SPARK DATING

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Welcome to Spark Dating!

To make it easier for you to understand the terms on which we provide our services, we’ve tried to keep these terms of use (Terms) as simple as possible by using plain English.

When we talk about “Spark Dating,” “we,” “our,” or “us” in these Terms, we are referring to Spark Dating, an Australian business with ABN 68 860 645 230. When we talk about the “App” in these Terms, we are referring to our mobile application available on the Apple iOS Store and the Google Play Store, our website, and any associated services we offer.

We’ve also used a few other capitalised words and phrases as shorthand to refer to recurring concepts. Each of these are defined in bold and in brackets after the concepts are first mentioned.

1. INTRODUCTION

These Terms set out the terms and conditions that apply when you use the App.

By using the App, or otherwise engaging with the content on the App, you represent and warrant that you are a resident of Australia, are at least 18 years old, have the legal capacity to enter into a binding legal agreement with us, and you agree to be bound by these Terms. Users must verify their age and residency upon registration. If we discover that a user is underage or not a resident of Australia, we will terminate their account immediately. Spark Dating reserves the right to request proof of age and residency at any time.

Please have a careful read through these Terms before using the App. If you don’t agree to these Terms, please don’t use the App.

We may modify our Terms from time to time. If we do, we will post a note on this page or email you. If you continue to use the App after we modify our Terms, you’ll be taken to have agreed to the Terms as modified.

2. ACCOUNT REGISTRATION

In order to use the App, you will be required to sign up for an account (Social Account).

When you register for a Social Account, you must provide true, accurate and complete information as requested and keep this information up to date after registration. If the information you provide is found to be false, inaccurate, incomplete, or fraudulent in any way, we may suspend or terminate your account.

You agree that you’re solely responsible for:

  • (a)      maintaining the confidentiality and security of your Social Account information and your password; and
  • (b)      any activities and those of any third party that occur through your Social Account, whether those activities have been authorised by you or not.

You also agree to let us know if you detect any unusual activity on your account as soon as you become aware of it.

We won’t be responsible to you for, and expressly disclaim any liability for, any cost, loss, damages or expenses arising out of a failure by you to maintain the security of your Social Account information or your password.

3. FEES

3.1 FEES

We do not charge any fees to use the basic features of our App. Use of our App is free of charge for all users and subject to these terms and conditions only. Additional features are available with a Subscription Plan.

3.2 SUBSCRIPTIONS

Users have the option to enhance their experience on the App by subscribing to our premium plans: Spark Plus and Spark Ultra (collectively the Subscription Plans).

  • (a)     Spark Plus: For a subscription fee of $29 per month, users will receive:
    • 1 spotlight per week for 1 hour to increase profile visibility.
    • Unlimited backtracks to revisit previous profiles.
    • Access to extra filter features for improved matching.
    • Unlimited likes to express interest in other users.
    • 2 super sparks per week, which function similarly to a super like on Tinder, to show heightened interest in other profiles.
  • (b)     Spark Ultra: For a subscription fee of $39 per month, users will receive:
    • 3 spotlights per week for 1 hour each to significantly enhance profile visibility.
    • Unlimited backtracks to revisit previous profiles.
    • The ability to see who likes them, offering insight into potential connections.
    • Access to extra filter features for refined matching.
    • Unlimited likes to express interest in other users.
    • 5 super sparks per week to show heightened interest in other profiles.
    • Priority visibility, ensuring people you like will see you sooner.
    • Dark mode, which is visible only to users you like, providing a unique profile viewing experience.
  • (c)      Spark Dating reserves the right to modify the features, pricing, and terms of the Subscription Plans at any time. We will provide you with reasonable notice of any such changes through the email address associated with your Social Account or via an in-app notification. Continued use of the Subscription Plans after the effective date of the changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Subscription Plans and pricing.

3.3 PAYMENT METHODS

We may use third party payment providers (Payment Providers) to collect payments. The processing of payments by the Payment Provider will be, in addition to these Terms, subject to the terms, conditions and privacy policies of the Payment Provider and we are not liable for the security or performance of the Payment Provider. We reserve the right to correct, or to instruct our Payment Provider to correct, any errors or mistakes in collecting your payment. We may utilise Payment Providers such as Stripe, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal.

