Terms of Service

1. Agreement and Acceptance

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the ZKyNet™ Privacy Infrastructure Network ("ZKyNet Network", "Network", or "Service"), a next-generation privacy technology platform that combines zero-knowledge cryptographic proofs with decentralized abuse mitigation. By accessing or using our Network, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.

The ZKyNet Network represents a fundamental advancement in privacy infrastructure, enabling true anonymity while maintaining legal compliance through cryptographic proofs rather than centralized monitoring.

2. ZKyNet Network Technology Overview

2.1 Core Technology Components

The ZKyNet Network provides advanced privacy infrastructure through:

• Zero-Knowledge Compliance Layer: Cryptographic proofs that enable abuse prevention without exposing user activities
• Dynamic Privacy Architecture: Adaptive 1-3 hop routing based on real-time risk assessment
• Decentralized Node Network: Distributed infrastructure with crypto-economic incentives
• Modern Rust Implementation: Memory-safe, modular architecture for enhanced security
• Corporate Compliance Tools: Enterprise-grade features for organizational deployments

2.2 Zero-Knowledge Privacy Guarantees

Unlike traditional VPNs or privacy networks, ZKyNet implements mathematical privacy guarantees:

• Exit nodes provide cryptographic proofs of legitimacy without revealing user activities
• Generic activity tags enable abuse prevention without content inspection
• One-way communication prevents backwards tracking of user identity
• Cryptographic compliance eliminates the need for centralized logging

3. Service Tiers and Access

3.1 Individual Users

• Basic Privacy: 1-hop routing with standard anonymity
• Enhanced Privacy: 2-hop routing with additional protection
• Maximum Anonymity: 3-hop routing with highest security guarantees
• Custom Configurations: Granular privacy controls per application

3.2 Enterprise Services

• Corporate Network: Private ZKyNet deployment for organizations
• Compliance Dashboard: Real-time compliance monitoring and reporting
• Custom Integration: API access for third-party applications
• Dedicated Support: Priority technical assistance and consulting

3.3 Node Operators

• Entry Nodes: First hop routing with reputation-based rewards
• Relay Nodes: Middle hop routing in multi-hop circuits
• Exit Nodes: Final hop with ZK proof generation capabilities
• Certificate Authority: Proof-of-stake style certificate validation

4. Zero-Knowledge Privacy Policy

4.1 No Centralized Logging

Fundamental Privacy Guarantee: The ZKyNet Network implements zero centralized logging. No entity within the network maintains records of user activities, connection patterns, or traffic contents.

4.2 Cryptographic Abuse Prevention

Abuse mitigation is handled entirely through cryptographic proofs:

• Exit nodes generate zero-knowledge proofs of legitimate activity
• Generic activity indicators prevent specific activity monitoring
• Network consensus mechanisms handle abuse reports
• Reputation-based node scoring maintains network integrity

4.3 Data Processing Transparency

The only data processing that occurs is:

• Account management information (payment, subscription status)
• Network performance metrics (aggregated, anonymized)
• Node operator rewards and reputation scores
• Cryptographic proof generation and verification

5. Node Operator Terms

5.1 Operator Responsibilities

As a ZKyNet node operator, you agree to:

• Maintain reliable internet connectivity and server uptime
• Implement proper security measures and keep software updated
• Comply with the technical specifications for your node type
• Participate honestly in the reputation and proof systems
• Handle legal requests according to your jurisdiction's requirements

5.2 Crypto-Economic Incentives

Node operators receive rewards through:

• Base Rewards: Fixed payments for maintaining active nodes
• Traffic Rewards: Variable payments based on traffic routing
• Reputation Bonuses: Additional rewards for high-reputation nodes
• Staking Returns: Interest on staked tokens for exit node operators

5.3 Exit Node Compliance

Exit node operators have additional responsibilities:

• Generate valid zero-knowledge proofs for all traffic
• Maintain stake requirements for certificate authority participation
• Respond to legitimate abuse reports through cryptographic protocols
• Comply with local laws regarding internet service provision

