Terms of Use

Centre for Acceleration of Social Technology (CAST)

Worthwhile Chat Service‍

‍Effective Date: 7 January 2026‍

Last Updated: 7 January 2026‍

Version: 1.0

1. Introduction and Acceptance

1.1 Agreement Overview

These Terms of Use ("Terms", "Agreement") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User", "you", "your") and the Centre for Acceleration of Social Technology ("CAST", "we", "us", "our") regarding your access to and use of the Worthwhile Chat Service ("Service", "Platform").

By accessing, browsing, or using our Service in any manner, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and all applicable laws and regulations. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use our Service.

1.2 Service Description

The Worthwhile Chat Service is an artificial intelligence-powered conversational platform designed to provide information, assistance, and support across various topics. The Service is operated by CAST as part of our charitable mission to accelerate the development and deployment of technology for social good.

The Service utilises advanced artificial intelligence models to process user queries and generate responses. While we strive to provide accurate and helpful information, the Service is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice in any field.

1.3 Eligibility and Capacity

To use our Service, you must:

  • Be at least 13 years of age
  • Have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements
  • Not be prohibited from using the Service under applicable laws
  • Comply with all local laws and regulations in your jurisdiction

If you are between 13 and 18 years of age (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction), you represent that your parent or legal guardian has reviewed and agreed to these Terms on your behalf.

1.4 Organisational Information

CAST Details:

  • Full Name: Centre for Acceleration of Social Technology
  • Legal Status: Registered Charity in England and Wales
  • Charity Number: 1180906
  • Company Number: 11606772
  • Registered Address: 2nd Floor, 145-157 St John Street, London, EC1V 4PY, United Kingdom
  • Contact: hello@wearecast.org.uk
  • Telephone: +44 (0) 20 3897 7892

2. Service Provision and Availability

2.1 Service Scope

Our Service provides access to AI-powered conversational capabilities designed to assist users with information, analysis, and general support across various topics. The Service includes:

Core Functionality:

  • Interactive AI chat interface
  • Natural language processing and response generation
  • Conversation history and context maintenance
  • Multi-topic support and assistance
  • Basic user preference management

Additional Features:

  • User account management (where applicable)
  • Conversation export capabilities
  • Integration with third-party AI providers
  • Performance monitoring and analytics
  • Security and safety measures

2.2 Service Availability

We strive to maintain high availability of our Service, but we cannot guarantee uninterrupted access. The Service may be temporarily unavailable due to:‍

Planned Maintenance: We may perform scheduled maintenance, updates, or improvements to the Service. Where possible, we will provide advance notice of planned downtime through our website or other communication channels.

Technical Issues: The Service may experience unplanned outages due to technical problems, infrastructure failures, or other unforeseen circumstances. We will work diligently to restore service as quickly as possible.

Third-Party Dependencies: Our Service relies on third-party AI providers, cloud infrastructure, and other external services. Disruptions to these services may affect our Service availability.

Force Majeure: We are not liable for service interruptions caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, government actions, cyber attacks, or other force majeure events.

2.3 Service Modifications

We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Service at any time, with or without notice. This includes:

Feature Changes: We may add, modify, or remove features to improve the Service or comply with legal requirements.

Technical Updates: We may update underlying technology, AI models, or infrastructure to enhance performance and security.

Policy Changes: We may modify our terms, policies, or procedures to reflect changes in law, regulation, or business practices.

Service Discontinuation: In the event we decide to discontinue the Service, we will provide reasonable notice and, where feasible, assistance with data export or migration.

2.4 Beta and Experimental Features

From time to time, we may offer beta, experimental, or preview features. These features:

  • Are provided "as is" without warranties
  • May be unstable or incomplete
  • May be modified or removed without notice
  • Should not be relied upon for critical purposes
  • May have different terms or limitations

3. User Accounts and Registration

3.1 Account Creation

Depending on the Service configuration, you may be required to create an account to access certain features. When creating an account, you agree to:

Provide Accurate Information: All information provided during registration must be accurate, current, and complete. You must promptly update any changes to your information.

Maintain Account Security: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account.

Single Account Policy: You may only create one account unless explicitly authorised by us to create additional accounts.

Authorised Use Only: Your account is for your personal use only and may not be shared, transferred, or used by others without our express permission.

