The 1870 Project

Terms of Service

Last updated: August 1, 2025

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1. Service Overview

The 1870 Project provides AI-powered genealogy research services through a token-based billing system. By using our service, you agree to these terms.

2. Token-Based Billing

  • Free Trial: 3 free searches per session
  • Token Packages: Purchase additional tokens as needed
  • No Refunds: Tokens are consumed upon service use
  • Expiration: Tokens expire 30 days after purchase
  • Pricing: Discovery searches cost $0.10 each
  • Session Recovery: Save your session link to restore tokens after clearing browser data

Note: Your tokens are stored in two places: (1) your browser's local storage, and (2) our secure AWS database. Clearing browser data erases the session token from your browser, making your remaining tokens inaccessible. Always save your session link before clearing browser data.

3. Service Limitations

  • Historical Accuracy: Results based on available historical records
  • AI-Generated Content: Portraits and stories are artistic interpretations
  • Data Availability: Not all ancestors may have discoverable records
  • Service Availability: 99.9% uptime target, no guarantee
  • Research Guidance: External archive links provided as courtesy; we are not responsible for third-party content

4. User Responsibilities

  • Accurate Information: Provide correct ancestor details for best results
  • Appropriate Use: No automated queries or system abuse
  • Rate Limits: Respect usage limits to ensure fair access
  • Legal Compliance: Use service in accordance with applicable laws

5. Privacy & Data

  • No Permanent Storage: Research data not retained after session
  • Session-Based: Session tokens stored in browser and AWS database
  • Browser Clearing: Clearing browser data erases your session token locally (tokens remain in database but become inaccessible)
  • Session Recovery: Save your session link to restore access after clearing browser
  • Export Rights: Download your research anytime during session
  • Privacy Policy: See our Privacy Policy for details

6. Intellectual Property

  • Service Content: The 1870 Project owns platform technology
  • Historical Records: Public domain historical data
  • AI-Generated Content: You own generated portraits and stories
  • User Data: You retain rights to your genealogy research

7. Disclaimers

  • Historical Accuracy: Results are interpretations, not guaranteed facts
  • AI Limitations: Generated content is artistic, not photographic
  • Service Availability: May be interrupted for maintenance
  • Third-Party Data: Historical records from external sources

8. Limitation of Liability

The 1870 Project's liability is limited to the amount paid for tokens in the current session. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

9. Payment Terms

  • Payment Processor: Stripe handles all payments securely
  • Billing Currency: USD, prices include applicable taxes
  • Failed Payments: Service access suspended until resolved
  • Disputes: Contact the1870project@gmail.com

10. Service Modifications

We may modify services, pricing, or terms with 30 days notice. Continued use constitutes acceptance of changes.

11. Termination

  • User Termination: Stop using service anytime
  • Service Termination: We may suspend access for terms violations
  • Data Deletion: All session data automatically deleted

12. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of the United States. Disputes resolved through binding arbitration.

13. AI-Generated Content

AI-generated portraits are artistic interpretations created by machine learning models trained on historical photography styles. They are NOT real photographs and should NOT be uploaded to genealogy databases as historical evidence.

Prohibited Uses

  • Uploading to FamilySearch, Ancestry, MyHeritage, or similar databases as "real" photos
  • Representing as authentic historical photographs
  • Using to mislead researchers about historical accuracy
  • Commercial use without proper AI disclosure

Permitted Uses

  • Personal family history projects and presentations
  • Educational purposes with clear AI disclosure
  • Artistic family tree visualizations
  • Social media sharing with AI disclosure

Watermark Policy

All AI-generated portraits include a permanent watermark stating "AI GENERATED - NOT A REAL PHOTO" to prevent confusion with authentic historical photographs. Removing or obscuring this watermark violates these terms.

14. Contact Information

Questions about these terms? Contact us at the1870project@gmail.com

📋 Quick Summary

  • ✅ Pay-per-use tokens, no subscriptions
  • ✅ 3 free searches per session to try
  • ✅ Your data expires after 24 hours
  • ✅ Export your research anytime
  • ✅ AI content is artistic interpretation
  • ✅ Historical accuracy not guaranteed