3.4 GST AND SURCHARGES

All fees for Subscription Plans, including Spark Plus and Spark Ultra, are inclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST) as applicable under Australian law. Please note that any surcharges or additional fees imposed by third-party service providers, such as Payment Providers, may be charged on top of the Subscription Plan fees where applicable.

4. REFUNDS

Except as otherwise set out on our website or required by law (including the Australian Consumer Law), we generally don’t offer refunds and any refunds we issue will be solely at our discretion. Please let us know if you have any issues with our App that you think should entitle you to a refund and we’ll consider your situation.

5. ACCEPTABLE USE

We’ll need you to make a few promises about the way you’ll use the App. You agree:

  • (a)      not to copy, reproduce, translate, adapt, vary, or modify the App without our express consent;
  • (b)      not to use the App in a manner that is illegal or fraudulent or facilitates illegal or fraudulent activity;
  • (c)      not harass, intimidate, bully, or threaten any other users of the App in any manner. This includes, but is not limited to, sending unwelcome communications, making derogatory comments, or engaging in behaviour that creates a hostile environment for other users of the App;
  • (d)      not encourage, conduct or promote hate speech, including but not limited to, religious slurs, racist remarks, sexist comments, or any other language that promotes discrimination, violence, or hatred against individuals or groups based on attributes such as race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability; and you must not engage in such activity;
  • (e)      not to use the App for the purpose of distributing unsolicited commercial content, junk mail, spam, bulk content, or harassment;
  • (f)      not provide any credit card, banking information, government identifier or other significant information or identifier on the App or to other users;
  • (g)      not to attempt to breach the security of the App or Spark Dating’s system security, or otherwise interfere with the normal function of the App, including by:
    • gaining unauthorised access to Social Accounts or data about other users of the App;
    • scanning, probing, or testing the App for security vulnerabilities;
    • overload, flood, mailbomb, crash or submit a virus to the App or Spark Dating’s system; or
    • instigate or participate in a denial-of-service attack against the App or Spark Dating’s system.
  • (h)      where applicable, to ensure that any third parties, your employees, sub-contractors, and other agents who you have authorised to use or access the App comply with the Terms.
  • (i)      that Spark Dating does not conduct background checks on users but reserves the right to do so at its discretion. You should exercise caution in all interactions and communicate any concerns about another user’s behaviour to Spark Dating.
  • (j)      to conduct yourself in a respectful and polite manner and undertake your best efforts to truthfully create your profile, genuinely interact and communicate with other users, to find a spark!

6. YOUR CONTENT

6.1 TYPES OF CONTENT

As part of using the App, you’ll be uploading images, content, information and materials you share with us or the public (including feedback, suggestions and enhancement requests), including by using the features of the app, sharing content via the app on social media or by contacting us, or when you register a Social Account (Posted Materials).

6.2 POSTED MATERIALS

By providing or posting any Posted Materials, you represent and warrant that:

  • (a)      you are authorised to provide the Posted Materials;
  • (b)      the Posted Materials are free from any harmful, discriminatory, defamatory, or maliciously false implications and do not contain any offensive or explicit material;
  • (c)      the Posted Materials are not “passing off” of any product or service and do not constitute unfair competition;
  • (d)      the Posted Materials do not infringe any and all present and future intellectual and industrial property rights throughout the world (whether registered or unregistered), including copyright, trademarks, designs, patents, moral rights, semiconductor and circuit layout rights, trade, business, company and domain names, and other proprietary rights, trade secrets, know-how, technical data, confidential information and the right to have information kept confidential, or any rights to registration of such rights (including renewal), whether created before or after the date of this agreement (Intellectual Property Rights);
  • (e)      the Posted Materials are accurate and true at the time they are provided;
  • (f)      any Posted Materials which are in the form of a review or feedback is honest, accurate and presents a fair view of the relevant person and/or your experience;
  • (g)      the Posted Materials do not contain any viruses or other harmful code, or otherwise compromise the security or integrity of any network or system; and
  • (h)      the Posted Materials do not breach or infringe any applicable laws, regulations, or orders.

6.3 POSTED MATERIALS – IP LICENCE

By uploading any Posted Materials, you grant to Spark Dating (and its agents or service providers) a perpetual, irrevocable, transferable, worldwide and royalty-free licence (including the right to sublicense) to use, copy, modify, reproduce and adapt any Intellectual Property Rights in that Posted Material to the extent necessary for Spark Dating to provide the App.

