ZapNow Platform

ZapNow Platform Terms, Policies, and Guidelines

Last Updated: December 2024

Terms of Use

Acceptance of Terms:By accessing or using the ZapNow platform ("ZapNow" or "the Platform"), you agree to these Terms of Use (the "Terms") as a legally binding agreement between you and ZapNow. If you do not agree, you must not use ZapNow. These Terms incorporate by reference all other policies listed here, including our Privacy Policy, Acceptable Use Policy, Community Guidelines, and other specific policies and agreements.

EligibilityYou must be an adult to use ZapNow. Only individuals 18 years of age or older are permitted to create an account or use the Platform's services. By using ZapNow, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 (or the age of majority in your country if higher) and have the legal capacity to enter into this agreement. If you are under 18, you may not use ZapNow. We may require identity verification to confirm your age. Additionally, you may not use ZapNow if you have previously been banned or had your account terminated for violations – no repeat offenders are allowed.

Account Registration:To access ZapNow features, you must create a user account. You agree to provide accurate, current information during registration and to keep it updated. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activities under your account. You must choose an appropriate username and not impersonate others or use a name to which you have no rights. Only one account per person is allowed unless expressly permitted.

User Roles – Fans and CreatorsZapNow is a platform for content creators ("Creators") to share exclusive content with their supporters or fans ("Fans"). A Creator is a user who uploads or posts content on ZapNow for others to view, and who may earn money from Fan payments. A Fan is a user who follows or subscribes to a Creator and may pay to access the Creator's exclusive content or interact with them. You can be both a Fan and a Creator if you choose.

Services Provided:ZapNow provides an interactive social platform that empowers Creators to share content and monetize their creativity, and enables Fans to access and enjoy exclusive content from their favorite Creators in a safe, community environment. ZapNow facilitates content hosting, discovery, fan interactions (such as comments, likes, direct messages), and payment processing via third-party providers. We do not act as the employer, agent, or publisher of Creators; Creators are independent users creating and sharing their own content. ZapNow is not liable for user-generated content, and does not endorse any user or content. However, we may moderate or remove content as required by law or our policies, and we take steps to enforce our rules to keep the community safe.

User Content Ownership:Creators retain ownership of the content (photos, videos, audio, text, etc.) they create and post (“User Content”). However, by posting content on ZapNow, you grant ZapNow a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to host, store, cache, reproduce, publish, display, and distribute your content on the Platform for the purpose of operating the service as intended. This license is necessary for us to transmit your content to your subscribers and to display it within the Platform. Aside from this license, ZapNow does not claim any ownership in your content. Creators also grant a limited license to their Fans to view the paid content as described in the Standard Contract between Fan and Creator below. Fans and other users must not use another’s content outside of ZapNow or beyond what is allowed in these Terms.

Payments and Earnings:Fans may pay Creators for access to exclusive content or interactions (such as subscriptions, pay-per-view posts, tips, or other offerings). All Fan payments are processed by our authorized third-party payment processors (ZapNow itself is not a bank or payment issuer). Fans agree to pay the listed prices for content or subscriptions and any applicable fees or taxes at the time of purchase. All purchases are final and non-refundable except in our sole discretion; we do not guarantee refunds if a Fan simply changes their mind. Recurring subscription payments will be charged automatically until canceled by the Fan (see Memberships in the Fan-Creator Contract section for details). Creators who earn money on ZapNow will receive a payout share of their earnings (after platform fees) according to our policies. ZapNow typically retains a 20% platform fee and Creators receive 80% of fan payments as their earnings (the “Creator’s share”), similar to industry standards. Payouts to Creators are issued via our payment processor on a regular schedule (for example, approximately 30 days after the end of each month). In order to receive payouts, Creators must setup a payout method, provide any required tax or identity information, and be in compliance with all terms (we may withhold payouts if a Creator is under investigation for policy violations or if required for tax withholding). Third-party Payment Processors: All financial transactions on ZapNow (Fan payments in and Creator payouts out) are facilitated by external payment providers (e.g. Stripe). By making a payment, Fans authorize ZapNow and our Payment Processor to charge their chosen payment method and complete the transaction. ZapNow does not store full payment card details; payments are subject to the Payment Processor’s terms and privacy policy as well. We are not responsible for errors caused by the Payment Processor, but will use commercially reasonable efforts to resolve any issues. Note: Fans are responsible for any fees charged by their bank (for example, if a card charge causes an overdraft or foreign transaction fee, that is the Fan’s responsibility).

Platform FeeZapNow’s revenue share (the platform fee) is automatically deducted from fan payments before Creator earnings are calculated. The current platform fee is 20% of fan payments (subject to change with notice). This fee covers the costs of operating the service, including transaction fees, support, and safety measures. Creators are responsible for any personal taxes on their earnings (see Tax Policy below for details) – the platform fee does not cover income taxes.

License to Use ZapNow:Subject to your compliance with these Terms, ZapNow grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the Platform and its content for your personal, lawful use. You may not copy, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from ZapNow or any portion of it unless expressly permitted. All rights not granted to you are reserved by ZapNow.

User Conduct and Community:You agree to use ZapNow in a manner that is respectful to others and compliant with the law. You must not engage in misuse of the Platform, such as harassing other users, attempting to circumvent security measures, or any prohibited conduct described in the Acceptable Use Policy. If you become aware of any misuse or violation (by any user, including Fans or Creators), please report it to us (see Complaints Policy).

Suspension and Termination:ZapNow reserves the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time if you violate these Terms or any policy, or for any behavior that we deem harmful or unlawful. We may also remove or restrict access to any content you have posted for the same reasons. In most cases (unless the violation is egregious or an immediate threat), we will attempt to notify you of the issue and may give an opportunity to cure minor breaches. However, for serious violations (e.g. posting illegal content, engaging in fraud, or endangering minors), suspension or termination may be immediate and without prior notice. If your account is terminated, you must cease using ZapNow, and you may not create a new account without our permission. If we suspend your content or account, you have the right to appeal the decision as described in our Appeals Policy. We will review appeals in a timely manner and reinstate content/accounts if the enforcement was in error.

Liability Limit:To the extent allowed by law, ZapNow (and its parent, affiliates, officers, employees, and agents) will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits or revenues, whether incurred directly or indirectly, or any loss of data, goodwill, or other intangible losses resulting from: (a) your use of or inability to use the Platform; (b) any content obtained from the Platform (including offensive or illegal content from other users); or (c) unauthorized access to or use of your account or information. Our total liability for any claim arising from or related to the use of ZapNow is limited to the amount paid by you to ZapNow in the 12 months prior to the claim (or $100 if no payments have been made).

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution:These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Specify Jurisdiction] (for example, the State of [Your State], USA, or England and Wales, depending on ZapNow’s incorporation). If you are a consumer user residing in a different country, you may also have certain protections under your local laws. We prefer to resolve disputes amicably. If you have an issue, please contact us first. Any disputes that cannot be resolved informally shall be resolved through binding arbitration (if you are in the U.S., for example, we may require arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association) or through the courts if arbitration is not applicable. No class actions: Disputes will be handled on an individual basis – you waive the right to participate in any class or representative action against ZapNow. (See our Appeals Policy and Platform to Business Regulation Terms for additional dispute processes for certain users, such as EU/UK business users.)

ZapNow Intellectual Property:The Platform (including our software, design, logos, and trademarks) is owned or licensed by ZapNow and protected by intellectual property laws. You may not use “ZapNow” or our logos without our prior written permission. You must not reverse engineer or tamper with the platform’s software, and you may not use any automated means (bots, crawlers, etc.) to access or scrape data from ZapNow. If you provide feedback or suggestions to us, we may use them without obligation or compensation to you (we appreciate feedback, but note that it becomes our property to implement improvements).

Changes to Terms:ZapNow may update or revise these Terms from time to time. If we make material changes, we will provide reasonable advance notice to users (e.g. via email or a notice on the Platform) so you can review the new terms. If a change is due to legal requirements or an urgent security fix, we may not be able to provide advance notice, but will inform users as soon as possible. Your continued use of ZapNow after updated Terms take effect constitutes your acceptance of the changes. If you do not agree to the revised Terms, you must stop using the Platform before they become effective.

