# 📄 Terms of Service – Funtel Stories

Last Updated: 13th March, 2025

Welcome to Funtel Stories! We sincerely thank you for being part of our growing community of writers and readers. Funtel Stories is designed to provide a creative space where authors can publish their original works and readers can enjoy, interact with, and support those creations.

Important Notice Contact Us

### 👉 Important Notice

These Terms form a legally binding agreement between you and Funtel Studio Pvt. Ltd.

You must be at least 18 years of age to use the Services. If you are under 18, you may use the Services only with the consent and supervision of a parent or legal guardian, who will be responsible for your compliance with these Terms.

This document is an electronic record under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the rules made thereunder, and does not require any physical or digital signatures to be binding. These Terms have been formulated in accordance with the Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

## 2. Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms of Service, the following words and expressions shall have the meanings set out below.

Term | Definition
--- | ---
Firm / Company / We / Our / Us | Refers to Funtel Stories, a registered partnership firm, which owns and operates the Funtel Stories Website and Application.
Website | Refers to stories.funtelstudio.com, the official online platform of Funtel Stories.
Application | Refers to the official Funtel Stories mobile app, available for download on Android and iOS.
User / You / Your | Refers to any person accessing or using the Website, Application, or Services, whether as an Author or a Reader.
Author | A User who uploads, publishes, or shares their own original literary works (stories, episodes, poems, articles, cover images, or any other creative material) on the Website/Application.
Reader | A User who accesses, consumes, or interacts with literary works published on the Website/Application by Authors or the Firm.
Published Work(s) | Refers to any creative material uploaded and published by an Author on the Website/Application, including text, images, audio, or any other format supported by the Services.
Firm Content | Refers to any literary or creative content published directly by Funtel Stories on the Website/Application.
Content | Collectively refers to Published Works uploaded by Authors and Firm Content published by Funtel Stories.
Features | Refers to additional interactive options provided by the Firm to Users for enriching their experience, including but not limited to: Submitting reviews or ratings Chat or message features to communicate with other Users Setting a username, profile photo, bio, or other profile details Following favorite Authors or saving Content for later reading
Inputs | Refers to all material, details, or information uploaded by Users while using the Features, such as reviews, messages, or profile details.
Services | Refers to all functionalities provided through the Website/Application, including publishing, reading, reviewing, interacting with Content, using Features, and accessing monetization options.

## 3. Eligibility

### Minimum Age Requirement

- You must be at least 18 years of age to access and use the Website/Application and Services independently.
- If you are under 18 years of age, you may only use the Services with the consent and supervision of a parent or legal guardian, who will be responsible for your compliance with these Terms.

### Parental/Guardian Consent

- If required by Funtel Stories, the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of a minor user must furnish written confirmation of consent.
- Without such consent, the minor user must immediately stop using/accessing the Website/Application.

### Capacity to Contract

- By using the Services, you represent and warrant that you have the full legal capacity to enter into a binding contract under applicable Indian laws.

### Jurisdiction & Compliance

- These Terms are governed by the laws of India.
- You agree to use the Services only in compliance with these Terms, applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

## 4. User Obligations

By accessing and using the Website/Application and Services of Funtel Stories, you agree to the following obligations:

### 4.1 Accuracy of Information

- You must provide complete and accurate information during registration.
- If there is any change in your details, you must update them or notify Funtel Stories in writing (e-mail permitted).
- You must not impersonate another individual (living or deceased).

### 4.2 Confidentiality

- You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials (username, password, etc.).
- Any activity carried out through your account will be deemed to have been done by you.

### 4.3 Ownership of Content

- You must ensure that any Published Works uploaded are your own original creations, or you have a valid license/assignment to use them.
- Your Published Works must not infringe upon any third party's rights, including copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity, or other proprietary rights.

### 4.4 Compliance with Guidelines

- You must follow the Community Guidelines, Content Guidelines, and all policies issued by Funtel Stories from time to time.
- Violations may result in suspension, termination, or other legal action.

### 4.5 Restrictions on Reproduction

- You may not reproduce, copy, or distribute any Content from Funtel Stories on any other medium/platform without prior written consent of Funtel Stories.

