1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using Meme Explorer ("the Service"), you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use the Service.

2. Description of Service

Meme Explorer is a web platform that aggregates and displays memes sourced from Reddit's public API. We provide a curated browsing experience with features including:

• Meme discovery and browsing
• User accounts with personalization
• Gamification features (streaks, levels, leaderboards)
• Content saving and liking
• Search and filtering capabilities

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Creation

You may create an account using Reddit OAuth. You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your account
• All activities that occur under your account
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized use

3.2 Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms of Service or engage in abusive behavior.

4. Content and Intellectual Property

4.1 Third-Party Content

All memes displayed on Meme Explorer are sourced from Reddit's public API and remain the property of their original creators. We do not claim ownership of any user-generated content from Reddit.

4.2 Content Attribution

We provide attribution to the original Reddit source for all displayed content, including:

• Subreddit name
• Original poster's Reddit username
• Link to original Reddit post

4.3 Copyright Compliance

We respect intellectual property rights. If you believe content on our site infringes your copyright, please see our DMCA Policy.

4.4 Our Content

The Meme Explorer website design, code, features, and original content (excluding third-party memes) are owned by us and protected by copyright, trademark, and other laws.

5. Acceptable Use

5.1 Prohibited Activities

You agree NOT to:

• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Infringe on intellectual property rights
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Interfere with or disrupt the Service
• Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) without permission
• Engage in any form of harassment or abuse
• Manipulate gamification features (XP, streaks, leaderboards)
• Click on ads fraudulently or encourage others to do so

5.2 Age Restrictions

You must be at least 13 years old to use this Service. If you are under 18, you must have parent or guardian permission.

6. Advertising

6.1 Google AdSense

We display third-party advertisements served by Google AdSense. By using our Service, you agree to:

• The use of cookies for personalized advertising
• Google's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
• Not engaging in fraudulent ad clicking

6.2 Ad Blocking

While we detect ad blockers, we do not restrict access for users who employ them. However, ads help us maintain and improve the Service.

7. Privacy

Your use of the Service is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

8. Disclaimers and Limitations

8.1 Service "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:

• Accuracy or reliability of content
• Uninterrupted or error-free operation
• Fitness for a particular purpose
• Non-infringement

8.2 Content Disclaimer

We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of any memes or content displayed. Content may contain humor that some users find offensive. User discretion is advised.

8.3 Reddit API Dependency

Our Service depends on Reddit's API. We are not responsible for:

• Reddit API outages or rate limiting
• Changes to Reddit's API or policies
• Content removal by Reddit or subreddit moderators

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Meme Explorer and its operators shall not be liable for:

• Indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
• Loss of profits, data, use, or goodwill
• Service interruptions or security breaches
• Third-party content or conduct

Our total liability shall not exceed $100 or the amount you paid us in the past 12 months (if any).

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Meme Explorer, its operators, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Service
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any third-party rights

11. Changes to Service

We reserve the right to:

• Modify or discontinue the Service at any time
• Change features, content, or functionality
• Impose limits on certain features

We will attempt to provide notice of significant changes but are not obligated to do so.

12. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes by:

• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Posting a notice on the website
• Sending email notifications (if applicable)

Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

13. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Informal Resolution

Before filing any formal claim, you agree to contact us at legal@meme-explorer.com to attempt informal resolution.

14.2 Arbitration

Any disputes not resolved informally shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the American Arbitration Association rules, except where prohibited by law.

15. Severability

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

16. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and DMCA Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Meme Explorer.

17. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, contact us at:

• Email: legal@meme-explorer.com
• Website: Contact Form

18. Acknowledgment

By using Meme Explorer, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.