Legal

    Terms of Service

    Effective date: March 10, 2026  ·  Last updated: March 10, 2026

    The short version: Use these tools responsibly, respect the Nostr protocol and the communities built around it, and understand that most of this software is provided as-is. Bitcoin and Lightning are real money — use them accordingly.

    These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of all applications, tools, bots, and services created and maintained by Derek Ross ("I," "me," or "my"), including but not limited to: Nostr Plebs, Nostr Nests, YakBak, Zappix, Plektos, ZapTrax, Zaplytics, diVine, Bluestrbot, and other projects hosted at derekross.me. By accessing or using any of these applications, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the services.

    1. Eligibility

    You must be at least 13 years of age to use these services. By using them, you represent that you meet this requirement and that you have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms.

    2. Description of Services

    My applications are open-source tools built on top of the Nostr protocol, Bitcoin, and the Lightning Network. They are designed to empower users with decentralized communication, Bitcoin payments, content creation, and social media automation. Features vary by application and may change over time.

    3. Your Responsibilities

    By using these services, you agree to:

    • ›Use the services only for lawful purposes and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
    • ›Not use the services to harass, spam, or harm other users or the broader Nostr community
    • ›Not attempt to reverse-engineer, exploit, or abuse the services in ways that degrade performance for other users
    • ›Safeguard your own private keys (nsec) — I have no ability to recover lost keys and am not responsible for lost funds resulting from key mismanagement
    • ›Comply with the terms of any third-party platforms you connect (e.g., TikTok, X, LinkedIn) through integration features
    • ›Not use automated cross-posting or bot features in ways that violate the terms of service of connected platforms

    4. Bitcoin and Lightning Network

    ⚠️ Bitcoin and Lightning Network transactions are irreversible. Once a payment is sent, it cannot be recalled. Use these features carefully and only send amounts you are prepared to lose in the event of a technical failure.

    I am not a financial institution, money transmitter, or payment processor. My applications facilitate interactions with open, decentralized protocols. I have no custody or control over your Bitcoin or Lightning funds.

    5. Nostr Protocol

    Nostr is a decentralized, censorship-resistant protocol. Events you publish through my applications are broadcast to public relays and may be stored, republished, or indexed by third parties beyond my control. I cannot delete or modify events once they are published to the network.

    Your Nostr private key (nsec) is your identity. Never share it with anyone, including me. My applications do not require or request your private key.

    6. Third-Party Integrations

    Some features involve connecting third-party accounts (TikTok, X, LinkedIn, etc.). You are responsible for ensuring your use of these integrations complies with those platforms' terms of service. I am not responsible for account suspensions, content removals, or other actions taken by third-party platforms.

    7. Intellectual Property

    My applications are generally released as open-source software. Refer to the license file in each project's repository for specific terms. The name "Derek Ross," associated branding, and content on derekross.me are my property and may not be used without permission.

    8. Disclaimer of Warranties

    These services are provided "as is" and "as available" without warranty of any kind, express or implied. I make no guarantees that:

    • ›The services will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure
    • ›Any content posted to Nostr relays will be stored or remain available
    • ›Cross-posting integrations will function continuously as third-party APIs change
    • ›Lightning payments will route successfully under all network conditions

    9. Limitation of Liability

    To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, I shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages — including loss of funds, data, or profits — arising from your use of or inability to use these services, even if I have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

    My total liability to you for any claim arising under these Terms shall not exceed the amount you paid me (if any) in the 12 months preceding the claim.

    10. Modifications to Services and Terms

    I reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any service at any time without notice. I may also update these Terms at any time. Continued use of the services after changes take effect constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

    11. Governing Law

    These Terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

    12. Contact

    Questions about these Terms? Reach me at: