Short Block Terms of Use

Article 1 (Applicability)

These Terms of Use (hereinafter "these Terms") set forth the conditions of use for the smartphone application "Short Block" (hereinafter "the App") provided by hovvy (hereinafter "we" or "us"). By using the App, you agree to these Terms.

Article 2 (Description of Service)

The App provides digital detox features designed to encourage users to voluntarily stop watching short-form videos through gradual screen dimming:

• Detection of short-form video screens on YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Instagram Reels, and similar apps
• Progressive overlay filter display based on viewing duration
• Timer display and action buttons in the notification bar (+3 min extend, Pause, Open Settings)
• Customizable timer and filter intensity settings
• Custom monitored app addition (Premium plan)
• Google AdMob advertising (Settings screen only)

Article 3 (Fees)

1. The App's core features (monitoring YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram) are provided free of charge
2. The custom app addition feature is provided under a Premium plan (paid subscription). Pricing is as displayed in the Google Play Store
3. Previously purchased premium features can be restored through Google Play even after reinstalling the App

Article 4 (Required Permissions)

Some features of the App require the following permissions:

• Accessibility Service: To detect transitions to short-form video screens. This permission is used solely for the purpose of reducing excessive short-form video viewing
• Display Over Other Apps (System Alert Window): To display the filter overlay on top of other apps. This permission is not used for phishing or unauthorized operations of any kind
• Notification permission (Android 13+): To display the persistent notification for the Foreground Service

If the required permissions are not granted, the related features may be limited or unavailable. The App will still launch without these permissions, and you can grant them from the settings screen at any time.

Article 5 (Prohibited Conduct)

Users must not engage in any of the following:

• Reverse engineering, decompiling, or modifying the App
• Infringing the rights of others through use of the App
• Intentionally exploiting vulnerabilities in the App
• Any conduct that violates applicable laws or regulations
• Deceiving us or any third party
• Any other conduct we deem inappropriate

Article 6 (Intellectual Property)

All content included in the App (designs, text, logos, animations, etc.) is protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights owned by us or the respective right holders. Users may use the App solely for personal, non-commercial purposes.

Article 7 (Changes and Suspension of Service)

We may modify or suspend part or all of the App without prior notice in the following circumstances:

• System maintenance or incident response
• Adaptation to UI or specification changes in YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or other external apps
• Adaptation to OS or third-party service specification changes
• Service termination for business reasons

We will provide advance notice of significant changes or terminations in the App or on the store listing page where practicable.

Article 8 (Disclaimer)

1. We are not liable for any damage arising from the use or inability to use the App, except in cases of our intentional misconduct or gross negligence
2. The App does not technically block or force-quit short-form video apps; it supports the user's autonomous decision-making through gradual screen dimming. We make no guarantees regarding reduction in viewing time or effectiveness
3. Some features may not function correctly depending on the device settings, OS version, or permission status
4. Changes to the UI or specifications of external apps such as YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram may cause the detection feature to stop functioning correctly
5. We are not liable for issues caused by failures or specification changes in third-party services (such as ad delivery)
6. We are not responsible for the loss of user data (all data is stored locally on the device)

Article 9 (Privacy)

Our handling of personal information is governed by our separate Privacy Policy.

Article 10 (Amendments to These Terms)

We may amend these Terms as necessary. In the event of significant changes, we will provide notice within the App or on the store listing page. Continued use of the App after any amendment constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

Article 11 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction)

These Terms are governed by the laws of Japan. The Tokyo District Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes arising from or in connection with these Terms.