identifiers • Device and browser information (user agent, OS, screen size) • Approximate location data (derived from GPS or IP) • Interaction events (e.g., message creation, views, reads, expirations) • Technical logs for debugging and security Tracking is implemented as first-party system logging and analytics. We use this data to: • Ensure system stability and performance • Prevent abuse, spam, and automated activity • Detect anomalies and security issues • Analyze usage patterns and improve the Service We do NOT: • Sell personal data • Use cross-site tracking or third-party advertising trackers by default • Attempt to identify users personally Where applicable, data is: • Pseudonymized • Aggregated where possible • Stored only as long as necessary 8. Data Storage & Retention Messages • Messages are stored temporarily and automatically deleted after their expiration time • "Burn after reading" messages may be deleted earlier after access • Deletion is subject to technical constraints and may not be instantaneous Logs & Analytics • Technical logs and event data may be retained for a limited period • Retention is limited to what is necessary for security, debugging, and system integrity Location Data • Location is processed in approximate form • Historical location tracking is not the purpose of the Service 9. Legal Basis (EU Users) For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), data processing is based on: • Legitimate interest (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR) for security, analytics, and operation • Contractual necessity (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR) for providing the Service 10. User Rights (GDPR) Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to: • Access your data • Request deletion of data • Restrict processing • Object to processing Due to the anonymous and ephemeral nature of the Service, fulfilling such requests may be limited. 11. Data Security We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect data. However, no system is completely secure. 12. Availability We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation. The Service may be: • Modified • Suspended • Discontinued At any time without notice. 13. Limitation of Liability The Service is provided "as is" and "as available". We are not liable for: • Loss of data • User-generated content • Damages resulting from use or inability to use the Service 14. Termination We may suspend or terminate access if: • You violate these Terms • Abuse or misuse the Service 15. Changes to Terms We may update these Terms and this Privacy Policy at any time. Continued use of the Service constitutes acceptance of the updated version. 16. Governing Law These Terms are governed by the laws of the operator’s jurisdiction. Notice & Takedown / Contact & Legal Notice If you believe content on msgs.at is illegal or violates applicable laws, please report it to: report@msgs.at Please include sufficient evidence that you were physically present at the location where the message was posted. We will review reports and take action where appropriate. Data Controller (GDPR), Legal Contact Point (DSA) For the purposes of applicable data protection laws, including GDPR: report@msgs.at User-Generated Content Disclaimer msgs.at is a platform for user-generated content. We do not pre-screen, monitor, or actively moderate all content. We are not responsible for content created by users. However, we reserve the right to remove content or restrict access upon becoming aware of violations. Liability The Service is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. We make no warranties regarding availability, accuracy, or reliability. To the maximum extent permitted by law, we are not liable for: • User-generated content • Loss of data • Indirect or consequential damages External Links The Service may contain links to third-party websites. We have no control over external content and assume no liability for it. Copyright All original content, design, and software related to msgs.at are protected by applicable intellectual property laws. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution is prohibited. User-generated content remains the responsibility of the respective user. Infrastructure msgs.at is operated internationally. Hosting and technical infrastructure may be located within the European Union (e.g., Netherlands) or other jurisdictions. Jurisdiction Note msgs.at is operated from outside the European Union. However, certain provisions of EU law may apply where the Service is accessible within the EU. EU Dispute Resolution The European Commission provides a platform for online dispute resolution (ODR): https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/ We are not obligated to participate in dispute resolution proceedings before a consumer arbitration board.