6.4 REMOVAL OF POSTED MATERIALS

We don’t have any obligations to screen Posted Materials in advance of them being posted and your compliance with these Terms is your responsibility. However, we may review and remove any Posted Materials that we reasonably believe violate these Terms, infringe any third party rights, or are otherwise inappropriate, at any time without giving any explanation or justification for removing the material and/or information.

6.5 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INFRINGEMENT

If you believe that any content on the App infringes your intellectual property rights, please contact us immediately at info@spark-dating.com.au with detailed information to enable us to investigate and address the issue promptly.

7. OUR CONTENT

Unless we indicate otherwise, all materials used in the App (including text, graphics, logos, icons, sound recordings and software) are subject to Intellectual Property Rights that are owned or licensed by us.

You can only access and use these materials for the sole purpose of enabling you to use the App in accordance with the plan you are on, except to the extent permitted by law or where you have received prior written approval from us.

8. USER REPORTS AND CONTENT MONITORING

Users are encouraged to report any content or behaviour that violates these Terms. Spark Dating reserves the right to monitor communications and content on the App to ensure compliance with these Terms and to take appropriate action, including removing content or suspending accounts.

9. DATA USE AND ANALYTICS

By using the App, you consent to the collection and use of your data for analytics and improvement of the App. Spark Dating may use aggregated, non-identifiable data for research and development purposes to enhance user experience.

10. SECURITY

  • (a)      We do not accept responsibility for any unauthorised use, destruction, loss, damage or alteration to your data or information (including Posted Materials), your computer systems, mobile phones or other electronic devices arising in connection with use of the App. You should take your own precautions to ensure that the process which you employ for accessing the App does not expose you to the risk of hacking, malware, ransomware, viruses, malicious computer code or other forms of interference.
  • (b)      Spark Dating does not collect or store any credit card details, bank account information, government identifiers, Medicare details, or any other significantly important documentation or identifiers. Users are expressly prohibited from providing such sensitive information on the App and do so at their own risk. In the event that a user receives any request for this information purporting to be from Spark Dating, the user must not comply and should immediately contact Spark Dating at info@spark-dating.com.au to report the incident. Spark Dating will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the provision of such information on the App.
  • (c)      We will make all best efforts to monitor user profiles and remove any Social Accounts that are identified as bots. However, Spark Dating is not liable for the presence of such accounts, or any interactions users may have with them. Users are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to help us maintain a secure and genuine user environment.

11. THIRD PARTIES

11.1 THIRD PARTY CONTENT

The App may contain text, images, data, and other content provided by a third party (Third Party Content). We’re not responsible for any of this Third Party Content and we make no representation or warranty about the quality, suitability, accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any Third Party Content.

11.2 THIRD PARTY LINKS

The App may also contain links to websites operated by third parties (Third Party Links). Third Party Links are provided for convenience and may not remain current or be maintained. We do not endorse and are not responsible for Third Party Links and have no control over or rights in linked websites.

11.3 THIRD PARTY TERMS AND CONDITIONS

By using the App, or any other third party service, you acknowledge and agree that third party terms & conditions (Third Party Terms) may apply (including app store providers such as Apple and Google).

You agree to any Third Party Terms applicable to any third party goods and services, and Spark Dating will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by you in connection with such Third Party Terms.

12. NOTICE REGARDING APPLE AND GOOGLE

If you are accessing the App from the Apple, Inc. (Apple) iOS Store, you acknowledge and agree:

