Acceptable Use Policy
Last updated: January 30, 2026
Purpose
This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") describes prohibited uses of CHCKN's services. This policy is designed to protect our users, prevent abuse, and ensure compliance with applicable laws.
By using CHCKN, you agree to comply with this AUP. Violations may result in suspension or termination of your account, removal of content, or legal action.
This AUP applies to all CHCKN users, including Merchants and Members, and covers all uses of our platform, including loyalty programs, campaigns, and communications.
General Prohibitions
You may not use CHCKN to:
1. Violate Laws or Regulations
Engage in any activity that violates local, provincial, federal, or international laws
Facilitate illegal activity or transactions
Violate export control or sanctions regulations
Infringe on intellectual property rights, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, or trade secrets
Violate privacy rights or data protection laws
2. Send Spam or Unsolicited Messages
Send unsolicited bulk messages (spam) via email, SMS, or push notifications
Purchase, rent, or share email lists or phone numbers without proper consent
Send messages to people who have not opted in to receive communications
Continue sending messages after someone has opted out or unsubscribed
Fail to honor opt-out requests promptly (within 10 business days)
Disguise the origin or subject matter of messages
3. Engage in Fraudulent Activity
Misrepresent your identity, business, or affiliation
Impersonate another person or entity
Create fake accounts or loyalty programs
Use stolen credit cards or payment information
Engage in phishing, scams, or other deceptive practices
Make false or misleading claims about products, services, or rewards
4. Harass, Threaten, or Abuse Others
Harass, bully, stalk, or threaten other users
Send abusive, offensive, or hateful messages
Discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics
Encourage violence or self-harm
Share private information about others without consent (doxxing)
5. Distribute Harmful Content
Upload, send, or share malware, viruses, or malicious code
Distribute content that exploits children or minors
Share graphic violence, gore, or disturbing content
Promote dangerous or illegal activities
Distribute pornography or sexually explicit content
6. Interfere with Services
Attempt to hack, breach, or gain unauthorized access to CHCKN or other users' accounts
Use automated tools (bots, scripts, scrapers) without authorization
Overload or disrupt our servers or networks (DoS attacks)
Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble our software
Bypass security measures or access controls
Interfere with other users' use of the Services
7. Misuse Personal Data
Collect, store, or process personal data without proper consent
Share or sell Member contact information to third parties
Use Member data for purposes other than what was consented to
Fail to protect personal data with appropriate security measures
Violate GDPR, CCPA, PIPEDA, or other privacy laws
Anti-Spam Requirements
If you use CHCKN to send campaigns, you must comply with all applicable anti-spam laws, including:
CAN-SPAM Act (United States)
Include your valid physical postal address in all commercial emails
Use accurate "From," "To," and "Reply-To" information
Include a clear and conspicuous unsubscribe mechanism
Honor opt-out requests within 10 business days
Use honest subject lines that accurately reflect the email content
Clearly identify the message as an advertisement if applicable
TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act - United States)
Obtain prior express written consent before sending marketing SMS messages
Provide clear disclosure of SMS terms at the time of consent
Include opt-out instructions in every SMS message
Maintain records of consent
Honor opt-out requests immediately
Do not send messages outside of reasonable hours (typically 8 AM - 9 PM recipient's local time)
CASL (Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation)
Obtain express or implied consent before sending commercial electronic messages
Clearly identify yourself and your business in all messages
Provide contact information
Include a functioning unsubscribe mechanism
Honor unsubscribe requests within 10 business days
Maintain records of consent for at least 3 years
General Email and SMS Best Practices
Only send messages to people who have explicitly opted in
Never buy or rent contact lists
Segment your audience and send relevant content
Make it easy to unsubscribe or opt out
Clearly identify yourself in every message
Don't use misleading subject lines or headers
Include your business name and contact information
Respect frequency limits and don't over-message
SMS-Specific Rules
When sending SMS messages through CHCKN, you must:
Get Consent: Obtain clear, affirmative consent before sending marketing messages
Provide Disclosure: Tell recipients what they're signing up for and how often they'll receive messages
Include Opt-Out: Every SMS must include instructions to opt out (e.g., "Reply STOP to unsubscribe")
Respect Opt-Outs: Process STOP requests immediately and do not send further messages
Identify Yourself: Include your business name in messages
Message Timing: Only send messages during reasonable hours
No Sensitive Content: Do not send messages containing sensitive personal information (health data, financial information, etc.)