Contact Information:ZapNow is operated by ZapNow Inc, located at 580, 166 Geary St STE 1500, San Francisco, CA, San Francisco, US, 94108. If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms or the Platform, you can contact us at hello@zap.now. For customer support or inquiries about your account, please email support@zapnow.com.

Acceptable Use Policy

PurposeThis Acceptable Use Policy outlines what is and isn't permitted on ZapNow. It applies to all users and all content and activity on the Platform. These rules are designed to maintain a safe, lawful, and respectful community. Violations may result in content removal, account suspension, or other enforcement action.

No Adult Sexual Content or PornographyZapNow is intended to be a PG-13 platform – explicit adult content is not allowed. Nudity and sexually explicit material (pornography) are prohibited on ZapNow. Unlike some other creator platforms, ZapNow does not permit creators to post nude or sexually explicit content at all. Any content showing real or simulated sexual activities, genitalia, or explicit sexual arousal is disallowed.

Child SafetyAbsolutely no content involving minors in a sexual, violent, or exploitative manner. Users must be 18+. We have zero tolerance for Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) – it's illegal and will result in immediate ban and law enforcement notification. No content involving minors in any capacity is allowed on the platform.

Harassment and HateTreat others with respect. Harassing, bullying, or threatening other users is strictly prohibited. Hate speech is not tolerated – you may not post any content that attacks, disparages, or incites violence against people based on who they are, including race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics.

Violence and Graphic ContentWe do not allow extreme gore or gratuitous violence. No graphic violence, violent abuse, threats of violence, or content depicting dangerous acts. Don't show or encourage acts that could seriously harm others. Use common sense: if it would make a reasonable viewer extremely upset because of violence/gore, don't post it.

Fraud, Spam, and ScamsYou may not engage in fraudulent or deceptive practices on ZapNow. Impersonation of others is not allowed. Do not attempt to scam users out of money or information. Spam is prohibited. Any schemes to phish for users' login credentials or personal data are strictly forbidden. Don't use bots or artificial means to inflate engagement.

Intellectual Property and PrivacyOnly share content that you have rights to share. Don't post content that infringes someone else's copyright or trademark. Respect everyone's privacy – do not post personal data about someone else without their consent. All content must be created and shared with the consent of everyone depicted.

Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

  • Profile Data: username, password, email address, and phone number. We may also collect your display name, profile photo, bio, and other information you choose to provide on your profile.
  • Identity Verification Data: If you are a Creator or if required for compliance (e.g. payouts), we may collect your full name, date of birth, government-issued ID, social security or national ID number, and similar details to verify your identity and age.
  • Payment Information: For Fans, if you make purchases, our Payment Processor will collect your payment card details or other payment method information. We may store a token or record that a payment method was provided, but we do not store your full credit card numbers on our servers. (Our third-party Payment Processor, currently Stripe, Inc., handles the actual payment transactions.) For Creators, we collect payout information like your bank account or PayPal address to send earnings, as well as tax identification information (e.g. W-9 in the US, VAT ID in UK/EU) as needed for tax reporting.
  • Content and Communications: If you upload content (photos, videos, posts) or send messages on ZapNow, we collect that content and associated data (such as metadata in images or the time a message was sent). We also collect any communications you send to us, such as customer support inquiries or feedback.
  • Contests/Surveys: If we host surveys, promotions, or contests and you participate, you might provide information like survey responses, contest entries,
  • Information We Get Automatically When You Use ZapNow like most online services, we and our partners automatically collect certain data when you access or use our Service which includes usage and log data,device information,cookies and similar technologies,analytics data,location information
  • Information from Third Parties we may receive information about you from other sources such as Social Media and Linked Accounts,in-app referral feature to invite you to ZapNow,service providers,we could receive information from public databases or marketing partners for ad targeting or legal compliance checks (e.g. watchlists to comply with anti-money laundering laws). Additionally, if a user or third party submits a complaint or report about you (per our Complaints Policy), we will collect whatever information they provide about the issue.

How We Use Your Information

  • Providing and Improving the Service, we process data to operate ZapNow’s core functionality – for example, using your account info to log you in; using your content and messages to deliver them to your Fans or the intended recipients; and displaying your profile to others as you direct. We also use data to maintain and improve the platform’s performance and features. For instance, understanding usage patterns helps us optimize the UI and fix bugs. Your information is also used to personalize your experience, such as recommending relevant creators to follow or showing content in your preferred language.
  • Enabling Payments and Payouts, we use financial and personal information to facilitate transactions. If you’re a Fan purchasing content, we (through our Payment Processor) use your payment data to charge your card and record the transaction. If you’re a Creator, we use your payout and tax information to send you earnings and to comply with tax reporting obligations. We also track transactions to prevent fraud (for example, detecting if a payment is disputed or if there are signs of stolen cards).
  • Communicating with You,we use contact information (email, phone) to send service-related communications. This includes confirmations of account actions, receipts for payments, important updates about your account or our policies, and customer support responses. We may also send you newsletters or promotional emails if you have opted-in, but you can opt out of marketing communications. Even if you opt out of marketing, we may still send essential notices (like security alerts or terms changes).
  • Monitoring and Safety, we process data to keep ZapNow safe and secure. This involves using automated systems and moderators to monitor content and behaviors for violations of our rules (like detecting illegal content or hate speech). For example, we may use image recognition technology to detect CSAM or violence. We also keep logs and may analyze user activity to detect fraudulent or malicious activity (such as hacking attempts, spamming, or account takeovers). If needed, we use information to investigate and mitigate misuse of the Platform, to enforce our Terms and policies, and to assist law enforcement (see Assisting Law Enforcement section).
  • Analytics and Service Improvement, we combine usage data and cookie data to analyze how users engage with ZapNow. This helps us understand trends, measure the effectiveness of new features, and identify what parts of the service need improvement. For instance, we might determine that a certain feature isn’t being used and then decide to redesign it. We also use analytics to test and enhance our recommendation algorithms and content moderation tools.
  • Personalization, we may use your data to tailor the content you see. This could include showing you creators or content we think you’ll enjoy based on your past activity, or adjusting the order of posts in your feed (the “For You” feed) based on an algorithm that uses your interactions (likes, follows, etc.). We might also personalize notifications – e.g. if you tend to engage more at certain times, we may send suggested content notifications then.
  • Advertising (if applicable) currently, ZapNow’s primary model is fan-supported content, not advertising. However, if we ever serve advertising or sponsored content, we might use some data (like general demographics or interests) to ensure ads are relevant. We would update this policy and seek appropriate consent if we introduce targeted advertising. (As of now, we do not significantly use personal data for third-party advertising targeting, beyond promoting our own service features to you).

How We Share Information

  • Profile Information: Your username, display name, profile picture, and bio are publicly visible to all users. Likewise, any content you post on your public feed or mark “for all subscribers” will be visible to those authorized (all fans in case of public posts, or your paying subscribers for exclusive content). Keep in mind that ZapNow is a public platform – even if we disallow content from being shared off-platform, other users can see what you post or comment within ZapNow. For example, when you post content, your Fans can view it and your username is attached.
  • With Service Providers: We employ third-party companies and individuals to help us operate ZapNow and perform functions on our behalf. These service providers may need access to personal information to do their work, but only as necessary. Key service providers include: Payment Processors: As noted, payment companies like Stripe process all credit card transactions. They will receive your payment information and personal details required to process payments or payouts. They are contractually obligated to use that data only for processing and to secure it. (For example, Stripe may store your card info for recurring charges, but must handle it under strict PCI compliance standards.)
  • Identity Verification Partners: If we use a third-party verification (e.g. Persona or Onfido), they get the data you input for verification (like your ID scan or selfie) and provide us with the verification result. They are not allowed to use your data for other purposes. Cloud Hosting and Infrastructure: We use reputable cloud services (for instance, Amazon Web Services or Google Cloud) to host our servers and databases. They store the data but cannot access it except for running our environment. All data is typically stored in [Mention Data Center Locations, e.g. the United States (or EU) depending on compliance]. Analytics Providers: We share usage data with analytics tools (like Google Analytics, Mixpanel) to understand app performance. These providers may set their own cookies or use identifiers in our app to gather info on how you use ZapNow. This data is generally aggregated and not personally identifying (though device IDs/IPs are seen by them). We ensure any analytics providers handle data in line with privacy laws (for instance, in Europe we would obtain cookie consent as required).
  • Business Transfers: If ZapNow (or its parent company) is involved in a merger, acquisition, financing due diligence, restructuring, bankruptcy, or sale of all or some assets, your information may be transferred to a successor or affiliate as part of that transaction. We would ensure the new owner continues to respect your personal data under terms at least as protective as those in this Policy. We will notify users of any change of ownership or use of their personal information in such an event, as well as any choices they may have regarding the information. With Your Consent: In cases where we want to share information in a way not covered above, we will ask for your consent. For example, if in the future we partner with another app and you opt in to share your ZapNow content or profile with that app, we’d do so only with your authorization. You are in control; if you direct us to share data with a third-party (say, you integrate ZapNow with another service through an API), we will do so, but that is your choice.
  • Personalization, we may use your data to tailor the content you see. This could include showing you creators or content we think you’ll enjoy based on your past activity, or adjusting the order of posts in your feed (the “For You” feed) based on an algorithm that uses your interactions (likes, follows, etc.). We might also personalize notifications – e.g. if you tend to engage more at certain times, we may send suggested content notifications then.

Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location and applicable law (such as the EU’s GDPR or California’s CCPA), you may have certain rights regarding your personal information. We are committed to honoring these rights and providing you control over your data:

  • Access and Portability: You have the right to request a copy of the personal data we hold about you. We can provide this in a commonly used electronic format. For example, EU users can request access to their data (and we will provide, among other things, information on what data we have, how it’s used, and with whom it’s shared, as required by GDPR). There are tools in-app for some of this (like viewing your profile info), but you can always contact support for a full export.
  • Rectification: If any personal data we have is inaccurate or outdated, you have the right to correct it. Most profile and account information can be updated by you in your account settings (e.g., you can change your display name or email). For any other corrections, contact us and we’ll assist.
  • Deletion: You can request deletion of your personal data (the “right to be forgotten”). If you request account deletion, we will remove or anonymize personal info associated with your account, except for data we are required or permitted to retain by law (e.g., transaction records for financial reporting, or records of content removal for DSA compliance). Note that content you have posted may remain in backup archives for a short period and in any case where other users have a legal right to it (for instance, messages you sent to someone may reside in their inbox). We also may retain minimal info to prevent fraud or re-registration by banned users (for example, hashing your email to keep as a block-list entry). But generally, if you delete your account, we will purge personal data and your profile/content will no longer be accessible
  • International Data Transfers: ZapNow is a global service. By using ZapNow, you understand that your information may be transferred to and stored on servers in various countries, including the United States. If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA) or United Kingdom, know that your personal data might be transferred to countries which may not have the same data protection laws as your home country. We take steps to ensure appropriate safeguards when transferring data internationally. This may include using standard contractual clauses approved by the EU, relying on adequacy decisions, or other legal transfer mechanisms. For example, if we transfer EEA user data to our US servers or to a service provider outside the EEA, we ensure that the recipient is obliged to protect that data to EU standards. You can contact us for more info on cross-border transfer safeguards.
  • Children’s Privacy: As noted, ZapNow is not for anyone under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn that we have inadvertently collected data from someone under 13 (or under the applicable age of consent), we will delete that data. Parents or guardians: if you become aware that your child under 18 (especially under 13) has an account or has provided us personal data, please contact us so we can remove it. We may, in the future, consider a separate experience or section for younger users (like how some platforms have 13-17 with limited features), but currently our policy is no minors at all.
  • Security: We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data. This includes encryption of data in transit (our site uses HTTPS, and sensitive data is encrypted), encryption of certain data at rest (like passwords stored hashed & salted), regular security audits, and restricting access to personal data only to employees and contractors who need it to operate the service (and who are bound by confidentiality). We also employ firewalls and monitoring to detect intrusion attempts. However, no website or Internet transmission is completely secure, so while we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security. It’s important that you also keep your account credentials secure. Notify us immediately if you suspect any unauthorized access to your account.

Appeals Policy

ZapNow’s Appeals Policy provides users with a fair opportunity to request a review of certain decisions we have made – particularly decisions related to content moderation or account enforcement. We understand that mistakes or misunderstandings can happen, and we are committed to correcting them when appropriate. This policy explains when and how you can appeal, and how the appeals process works.

What Decisions Can Be Appealed:

  • Content Removal: If your content (post, photo, video, comment) was removed by ZapNow for violating our guidelines or terms, and you believe it did not violate or deserves another review, you can appeal that removal.
  • Account Suspension/Termination: If your account was suspended (temporarily locked or features disabled) or terminated (banned) due to alleged violations, and you wish to challenge that, you can appeal.
  • Feature Restrictions: If we applied some restriction (e.g., removed your ability to live stream or to receive payouts pending verification) as an enforcement action, you may appeal if you believe it’s unwarranted.
  • Other Enforcement Actions: For example, age verification failure (if you were flagged as underage incorrectly), or demonetization decisions (if any). Essentially any punitive action taken by ZapNow on your account or content can be appealed.
  • Important: Non-enforcement decisions like algorithmic ranking or support issues typically aren’t “appealed” through this process (those go through Complaints). Appeals are more for moderation decisions.

Who Can Appeal:Generally, the affected user. If your content was removed, you as the content owner/creator can appeal. If your account was banned, you (the account holder) appeal. We do not entertain appeals from third-parties about someone else’s content unless it’s a mistake affecting them (e.g., if content was removed because someone falsely claimed it was you without consent, technically you can complaint to restore it, but that’s more a complaint scenario). Appeals is mostly for users appealing their own situation.

  • When you receive a notice of content removal or suspension, it usually comes with a message or email stating the reason and offering an “Appeal” option (for instance, an in-app notification might say “Your post violated our guidelines and was removed – Appeal if you think this is a mistake”). There might be a button or link.
  • If via email, we might say “If you believe this action is in error, you may reply to this email with your reasons or click here to submit an appeal.”
  • In-app, under your account settings or a “Help/Support” section, there is an Appeals form. You would need to identify the action you’re appealing (content ID or type of ban).
  • Provide a brief explanation why you believe the decision was incorrect. For example: “My content did not have nudity, it was art” or “I think the system flagged my post wrongly as hate speech, but it was satire with no slurs” or “I did not actually do what I’m accused of, here’s why...”.
  • If helpful, attach context or evidence (like if you got banned for allegedly being under 18 and you are older, attach your ID; or if your content was flagged as someone else’s, prove it’s originally yours).
  • Submit the appeal. Appeals are best within 7 days of the action, if possible. (We won’t reject late appeals out of hand, but timely appeals are easier to review because data is fresh.) Acknowledgment: After filing, you should get a confirmation (in-app or email) that your appeal was received. It will have a reference number.

Acknowledgment: After filing, you should get a confirmation (in-app or email) that your appeal was received. It will have a reference number.

Review Process:When we receive an appeal, it will be assigned to our Appeals team, which is separate from the initial moderation team whenever possible. Key points:

  • A different moderator or manager (who was not the one who made the original decision) will review the case, to ensure a fresh perspective and reduce bias.
  • They will review the content or account in question against our policies and context again. This often includes: Re-examining the content thoroughly (maybe watching the full video if only a clip was seen before). Checking the specific guideline cited and seeing if perhaps the content was within an exception. Looking at your account history (if it was a ban for multiple violations, they might consider if indeed multiple valid strikes existed). If you provided an explanation, they’ll take that into account, maybe cross-check facts (e.g., if you said “the image isn’t me underage, it’s a stock photo of an adult”, they might verify).
  • Sometimes, multiple people or a senior moderator might weigh in, especially for borderline cases.
  • The review tries to be completed in a reasonably short time. We aim for appeals to be decided within 72 hours for straightforward cases. More complex ones (like entire account terminations with lots of content to review) might take up to a week or more, but we try not to delay. If it’s urgent (e.g., you can’t access earnings because of suspension, we prioritize those).
  • During appeal review, if it’s a suspension, in some cases we might keep the account suspended until decision; if it’s content removed, content stays down until a decision to restore is made (we don’t usually put content back up while appeal is pending, unless maybe it’s clearly a safe false positive).
  • We ensure the appeal reviewer has access to the original decision rationale and your argument, to judge fairly. But they exercise independent judgment.