3.2 Account Responsibilities

As an account holder, you are responsible for:

Security Measures:

  • Using strong, unique passwords
  • Enabling two-factor authentication where available
  • Promptly reporting suspected unauthorised access
  • Logging out from shared or public devices

Account Monitoring:

  • Regularly reviewing account activity
  • Reporting suspicious or unauthorised activities
  • Maintaining current contact information
  • Complying with all applicable terms and policies

Data Management:

  • Managing your personal data and privacy settings
  • Understanding data retention and deletion policies
  • Exercising your data protection rights appropriately
  • Backing up important conversation data if needed

3.3 Account Suspension and Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account if:

Terms Violation: You violate any provision of these Terms or our other policies.

Illegal Activity: You use the Service for illegal purposes or in violation of applicable laws.

Harmful Behaviour: You engage in behaviour that harms other users, our Service, or our organisation.

Security Concerns: We reasonably believe your account has been compromised or poses a security risk.

Inactive Accounts: Your account remains inactive for an extended period as defined in our data retention policy.

3.4 Account Termination Process

Notice Period: Where possible, we will provide reasonable notice before terminating your account, except in cases of serious violations or security concerns.

Data Preservation: Upon account termination, we will handle your data according to our Privacy Policy and data retention schedule.

Appeal Process: If you believe your account was terminated in error, you may contact us to request a review of the decision.

Effect of Termination: Upon termination, your right to use the Service ceases immediately, and we may delete your account and associated data according to our policies.

4. Acceptable Use Policy

4.1 Permitted Uses

You may use our Service for lawful purposes that align with our charitable mission and these Terms. Permitted uses include:

Information Seeking: Asking questions and seeking information on various topics for educational, research, or personal purposes.

Creative Assistance: Using the AI to help with writing, brainstorming, problem-solving, and other creative endeavours.

Learning and Education: Engaging with the AI to learn new concepts, explore ideas, and enhance your understanding of various subjects.

Professional Support: Seeking general assistance with work-related tasks, provided you comply with your organisation's policies and applicable confidentiality requirements.

Research and Analysis: Using the Service to help analyse information, explore concepts, and support research activities.

4.2 Prohibited Uses

You must not use our Service for any of the following purposes:

Illegal Activities:

  • Engaging in or promoting illegal activities
  • Violating any applicable laws or regulations
  • Infringing intellectual property rights
  • Facilitating fraud, scams, or deceptive practices

Harmful Content:

  • Generating or sharing content that promotes violence, hatred, or discrimination
  • Creating content that harasses, threatens, or intimidates others
  • Producing sexually explicit or inappropriate content involving minors
  • Spreading misinformation or deliberately false information

Security and Technical Violations:

  • Attempting to hack, compromise, or gain unauthorised access to our systems
  • Introducing malware, viruses, or other harmful code
  • Attempting to reverse engineer or extract proprietary information
  • Overloading or disrupting our Service infrastructure

Misuse of AI Capabilities:

  • Attempting to manipulate the AI to produce harmful or inappropriate content
  • Using the Service to impersonate others or create deceptive personas
  • Generating content for spam, phishing, or other malicious purposes
  • Attempting to extract training data or proprietary information from AI models

Commercial Restrictions:

  • Using the Service for unauthorised commercial purposes without proper licensing
  • Reselling or redistributing access to the Service
  • Creating competing services using our AI responses
  • Violating any usage limits or restrictions we may impose

4.3 Content Guidelines

When interacting with our Service, you must ensure that your inputs and intended uses comply with the following guidelines:

Respectful Communication: Maintain respectful and appropriate language in all interactions with the AI and in any content you create using the Service.

Privacy Protection: Do not share sensitive personal information, including passwords, financial details, medical records, or confidential business information, unless absolutely necessary for your query.

Accuracy and Responsibility: Understand that AI responses may contain errors and should not be relied upon for critical decisions without independent verification.

Intellectual Property Respect: Do not use the Service to infringe copyrights, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights of third parties.

Professional Boundaries: Recognise that the Service does not provide professional advice and should not be used as a substitute for qualified professional consultation.

4.4 Monitoring and Enforcement

Automated Monitoring: We employ automated systems to monitor for violations of these Terms and to ensure the safety and security of our Service.

Human Review: Certain interactions may be subject to human review, particularly those flagged by our automated systems or reported by users.

Violation Response: When we identify violations, we may take various actions including warnings, content removal, account suspension, or termination, depending on the severity and nature of the violation.

Reporting Mechanism: Users can report violations or concerns by contacting us at abuse@wearecast.org.uk. We will investigate all reports promptly and take appropriate action.

5. Intellectual Property Rights

5.1 Our Intellectual Property

Service Ownership: CAST owns all rights, title, and interest in and to the Service, including all software, technology, content, trademarks, and other intellectual property used to provide the Service.