Carrier Compliance: Comply with mobile carrier guidelines and regulations
Prohibited SMS Content
Phishing or fraud attempts
SHAFT content (Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco)
Illegal products or services
Cannabis/marijuana promotions (varies by jurisdiction)
Debt collection or credit repair
Payday loans or high-interest lending
Cryptocurrency schemes or get-rich-quick offers
Email-Specific Rules
When sending email campaigns through CHCKN, you must:
Valid Contact Information: Include your physical mailing address
Accurate Headers: Use truthful "From," "To," and "Reply-To" information
Clear Subject Lines: Subject lines must accurately describe the email content
Unsubscribe Link: Include a clear, working unsubscribe link in every email
Honor Unsubscribes: Process unsubscribe requests within 10 business days
No Deception: Don't use misleading claims or false advertising
Authentication: Implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to authenticate your emails
Content Restrictions
The following types of content are prohibited on CHCKN:
Illegal Content
Illegal drugs or controlled substances
Counterfeit goods or pirated software
Stolen goods or services
Illegal weapons or explosives
Services that facilitate illegal activity
Harmful or Offensive Content
Hate speech or content that promotes violence, discrimination, or intolerance
Content that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes minors
Graphic violence or gore
Content that encourages self-harm or suicide
Pornography or sexually explicit material
Misleading or Fraudulent Content
Pyramid schemes or multi-level marketing scams
Fake news or deliberate disinformation
Phishing attempts or social engineering
False advertising or deceptive claims
Impersonation of brands or individuals
Loyalty Program Abuse
Merchants may not:
Create fake loyalty programs or rewards
Fail to honor rewards that have been earned
Change reward terms retroactively in bad faith
Use loyalty programs to collect data without proper disclosure
Sell or transfer loyalty programs without proper notice to Members
Members may not:
Create multiple accounts to exploit promotions
Use bots or automated tools to earn stamps or points
Share or sell loyalty accounts
Commit fraud to obtain stamps, points, or rewards
Enforcement
Violations
We take violations of this AUP seriously. Violations may result in:
Warning or request to cease the prohibited activity
Temporary suspension of account or features
Permanent termination of account
Removal of content or campaigns
Reporting to law enforcement or regulatory authorities
Legal action to recover damages
Investigation
We reserve the right to investigate suspected violations of this AUP. This may include:
Reviewing account activity and content
Analyzing message delivery patterns
Examining complaint reports
Requesting additional information from you
Cooperating with law enforcement
No Obligation to Monitor
While we have the right to monitor use of the Services, we have no obligation to do so and are not responsible for user-generated content or campaigns.
Reporting Violations
If you believe someone is violating this AUP, please report it to us immediately.
Email: support@chckn.app Subject Line: "AUP Violation Report"
Please include:
Description of the violation
Evidence (screenshots, message content, URLs)
Date and time of the violation
Any other relevant information
We will investigate all reports and take appropriate action. We may not be able to provide updates on specific enforcement actions due to privacy considerations.
Receiving Unwanted Messages
If you receive unwanted messages from a Merchant using CHCKN:
To Opt Out:
Email: Click the unsubscribe link in the email
SMS: Reply STOP to the message
Push Notifications: Adjust your device settings
If Opt-Out Doesn't Work:
Contact us at support@chckn.app with:
The Merchant's name
Date and time of the message
A copy or screenshot of the message
Confirmation that you attempted to opt out