Outcome of Appeals:Appeal Granted (Decision Overturned or Modified): If we find the original action was made in error or was too harsh:

  • We will reinstate content that was wrongly removed. It will become active/visible again as if it never was gone (though it might not retroactively reach all users if some time passed). We will remove any strikes or policy violation marks associated with that removal from your record.
  • We will restore account access if you were banned/suspended mistakenly. Your account will be reactivated. In some cases, we might change a permanent ban to a temporary suspension if we conclude a lesser action is warranted (that’s a modification).
  • Essentially, we will correct the measure. We’ll also apologize for any inconvenience. For example, “We have reviewed your appeal and determined your post does not violate our guidelines. It has been restored. We apologize for the mistake.”
  • If any downstream effects need addressing (like you lost subscribers due to a downtime, etc.), we’ll consider how to mitigate that (though often content restoration is the main remedy; specific user losses might be intangible, we cannot always fix that).
  • Appeal Denied (Original Decision Stands):We will send you a response explaining that after review, we still find the content/account in violation and the removal or suspension remains. We will try to provide more detail or clarification about why. For example, “We have rechecked the video and confirmed it contains nudity which is not allowed. Therefore, it will not be restored.”
  • For account bans, we’ll clarify if it’s permanent or if you can appeal again after some time. Usually, if appeal is denied, that’s final for that issue. We might say “You may not submit further appeals for this case, but you can focus on adhering to guidelines going forward” (if it was a temp suspension, e.g.). If there’s any alternative recourse, we might mention it (like “If you have new evidence later, you can contact support”).

Transparency of Appeals: We may include statistics of appeals in our transparency reports (like how many content removal decisions were reversed on appeal, etc.), to show we do correct errors. But we won’t publish user-specific info.

Good Faith Use: Appeals are for genuine disagreements. Abuse of the appeals process (like spamming dozens of appeals for the same issue, using rude or threatening language to overturn a clearly valid action) can result in denial of those appeals and potentially further action if it crosses into harassment of staff. We do understand emotions can run high if you feel wronged, but keep appeals civil and focused on facts/policy.

No Retaliation / Impartiality: The team handling appeals will not penalize you for appealing. We stand by users’ right to question our decisions. If your appeal is denied, it’s based on policy, not because we hold a grudge that you appealed. Similarly, if an appeal is granted and we find our moderator made a mistake, we treat it as a learning moment, not something we hold against the user or the mod – we continuously improve guidelines clarity and moderator training from such cases.

Example timeline: Day 0: Your post is removed, you get notice. Day 1: You submit appeal explaining why it’s not violating. Day 2: We acknowledge. By Day 3 or 4: We make a decision. Suppose we agree with you, we restore content. We notify you Day 4 that content is back. If we didn’t agree, you get a note Day 3 or 4 saying sorry, no change.

Complaints Policy

ZapNow is committed to addressing user concerns fairly and promptly. This Complaints Policy outlines how any person – whether a registered user (Fan or Creator) or even someone who is not on ZapNow – can lodge a complaint about matters pertaining to the platform, and how we handle such complaints. We cover complaints about things like content, user behavior, copyright infringement, illegal usage, and our own actions or decisions.

Who Can Use This Policy

Anyone. You do not have to be a ZapNow user to submit a complaint under this policy. For example:

  • A Fan or Creator can complain about another user’s conduct or content.
  • A third-party (not on ZapNow) can complain if they find, say, their image or personal information being posted without consent on ZapNow.
  • A parent or guardian can complain on behalf of a minor if somehow a minor’s data or images were found (though minors aren’t allowed, we treat that seriously).
  • An intellectual property owner can use this to report infringement (though we also have a DMCA policy, either path will work).
  • Essentially, if you have a grievance related to ZapNow, you can use this channel.
  • Content Complaints: e.g. you believe content on ZapNow is illegal (hate speech, CSAM, defamation), or violates our Community Guidelines (harassment, nudity, etc.).
  • Copyright/Trademark Complaints: e.g. your work is being used without permission (we have formal IP takedown processes, but a complaint can initiate it).
  • Privacy/Personal Data: e.g. someone posted your private info or images without consent (often falls under “Ensuring Consent for Intimate Images” or doxxing).
  • Financial/Transaction Issues: e.g. a Fan complains they were charged incorrectly, or a Creator complains about a payout issue or a Fan’s chargeback.
  • Platform Decisions: e.g. a Creator feels their content was taken down unfairly, or an account was suspended without proper reason (note: appeals policy is specifically for users to challenge enforcement, but this Complaints Policy could also be used, especially by non-users or if you’re complaining about a systemic issue). General dissatisfaction: e.g. suggestions for improvements couched as complaints, or reporting a bug causing harm. Law Enforcement Tips: (Though usually law enforcement have their own channels, a general public complaint about something that may warrant law enforcement involvement will be handled appropriately). It’s broad. We will redirect complaints to the appropriate process if needed (for instance, IP complaints may get directed to our DMCA agent).

How to Submit a Complaint:

  • Email: You can send complaints to support@zapnow.com or a dedicated email like [complaints@zapnow.com] if available.
  • Online Form: On our website/app, in the Help or Safety center, we have a “Report/Complaint” form. It will ask for details of the issue, relevant links (e.g. content URLs), and your contact info.
  • In-App Reporting: For content-specific issues, logged-in users can often use a “Report” button directly on the content or profile. Those in-app reports feed into our complaints handling system.
  • Mail: If someone chooses, they could mail a complaint to our business address (slower, but an option for formal notices). We encourage using written forms (email or form) so that there’s a clear record. If you have difficulty writing, we will try to accommodate (someone could call support and we create a written record of the call’s complaint). When submitting: Please provide specific information: identify the content or user you’re complaining about (username or URL to the content). Describe the nature of your complaint (why it’s a problem). If it’s your rights being affected, explain your relation (e.g. “that video shows me without my consent” or “they are using my artwork”). Provide any evidence if applicable: screenshots, links to original work, etc. Provide your preferred contact (email ideally). We might need more info or to follow up with outcome. You can remain anonymous or request anonymity, but having contact helps us clarify or inform you of result. If you remain anonymous, know that our ability to follow-up is limited.

Acknowledgment: We aim to acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 24-48 hours (on business days). If you used the in-app report, you might get an automated acknowledgment in-app. If by email/form, our support team will reply with a “We have received your complaint and are looking into it” message. This will include a tracking/reference number for your complaint. We strive to be fair and impartial. If the complaint is about content moderation or enforcement, often a different moderator than whoever made initial decision will handle it for fairness.

Timelines:

We try to resolve complaints as quickly as possible. Many straightforward content complaints (clear violations like pornographic content on a no-nudity platform) will be resolved within 24 hours by removal. More nuanced ones or cross-user disputes could take several days to a week as we gather info. Under P2B, complaints from business users should be processed swiftly – we target an initial resolution or update within 2 weeks for those, and if it takes longer, we’ll let you know why and that it’s still ongoing. If the complaint is extremely complex (e.g., requires technical fixes or third-party input), we’ll keep the complainant updated periodically (maybe every 10 days with status).

No Retaliation:

We do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who submits a complaint in good faith. If you’re a Creator and you think a Fan complained on you, you must not harass that Fan for doing so – that would itself be a violation (and you probably won’t even know which Fan did). Internally, our team handling complaints will not penalize someone just for raising an issue (assuming it’s genuine). Malicious or bad-faith complaints (like repeatedly false claims to sabotage a competitor) are also not allowed; if a user abuses the complaint system, we may take action on them after investigation of that behavior.

