TERMS OF SERVICE — PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE ACCESSING OR USING THE WEBSITE OR RELATED SERVICES. YOUR ACCESS OR OTHER USE OF THE SONOGRAM PLATFORM OR SERVICES CONSTITUTES YOUR AGREEMENT TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF SERVICE SET FORTH BELOW. IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS, YOU MAY NOT ACCESS OR USE THE SONOGRAM PLATFORM OR SERVICES.

Effective Date: August 15, 2025
Last Updated: August 2025

This is a legal Agreement ("Agreement" or "Terms") between you, the user of this platform ("User," "You," "Your," "Podcaster," "Listener," or "Advertiser") and Sonogram OPC Private Limited ("Sonogram," "we," "us," "our," "Company"). We strongly advise that You spend time reading these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy to understand this Agreement before accepting or accessing our services.

For the purpose of this Agreement, our website (sonogram.in), mobile applications, and all related services shall be collectively referred to as the "Platform" or "Services." Sonogram will facilitate Your access in accordance with these Terms.

BY ACCESSING OR USING OUR PLATFORM, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS OF SERVICE AND ALL POLICIES AND GUIDELINES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE.

1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS

1.1 Definitions

"Agreement" means Your acceptance of these Terms of Service and/or any contract/form executed between You and Sonogram, including any amendments or addendums in writing.

"API" means application programming interface provided by Sonogram for third-party integrations.

"Authorized User" means individuals authorized to act on behalf of an entity User account.

"Content" means all audio content, video content, text, images, metadata, and any other materials owned, controlled, or uploaded by You on the Platform.

"Distribute/Share" means to distribute, exhibit, exploit, broadcast, re-broadcast, stream, transcode, display, syndicate, and/or transmit any Content for presentation to members of the public through the Platform and third-party services.

"Effective Date" means the date when You first access or use the Services.

"Intellectual Property" means all copyright, patents, trademarks, trade secrets, domain names, know-how, and all other intellectual property rights recognized under any jurisdiction.

"Intellectual Property Rights" means all rights in any Intellectual Property, whether registered or unregistered, including all applications for registration.

"Listener" means users who consume, stream, or download Content on our Platform.

"Platform" means all services and digital platforms including website (sonogram.in), mobile apps, APIs, and all services operated therefrom.

"Podcast" means digital audio and/or video files received or accessed on demand, distributed by download, streaming, RSS feed, or similar technology.

"Podcaster" means content creators who upload and distribute audio/video podcasts through our Platform.

"Services" means all features, tools, and services offered through the Platform.

"Subscription Plan" means the various service tiers offered: Basic (Free), Pro, Growth, and Enterprise.

"Territory" means worldwide, subject to applicable legal restrictions.

"Third Party Claim" means any claims raised by third parties against or in relation to Content or Services.

"User Content" means any Content uploaded, submitted, or made available by You through the Platform.

2. ACCEPTANCE AND ELIGIBILITY

2.1 Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using our Platform, You agree to be bound by these Terms, our Privacy Policy, Community Guidelines, and all other policies referenced herein. If You do not agree to these Terms, You must immediately discontinue use of our Services.

2.2 Eligibility Criteria

• You must be at least 18 years of age to create an account and use our Services.
• Users between 13-17 years may use the Services only with parental or guardian consent and supervision.
• You must have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts.
• You must not be barred from using the Services under applicable laws.
• You must not be located in a country subject to Indian government embargo or designated as a "terrorist supporting" country.
• You must not be listed on any government prohibited or restricted party list.

2.3 Account Categories

The Platform offers different account types: Individual Podcasters, Listeners, Business/Enterprise, Educational Institutions, Advertisers, and Developers.

2.4 Jurisdiction Restrictions

The Services are operated from India. You are responsible for compliance with local laws in your jurisdiction. We reserve the right to restrict access from certain territories.

3. ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT

3.1 Account Creation

To access certain features, You must create an account by providing: Full legal name; Valid email address; Strong password (minimum 8 characters, including uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters); Phone number (for two-factor authentication); Date of birth (for age verification); Country of residence; Additional information as required for account type.

3.2 Account Security

You are solely responsible for maintaining confidentiality of login credentials, all activities occurring under Your account, immediately notifying us of unauthorized access, enabling two-factor authentication when available, regularly updating password and security settings, and ensuring accuracy of account information.