  • (a)      these Terms are between you and Spark Dating and not with Apple. Apple is not responsible for the App or any content available on the App;
  • (b)      Apple has no obligation whatsoever to furnish any maintenance and support services for the App;
  • (c)      in the event of any failure of Spark Dating to conform to any applicable warranty, you may notify Apple, and Apple may refund the price for the App (if applicable). To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Apple will have no other warranty obligation whatsoever with respect to the App, and any other claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs of expenses attributable to any failure to conform to any warranty will be Spark Dating’s responsibility;
  • (d)      Apple is not responsible for addressing any claims by you or any third party relating to the App, including, but not limited to:
    • product liability claims;
    • any claim that the App fails to conform to any applicable legal or regulatory requirement; and
    • claims arising under consumer protection, privacy, or similar legislation;
  • (e)      in the event of any third party claim that the App or your use of the App infringes any third party’s intellectual property rights, Apple will not be responsible for the investigation, defence, settlement, and discharge of any such claim;
  • (f)      that you represent and warrant that:
    • you are not located in a country that is subject to a U.S. Government embargo, or that has been designated by the U.S. Government as a “terrorist supporting’” country; and
    • you are not listed on any U.S. Government list of prohibited or restricted parties;
  • (g)      you must comply with applicable third party terms of agreement when using the App;
  • (h)      Apple, and their subsidiaries, are third party beneficiaries of these Terms, and that, upon your acceptance of these Terms, Apple/Google will have the right (and will be deemed to have accepted the right) to enforce these Terms against you as a third party beneficiary; and
  • (i)      to the Apple iOS Store Terms of Service (as amended from time to time) before using our App; and Google Play’s Terms of Service (as amended from time to time) will apply if you download the App through the Google Play Store.

You acknowledge that the App is dependent on software and hardware developed by third party providers such as Apple and Google. If following an update by such third-party provider, the App can no longer function as they did prior to the update, we will not (to the maximum extent permitted by law) be liable to you for any loss or damage you might suffer as a result.

13. LOCATION BASED SERVICES

The App may offer features that are based on your location. You consent to the collection and use of your location data to provide these services. You can deactivate location-based services at any time through your device settings.

14. SERVICE LIMITATIONS

The App is made available to you strictly on an ‘as is’ basis. We can’t guarantee, and make no warranties, to the extent permitted by law, that:

  • (a)      the App will be free from errors or defects;
  • (b)      the App will be accessible or available at all times;
  • (c)      messages sent through the App will be delivered promptly, or delivered at all;
  • (d)      information you receive or supply through the App will be secure or confidential; or
  • (e)      any information provided through the App is accurate or true.

15. LIABILITY

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Spark Dating limits all liability to any person for loss or damage of any kind, however arising whether in contract, tort (including negligence), statute, equity, indemnity or otherwise, arising from or relating in any way to the App to $100 (AUD) in aggregate. This includes the transmission of any computer virus.

You agree to indemnify Spark Dating and its employees, contractors, and agents in respect of all liability for loss, damage or injury which may be suffered by any person arising from, or in connection with, you or your representatives use of the App and/or breach of these Terms.

All express or implied representations and warranties given by us are, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, excluded.

Nothing in this agreement is intended to limit the operation of the Australian Consumer Law contained in the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) (ACL). Under the ACL, you may be entitled to certain remedies (such as a refund) if there is a failure with the goods or App we provide.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, under no circumstances will Spark Dating be liable for any incidental, special or consequential loss or damages, or damages for loss of data, business or business opportunity, goodwill, anticipated savings, profits or revenue arising under or in connection with the App, these Terms or their subject matter (except to the extent this liability cannot be excluded under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)).

16. CANCELLATION

16.1 CANCELLATION BY YOU

You are responsible for the cancellation of your Social Account. You can cancel your Social Account at any time by using the functionality provided in the app.

16.2 CANCELLATION BY US

To the extent permitted by law, we reserve the right to terminate your access to any or all of the App or any part of the App at any time without notice, for any reason.

We may also terminate your access to any or all of the App at any time without notice if you breach any provision of these Terms.

16.3 CANCELLATION DUE TO INACTIVITY

Spark Dating reserves the right to terminate accounts that have been inactive for a period of 12 months. Users will be notified via email prior to termination and given an opportunity to reactivate their account.

16.4 EFFECT OF CANCELLATION

Upon cancellation, termination, or expiry of your Social Account, we will delete any Posted Materials associated with your Social Account. You won’t be able to recover any of this after cancellation, termination or expiry of your Social Account so we recommend you back up anything important to you. We won’t be responsible to you for, and expressly disclaim any liability for, any cost, loss, damages or expenses arising out the cancellation, termination or expiry of your Social Account.

16.5 SURVIVAL

Any clause that by its nature would reasonably be expected to be performed after the termination or expiry of this agreement will survive and be enforceable after such termination or expiry.

17. PRIVACY

You agree to be bound by the clauses outlined in Spark Dating’s Privacy Policy, which can be found at https://www.spark-dating.com.au/privacy-policy.