Special Cases:

  • Law enforcement involvement: If a complaint involves potential criminal activity (CSAM, threats, human trafficking), we will involve law enforcement as appropriate in parallel. We’ll still remove content ASAP, but our Trust & Safety team will handle reporting to NCMEC or police, etc., and might not detail those steps to the complainant aside from “we have notified authorities” if appropriate.
  • Copyright infringement: We have a DMCA agent and process under copyright law. A copyright owner can either use our DMCA form or just email a complaint. Either way, we treat it per DMCA (which includes possibly notifying the uploader with a chance to counter-notice, etc.). Our Complaints policy is broad enough but we do follow legal requirements for these.
  • UK/EU Content complaints (DSA): If an EU authority or trusted flagger or average user complains about illegal content, under the Digital Services Act we have commitments (like remove quickly, inform outcomes, etc.). This policy aligns with that – e.g., content considered illegal (like hate speech by law) will be processed and removed expeditiously and we’ll inform both the notifier and the content provider with reasoning and appeal options.

Record-Keeping:

We maintain records of complaints and their resolutions for at least a certain period (like 18 months or 2 years). This helps us identify repeat issues, demonstrate compliance, and improve. Complaint data is handled per our Privacy Policy (complainants’ identities can be kept confidential and only used for handling the complaint and related safety operations).

Transparency:

We may include aggregated information about complaints in our Transparency Reports (e.g., “In 2025, we received X content complaints, resulting in Y removals”). No personal data in public reports. By having this Complaints Policy, we aim to reassure users and the public that issues can be raised and will be taken seriously on ZapNow. We view complaints as an opportunity to fix problems and improve trust. If you need to file a complaint, please do – we’re here to help and make ZapNow a safe, lawful, and enjoyable space for everyone.

Platform-to-Business (P2B) Regulation Terms (EU/UK Business Users)

These terms apply only to Creators who are established or resident in the European Union or the United Kingdom (collectively, “EU/UK Creators”). These provisions are provided to ensure compliance with the EU Regulation 2019/1150 on promoting fairness and transparency for business users of online intermediation services, known as the Platform-to-Business Regulation (“P2B Regulation”). In other words, if you are a Creator using ZapNow as a means to reach consumers (Fans) in a professional or commercial capacity from the EU or UK, the following terms apply to you in addition to the general Terms of Use and policies above. These P2B terms clarify how ZapNow operates with business users (Creators) in a fair and transparent manner.

Suspension, Restriction, and Termination of Creators: If ZapNow needs to suspend or terminate a Creator’s account, or restrict a Creator’s access to certain features, we will follow these guidelines (in line with P2B fairness):

  • Notice of Action: We will inform the Creator of the decision and the reasons for the suspension/termination in a notice (usually via email or dashboard notification). This notice will outline what specific violation or issue led to the action (unless legal obligations prevent us from giving details, or if the notice would interfere with investigations).
  • Prior Warning: For less severe issues, we will typically issue warnings and an opportunity to remedy the violation before resorting to suspension or termination. However, in serious cases (e.g., clear illegal content or threats to user safety, or repeated violations), immediate suspension may occur.
  • Opportunity to Clarify or Appeal: Creators have the right to appeal suspensions or terminations via our Appeals Policy procedure. In that process, you can present your case or clarify any misunderstanding, and we will review the decision (usually by a different reviewer than the one who made the initial decision). If a suspension was in error or not justified, we will reinstate the account.
  • Termination Effects: If a Creator is terminated, any subscriptions will generally be ended and Fans refunded for the remaining period (depending on circumstances). The terminated Creator is prohibited from creating a new account under the same or different identity unless the issue is resolved and account reinstated via appeal.
  • We will comply with any specific notice periods or procedures required by P2B. For instance, except in cases of illegality or breaches of trust, if we terminate a business user, we strive to give a statement of reasons in advance. In urgent cases, we might terminate then notify immediately after with reasons.

Mediation:

If a dispute between a business user (Creator) and ZapNow cannot be resolved through our internal complaint process, ZapNow is willing to engage in mediation as required by the P2B regulation. We will in good faith attempt to agree on a neutral mediator to help resolve the dispute. The P2B regulation requires us to name two mediators we are willing to work with:

  • We are open to mediation through organizations such as [Example Mediator 1] and [Example Mediator 2] (these could be, for instance, the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) in the UK, or another online mediation service experienced in platform disputes).
  • We will provide the contact details of these mediators upon request. These mediators are impartial and have experience in IT or commercial disputes.
  • Mediation is voluntary – both parties must agree to mediate. We are required to bear a reasonable proportion of the mediation costs. ZapNow commits to at least split the mediation fees 50/50 with the Creator (or as otherwise negotiated), not to impose an unfair financial burden on the Creator.
  • Mediation does not affect your ability to later go to court if desired. It is an attempt at an amicable solution.
  • Note: If the dispute is about an alleged legal violation (like intellectual property or unlawful content), sometimes direct legal resolution is needed. But for fairness issues (like terms enforcement disagreements), mediation can be valuable.

Data Access for Business Users:

We strive to give Creators useful access to data they generate on the platform. Creators have access to metrics about their content performance, such as number of subscribers, views, likes, comments, and earnings reports. This data is accessible through the Creator dashboard. We do not provide direct personal data of Fans to Creators except as needed for transactions (e.g., a username and perhaps country for tax if needed). But aggregated audience insights may be available. If you require certain data portability, you can request it (subject to privacy laws – we must protect Fans’ personal data). Under P2B, we confirm that Creators’ content and performance data can be accessed during the account lifetime, and a means to export certain data (like CSV of earnings, list of subscribers without personal identifiers, etc.) is provided.

Termination on New Grounds: If we ever introduce a new ground for termination or suspension of Creators not already covered in our Terms, we will update these terms and notify affected users in advance as required. For example, if a new law required us to ban creators for a certain reason, we’d include that here. Transparency Reports: As part of compliance, we may publish an EU Digital Services Act Transparency Report (see below) annually. That report and other disclosures aim to provide regulators and users information about content moderation and the application of our policies, reflecting also how we handle business user issues. In summary, these P2B Terms ensure that EU/UK Creators are treated with transparency. We provide notice of changes, reasons for enforcement actions, a complaints system, and access to mediation. We value our Creators as business partners and strive for a fair ecosystem for your entrepreneurship on ZapNow.

Restrictions and Fair Use:

The Referral Program is intended to encourage users to spread the word about ZapNow and bring in genuine new creators. To keep it fair:

  • No Self-Referral: You cannot refer yourself (obviously). Creating duplicate or fake accounts to abuse referrals will lead to disqualification and possibly account termination.
  • No Spamming or Deceptive Promotion: You should promote your referral link in legitimate ways. Any form of spam (unsolicited bulk messages, bot promotions), advertisement through misleading statements, or bidding on ZapNow’s brand keywords to funnel signups is prohibited. Don’t represent yourself as an agent or employee of ZapNow when promoting (make it clear it’s a personal referral link).
  • Referral Code Use in Content: You may share your referral code on social media or with friends. If you are a Creator, you can even mention it to fans if appropriate (“If you’re a creator too, join ZapNow with my link”). But do not violate any platform’s terms by posting referral links where not allowed.
  • We reserve the right to void referrals or withhold referral payments if we suspect fraud or abuse. For example, if referred accounts are not legitimate (fake users or collusion), or if a referring user is found trying to game the system by having friends sign up as “creators” who aren’t actually going to create content, etc., we may disqualify those.
  • No Paid Affiliate Advertising Without Consent: If you plan a large-scale campaign to recruit creators (like running ads or a website promoting ZapNow referrals), you might need written permission or to enter a formal affiliate agreement. Our standard referral is meant for casual sharing, not enterprise affiliate businesses without our oversight.

Payout of Referral Bonus:

Referral bonuses will be accumulated in your account and paid out similarly to Creator earnings (likely on a monthly payout cycle). For example, each month, ZapNow will calculate 5% of each referred Creator’s earnings for that month and add that to the Referring User’s payout. Referral earnings will be labeled separately in your dashboard for transparency. These bonuses are paid by ZapNow’s share – they do not reduce the Referred Creator’s own earnings (the Creator still gets their full 80% cut; the 5% comes out of ZapNow’s 20%). We will only pay referral bonuses via the payout methods available (e.g., if you are also a Creator, it will add to your payout; if you are only referring, we might require you to set up a payout method). Ensure your payment info is up to date to receive these commissions.