3.3 Username and Password

Usernames must be unique and appropriate. Cannot impersonate others or violate trademarks. Passwords must meet security requirements. Regular password updates recommended. No sharing of login credentials permitted.

3.4 Multiple Accounts

Individuals may maintain only one free account. Multiple accounts for circumventing restrictions are prohibited. Business entities may have multiple authorized users. Account consolidation available upon request.

3.5 Account Verification (KYC/KYB)

For certain features, we may require government-issued ID verification, address proof, tax identification numbers, business registration documents (for business accounts), and bank account verification (for monetization).

3.6 Account Suspension and Termination

We may suspend or terminate accounts for violation of these Terms or policies, fraudulent or illegal activities, non-payment of fees, extended inactivity (12+ months), security concerns, or legal requirements.

3.7 Account Transfer and Death

Accounts are non-transferable without written consent. Provisions for account succession upon death with proper documentation. Legacy contact designation available. Estate representatives may request account closure.

4. USER CONDUCT AND OBLIGATIONS

4.1 Acceptable Use Policy

You agree to use the Platform only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You shall not: violate any applicable laws or regulations, infringe upon intellectual property rights, engage in fraudulent or deceptive practices, harass, abuse, or harm other users, interfere with Platform operations, attempt unauthorized access to systems, use automated systems without permission, manipulate engagement metrics, or engage in commercial activities without authorization.

4.2 Prohibited Activities

• Uploading malicious code or viruses
• Phishing or social engineering
• Spam or unsolicited communications
• Creating fake accounts or identities
• Selling or transferring accounts
• Circumventing security measures
• Reverse engineering our systems
• Scraping data without permission
• Coordinated inauthentic behavior
• Violation of export control laws

4.3 Community Guidelines Compliance

All users must adhere to our Community Guidelines, which prohibit hate speech and discrimination, violence and graphic content, harassment and bullying, misinformation and deceptive content, sexual or adult content (unless properly labeled), content harmful to minors, illegal activities promotion, copyright infringement, and privacy violations.

4.4 Reporting Obligations

You agree to promptly report security vulnerabilities, violations of these Terms, illegal content or activities, copyright infringement, child safety concerns, and technical issues affecting service.

4.5 Professional User Obligations

Business and professional users must maintain accurate business information, comply with advertising standards, disclose sponsored content, maintain professional conduct, comply with industry regulations, and provide valid tax information.

5. CONTENT POLICIES

5.1 Content Ownership

You retain ownership of Your Content. Sonogram claims no ownership of User Content. You are responsible for Your Content. Third-party content rights must be respected.

5.2 Content Standards

All Content must be original or properly licensed, comply with copyright laws, meet technical specifications, include accurate metadata, be appropriately categorized, not violate third-party rights, and comply with content ratings.

5.3 Prohibited Content Categories

The following content is prohibited: copyrighted material without authorization, defamatory or libelous content, pornographic or obscene material, content promoting illegal activities, malware or harmful code, private information without consent, misleading or fraudulent content, and content violating local laws.

5.4 Content Moderation

Sonogram employs automated content detection systems, human review processes, community reporting mechanisms, regular content audits, a strike system for violations, appeal procedures, and transparency reports.

5.5 Copyright and DMCA Compliance

We follow DMCA procedures: designated DMCA agent, takedown notice requirements, counter-notification process, repeat infringer policy, good faith consideration, and safe harbor provisions.

5.6 Content Licensing to Platform

By uploading Content, You grant Sonogram a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, distribute, and display your Content; the right to create derivative works for platform functionality; the right to sublicense to service providers; the right to monetize through advertising; the right to transcode and optimize for delivery; and certain rights that may survive content deletion for legal/backup purposes.

6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

6.1 Platform Intellectual Property

Sonogram owns platform software and technology, trademarks and brand elements, user interface designs, proprietary algorithms, analytics and insights, documentation and guides, marketing materials.

6.2 User Content Rights

You retain ownership of Your Content. You grant necessary licenses to Sonogram. You warrant You have all required rights. Moral rights acknowledged where applicable.

6.3 Third-Party Content

Respect third-party intellectual property. Obtain necessary licenses and permissions. Provide attribution where required. Comply with Creative Commons licenses. Fair use considered case-by-case.

6.4 Brand Usage Guidelines

Limited license to use Sonogram trademarks for permitted purposes. No modification of logos or marks. No misleading associations. Press and marketing usage requires approval. Termination revokes brand usage rights.

