Terms of Service — KarooChat

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of KarooChat, a WhatsApp Business API platform operated by Jarryd Long ("we", "us", "our"), a South African business. By accessing or using the platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. The Service

KarooChat provides a managed platform that enables businesses to send and receive WhatsApp messages via the official Meta WhatsApp Cloud API. The platform includes:

Automated bot flows for customer engagement
Transactional messaging via REST API
A live chat interface for human agents
Message history, contact management, and reporting tools

2. Eligibility and Account

You must be a registered business or legal entity in South Africa (or another jurisdiction where WhatsApp Business API is permitted) to use KarooChat. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account.

3. Meta and WhatsApp Compliance

KarooChat operates on top of the Meta WhatsApp Cloud API. By using this service, you agree to:

You are solely responsible for ensuring your use of WhatsApp messaging complies with all applicable Meta policies. We may suspend or terminate your account if we receive notice from Meta that your account is in violation.

4. Acceptable Use

You agree not to use KarooChat to:

Send spam, unsolicited bulk messages, or messages to numbers that have not opted in
Send messages that are illegal, fraudulent, abusive, harassing, or deceptive
Promote prohibited content as defined in WhatsApp's Business and Commerce Policies
Circumvent opt-out requests — all opt-outs must be honoured immediately
Attempt to gain unauthorised access to other accounts or the underlying infrastructure

We reserve the right to suspend your account immediately and without notice if we determine you are in violation of these terms.

5. Opt-In and Consent

You are responsible for obtaining valid opt-in consent from every contact you message through the platform, in accordance with POPIA and Meta's messaging policies. Specifically:

Transactional and promotional messages may only be sent to contacts who have explicitly opted in
You must provide a clear and easy opt-out mechanism
You must honour opt-out requests without delay

6. Data and Privacy

Your use of the platform is subject to our Privacy Policy. You acknowledge that you are the data responsible party under POPIA for personal information belonging to your customers, and that KarooChat processes that data as a data processor on your behalf.

7. Service Availability

We aim to provide a reliable service but do not guarantee 100% uptime. The platform depends in part on Meta's WhatsApp Cloud API, which is outside our control. We are not liable for outages or disruptions caused by Meta or other third-party infrastructure providers.

8. Intellectual Property

The KarooChat platform, including its design, code, and branding, is the property of Jarryd Long. You may not copy, modify, or redistribute any part of the platform without written permission. Your business data remains yours.

9. Fees and Payment

Pricing is agreed upon during the onboarding process. We will provide at least 30 days' notice of any changes to fees. Non-payment may result in suspension of your account.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by South African law, KarooChat and its operators shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of the platform, including but not limited to loss of revenue, data, or business opportunities. Our total liability shall not exceed the fees paid by you in the three months preceding the claim.

11. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold KarooChat harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the platform, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any third-party rights or applicable laws.

12. Termination

Either party may terminate the service relationship with 30 days' written notice. We may terminate immediately for material breach of these Terms or Meta's policies. Upon termination, your data will be deleted within 30 days unless otherwise required by law.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of South Africa.

14. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you by email of any material changes. Continued use of the platform after the effective date of changes constitutes acceptance.

15. Contact

Questions about these Terms? Get in touch via our website.