### 4.6 Permissions Granted to Funtel Stories

By publishing your works, you grant Funtel Stories a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license (until your account exists or until your works are removed) to:

- Display your name/username as the Author of your Published Works.
- Adapt, publish, reproduce, process, modify, publicly perform, and display your Published Works for the purpose of:
  - Distributing them across the Website/Application,
  - Marketing and promoting Funtel Stories and/or your Published Works,
  - Creating snippets, highlights, or combining your works with others (such as "Top Author Lists" or "Featured Stories").

### 4.7 Prohibited Activities

You must not use the Services for:

- Any illegal activities, or to encourage violation of law/third-party rights.
- Uploading materials that contain viruses, malware, or harmful code designed to disrupt systems or resources.
- Advertising or soliciting products/services through the platform (including promotions embedded in stories, comments, or messages).
- Approaching or targeting Users for spamming, poaching, or moving them to other content platforms.

### 4.8 Security Obligations

You agree not to:

- Probe, scan, or test the vulnerability of the Website/Application.
- Breach or attempt to circumvent authentication or security measures.
- Use bots, scripts, cheats, hacks, or unauthorized software to manipulate Services.
- Overburden the infrastructure of Funtel Stories with unreasonable load.

### 4.9 Fair Conduct

- You must not use fraudulent means to gain coins, earnings, or benefits under monetization programs.
- Any such wrongful activity may lead to suspension, forfeiture of earnings, and legal action.

### 4.10 Personal Use Only

- Services are provided for personal, non-commercial use unless otherwise permitted.
- You may not exploit, trace, or collect information about other Users without authorization.

### 4.11 Trademark & Branding

- You must not misuse or imitate the trademark, logo, design, or brand identity of Funtel Stories for unauthorized purposes.

### 4.12 Non-Disparagement

- You must not engage in any action that may harm the reputation of Funtel Stories, its partners, or its community.

## 5. Rights of the Firm

By using Funtel Stories, you acknowledge and agree that the Firm reserves the following rights:

### 5.1 Removal of Content

Funtel Stories may remove, block, or restrict access to any Published Work(s), Inputs, or Content that it considers:

- Objectionable, offensive, or inappropriate
- In violation of these Terms, Community Guidelines, or applicable law
- Reported by Users or third parties as infringing their rights

### 5.2 Suspension or Termination of Accounts

Funtel Stories reserves the right to restrict, suspend, or permanently terminate any User's account if:

- The User violates these Terms of Service or any other policies
- The User engages in illegal, fraudulent, or harmful conduct
- Required by law, government order, or in response to complaints

### 5.3 Intellectual Property

- The Website, Application, and Services, including all designs, layouts, logos, graphics, interfaces, trademarks, and brand features, are the sole property of Funtel Stories.
- Users are granted no rights over these except for limited use of the Services in accordance with these Terms.

### 5.4 Firm Content

- All Firm Content published by Funtel Stories remains the exclusive property of the Firm or its licensors.
- No part of Firm Content may be copied, redistributed, or exploited without express permission.

### 5.5 Personal Data

- Funtel Stories will collect, store, and process personal data of Users in accordance with the Privacy Policy.
- By using the Services, you consent to such collection and processing.

### 5.6 Payments & Virtual Currency

- Funtel Stories reserves the right to introduce, modify, or discontinue features related to virtual coins, subscriptions, or earnings.
- All terms related to monetization will be separately communicated and updated from time to time.

### 5.7 Legal Disclosure

The Firm may disclose information related to Users, Published Works, or Inputs when required by:

- Applicable laws,
- Government or regulatory authorities,
- Legal investigations into cybersecurity, fraud, or other violations.

### 5.8 Security Enhancements

- Funtel Stories may implement technical and security measures (including AI-driven moderation) to detect plagiarism, copyright violations, or breaches of these Terms.

## 6. Content Guidelines

All Published Works and Inputs uploaded on Funtel Stories must follow the rules below. These guidelines ensure that the platform remains a safe, respectful, and enjoyable space for all Users.

### 6.1 Prohibited Content

You must not upload, publish, or share any Content that is:

- Objectionable or unlawful, including material that is grossly harmful, harassing, defamatory, obscene, pornographic, paedophilic, invasive of another's privacy, hateful, blasphemous, or otherwise unlawful in any manner.
- Violating the rights of others, including copyright, trademark, publicity rights, privacy rights, or any other intellectual property rights.
- Sexually explicit or exploitative, including pornography or content that promotes sexual abuse or exploitation.
- Promoting illegal activities, including but not limited to money laundering, gambling, drugs, terrorism, or other criminal conduct.
- Containing viruses or harmful code designed to disrupt, destroy, or limit functionality of systems.