18. LOCATION OF SPARK DATING

Spark Dating controls the operation of the App from headquarters located in Australia. Some of the App or parts thereof may be operated from, or hosted on mirrors or servers, at various locations outside of Australia.

We make no representation or warranty that all of the features of the App will be available to you outside of Australia or that they are permitted to be accessed outside Australia. You’re solely responsible for your decision to use the App from other locations and you acknowledge that such use may be subject to, and you are responsible for, compliance with applicable local laws in relation to your use of the App.

19. NOTICES

  • (a)      A notice or other communication to a party under this agreement must be:
    • Addressed to info@spark-dating.com.au if contacting Spark Dating;
    • in writing and in English; and
    • delivered via email to the other party, to the email address specified in this agreement, or if no email address is specified in this agreement, then the email address most regularly used by the parties to correspond regarding the subject matter of this agreement as at the date of this agreement (Email Address). The parties may update their Email Address by notice to the other party.
  • (b)      Unless the party sending the notice knows or reasonably ought to suspect that an email was not delivered to the other party’s Email Address, notice will be taken to be given:
    • 24 hours after the email was sent, unless that falls on a Saturday, Sunday or a public holiday in the state or territory whose laws govern this agreement, in which case the notice will be taken to be given on the next occurring business day in that state or territory; or
    • when replied to by the other party, whichever is earlier.

20. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

Spark Dating reserves the right to disclose any information related to you or your Social Account if required to do so by law, regulation, or in response to a valid request by a law enforcement or governmental authority. This includes but is not limited to any police investigations, regulatory compliance, or other legal reasons deemed necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of Spark Dating, its users, or the public. Such disclosure will be carried out in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

21. GENERAL

21.1 GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

This agreement is governed by the law applying in New South Wales, Australia. Each party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales, Australia and courts of appeal from them in respect of any proceedings arising out of or in connection with this agreement. Each party irrevocably waives any objection to the venue of any legal process on the basis that the process has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

21.2 WAIVER

No party to this agreement may rely on the words or conduct of any other party as a waiver of any right unless the waiver is in writing and signed by the party granting the waiver.

21.3 SEVERANCE

Any term of this agreement which is wholly or partially void or unenforceable is severed to the extent that it is void or unenforceable. The validity and enforceability of the remainder of this agreement is not limited or otherwise affected.

21.4 JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY

An obligation or a liability assumed by, or a right conferred on, two or more persons binds or benefits them jointly and severally.

21.5 ASSIGNMENT

A party cannot assign, novate, or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations under this agreement without the prior written consent of the other party.

21.6 COSTS

Except as otherwise provided in this agreement, each party must pay its own costs and expenses in connection with negotiating, preparing, executing, and performing this agreement.

21.7 ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This agreement embodies the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes any prior negotiation, conduct, arrangement, understanding or agreement, express or implied, in relation to the subject matter of this agreement.

21.8 INTERPRETATION

  • (a)      (singular and plural) words in the singular includes the plural (and vice versa);
  • (b)      (currency) a reference to $; or “dollar” is to Australian currency;
  • (c)      (gender) words indicating a gender includes the corresponding words of any other gender;
  • (d)      (defined terms) if a word or phrase is given a defined meaning, any other part of speech or grammatical form of that word or phrase has a corresponding meaning;
  • (e)      (person) a reference to “person” or “you” includes an individual, the estate of an individual, a corporation, an authority, an association, consortium, or joint venture (whether incorporated or unincorporated), a partnership, a trust, and any other entity;
  • (f)      (party) a reference to a party includes that party’s executors, administrators, successors and permitted assigns, including persons taking by way of novation and, in the case of a trustee, includes any substituted or additional trustee;
  • (g)      (this agreement) a reference to a party, clause, paragraph, schedule, exhibit, attachment, or annexure is a reference to a party, clause, paragraph, schedule, exhibit, attachment, or annexure to or of this agreement, and a reference to this agreement includes all schedules, exhibits, attachments and annexures to it;
  • (h)      (document) a reference to a document (including this agreement) is to that document as varied, novated, ratified or replaced from time to time;
  • (i)      (headings) headings and words in bold type are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation;
  • (j)      (includes) the word “includes” and similar words in any form is not a word of limitation; and
  • (k)      (adverse interpretation) no provision of this agreement will be interpreted adversely to a party because that party was responsible for the preparation of this agreement.