Referral Program Terms

ZapNow may offer a Referral Program that rewards users for inviting new Creators or Fans to the platform. The following are the terms and conditions for any official ZapNow Referral Program:

Referral Bonuses for Creators: If a current user (the “Referring User”) refers a new Creator to ZapNow using an official referral link or code, the Referring User can earn a referral commission. Specifically, when the new Creator (the “Referred Creator”) joins ZapNow through the referral and starts earning income, ZapNow will pay the Referring User a percentage of that Referred Creator’s earnings. The standard referral payout is 5% of the Referred Creator’s net earnings (after platform fees). This referral commission is calculated on the Referred Creator’s earnings for the first 12 months that the Creator is active on ZapNow. After 12 months from the Creator’s sign-up, the referral commission for that Creator will cease.

  • Earnings Cap: The 5% commission is subject to a maximum cap. We cap the referral bonus at the first $1,000,000 USD of the Referred Creator’s earnings. In other words, the Referring User can earn up to $50,000 USD from any single Referred Creator (5% of $1,000,000). If the Referred Creator earns beyond $1M in their first year, no additional referral bonus accrues on the excess.
  • No Limit on Referrals: You may refer as many Creators as you want. There is currently no limit to the number of referral commissions you can collect (aside from each having their individual cap). The more successful creators you refer, the more you can potentially earn.

Referral Process: To qualify:

  • The Referred Creator must sign up with your unique referral link or code. If they fail to use your link, we cannot retroactively credit the referral due to the difficulty of verifying the source.
  • The Referred Creator must be a completely new user to ZapNow (not someone who already had an account or who shares payment info/identity with an existing user).
  • If two people refer the same Creator, only the link actually used at signup will get credit; we cannot split referral rewards among multiple people.

Payout of Referral Bonus: Referral bonuses will be accumulated in your account and paid out similarly to Creator earnings (likely on a monthly payout cycle). For example, each month, ZapNow will calculate 5% of each referred Creator’s earnings for that month and add that to the Referring User’s payout. Referral earnings will be labeled separately in your dashboard for transparency. These bonuses are paid by ZapNow’s share – they do not reduce the Referred Creator’s own earnings (the Creator still gets their full 80% cut; the 5% comes out of ZapNow’s 20%). We will only pay referral bonuses via the payout methods available (e.g., if you are also a Creator, it will add to your payout; if you are only referring, we might require you to set up a payout method). Ensure your payment info is up to date to receive these commissions.

Restrictions and Fair Use: The Referral Program is intended to encourage users to spread the word about ZapNow and bring in genuine new creators. To keep it fair:

  • No Self-Referral: You cannot refer yourself (obviously). Creating duplicate or fake accounts to abuse referrals will lead to disqualification and possibly account termination.
  • No Spamming or Deceptive Promotion: You should promote your referral link in legitimate ways. Any form of spam (unsolicited bulk messages, bot promotions), advertisement through misleading statements, or bidding on ZapNow’s brand keywords to funnel signups is prohibited. Don’t represent yourself as an agent or employee of ZapNow when promoting (make it clear it’s a personal referral link).
  • Referral Code Use in Content: You may share your referral code on social media or with friends. If you are a Creator, you can even mention it to fans if appropriate (“If you’re a creator too, join ZapNow with my link”). But do not violate any platform’s terms by posting referral links where not allowed.
  • We reserve the right to void referrals or withhold referral payments if we suspect fraud or abuse. For example, if referred accounts are not legitimate (fake users or collusion), or if a referring user is found trying to game the system by having friends sign up as “creators” who aren’t actually going to create content, etc., we may disqualify those.
  • No Paid Affiliate Advertising Without Consent: If you plan a large-scale campaign to recruit creators (like running ads or a website promoting ZapNow referrals), you might need written permission or to enter a formal affiliate agreement. Our standard referral is meant for casual sharing, not enterprise affiliate businesses without our oversight.
  • Changes to the Program: ZapNow may modify or terminate the Referral Program at any time. If we change the commission rate or structure, we will give notice (e.g., via email or an announcement). However, any referral that has already been made and is within the 12-month earning window will be honored at the rate that was in effect when the Creator signed up (so we won’t retroactively cut your existing referrals). If the program is terminated entirely, we will still pay out any referral earnings that accrued up to the termination date.
  • Referral Program and Taxes: Referral bonuses you earn may be considered income. They will be included in any earnings reports we provide you. It is your responsibility to report such income to your local tax authorities. If required by law, ZapNow might request tax forms from you (like a W-9 for US persons) and might withhold taxes on referral payouts as appropriate. See our Tax Policy for more.
  • Complaints or Disputes: If you believe your referral bonus wasn’t properly credited, you can contact Support. We may ask for evidence (like screenshot of someone confirming they used your link). Our determination of referral attribution will be based on our internal records (which are typically cookie-based). If two claims conflict, we’ll use the data we have. This program is a great way for you to earn extra by helping build the ZapNow community. We appreciate our users spreading the word! By participating, you agree to these terms. Happy referring, and thank you for supporting ZapNow. (Example Illustration: Alice shares her referral link. Bob clicks it and becomes a Creator on Jan 1, 2025. Bob earns $10,000 over the next year. Alice will receive 5% of that, i.e. $500, paid out over that year in monthly increments as Bob earns. If Bob earns $1,200,000 in that year (exceeding $1M), Alice would get 5% of the first $1M = $50k, and nothing on the $200k beyond that cap. After Jan 1, 2026, Alice no longer earns from Bob’s future earnings.)

VAT Inclusive Pricing: Usually prices visible to Fans include VAT (for consumer transparency). That means if you set a subscription price at £10, for UK fans that £10 includes VAT. So effectively, if you are VAT-registered, part of that £10 goes to VAT. In essence, VAT does reduce your net income from UK subscribers versus say non-taxed subscribers. That’s how it works – it's not an extra charge on top of list price to fans. We calibrate payouts accordingly in statements.

We understand this is complicated; ZapNow’s support and finance team will assist UK creators through the process. We may provide a detailed FAQ or step-by-step when you become a top earner and near threshold. This ensures you “treat ZapNow as the service provider, charging VAT on 80% of fan payments” and paying it properly, which essentially mirrors that OnlyFans approach.

Record-Keeping: We keep records of all transactions and VAT we charged. We’ll supply creators with needed summary reports (e.g., quarterly report of total earnings and VAT in that). We might also share data with HMRC if required (the UK now has rules like platforms providing data on sellers’ incomes, etc.). We comply with any HMRC directives about reporting.

EU VAT: By extension, if you’re in EU (not UK) and VAT-registered, similar principles apply under EU rules (ZapNow might operate OSS). But since this is UK section, we focus UK. EU specifics might be separate, but likely we also require VAT numbers from EU creators and handle via OSS. In summary, our UK VAT Policy ensures all UK VAT due on ZapNow transactions is properly accounted for and paid:

  • ZapNow collects and remits VAT on fan payments as needed.
  • UK Creators handle VAT on their share by working with us (providing VAT info, accepting self-billing, filing returns).
  • Everyone stays on HMRC’s good side.

If you have questions about VAT, contact [tax@zapnow.com] or our support. We may recommend creators consult a tax advisor if unsure, because everyone’s circumstances differ.

Standard Contract between Fan and Creator

Introduction:

This section outlines the “Standard Contract between Fan and Creator” (the “Fan-Creator Contract”) which governs each transaction and interaction between a Fan and a Creator on ZapNow. When a Fan purchases access to a Creator’s content or commits to any paid interaction (such as subscribing to a profile, tipping, paying for a one-time content unlock, or engaging in a paid live chat), both parties are entering into a direct contract under these terms. ZapNow is not a party to this contract but facilitates the transaction as an intermediary. Essentially, the Creator agrees to provide specified content or service, and the Fan agrees to pay for it, under the conditions below.

Scope:

This Fan-Creator Contract applies to all “Creator Interactions” on ZapNow, including subscriptions, pay-per-view content, tips, and any other paid engagements between a Fan and a Creator. It supersedes any other terms a Fan and Creator might try to impose outside the platform. (Fans and Creators cannot override these terms with separate agreements between them without ZapNow’s written approval.)