### 6.2 National Interest & Public Order

Content must not:

- Threaten the sovereignty, security, integrity, or defense of India.
- Affect friendly relations with foreign states.
- Disturb public order or incite the commission of any cognizable offence.
- Insult any nation, community, or protected group.

### 6.3 Protection of Minors

- Content that exploits, harms, or endangers minors in any way is strictly prohibited.
- This includes sexually suggestive depictions, abusive content, or material encouraging unsafe behavior.

### 6.4 Misleading or Offensive Content

- Do not upload Content that deceives or misleads readers about its origin.
- Avoid material that is grossly offensive, abusive, or threatening in nature.

### 6.5 Reader Reviews & Inputs

- Reviews and comments must be constructive and respectful.
- Hate speech, personal attacks, spam, or promotional content in reviews will not be tolerated.

### 6.6 Responsibility for Content

- Authors are solely responsible for ensuring that their Published Works comply with these guidelines.
- Readers are responsible for ensuring that their comments, reviews, and messages follow these standards.

## 7. Monetization

Funtel Stories provides Authors with opportunities to earn money from their Published Works through various Monetization Plans. By participating, you agree to the following terms:

### 7.1 Monetization Plans

The Firm may introduce different monetization models, including but not limited to:

- Subscription Plans – Readers may pay a recurring fee to access premium stories or sections.
- Pay-Per-Episode / Unlocks – Certain chapters or episodes may be locked and accessible only upon payment.
- Reader Contributions / Tips – Readers may voluntarily support Authors with small payments or "virtual gifts."
- Competitions & Rewards – Authors may earn cash prizes by participating in contests organized by the Firm.
- Licensing & Adaptations – Selected stories may be adapted into audio, video, or OTT productions, with Authors receiving royalties.

### 7.2 Virtual Coins / Credits

- Some Monetization Plans may operate through virtual coins or credits that Readers purchase via supported payment channels.
- Coins/credits have no real-world currency value and can only be used within the Application.
- Once purchased, coins/credits are non-refundable unless otherwise required by law.
- Promotional or bonus coins/credits may be issued by the Firm and will be applied first during redemption.

### 7.3 Earnings for Authors

- Eligible Authors will earn a share of revenue from Monetization Plans based on usage parameters such as reads, unlocks, or contributions.
- The revenue share percentage will be communicated separately in the Author Earnings Policy and may be revised from time to time.
- Earnings will be credited to the Author's account and may be withdrawn to their linked bank account once they reach the minimum payout threshold (e.g., ₹100).
- Payments will be subject to applicable taxes, deductions, and banking charges. Authors are solely responsible for compliance with tax laws.

### 7.4 Independent Contractor Status

- Authors are considered independent contractors, not employees or agents of Funtel Stories.
- Earnings are in the nature of revenue share, not salary, wages, or employment benefits.

### 7.5 Non-Transferability

- Coins/credits purchased by Readers and Earnings received by Authors are non-transferable to other Users.
- Any benefits unlocked using coins/credits or subscriptions cannot be reassigned or sold.

### 7.6 Forfeiture of Earnings

- If a User's account is terminated for violation of these Terms, all unused coins/credits and unpaid earnings may be forfeited.
- Inactivity for a period of 12 months may also lead to forfeiture of unused coins/credits and pending earnings, unless the User updates their details as requested.

### 7.7 Refund Policy

- Subscription or coin/credit payments are generally non-refundable.

## 8. Firm as Intermediary

### 8.1 User Control over Content

- Funtel Stories acts only as a platform provider.
- All Published Works and Inputs are created, uploaded, and controlled solely by the respective Authors or Users.
- The Firm does not edit, alter, or interfere with the Content except as required under these Terms or by law.

### 8.2 Intermediary Role under Indian Law

- Funtel Stories is an "intermediary" as defined under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and related rules.
- As an intermediary, the Firm is not liable for any Content posted by Users, provided it complies with legal requirements.
- Responsibility for the Content rests entirely with the User who uploads it.

### 8.3 Legal Compliance

- If any Published Work or Input is found to be in violation of applicable laws (e.g., IT Act, Copyright Act, Penal Code), the Firm is obligated to take down such Content when notified by:
  - A competent authority,
  - A court of law, or
  - Any lawful investigation agency.
- Users must comply with and accept such actions without dispute.