6. Acceptable Use Policy

6.1 Permitted Activities

The ZKyNet Network is designed to protect legitimate privacy needs:

• Personal privacy protection and anonymous browsing
• Circumventing censorship and geographical restrictions
• Protecting sensitive business communications
• Research, journalism, and whistleblowing activities
• Academic and security research (with appropriate disclosures)

6.2 Prohibited Activities

While we cannot monitor specific activities due to our zero-knowledge architecture, users agree not to use the Network for:

• Illegal activities under applicable local, provincial, or federal laws
• Harassment, threats, or abuse targeting individuals or groups
• Spam, unsolicited communications, or network flooding attacks
• Malware distribution or unauthorized system access attempts
• Activities that could undermine network security or integrity

6.3 Network-Level Enforcement

While individual activities remain private, the network implements collective security measures:

• Automated detection of network abuse patterns
• Reputation-based filtering of malicious nodes
• Community-driven reporting mechanisms for network threats
• Cryptographic proof validation to prevent system gaming

7. Enterprise and API Terms

7.1 API Access and Integration

Organizations using ZKyNet's API agree to:

• Use API access only for legitimate privacy protection purposes
• Implement proper authentication and security measures
• Respect rate limits and fair usage policies
• Maintain the privacy guarantees in downstream applications

7.2 Corporate Compliance Features

Enterprise customers receive additional compliance tools:

• Cryptographic audit trails without privacy compromise
• Policy enforcement through zero-knowledge mechanisms
• Integration with corporate identity and access management
• Compliance reporting for regulatory requirements

8. Cryptocurrency and Token Economics

8.1 ZKyNet Token (ZKY)

The ZKyNet ecosystem operates using ZKY tokens for:

• Service payments and subscription fees
• Node operator rewards and incentives
• Staking requirements for exit node operation
• Governance voting on network parameters

8.2 Token Risks and Disclaimers

Users acknowledge that cryptocurrency involves inherent risks:

• Token values may fluctuate significantly
• Blockchain transactions are irreversible
• Regulatory changes may affect token utility
• Technical issues may temporarily impact token functionality

8.3 Staking and Rewards

Exit node operators participate in staking mechanisms:

• Minimum stake requirements for exit node certification
• Slashing penalties for provably malicious behavior
• Reward distribution based on performance and reputation
• Delegation mechanisms for smaller stakeholders

9. Governance and Network Evolution

9.1 Decentralized Governance

The ZKyNet Network evolves through community governance:

• Token holders vote on protocol upgrades and parameters
• Node operators have enhanced voting weight for technical decisions
• Community proposals for feature development and improvements
• Transparent decision-making processes with public documentation

9.2 Protocol Upgrades

Network improvements are implemented through:

• Backward-compatible updates where possible
• Community testing periods for major changes
• Gradual rollouts to ensure network stability
• Documentation and migration support for node operators

10. Limitation of Liability

10.1 Network Disclaimers

The ZKyNet Network is provided "as is" with the following disclaimers:

• No guarantee of perfect anonymity or unbreakable privacy
• Network performance may vary based on node availability and traffic
• Cryptocurrency values and rewards may fluctuate
• Technical vulnerabilities may be discovered and need patching

10.2 Liability Limitations

To the maximum extent permitted by law, ZKyNet's liability is limited to:

• The amount paid for services in the 12 months preceding any claim
• Direct damages only, excluding consequential or punitive damages
• Issues directly attributable to ZKyNet's gross negligence
• Service credits for verified service outages

11. Jurisdiction and Dispute Resolution

11.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by Canadian federal law and Ontario provincial law. However, given the decentralized nature of the ZKyNet Network, jurisdictional issues may be complex and will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

11.2 Dispute Resolution for Decentralized Networks

Disputes involving the ZKyNet Network will be handled through:

• Community mediation for node operator disputes
• Cryptographic evidence where available
• Arbitration through specialized blockchain dispute resolution services
• Traditional legal proceedings as a last resort

12. Contact and Governance Information

For questions about these Terms or the ZKyNet Network:

Community Resources