Terms of Service

Last updated: February 2026. By using DeadVault, you agree to these terms.

1. Definitions

"Service" refers to the DeadVault platform, including the web application, API, and client portal. "User" refers to the professional account holder. "Client" refers to any person who accesses a drop via a secure link. "Drop" or "Box" refers to an encrypted file exchange container. "Deadline" refers to the expiration date set on a drop.

2. Service Description

DeadVault provides ephemeral encrypted file transfer services. Users create drops with deadlines, share secure links with clients, and exchange files through an encrypted portal. When a drop's deadline passes, encryption keys are destroyed and files become permanently unrecoverable through cryptographic erasure.

3. Account Terms

You must provide accurate registration information and maintain current contact details. You are responsible for all activity under your account, including team member actions. Account credentials must not be shared. You must be 18 or older and have the authority to bind your organization to these terms. One person or organization may not maintain multiple free accounts.

4. Payment Terms

All plans are billed in advance on a monthly or annual basis. Prices are in US Dollars. Annual plans are billed as a single payment. We reserve the right to change pricing with 30 days' notice. First-time customers are eligible for a 30-day refund. After the first payment, no prorated refunds are offered, access continues through the end of the billing period. Payment processing is handled by Stripe.

5. Acceptable Use

You may not use DeadVault to distribute malware, store illegal content, facilitate fraud, or violate any applicable law. Payment gates must be used for legitimate business purposes (document delivery fees, retainers, etc.), not for selling prohibited goods or services. We reserve the right to suspend accounts that violate these terms. You are responsible for the content uploaded to your drops.

6. Data Processing & Security

Files are encrypted with AES-256-GCM using per-file keys. Encryption keys are stored separately from file data and are destroyed when drops reach their deadline. We implement industry-standard security measures but cannot guarantee absolute security. You acknowledge that cryptographic erasure destroys the ability to recover files. This is by design, not a defect. See our Security page for technical details.

7. Data Retention & Destruction

Drop contents (files and encryption keys) are destroyed when the deadline passes. Audit trail data is retained for 90 days after drop expiration for compliance purposes, then deleted. Account data is retained while your account is active and for 30 days after cancellation. Cryptographic erasure means file recovery is not possible after key destruction. We cannot recover files for you.

8. Limitation of Liability

DeadVault is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We are not liable for data loss resulting from cryptographic erasure (which is the intended behavior), service interruptions, third-party actions, or unauthorized access resulting from compromised credentials. Our total liability is limited to the amount you paid for the Service in the 12 months preceding the claim.

9. Termination

You may cancel your account at any time. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period. Active drops will continue to function until their deadlines. We may terminate accounts for Terms violations with notice. Upon termination, your data will be handled according to Section 7.

10. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, United States. Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of DuPage County, Illinois. If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in effect.

11. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms with 30 days' notice via email. Continued use after the notice period constitutes acceptance. If you disagree with changes, you may cancel your account before the effective date.

Questions about these terms? Contact us.