Terms of Service

Please thoroughly review these Terms of Service ("Terms") before engaging with the Lingoline platform and services described herein. If you disagree with these Terms in full, including the individual arbitration agreement for disputes between you and Lingoline, Inc. (hereafter referred to as "Lingoline," "our," or "we"), a corporation constituted under North Carolina state law, you must refrain from accessing or using the Lingoline platform.

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

  1. 1.1. Terms of Service The Terms outline the legal conditions for your engagement with our website at www.lingoline.com, its subdomains (collectively, the "Website"), related mobile applications, and software (collectively referred to as the "Lingoline Platform"). Access and use of the Services are subject to these Terms and any other regulations or policies posted on the Website or provided by Lingoline. By setting up an account on the Lingoline Platform, you are entering into a binding contract with Lingoline, signifying your unconditional acceptance of these Terms. These Terms, together with the Refund and Payment Policy, Privacy Policy, Cookies Policy, and any service-specific conditions available in the Legal Center, constitute binding agreements between Lingoline and any user or visitor of the Lingoline Platform. As a user or visitor, the handling of your personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy, which may be updated over time.
  2. 1.2. Lingoline Services The Lingoline Platform offers access for registered users either seeking or providing online language teaching and tutoring services, facilitates payments between these users, and provides customer support among other services ("Services"). Lingoline does not deliver language teaching services directly; these services are provided by users according to specific terms outlined in the Legal Center. You are responsible for securing and financing any necessary equipment and Internet services to access the Services. We may modify, suspend, or discontinue the Lingoline Platform or Services at any time without prior notice. The Lingoline Platform may periodically be unavailable due to maintenance or system malfunctions. We may occasionally offer access to third-party or our own products and services. The evolution of the Lingoline Platform means the form and nature of the Services may change without prior notice to you.
  3. 1.3. Amendments to these Terms We reserve the right to update or change these Terms at any time by posting the revised version on the Website and notifying you via the Lingoline Platform or email. Regularly reviewing this page is recommended. If you disagree with the revised Terms, you have the right to terminate your agreement by ceasing use of the Services and notifying Lingoline. Continued use of the Services after amendments signifies consent to the updated Terms.

2. OBLIGATIONS

  1. 2.1. Eligibility for Services The Services are available exclusively to individuals who are at least 18 years old and capable of forming legally binding contracts under applicable law. Minors aged 13 to 17 may use the Services under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian, who assumes full responsibility for all activities. You affirm that you will not permit any individual under 13 to use the Services.
  2. 2.2 Verification Lingoline may ask tutors to provide government-issued identification and educational credentials to verify their qualifications. Successful verification results in a badge on the tutor's profile, and document copies are deleted from our servers thereafter. Lingoline does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information provided by tutors during the verification process. Lingoline cannot confirm the identity of each user, and you accept all risks associated with using the Services, including interactions with other users. Engage cautiously and sensibly to protect your safety and property. Lingoline and its affiliates will not be liable for any conduct, online or offline, of any user of the Services.
  3. 2.3. Consumer Reports Lingoline may use third-party services for background checks and other verifications ("Consumer Reports"), without endorsing or guaranteeing the accuracy or completeness of such reports. By using the Services, you consent to Lingoline using information from Consumer Reports, which may affect decisions regarding account suspension or termination. Disputed information in Consumer Reports should be directed to the issuing agency. Lingoline reserves the right to suspend or terminate an account based on information in the Consumer Reports or at Lingoline's discretion.
  4. 2.4. Privacy The Lingoline Platform can be accessed without disclosing personally identifiable information. When using the Services, you may be asked to provide personal data. For details about our privacy practices, please refer to the Lingoline Privacy Policy.
  5. 2.5. Payment Payment processing on the Lingoline Platform is handled by third-party processors such as Braintree, PayPal, Stripe, Skrill, Payoneer, and TransferWise. Payment by a student to Lingoline satisfies the student's payment obligation to the tutor for services provided. Please review the additional payment terms specified in the Refund and Payment Policy for more information on payment security and billing.
  6. 2.6. Refund Lingoline aims to maintain clear financial relationships between students and tutors. Please consult our Refund and Payment Policy for details on how refunds are handled. Any refunds are at Lingoline's sole discretion.