6.5 Open Source Components

Disclosure of open source software used. Compliance with open source licenses. Attribution requirements. No warranty for open source components.

7. PODCASTER-SPECIFIC TERMS

7.1 Podcast Hosting Services

We provide unlimited podcast hosting (based on plan), RSS feed generation and management, distribution to major platforms, analytics and statistics, monetization tools, scheduling and publishing features, and team collaboration tools.

7.2 Upload Specifications

Audio Requirements: Formats: MP3, M4A, WAV. Bitrate: 64-320 kbps recommended. Maximum file size: 500MB per episode. Sample rate: 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz.

Video Requirements: Formats: MP4, MOV, AVI. Resolution: Up to 4K supported. Maximum file size: 2GB per episode. Codecs: H.264, H.265 recommended.

7.3 Distribution Rights

Non-exclusive distribution by default. Syndication to podcast directories, embedding on third-party sites, social media sharing. Optional exclusive arrangements available.

7.4 RSS Feed Management

Automatic RSS generation. iTunes/Apple Podcasts compliance. Spotify specifications support. Custom RSS options for Pro+ plans. Feed migration support and 301 redirect assistance.

7.5 Analytics Access

Podcasters receive download statistics, streaming metrics, geographic data, device and platform breakdown, audience retention analytics, revenue reports (if monetized), with IAB 2.1 certified metrics where applicable.

7.6 Monetization Options

Available monetization features: dynamic ad insertion, sponsorship marketplace, listener support/donations, premium subscriptions, paid episodes, merchandise integration, and affiliate programs.

7.7 Content Migration

Import from other platforms, export Your Content anytime, RSS redirect support, bulk upload tools, migration assistance (Pro+ plans).

8. LISTENER-SPECIFIC TERMS

8.1 Content Access Rights

Listeners may stream content online, download for offline listening (where permitted), create playlists, share episodes, leave reviews and ratings, subscribe to podcasts, and access transcripts (where available).

8.2 Subscription Terms

Free Tier: Limited features, advertisement supported, basic quality streaming. Premium Subscription: Ad-free experience, highest quality streaming, exclusive content access, early access to episodes, advanced features.

8.3 Usage Restrictions

Listeners shall not download content for redistribution, remove or bypass ads (free tier), share premium content, use content for commercial purposes, circumvent geographic restrictions, or exceed download limits.

8.4 Comments and Reviews

Respectful engagement required. No spam or promotional content. Accurate and honest reviews. No personal attacks. Moderation at our discretion.

9. MONETIZATION AND PAYMENTS

9.1 Subscription Plans and Pricing

Available Plans: Basic (Free) — Limited features, ad-supported. Pro (₹999/month) — Professional features, analytics, monetization. Growth (₹2,499/month) — Advanced tools, team features, priority support. Enterprise (Custom) — Tailored solutions, dedicated support, SLA. All prices inclusive of applicable taxes (GST for Indian users).

9.2 Payment Processing

Accepted methods: Credit/debit cards, UPI, PayPal, bank transfers. Recurring billing for subscriptions. Automatic renewal unless cancelled. Secure payment processing via licensed providers. PCI-DSS compliance maintained.

9.3 Billing Cycle

Monthly or annual billing options. Billing date based on subscription start. Prorated charges for plan changes. Invoice generation for all transactions. Payment receipts via email.

9.4 Refund and Cancellation Policy

7-day money-back guarantee for new subscriptions. No refunds for partial periods. Cancellation effective at billing cycle end. Refunds for service failures at our discretion. Chargeback consequences may include account suspension.

9.5 Revenue Sharing (Creators)

Advertising Revenue: 70% to Creator, 30% to Platform (standard). Premium splits for high-volume creators. Monthly payment cycles. Minimum payout threshold: ₹5,000 or $100.

Direct Monetization: 85% to Creator for listener support. 80% to Creator for paid subscriptions. Transaction fees deducted. Tax withholding as required.

9.6 Tax Obligations

Users responsible for tax compliance. TDS deduction as per Indian law. Form 16A provided for Indian creators. W-8/W-9 forms for international users. GST registration required for Indian businesses.

9.7 Currency and Exchange

Primary currency: INR for Indian users. Multi-currency support for global users. Exchange rates updated daily. Currency conversion fees may apply.