Parties:

The only parties to this contract are the Fan (the user paying for content/interactions) and the Creator (the user providing content/interactions in exchange for payment). ZapNow (the company) and its affiliates are not parties, and thus are not liable under this contract except as described in these terms (for example, handling the payment processing). However, ZapNow does retain certain rights (e.g., the right to enforce platform rules, remove content, or terminate accounts) that may affect this contract as described below.

Key Definitions:

  • “Content” – any material a Creator uploads or posts on ZapNow, including photos, videos, audio, livestreams, text posts, direct messages, etc., that a Fan might access.
  • “Creator Interaction” – any paid interaction or transaction that gives a Fan access to a Creator’s Content or attention. This includes a Fan subscribing to a Creator’s page (subscription), paying for a specific locked post or pay-per-view Content, tipping the Creator (gratuity), paying for a direct message or one-on-one interaction, or any similar transaction on ZapNow.
  • “Fan Payment” – the amount a Fan pays for a Creator Interaction. This could be a subscription fee, a one-time payment for a piece of content, a tip amount, etc. It includes any applicable taxes (like VAT) that might be charged to the Fan.
  • “Creator Earnings” – the portion of the Fan Payment that the Creator receives (after ZapNow’s platform fee and any applicable taxes or charges are deducted). Typically, Creator Earnings are 80% of the Fan Payment (since ZapNow takes 20%), but this could vary if stated otherwise for specific programs.
  • “License” or “Creator Interaction Licence” – the limited rights that a Creator grants to the Fan to access and view the paid Content.
  • “Relevant Content” – the specific Content that is being accessed through a Creator Interaction (for example, the photos/videos in a subscription, or the particular video unlocked via pay-per-view).
  • “Subscription” – a recurring Creator Interaction where a Fan pays for ongoing access to a Creator’s content for a period (e.g., a monthly subscription).

Formation of Contract:

When a Fan initiates a transaction (such as clicking “Subscribe” and confirming payment, or sending a paid tip or unlock request) and that payment is successfully processed, a binding contract is formed between that Fan and the Creator on these terms. ZapNow’s systems will notify the Creator of the new transaction (e.g., a new subscriber or a tip received). The Creator is then obligated to fulfill the agreed interaction (e.g., allow access to subscriber-only content for the subscription period, or deliver the promised content if it was a specific paid request). The Fan, on their side, is granted rights to access the relevant content as described below, and agrees not to use it in unauthorized ways.

Pricing and Payments:

The Fan agrees to pay the listed price for the Creator Interaction, plus any applicable taxes (like VAT) at checkout. All prices for subscriptions or content are set either by the Creator or by ZapNow’s system (in some cases, Creators choose their price within allowed ranges). When a Fan confirms a purchase: The Fan’s provided payment method is charged for the full amount of the Fan Payment (this may be done via ZapNow’s Payment Processor). ZapNow is authorized to deduct its platform fee (and any tax that ZapNow is required to collect) from that payment, and then credit the remainder as Creator Earnings for the Creator. Once payment is confirmed, ZapNow will provide the Fan access to the Relevant Content (e.g., unlock the posts or confirm subscription access on the Creator’s page).

Creator’s Obligations:

  • The Creator agrees to provide the agreed Content or interaction to the Fan after payment. For a subscription, this means the Creator will allow the Fan to view all the Creator’s posts marked for subscribers during the subscription period. For a specific paid content (like a custom request or pay-per-view), the Creator will deliver that content to the Fan’s account in a timely manner. Creators should not deliberately withhold promised content from a Fan who paid – doing so could be considered a breach of this contract and could result in complaints or refunds.
  • The Creator represents and warrants that they have all necessary rights to the Content they provide and that it does not violate any laws or others’ rights. This is important: the Creator must have created the content themselves or have permission; and if any other person appears in the content, the Creator confirms that person is 18+ and has given consent to be in the content. The Creator also warrants the content is not illegal (no obscenity, no hidden camera video, etc.). Essentially, the Creator is promising the Fan that the content is legitimate and lawful to view.
  • The Creator will not infringe on the Fan’s rights as a consumer. For example, if a Creator sets a price and the Fan pays, the Creator shouldn’t later try to charge more for the same content through external means. All transactions should go through ZapNow for transparency and safety.
  • The Creator must fulfill any specific promises made in connection with the Fan Payment. For instance, if the Creator’s page says “subscribe for $10 and get 5 exclusive photos per week,” the Creator should endeavor to meet that output. Or if a Fan tips $50 for a “custom shoutout video,” the Creator should deliver that shoutout video. This is partly moral and partly to avoid chargebacks – failing to deliver promised benefits can lead to unhappy Fans and refund requests.
  • The Creator agrees to comply with ZapNow’s terms and policies in these interactions. For example, the Creator cannot use a Fan’s personal info for any purpose except delivering content on ZapNow. If a Fan gives their email for a specific content delivery (though normally content stays on platform), the Creator should not spam or harass the Fan outside the platform.

Fan’s Obligations:

  • The Fan agrees to pay the required amount and that the payment information provided is valid and they have the right to use it. It’s essentially a promise that “I have the funds, and I won’t fraudulently chargeback after consuming the content.” Fans should not initiate chargebacks without a legitimate reason (e.g., unauthorized charge) – abusing chargebacks after viewing content is considered fraud and will result in account termination.
  • The Fan agrees to the content license limitations – i.e., they will not reproduce, distribute, or publicly display the Creator’s content outside ZapNow. The Fan will not attempt to evade any technological measures that enforce these terms (for example, if ZapNow blackens screenshots, the Fan shouldn’t try to use another device to record the screen). The Fan acknowledges that the Creator’s content is protected and any unauthorized use (like sharing in other forums or selling it) can result in legal action against the Fan.
  • The Fan must also follow ZapNow’s overall Terms and community rules in their interactions. For instance, a Fan cannot use the direct message function to send harassment or solicit prohibited content from the Creator. The Fan cannot demand anything that violates policies (e.g., asking a Creator to do something on camera that’s against the rules or law).
  • The Creator must fulfill any specific promises made in connection with the Fan Payment. For instance, if the Creator’s page says “subscribe for $10 and get 5 exclusive photos per week,” the Creator should endeavor to meet that output. Or if a Fan tips $50 for a “custom shoutout video,” the Creator should deliver that shoutout video. This is partly moral and partly to avoid chargebacks – failing to deliver promised benefits can lead to unhappy Fans and refund requests.
  • If the Fan does come into possession of any content (via permitted download or inadvertently), they must keep it confidential and personal. No posting elsewhere. Also, the Fan should not engage in “piracy clubs” or any scheme to collectively buy one subscription and then share content with others – that’s a breach of this contract.

Dispute Resolution between Fan and Creator:

Because ZapNow is not directly liable for Fan-Creator contract disputes, any disagreement or claim arising from this contract should ideally be resolved through ZapNow’s internal Complaints and Appeals processes. Fans can file complaints about creators (for non-delivery, etc.), and Creators can contest them. ZapNow may act as an mediator. If a dispute cannot be resolved internally, the contract may specify that disputes will be governed by the law stated in the Terms of Use (e.g. England & Wales law if ZapNow is UK-based, or relevant jurisdiction of ZapNow). It might specify that Fans in certain regions can sue the Creator in their local courts under local consumer law, but generally likely it states any litigation between a Fan and Creator should happen in courts of ZapNow’s home (e.g., England & Wales). However, practically, such direct litigation is rare; most issues would be handled by refunds or bans.

UK VAT Policy

In the UK, digital content platforms like ZapNow must account for VAT on transactions where applicable. OnlyFans, for instance, has specific VAT arrangements and requirements for UK creators. ZapNow follows the prevailing HMRC rules. Essentially, the service provided to Fans might be considered supplied by ZapNow or by the Creator – UK rules (especially after certain legal cases) often treat the platform as the supplier for VAT on consumer payments, but the Creator’s share could still be considered their service to ZapNow. We want to ensure correct VAT is paid so that neither ZapNow nor Creators face liabilities.