3. RIGHTS AND LIMITS

  1. 3.1. Your Right to Use the Lingoline Platform As a student, Lingoline grants you a non-transferable, non-sublicensable, limited right to access and use the Lingoline Platform for personal, non-commercial purposes. As a tutor, you are granted a similar right for the purpose of providing tutoring services. You agree not to extract content or information from the Lingoline Platform through automated means or misuse the platform in any way. The reproduction, modification, or unauthorized use of Lingoline materials is prohibited. Lingoline may set reasonable access limits to prevent unauthorized use.
  2. 3.2. Your Account Registration is required to access certain Services. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities under your account. Notify Lingoline immediately if you suspect unauthorized use of your account. Creating more than one account per user role or sharing account credentials is prohibited. Lingoline is not liable for losses or damages resulting from unauthorized account use. You agree to not rent, resell, or provide access to the Lingoline Platform to third parties. Personal data collected during account creation is subject to our Privacy Policy.
  3. 3.3. Direct Interactions Lingoline may intervene in interactions between students and tutors to ensure compliance with these Terms, improve Services, or as specified in our Refund and Payment Policy. Lingoline does not control the services provided by tutors or user interactions and is not responsible for the conduct of any user.
  4. 3.4. Representations and Warranties Tutors agree to provide services in accordance with Lingoline's Terms, applicable laws, and with reasonable care and skill. Tutors are responsible for obtaining necessary certifications and licenses and must not solicit or accept payments outside the Lingoline Platform. Tutors consent to Lingoline advertising their services and may have their introduction videos enhanced for promotional purposes. Students agree to honor commitments made on the Lingoline Platform and engage in good faith with tutors.
  5. 3.5. Tutor Introduction Video and Profile Photo Tutors grant Lingoline rights to use their introduction video, name, and profile photo for marketing purposes, including social media and video hosting services. Requests for video removal from public channels can be made to support@lingoline.com.
  6. 3.6. Tutor Ranking Lingoline uses various factors to match tutors with student preferences, including subject matter, student location, language preferences, availability, tutor performance, and responsiveness. Tutor rankings may change based on these factors.
  7. 3.7. User Complaints Users can file complaints by contacting complaint@lingoline.com with detailed information. Lingoline will acknowledge receipt and investigate the complaint, responding with findings and possible resolutions. Complaints involving Lingoline employees will be handled by an alternative representative.
  8. 3.8. Lesson Recording Lingoline may record lessons for quality assurance purposes. By using the Services, you consent to such recordings. Requests to opt-out of recordings or remove existing recordings can be made to support@lingoline.com.
  9. 3.9. Referral Program Users can invite new individuals to the Lingoline Platform using a referral link, which provides a discount on the referee's initial purchase. Misuse of referral links or accumulation of referral bonuses in violation of these Terms may result in account termination. Eligibility for discounts and bonuses is determined by Lingoline and subject to change.
  10. 3.10. Limits Users must adhere to the User Code of Conduct while using the Services.

4. LINGOLINE CONTENT

Users have a personal, non-exclusive right to use Lingoline Content, subject to these Terms. "Lingoline Content" includes all information and materials accessible through the Lingoline Platform. Users may view, copy, download, and print Lingoline Content for personal use only, without modifying it or removing proprietary notices. All rights not expressly granted are reserved.

5. USER-GENERATED CONTENT

"User-generated Content" refers to all content provided by users to the Lingoline Platform. Lingoline is not responsible for the content or accuracy of user-generated content and acts as a passive conduit for its distribution. Users are responsible for ensuring their content does not infringe on others' intellectual property rights. Lingoline reserves the right to monitor, edit, or remove user-generated content at its discretion.

The Lingoline Platform may contain links to external websites. Lingoline is not responsible for the content or use of these websites, and users should exercise caution when visiting them. Links do not imply endorsement by Lingoline.

Lingoline may display third-party advertisements and promotions on the Lingoline Platform. Interactions with these advertisers are solely between the user and the advertiser. Lingoline is not liable for any loss or damage resulting from such dealings.

8. NO IMPLIED ENDORSEMENTS

References to third parties or their products or services do not constitute endorsement by Lingoline. Users are responsible for exercising caution and judgment when selecting products or services.

9. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LINGOLINE AND USERS

Lingoline serves as a technology provider facilitating connections between students and tutors. Lingoline does not employ users unless explicitly agreed upon in a separate contract. Users act as independent contractors and are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations. Lingoline is not liable for any tax obligations arising from the use of the Services.