9.8 Billing Disputes

Dispute window: 60 days from transaction. Resolution timeline: 7-14 business days. Documentation requirements. Escalation procedures. Arbitration for unresolved disputes.

10. ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP

10.1 Advertisement Placement

Dynamic ad insertion technology. Pre-roll, mid-roll, post-roll options. Programmatic and direct sold inventory. Geographic and demographic targeting. Frequency capping.

10.2 Advertiser Terms

Advertisers must provide truthful, legal advertisements, comply with advertising standards, respect user privacy, avoid misleading claims, and meet technical specifications.

10.3 Sponsored Content Disclosure

Clear disclosure requirements ("Sponsored," "Ad," "Paid Partnership"). FTC and ASCI compliance mandatory. Platform-provided disclosure tools. Penalties for non-disclosure.

10.4 Political Advertising

Verification required for political ads. Disclosure of funding sources. Geographic restrictions apply. Compliance with Election Commission guidelines. Blackout periods enforced.

10.5 Prohibited Advertising

No advertisements for illegal products or services, tobacco and vaping products, weapons and ammunition, adult content, misleading financial schemes, prescription drugs, or discriminatory content.

11. API AND DEVELOPER TERMS

11.1 API Access

Registration required for API keys. Rate limits: 1000 requests/hour (standard). Higher limits for enterprise plans. SSL/TLS required for all calls. API versioning and deprecation notices.

11.2 Developer Obligations

Developers must maintain API key security, comply with rate limits, attribute Sonogram appropriately, not misuse or abuse API, update integrations as required, and report security issues.

11.3 Data Usage Restrictions

User consent required for data access. No selling or sharing user data. Data retention limitations. Privacy policy requirement. GDPR and DPDPA compliance.

11.4 Commercial Use

Commercial API usage requires paid plan. Revenue sharing for monetized apps. Approval for high-volume applications. No competitive services. Trademark licensing requirements.

12. PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION

12.1 Privacy Policy Integration

Your use of Services is governed by our Privacy Policy, which details information collection practices, data usage and sharing, user rights and choices, security measures, and international transfers.

12.2 Data Protection Compliance

We comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (India), GDPR, and CCPA, among other applicable data laws.

12.3 User Consent

By using our Services, You consent to collection of necessary data; processing for service provision; analytics and improvement; marketing (with opt-in); and legal compliance requirements.

12.4 Children's Privacy

COPPA compliance for US users, age-appropriate design, parental consent mechanisms, and enhanced privacy defaults for minors.

12.5 International Data Transfers

Data may be processed globally. Appropriate safeguards implemented. Standard contractual clauses used. User notification of transfers. Data localization where required.

13. PLATFORM FEATURES AND SERVICES

13.1 Service Availability

Target uptime: 99.9% (Pro+ plans). Scheduled maintenance windows. Emergency maintenance provisions. Service level agreements (Enterprise). Status page: status.sonogram.in.

13.2 Feature Updates

Regular feature releases. Beta testing programs. Gradual rollouts. Legacy feature support. Deprecation notices (90 days minimum).

13.3 Technical Requirements

Web Platform: Modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge), JavaScript enabled, Minimum 2 Mbps connection. Mobile Apps: iOS 13.0+ / Android 8.0+, 100MB storage minimum, Active internet connection.

13.4 Live Streaming (Beta)

Real-time audio/video broadcasting, chat and interaction features, recording capabilities, monetization options; additional terms apply.

13.5 Transcription Services

Automatic transcription (AI-powered), manual correction tools, multiple language support, SEO optimization, accessibility compliance.

14. WARRANTIES AND DISCLAIMERS

14.1 Service "As Is"

THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, OR ACCURACY.

14.2 No Guarantee

We do not warrant uninterrupted service availability, error-free operation, accuracy of content, freedom from viruses or harmful components, meeting your specific requirements, or compatibility with all devices.

14.3 Content Disclaimer

No endorsement of User Content; no verification of content accuracy; no professional advice provided; no guarantee of content availability; third-party content not our responsibility.

14.4 Third-Party Services

No warranty for integrated services. Third-party terms apply. No liability for third-party actions. Service interruptions possible. Data loss risks acknowledged.

15. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

15.1 Damages Limitation

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, SONOGRAM'S TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) ₹10,000 OR (B) THE AMOUNTS PAID BY YOU TO SONOGRAM IN THE TWELVE MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

15.2 Exclusion of Damages

WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS OR REVENUES, LOSS OF DATA OR CONTENT, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, REPUTATIONAL DAMAGE, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES.

