Terms of Service
Last updated: January 2025
1. Introduction
These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of HideFile ("Service," "we," "us," or "our"), a browser-based file encryption tool available at hidefile.app.
By accessing or using HideFile, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the Service.
2. Service description
HideFile is a privacy-focused file encryption tool that allows you to:
- Lock private files inside an ordinary cover photo, video, or PDF
- Process files locally in your browser
- Store and manage locked files on your own device
Important: HideFile processes files locally on your device. We do not upload, store, receive, or have access to your files or their contents.
3. Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction) to use HideFile. By using the Service, you represent that you meet this requirement.
4. Account and license
4.1 Free tier
The free version of HideFile is provided without requiring an account. Usage is subject to the limitations described on our pricing page.
4.2 Pro tier
The Pro version requires purchase through our payment processor, Paddle. Your Pro license is:
- Personal and non-transferable
- Valid for the license term purchased (monthly, yearly, or lifetime)
- Subject to occasional online verification
4.3 License grant
We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use HideFile for personal or internal business purposes in accordance with these Terms.
5. Acceptable use
You agree to use HideFile only for lawful purposes. You may NOT use HideFile to:
- Violate any applicable law or regulation
- Infringe on the rights of others
- Store, lock, or transmit illegal content
- Circumvent any technological protection measures where prohibited by law
- Interfere with or disrupt the Service
You are solely responsible for:
- The content you lock
- Compliance with laws in your jurisdiction
- Maintaining the security of your passwords
- Any consequences of losing access to your locked files
6. Payments and billing
6.1 Payment processor
All payments are processed by Paddle.com Market Limited ("Paddle"), who acts as our Merchant of Record. When you make a purchase, you are purchasing from Paddle.
6.2 Pricing
Current pricing is displayed on our website. Prices may change, but changes will not affect existing paid subscriptions until renewal.
6.3 Subscriptions
If you purchase a subscription (monthly or yearly):
- Your subscription will automatically renew unless cancelled
- You may cancel at any time through Paddle's customer portal
- Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period
6.4 Taxes
Paddle handles all applicable sales taxes, VAT, and other transaction taxes on our behalf.
7. Refund policy
We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on all purchases.
7.1 How to request a refund
To request a refund within 30 days of purchase:
- Visit paddle.net
- Enter your email or transaction details
- Request a refund through the support chat
7.2 Refund processing
Refunds are processed by Paddle and typically appear within 5-10 business days, depending on your payment method and financial institution.
7.3 After 30 days
Refund requests after 30 days are handled on a case-by-case basis. Contact support@hidefile.app.
7.4 Lifetime licenses
Lifetime licenses are also covered by the 30-day money-back guarantee. After 30 days, lifetime licenses are non-refundable.
8. Intellectual property
8.1 Our property
HideFile, including its design, code, features, and documentation, is owned by us and protected by intellectual property laws.
8.2 Your content
You retain all rights to the files you lock using HideFile. We claim no ownership or rights to your content.
8.3 Feedback
If you provide feedback or suggestions about HideFile, you grant us the right to use that feedback without obligation to you.
9. Privacy
Your privacy is important to us. Please review our Privacy Policy for information about how we handle data.
Key points:
- We do not receive, store, or access your locked files
- File processing happens locally in your browser
- We collect minimal data necessary to operate the Service
10. Disclaimers
10.1 "As is" service
HideFile is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to:
- Merchantability
- Fitness for a particular purpose
- Non-infringement
- Security or accuracy
10.2 No guarantee of absolute security
While HideFile uses strong encryption, no security system is perfect. See How HideFile protects you for exactly how it works. Security depends significantly on:
- The strength of your password
- The security of your device
- Your own security practices
10.3 Password recovery
We cannot recover lost passwords. If you lose your password, your locked files cannot be recovered. You are solely responsible for maintaining access to your passwords.
10.4 File integrity
Some applications and services may re-save, recompress, or strip metadata from a cover file in ways that damage the locked files sealed inside it, so they can no longer be unlocked. This does not expose your files — they stay sealed and unreadable either way — but it can mean permanent data loss. We are not responsible for data loss caused by third-party services modifying your cover files this way.
11. Limitation of liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law:
- We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
- We are not liable for any loss of data, profits, or goodwill
- Our total liability is limited to the amount you paid us in the 12 months preceding the claim
These limitations apply regardless of the theory of liability (contract, tort, strict liability, or otherwise).
12. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless HideFile, its officers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from:
- Your use of HideFile
- Your violation of these Terms
- Your violation of any law or rights of a third party
- Content you lock or store using HideFile
13. Changes to terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. If we make material changes:
- We will post the updated Terms on our website
- We will update the "Last updated" date
- For significant changes, we may notify you by email (if we have your email)
Continued use of HideFile after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.
14. Termination
14.1 By you
You may stop using HideFile at any time. To cancel a paid subscription, use Paddle's customer portal at paddle.net.
14.2 By us
We may suspend or terminate your access to HideFile if:
- You violate these Terms
- We are required to do so by law
- We discontinue the Service
14.3 Effect of termination
Upon termination:
- Your license to use HideFile ends
- Files you've already locked remain accessible with your password (files are stored locally, not with us)
- No refund is due for the remaining subscription period, except as required by law
15. General provisions
15.1 Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect.
15.2 Entire agreement
These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and Refund Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and us regarding HideFile.
15.3 No waiver
Our failure to enforce any right or provision does not waive that right or provision.
15.4 Assignment
You may not assign your rights under these Terms. We may assign our rights without restriction.
16. Contact us
For questions about these Terms:
Email: support@hidefile.app
Website: hidefile.app
For payment-related inquiries (refunds, billing, subscriptions):
Paddle Support: paddle.net
By using HideFile, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.