Protected Elements: Our intellectual property includes but is not limited to:

  • The OpenWebUI platform and interface
  • Our proprietary algorithms and processes
  • CAST trademarks, logos, and branding
  • Documentation, guides, and support materials
  • Aggregated data and analytics derived from Service usage

Third-Party Components: The Service incorporates third-party technologies and services, including AI models from providers such as OpenAI and Anthropic. These components remain the intellectual property of their respective owners and are used under appropriate licensing agreements.

Licence to Use: Subject to these Terms, we grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable licence to access and use the Service for your personal or internal business purposes.

5.2 User-Generated Content

Your Content Ownership: You retain ownership of any original content you input into the Service, including questions, prompts, and other communications.

Licence to CAST: By using the Service, you grant CAST a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use, reproduce, modify, and analyse your inputs for the purposes of:

  • Providing the Service to you
  • Improving and developing the Service
  • Ensuring safety and compliance
  • Conducting research aligned with our charitable mission

AI-Generated Content: Content generated by the AI in response to your inputs is not owned by you or CAST. Such content may be subject to the intellectual property rights of the AI model providers or may be in the public domain.

Restrictions on Use: You may not claim ownership of AI-generated content or use it in ways that infringe the rights of others or violate applicable laws.

5.3 Copyright and DMCA

Copyright Respect: We respect the intellectual property rights of others and expect our users to do the same. You must not use the Service to infringe copyrights or other intellectual property rights.

DMCA Compliance: While we are a UK organisation, we respect copyright principles similar to those embodied in the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). If you believe your copyright has been infringed, please contact us with:

  • Identification of the copyrighted work
  • Description of the allegedly infringing material
  • Your contact information
  • A statement of good faith belief that the use is unauthorised
  • A statement of accuracy and authority to act on behalf of the copyright owner

Repeat Infringer Policy: We may terminate accounts of users who repeatedly infringe intellectual property rights.

5.4 Trademark Rights

CAST Trademarks: "CAST", "Centre for Acceleration of Social Technology", and related logos and branding are trademarks of CAST. You may not use these trademarks without our express written permission.

Third-Party Trademarks: The Service may reference or display third-party trademarks. Such use does not imply endorsement or affiliation unless explicitly stated.

Trademark Infringement: You must not use the Service to infringe trademarks or create confusion about the source or sponsorship of goods or services.

6. Privacy and Data Protection

6.1 Privacy Policy Integration

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and protection of your personal data is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By using the Service, you also agree to our Privacy Policy.

Key Privacy Principles:

  • We collect only data necessary for Service provision and improvement
  • We implement appropriate security measures to protect your data
  • We respect your rights under applicable data protection laws
  • We are transparent about our data practices

6.2 Data Processing Consent

By using the Service, you consent to our processing of your personal data as described in our Privacy Policy, including:

  • Processing of your chat interactions for Service provision
  • Analysis of usage patterns for Service improvement
  • Sharing with third-party AI providers as necessary for functionality
  • International data transfers with appropriate safeguards

6.3 Data Subject Rights

Under applicable data protection laws, you have various rights regarding your personal data, including rights to access, rectify, erase, restrict processing, data portability, and object to processing. These rights are detailed in our Privacy Policy.

6.4 Data Security Obligations

You agree to:

  • Protect any login credentials and account information
  • Report suspected data breaches or security incidents
  • Comply with any security measures we implement
  • Not attempt to access other users' data or accounts

7. Disclaimers and Limitations

7.1 Service Disclaimers

"As Is" Provision: The Service is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

AI Limitations: You acknowledge and agree that:

  • AI responses may be inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated
  • The AI does not have access to real-time information
  • AI-generated content should not be relied upon for critical decisions
  • The AI may occasionally produce inappropriate or biased responses despite our safeguards

No Professional Advice: The Service does not provide professional advice in any field, including but not limited to:

  • Legal advice or legal services
  • Medical advice or healthcare services
  • Financial advice or investment guidance
  • Professional counselling or therapy
  • Technical or engineering consultation

Information Accuracy: While we strive to provide accurate information, we make no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided through the Service.

7.2 Limitation of Liability

Maximum Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, CAST's total liability to you for any claims arising from or related to the Service shall not exceed the amount you have paid to us for the Service in the 12 months preceding the claim, or £100, whichever is greater.