15.3 Exceptions

Limitations may not apply to gross negligence or willful misconduct, death or personal injury, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, violations of applicable law, or indemnification obligations.

15.4 Time Limitation

Claims must be brought within one (1) year of the incident giving rise to the claim.

16. INDEMNIFICATION

16.1 User Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Sonogram, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from: Your violation of these Terms, Your violation of any law or third-party rights, Your Content or use of Services, Actions of users under your account, Your negligence or willful misconduct.

16.2 Indemnification Procedure

Prompt written notice of claims, cooperation in defense, right to control defense and settlement, no admission of liability without consent, and reasonable assistance provided.

16.3 Sonogram Indemnification

We will defend and indemnify You against third-party claims that our Platform infringes their intellectual property rights, subject to exceptions and Your compliance with these Terms.

17. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

17.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of India, specifically the Indian Contract Act, 1872; Information Technology Act, 2000; Copyright Act, 1957; and other applicable Indian laws.

17.2 Informal Resolution

Before formal proceedings, parties agree to attempt resolution through direct negotiation (30 days), mediation if agreed, and good faith discussions.

17.3 Arbitration

If informal resolution fails, arbitration under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996; single arbitrator mutually appointed; venue: New Delhi, India; language: English; costs shared equally unless otherwise awarded.

17.4 Jurisdiction

Subject to arbitration provisions, exclusive jurisdiction vests with courts in New Delhi, India.

17.5 Class Action Waiver

You waive any right to participate in class actions, class arbitrations, or representative actions. Claims must be brought individually.

17.6 Injunctive Relief

Either party may seek injunctive relief in courts for intellectual property violations, confidentiality breaches, or to prevent irreparable harm.

18. TERMINATION

18.1 Termination by User

You may terminate by deleting your account via settings, contacting support@sonogram.in, cancelling subscriptions, or following platform procedures.

18.2 Termination by Sonogram

We may terminate immediately for material breach of Terms, illegal activities, repeated violations after warnings, non-payment (after notice), security threats, or legal requirements.

18.3 Effects of Termination

Access to Services ceases, subscription refunds per policy, content may be deleted (30-day grace period), licenses to Sonogram terminate, and payment obligations survive.

18.4 Data Retention Post-Termination

Account data retained for 90 days; Content retained for 30 days for user retrieval; legal holds as required; backups per retention policy; analytics anonymized indefinitely.

18.5 Reinstatement

Appeal within 30 days; correction of violations required; reinstatement at our discretion; previous content may be unavailable; new payment may be required.

19. COMMUNICATIONS

19.1 Electronic Communications

You consent to receive communications electronically via email to registered address, platform notifications, SMS (if opted in), push notifications, and in-app messages.

19.2 Legal Notices

Legal notices must be sent to: Sonogram OPC Private Limited, [Registered Address], New Delhi - 110001, India. Email: legal@sonogram.in

19.3 Notice Requirements

Written notice for termination. Email acceptable for general notices. Registered mail for legal notices. Deemed received per applicable law.

19.4 Marketing Communications

Opt-in required for marketing. Unsubscribe available. Preference management in settings. Transactional emails always sent.

20. GEOGRAPHIC-SPECIFIC TERMS

20.1 India-Specific Provisions

Compliance with IT Act and Rules, Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, local grievance officer appointed, Indian Rupee pricing, GST compliance.

20.2 European Union (GDPR)

Enhanced privacy rights, data portability, right to erasure, explicit consent requirements, EU representative appointed.

20.3 United States

DMCA safe harbor, COPPA compliance, state-specific privacy laws (CCPA, etc.), Section 230 protections, export control compliance.

20.4 Export Controls

Compliance with export laws, restricted country list, sanctions screening, and technology transfer limitations.

20.5 Content Geo-Blocking

Regional content restrictions, licensing limitations, legal compliance blocking, VPN detection and policies.

21. ACCESSIBILITY

21.1 Accessibility Commitment

We strive to ensure Services are accessible to users with disabilities through WCAG 2.1 AA compliance efforts, screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation support, caption and transcript features, and high contrast options.

21.2 Accessibility Features

Closed captions for video, transcripts for audio, alternative text for images, and adjustable playback speeds and keyboard shortcuts.

21.3 Assistive Technology

Compatible with major screen readers, voice control support, switch control compatibility, and magnification support.

21.4 Feedback and Accommodation

Accessibility feedback: accessibility@sonogram.in. Reasonable accommodation requests and alternative format availability.

22. UPDATES AND MODIFICATIONS

22.1 Right to Modify

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be notified via email notification, platform announcement, in-app notification, or website banner.

22.2 Notice Period

Material changes: 30 days notice. Minor changes: Immediate effect. Price changes: 30 days notice. Legal compliance: Immediate effect.

22.3 Acceptance of Changes

Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance. If you disagree, cease using Services, close your account, and download your content.

22.4 Version History

Previous versions available at: sonogram.in/legal/archive

23. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

These Terms, Privacy Policy, and incorporated policies constitute the entire agreement between You and Sonogram. If any provision is deemed invalid or unenforceable, remaining provisions continue in full effect. No waiver is effective unless in writing. Assignment: Sonogram may assign rights to successors; users may not assign without written consent. Force majeure provisions apply. Relationship of parties: independent contractors; no partnership or joint venture. No third-party beneficiaries. Survival: provisions that by nature should survive termination shall survive, including intellectual property rights, indemnification, limitation of liability, dispute resolution, and confidentiality. Language: English prevails.

24. SPECIFIC INDIAN LAW COMPLIANCE

24.1 Information Technology Act, 2000

Full compliance with IT Act provisions including Section 43A (data protection), Section 69 (government interception), Section 79 (intermediary liability), and other applicable provisions.

24.2 IT Rules 2021

Compliance with Intermediary Guidelines including grievance officer appointment, monthly compliance reports, content takedown procedures, and user verification for significant social media intermediary requirements where applicable.

24.3 Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023

Data fiduciary obligations, consent requirements, data principal rights, cross-border transfer restrictions, and Data Protection Board compliance.

24.4 Consumer Protection Act, 2019

E-commerce rules compliance, grievance redressal mechanism, unfair trade practice avoidance, and consumer rights protection.

24.5 Other Applicable Laws

Indian Contract Act, 1872; Copyright Act, 1957; Trademarks Act, 1999; FEMA; GST and tax laws.

25. CONTENT MODERATION AND SAFETY

25.1 Grievance Officer

Grievance Officer Details: Name: [To be appointed]; Email: grievance@sonogram.in; Address: Sonogram OPC Private Limited, New Delhi; Response Time: 24 hours acknowledgment, 15 days resolution.

25.2 Content Review Procedures

Automated flagging systems, human review teams, priority review for serious violations, 24-hour review for reported content, transparent moderation guidelines.

25.3 Strike System

Warning: First minor violation. Strike 1: Temporary restriction (24 hours). Strike 2: Extended restriction (7 days). Strike 3: Account termination. Appeals available within 14 days.

25.4 Government Takedown Requests

Compliance with legal orders. User notification (unless prohibited). Transparency reporting. Legal challenge when appropriate. Geo-blocking for local compliance.

25.5 Safety Features

Content reporting mechanisms, block and mute functions, parental controls, crisis resource information, and Safety Center resources.

26. SPECIAL PROVISIONS

26.1 Educational Institution Terms

Educational accounts receive special pricing (50% discount), bulk account management, classroom integration tools, and student privacy protections.

26.2 Enterprise/Business Accounts

Enterprise features include custom contracts, SLA guarantees, dedicated support, advanced analytics, API priority access, and custom integrations.

26.3 Government Entity Usage

Government accounts: compliance with procurement rules, security clearance requirements, data sovereignty options, audit rights, and special billing arrangements.

26.4 Non-Profit Organizations

Verified non-profits receive discounted pricing (30% off), fundraising tools, donation features, volunteer management tools, and impact analytics.

26.5 Verified Accounts

Verification available for public figures, brands, journalists, and notable creators. Requirements include identity verification, notability criteria, authenticity confirmation, and ongoing compliance.

26.6 Partner Program

Partnership opportunities with revenue sharing, co-marketing, technical integration, referral commissions, and exclusive features.

26.7 Affiliate Program

Commission structure: 20% first year. Cookie duration: 30 days. Payment terms: Monthly. Marketing materials provided. Performance dashboard available.

27. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

27.1 Supported File Formats

Audio: MP3, M4A, AAC, WAV, FLAC, OGG. Video: MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, WebM. Images: JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP. Documents: PDF, DOCX, TXT.