### 8.4 Duty to Act on Complaints

Upon receiving a valid complaint regarding objectionable or unlawful Content, the Firm will:

- Review the complaint,
- Take down or restrict access to the Content (if justified), and
- Inform the concerned User of the action taken.

## 9. Liability & Indemnity

### 9.1 No Warranty of Service

All Services and Content on Funtel Stories are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis.

The Firm does not warrant that:

- The Website/Application will function without errors, interruptions, or delays.
- The Services will be free from viruses, malware, or harmful components.
- All Content available on the platform is accurate, reliable, or up to date.

Users access the Services at their own risk.

### 9.2 Disclaimer of Endorsement

- Funtel Stories does not endorse, support, or verify any Published Works uploaded by Authors.
- The views expressed in Published Works are solely those of the respective Authors.

### 9.3 User Responsibility for Breach

- You are solely responsible for any violation of these Terms or applicable laws.
- You will also be liable for any harm caused to the Firm, its partners, or other Users due to your actions.

### 9.4 Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Funtel Stories, its partners, employees, and associates from any claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses (including legal costs) arising from:

- Your use of the Services,
- Any Content you upload or publish,
- Your breach of these Terms,
- Your violation of third-party rights.

The Firm reserves the right to defend itself in such cases and recover costs from you.

### 9.5 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Funtel Stories shall not be liable for:

- Indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages,
- Loss of profits, goodwill, data, or reputation,
- Any technical failures, downtime, or interruptions in Services.

The total aggregate liability of Funtel Stories, for any claim arising out of or related to your use of the Services, shall not exceed ₹10,000 (Indian Rupees Ten Thousand only).

## 10. Grievance Redressal

### 10.1 Appointment of Grievance Officer

In accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, Funtel Stories has designated a Grievance Officer to address user concerns.

### 10.2 How to File a Complaint

If you believe that any Content on Funtel Stories:

- Violates these Terms of Service,
- Breaches your rights (including copyright, privacy, or publicity rights),
- Is unlawful, harmful, or objectionable,

you may submit a complaint by contacting our Grievance Officer with the following details:

- Your full name, contact details (address, phone number, valid email ID).
- Description of the Content alleged to be in violation.
- Nature of the complaint (e.g., copyright infringement, abusive content, privacy violation).
- Exact URL or location of the Content on the Website/Application.
- Supporting documents, if any, to substantiate the claim.
- Signed declaration (physical or electronic signature) confirming that the information provided is true and accurate.

### 10.3 Resolution Timeline

- The Firm will acknowledge your complaint within 48 hours.
- A decision on the complaint will be taken within 15 (fifteen) days of receipt.
- If Content is found to be in violation, it may be removed or restricted, and further action may be taken against the User responsible.

### 10.4 Contact Details

### Grievance Officer

📧 Email: contact@funtelstories.com

📍 Address: 8th Floor, Balaji Infotech Park, Plot No. A-278, Wagle Industrial Estate, Road No. 16 A, Lane Next to Wagale Police Station, Thane (W) - 400 604

## 11. Miscellaneous

### 11.1 Modification of Terms

- Funtel Stories reserves the right to amend, update, or modify these Terms of Service at any time.
- Such modifications will take effect immediately upon being posted on the Website/Application.
- Users are responsible for reviewing the Terms regularly to stay updated. Continued use of the Services after such changes will be considered as acceptance of the revised Terms.

### 11.2 Governing Law & Jurisdiction

- These Terms, Privacy Policy, and all related policies are governed by the laws of India.
- Any disputes arising between Users and the Firm shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts at [Insert City, India].

### 11.3 Conflict of Language Versions

- In case of any conflict between the English version of these Terms and any translated version (including Hindi), the English version shall prevail.

### 11.4 Assignment

- The rights and obligations under these Terms are personal to each User and cannot be assigned to any third party without written consent of the Firm.
- However, Funtel Stories may assign its rights and obligations under these Terms to its partners, successors, or affiliates (for example, in the event of a merger, restructuring, or expansion).

### 11.5 Severability

- If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, the remaining provisions shall remain valid and enforceable.

### 11.6 Entire Agreement

- These Terms, along with the Privacy Policy, Community Guidelines, and any additional policies published by Funtel Stories, constitute the entire agreement between the User and the Firm.