Acceptable Use Policy

Rules governing permitted and prohibited use of the Ten-Seconds Software

Version 2026.3 — Effective March 2026

1. Purpose and Scope

This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") applies to all users of the Ten-Seconds Software, whether accessing it as individual subscribers or through a B2B enterprise licence. It defines the standards of conduct required to use the Software responsibly and lawfully.

The Publisher acknowledges that the end-to-end encryption architecture technically prevents server-side monitoring of message content. This AUP represents the contractual and legal standards you agree to uphold. It does not limit the Publisher's right to terminate accounts on the basis of credible evidence of violation, and does not limit law enforcement cooperation pursuant to valid legal process.

2. Intended Use

Ten-Seconds is designed for lawful professional and personal communications where confidentiality is a legitimate priority. Appropriate use cases include:

• Internal enterprise communications on legally sensitive, commercially confidential, or strategically sensitive matters
• Legal, medical, financial, or compliance advice requiring professional confidentiality
• Journalistic communications requiring source protection under applicable press freedom law
• Executive or board-level communications requiring discretion
• Personal communications where individuals have a legitimate privacy interest

3. Absolute Prohibitions

The following uses are absolutely prohibited and will result in immediate account termination and, where legally required, notification of competent authorities:

4. Prohibited Uses

• Drug trafficking or coordination of trade in controlled substances
• Human trafficking, forced labour, or exploitation
• Financial fraud, phishing, identity theft, or social engineering
• Distribution of malware, ransomware, spyware, or exploitation tools
• Coordinated harassment, stalking, or targeted abuse campaigns
• Money laundering or evasion of financial sanctions (OFAC, EU, UN, UAE)
• Circumvention of applicable international sanctions regimes
• Unauthorised access to or interference with the Software's security mechanisms
• Resale or sharing of account credentials
• Impersonation of other persons or entities
• Any use that violates applicable UAE law or international obligations binding on the Publisher

5. User Responsibility

You are solely and entirely responsible for the content of your communications. End-to-end encryption does not exempt you from legal responsibility under the laws of your jurisdiction. You acknowledge that:

• Law enforcement agencies may independently compel access to device-level content through lawful process directed at you or your devices.
• The Publisher may be compelled to provide account-level metadata (as described in the Law Enforcement Guidelines) in response to valid legal process.
• The Software is not a substitute for legal advice regarding the lawful handling of confidential communications in your jurisdiction or professional context.

6. Enforcement

The Publisher reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts upon: credible reports from other users or third parties; valid law enforcement requests; court orders; or the Publisher's reasonable determination that use is inconsistent with this AUP. Given the encryption architecture, enforcement is primarily based on account-level information rather than content review.

7. AML / Sanctions Compliance

Users must not use the Software in violation of any applicable anti-money-laundering legislation or in connection with any transaction involving parties or jurisdictions subject to applicable sanctions. The Publisher conducts reasonable due diligence on payment transactions and reserves the right to refuse or reverse subscriptions where sanctions concerns arise.

Version 2026.3 — March 2026 — Sterling and Pierce Holding L.L.C-FZ