27.2 Upload Limitations

Audio: 500MB per file. Video: 2GB per file. Images: 10MB per file. Total storage and bandwidth subject to plan limits.

27.3 Streaming Quality

Audio Bitrates: Low: 64 kbps; Normal: 128 kbps; High: 256 kbps; Lossless: FLAC (Premium only). Video Resolutions: SD: 480p; HD: 720p/1080p; 4K: 2160p (Premium only).

27.4 API Rate Limits

Standard: 1,000 requests/hour. Pro: 5,000 requests/hour. Growth: 10,000 requests/hour. Enterprise: Custom limits.

27.5 Geographic CDN Coverage

Content delivered via CDN nodes in Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Africa (coverage varies by plan).

28. LEGAL COMPLIANCE NOTICES

28.1 Copyright Notice

© 2025 Sonogram OPC Private Limited. All rights reserved.

28.2 Trademark Notice

"Sonogram" and associated logos are registered trademarks of Sonogram OPC Private Limited.

28.3 Patent Notice

Certain features may be covered by pending or issued patents.

28.4 Company Registration

Sonogram OPC Private Limited
CIN: [Company Identification Number]
Registered Office: [Full Address], New Delhi - 110001, India

28.5 Contact Information

General Inquiries: info@sonogram.in
Support: support@sonogram.in
Legal: legal@sonogram.in
Privacy: privacy@sonogram.in
Media: press@sonogram.in
Abuse: abuse@sonogram.in
DMCA: dmca@sonogram.in
Phone: +91-11-XXXX-XXXX
Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM IST, Monday-Friday

29. INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC PROVISIONS

29.1 Podcast Industry Standards

Compliance with IAB Podcast Measurement Guidelines 2.1, Apple Podcasts requirements, Spotify podcast specifications, Google Podcasts standards, RSS 2.0 specifications, and Podcast Index namespace where applicable.

29.2 Audio/Video Quality Standards

Loudness: -16 LUFS (recommended). True Peak: -1 dBFS maximum. Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. Bit Depth: 16-bit or 24-bit. Video Codec: H.264/H.265. Frame Rate: 24-60 fps.

29.3 Metadata Requirements

Required fields: Title (255 characters max), Description (4000 characters max), Category/Genre, Language, Explicit content flag, Publication date, Episode number (if applicable). Optional fields: Season number, Episode type, Keywords/Tags, Transcript, Chapters, Guest information.

29.4 Distribution Compliance

Automatic compliance with Apple Podcasts Connect, Spotify for Podcasters, Google Podcasts Manager, Amazon Music/Audible, Stitcher, TuneIn and other major platforms as supported by our distribution services.

30. EMERGENCY PROVISIONS

30.1 Service Interruption Procedures

In case of service interruption: status page updates, email notifications for extended outages, prorated credits for paid users, data recovery procedures, and alternative access methods.

30.2 Data Breach Response

If a breach occurs: immediate containment measures, user notification within 72 hours where required, regulatory notification as required, credit monitoring (if applicable), and remediation support.

30.3 Emergency Maintenance

Critical security patches applied immediately. Urgent fixes subject to 4-hour notice where possible. Standard maintenance: 48-hour notice. Maintenance windows typically 2 AM - 6 AM IST. Status updates every 30 minutes during incidents.

30.4 Security Incident Response

24/7 security team monitoring, incident classification system, escalation procedures, user communication protocols, and post-incident reporting.

30.5 Disaster Recovery

RPO (Recovery Point Objective): 4 hours. RTO (Recovery Time Objective): 8 hours. Daily backups to multiple regions. Quarterly DR testing. Business continuity planning in place.

30.6 Crisis Communication

Dedicated crisis communication team, multiple communication channels, regular status updates, transparent incident reporting, and post-crisis review and improvement.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

BY CLICKING "I AGREE," CREATING AN ACCOUNT, OR USING OUR SERVICES, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT:

1. You have read and understood these Terms of Service in their entirety.
2. You agree to be bound by these Terms and all incorporated policies.
3. You have the legal capacity to enter into this Agreement.
4. You will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
5. You understand the consequences of violating these Terms.
6. You accept the dispute resolution and arbitration provisions.
7. You understand that these Terms may be updated from time to time.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use our Services.

Document Information:
Version: 2.0
Effective Date: August 15, 2025
Last Updated: August 2025
Next Review: November 2025

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