Excluded Damages: In no event shall CAST be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to:

  • Loss of profits or revenue
  • Loss of data or information
  • Business interruption
  • Loss of goodwill or reputation
  • Personal injury or property damage (except where caused by our negligence)

Basis of Bargain: These limitations reflect the allocation of risk between the parties and the fact that the Service is provided free of charge or at a nominal cost. The limitations will apply even if CAST has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

7.3 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless CAST, its directors, officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from or related to:

  • Your use of the Service
  • Your violation of these Terms
  • Your infringement of any intellectual property or other rights of third parties
  • Any content you submit to or generate using the Service
  • Your negligent or wrongful conduct

7.4 Force Majeure

CAST shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance under these Terms that is due to fire, flood, earthquake, elements of nature, acts of God, acts of war, terrorism, riots, civil disorders, rebellions, or other causes beyond our reasonable control.

8. Termination

8.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your use of the Service at any time by:

  • Ceasing to use the Service
  • Deleting your account (if applicable)
  • Contacting us to request account closure
  • Following any specific termination procedures we may establish

8.2 Termination by CAST

We may terminate or suspend your access to the Service immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including but not limited to:

  • Breach of these Terms
  • Violation of applicable laws
  • Harmful or abusive behaviour
  • Security concerns
  • Extended periods of inactivity
  • Discontinuation of the Service

8.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

  • Your right to use the Service ceases immediately
  • We may delete your account and associated data according to our data retention policy
  • Provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination will continue to apply
  • You remain liable for any obligations incurred prior to termination

8.4 Data Handling Upon Termination

Following termination, we will handle your data according to our Privacy Policy and applicable legal requirements. This may include:

  • Immediate deletion of certain data
  • Retention of some data for legal or operational purposes
  • Anonymisation of data for research purposes
  • Provision of data export where technically feasible and legally required

9. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

9.1 Governing Law

These Terms and your use of the Service are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, without regard to conflict of law principles.

9.2 Jurisdiction

Any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms will be brought exclusively in the courts of England and Wales, and you hereby consent to personal jurisdiction and venue therein.

9.3 Dispute Resolution Process

Informal Resolution: Before initiating formal legal proceedings, you agree to first attempt to resolve any dispute through informal negotiation by contacting us at legal@wearecast.org.uk.

Mediation: If informal resolution is unsuccessful, the parties may agree to participate in mediation through a mutually acceptable mediation service.

Litigation: If mediation is unsuccessful or not agreed upon, disputes may be resolved through litigation in the appropriate courts of England and Wales.

9.4 Class Action Waiver

To the extent permitted by applicable law, you agree that any dispute resolution proceedings will be conducted only on an individual basis and not in a class, consolidated, or representative action.

10. General Provisions

10.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and CAST regarding the Service and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals.

10.2 Amendments

We may modify these Terms at any time by posting the revised Terms on our website. Material changes will be communicated through appropriate means, such as email notification or prominent website notice. Your continued use of the Service after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

10.3 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that the remaining Terms will otherwise remain in full force and effect.

10.4 Waiver

No waiver of any term or condition of these Terms shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or condition or any other term or condition, and any failure to assert a right or provision under these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

10.5 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your rights hereunder, in whole or in part, by operation of law or otherwise, without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms at any time without notice or consent.

10.6 Headings

The headings in these Terms are for convenience only and have no legal or contractual effect.

10.7 Language

These Terms are written in English. Any translations are provided for convenience only, and the English version will prevail in case of any discrepancy.

11. Contact Information

11.1 General Contact

For questions about these Terms or the Service:

  • Email: hello@wearecast.org.uk
  • Address: CAST, 2nd Floor, 145-157 St John Street, London, EC1V 4PY, United Kingdom
  • Phone: +44 (0) 20 3897 7892

11.2 Legal Matters

For legal notices or concerns:

  • Email: legal@wearecast.org.uk
  • Address: Legal Department, CAST, 2nd Floor, 145-157 St John Street, London, EC1V 4PY, United Kingdom

11.3 Abuse Reports

To report violations of these Terms:

  • Email: abuse@wearecast.org.uk
  • Response Time: We aim to respond to abuse reports within 24 hours

11.4 Data Protection

For privacy and data protection matters:

  • Email: dataprotection@wearecast.org.uk
  • Response Time: 5 working days for standard enquiries

Document Control

  • Document Owner: Legal Team, CAST
  • Review Frequency: Annual or as required by legal/operational changes
  • Next Review Date: January 2027
  • Approval: Board of Trustees, CAST
  • Legal Review: Completed by external legal counsel
  • Distribution: Public (website), Staff (internal systems)

These Terms of Use are effective as of the date stated above and supersede all previous versions. By using our Service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.