10. ASSIGNMENT

Users may not assign their rights or obligations under these Terms without Lingoline's written consent. These Terms benefit and bind the parties and their respective successors and permitted assignees.

11. FEEDBACK

Users may provide feedback to Lingoline, which can be used for service improvement and promotion. By submitting feedback, users grant Lingoline a perpetual, worldwide license to use, modify, and distribute the feedback for any purpose without compensation.

12. REVIEWS

Lingoline may calculate composite ratings based on user reviews. Tutors agree to be rated by students, and Lingoline does not monitor or censor reviews unless brought to its attention. Users may be legally responsible for defamatory or legally actionable remarks. Violations of the rating and feedback system should be reported to Lingoline immediately.

13. NOTIFICATIONS

Unless otherwise specified, Lingoline will communicate with users via email, mail, or postings on the Lingoline Platform. Users consent to receive electronic communications from Lingoline. To change notification preferences, users can contact support@lingoline.com or adjust settings in their account.

14. TERMINATION

Lingoline reserves the right to terminate any user's access to the Lingoline Platform at its discretion. Users who violate these Terms may have their accounts terminated. Tutors may be terminated for failure to comply with the Terms or for any reason with notice. Users will not receive refunds or compensation for any unused funds or scheduled lessons in the event of account suspension or termination. Inactive accounts for more than 180 days may be suspended, and any remaining balance will expire.

15. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

All intellectual property rights in the Lingoline Platform and its content are owned by Lingoline or its licensors. Users may not reproduce, modify, or use the Lingoline Platform or its content without permission. Trademarks, service marks, and logos are owned by Lingoline or their respective owners and may not be used without consent.

Lingoline respects copyright laws and responds to allegations of copyright infringement in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Users who believe their copyright has been infringed can file a notice with Lingoline's copyright agent. False claims may result in legal penalties.

17. CONFIDENTIALITY

Users may access confidential information through the Services and agree to keep such information confidential. Confidential Information remains the property of Lingoline, its affiliates, and its users. Exceptions apply to information already known, publicly available, obtained legally from third parties, independently developed, or disclosed under legal compulsion.

18. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

The Services and the Lingoline Platform are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. Lingoline disclaims all liability for interactions, transactions, and dealings with third parties. Users are responsible for evaluating the accuracy and usefulness of information and services provided through the Lingoline Platform.

19. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Lingoline's liability to users or third parties is limited to the amounts paid to Lingoline for the Services in the previous three months. Users waive the right to participate in class actions against Lingoline.

20. EXCLUSIONS

Some jurisdictions do not allow certain exclusions or limitations of liability, so these provisions may not apply to all users.

21. INTERNATIONAL USE

The Lingoline Platform may be accessed from outside the United States. Users are responsible for compliance with local laws when accessing the Services internationally. Lingoline makes no representation that the Services are appropriate or available for use outside the United States.

22. EXPORT CONTROL

Users must comply with United States export control laws when using the Services. Certain regions are prohibited from accessing the Lingoline Platform due to export controls.

23. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

Funds withheld under Section 14 constitute liquidated damages, not penalties, in addition to other rights of Lingoline. The parties acknowledge the difficulty in estimating actual damages and agree that the specified amounts are reasonable.

24. INDEMNIFICATION

Users agree to indemnify Lingoline against claims arising from their use of the Services, including but not limited to breaches of these Terms, disputes with other users, and infringement of intellectual property rights.

25. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Disputes arising from these Terms shall be resolved through individual arbitration in North Carolina, USA, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The Federal Arbitration Act governs the arbitration process.

26. ODR / CDR

The European Commission provides a platform for online dispute resolution under http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/. We are not obligated and not willing to participate in dispute resolution proceedings pursuant to the German Consumer Dispute Resolution Act (VSBG).

27. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina, USA, excluding certain international sales laws. The Federal Arbitration Act applies to the dispute resolution section of these Terms.

28. NON-SOLICITATION

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina, USA, excluding certain international sales laws. The Federal Arbitration Act applies to the dispute resolution section of these Terms.

29. HEADINGS

Headings and captions are used for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of these Terms.

30. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. SEVERABILITY

These Terms, along with any amendments and additional agreements, constitute the entire agreement between users and Lingoline. If any provision is found to be unenforceable, the remainder of the Terms will remain in effect.

31. CONTACTS

For further information or questions about these Terms, please contact support@lingoline.com