ZapNow’s VAT Stance for UK Transactions:

  • ZapNow will charge VAT to Fans on any supplies that are subject to VAT. For example, if a Fan in the UK subscribes to a Creator, that subscription likely includes 20% VAT in the price (assuming it’s standard rated). ZapNow, as the platform, will handle collecting this VAT from the Fan at point of payment and will remit it to HMRC as required. Essentially, ZapNow acts as the agent responsible for VAT on the full amount to the Fan, similar to OnlyFans’ arrangement after HMRC guidance.
  • Now, as a UK Creator, your earnings (which are 80% of fan payments) may also be subject to VAT as your service provided to ZapNow (or to Fenix International model like OnlyFans: OnlyFans was considered to supply the full service to fans, and creators supply a service to the platform). If you are VAT-registered in the UK, you are responsible for charging VAT on the service you provide (likely on your 80% share) to ZapNow (or to Fans via the platform).
  • Practically, this means: If you’re UK VAT-registered, you need to account for VAT on your ZapNow earnings. For instance, if a fan pays £10 (including VAT) for your content: that’s £8.33 net + £1.67 VAT (at 20%). ZapNow might remit £2 (our 20% fee) to us and £8 (your 80%) to you. But as a VAT-registered creator, that £8 is actually £6.67 + £1.33 VAT that you owe to HMRC, because you must charge ZapNow (or the fan) VAT on your supply. This is an oversimplification; actual mechanics might be that we self-bill or something.
  • Self-Billing & Invoicing: ZapNow may operate a self-billing system for UK creators registered for VAT. This means, with your agreement, we will issue invoices on your behalf for your earnings inclusive of VAT. For example, each payout period, we generate an invoice showing your earnings net and the VAT amount on it, using your VAT number. We then pay you the net and (in many cases) we might directly remit the VAT to HMRC or give it to you to remit – this depends on how HMRC requires. Often platforms handle it by paying creators their share and creators then pay VAT themselves to HMRC, but OnlyFans reportedly required creators to send proof of VAT payment.
  • VAT on Platform Fees: The 20% that ZapNow takes – if ZapNow is UK VAT-registered (ZapNow likely will be if doing business in UK), our 20% fee is also subject to VAT from our side. However, since ZapNow’s fee is taken before paying you, from your perspective you may consider your earnings already minus platform fee. But note, if we issue self-billed invoices, it might show something like: Fan Payment: £X (incl VAT) ZapNow fee: £Y + VAT on that (ZapNow will handle that portion with HMRC). Your part: £Z + VAT (this is what you charge). This is complex, but bottom line: we ensure the correct VAT flows to HMRC.

Creator Responsibilities:

  • Stay VAT Compliant: If you meet the threshold or have to register for VAT for any reason (maybe you voluntarily do even below threshold to reclaim VAT on expenses), you must do so and let us know. If you are VAT-registered, you must charge VAT on all eligible supplies (which includes your ZapNow earnings).
  • VAT Invoices: You agree that ZapNow may self-bill (meaning we produce the invoices on your behalf). You should not separately invoice ZapNow’s subsidiary for your earnings, because that could cause duplicates. We will ensure you get copies of all self-billed invoices for your records. If any detail (e.g., your business address, VAT number) changes, you must inform us promptly so invoices are correct.
  • VAT Payment to HMRC: Typically, you as the creator will have to pay HMRC the VAT on your earnings (because legally you charged it). OnlyFans apparently had creators pay HMRC directly and then show proof. ZapNow might do similar: require you to send confirmation of your VAT return filings that include the ZapNow earnings. We might withhold payouts if you do not provide this after a certain time, to ensure compliance. This is to protect us from any HMRC claim that VAT wasn’t paid – we need to demonstrate creators indeed paid their portion.
  • Remain Updated: VAT rules can change. We’ll inform you of any changes in how we handle VAT. But you also should stay up to date with UK law (for instance, if digital platforms rules update under HMRC).
  • VAT on Tips or Gifts: All earnings from fans are likely treated the same for VAT (subscription, PPV, tips – all are in exchange for content or service, thus vatable if not exempt). If any particular type of transaction is VAT-exempt, we will inform (generally not, since it’s all electronic services).
  • VAT Threshold Monitoring: The UK threshold currently ~£85k/year – if you near that from your ZapNow plus any other business, plan registration timely. We might monitor creators’ gross earnings and remind those nearing threshold to consider registering. It’s ultimately your duty, but we try to help avoid non-compliance.

Non-UK Creators selling to UK Fans:

ZapNow will likely handle VAT on those sales as well (e.g. EU creators selling to UK fans – ZapNow might need to charge UK VAT under OSS or local registration). But that’s on our side. Non-UK creators generally won’t worry about UK VAT for their share (they might worry about their local VAT/GST rules, separate issue).

  • if You Don’t Comply: If a UK Creator who should be VAT-registered fails to register or give us required info: We may freeze payouts until compliance. We have to ensure VAT doesn’t slip through cracks. If HMRC pursues us for the VAT on your earnings because you didn’t pay it, our terms (and likely law) will allow us to recover that from you. So it’s crucial to follow procedure.
  • In line with OnlyFans policy, if you don’t provide proof of filing, we might stop paying out new earnings until you do. Or if absolutely non-compliant, possibly terminate accounts to avoid further issues (worst case).

VAT Inclusive Pricing: Usually prices visible to Fans include VAT (for consumer transparency). That means if you set a subscription price at £10, for UK fans that £10 includes VAT. So effectively, if you are VAT-registered, part of that £10 goes to VAT. In essence, VAT does reduce your net income from UK subscribers versus say non-taxed subscribers. That’s how it works – it's not an extra charge on top of list price to fans. We calibrate payouts accordingly in statements.

We understand this is complicated; ZapNow’s support and finance team will assist UK creators through the process. We may provide a detailed FAQ or step-by-step when you become a top earner and near threshold. This ensures you “treat ZapNow as the service provider, charging VAT on 80% of fan payments” and paying it properly, which essentially mirrors that OnlyFans approach.

Record-Keeping: We keep records of all transactions and VAT we charged. We’ll supply creators with needed summary reports (e.g., quarterly report of total earnings and VAT in that). We might also share data with HMRC if required (the UK now has rules like platforms providing data on sellers’ incomes, etc.). We comply with any HMRC directives about reporting.

EU VAT: By extension, if you’re in EU (not UK) and VAT-registered, similar principles apply under EU rules (ZapNow might operate OSS). But since this is UK section, we focus UK. EU specifics might be separate, but likely we also require VAT numbers from EU creators and handle via OSS. In summary, our UK VAT Policy ensures all UK VAT due on ZapNow transactions is properly accounted for and paid:

  • ZapNow collects and remits VAT on fan payments as needed.
  • UK Creators handle VAT on their share by working with us (providing VAT info, accepting self-billing, filing returns).
  • Everyone stays on HMRC’s good side.

If you have questions about VAT, contact [tax@zapnow.com] or our support. We may recommend creators consult a tax advisor if unsure, because everyone’s circumstances differ.

Community Guidelines

Welcome to ZapNow’s Community Guidelines! These are the rules of the road that apply to all content and interactions on our platform. Our goal is to foster a creative, inclusive, and safe community for creators and fans around the world. By using ZapNow, you agree to follow these guidelines. They’re here to protect you and others, and to ensure ZapNow remains a positive space.

  • Nudity and Sexual Content: ZapNow is a No Adult Content platform. Pornography and sexually explicit content are strictly prohibited. Remember: This isn’t a porn platform; keep content PG-13 at most.
  • Child Safety: Absolutely no content involving minors in a sexual, violent, or exploitative manner. Any content that sexualizes children or even non-sexual depictions of naked/partially clothed minors will be removed and reported. No “family roleplay” or fetish content referencing minors. Even implications are forbidden. We have zero tolerance for Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) – it’s illegal and will result in immediate ban and law enforcement notification.
  • Harassment and Bullying: Be kind and respectful. Do not harass, bully, or threaten others. No doxxing: Don’t reveal someone’s personal info (address, phone, workplace) as a form of harassment. We want everyone to feel safe here. If someone harasses you, report it. If you’re upset, step away rather than retaliate.
  • Hate Speech and Discrimination: ZapNow has zero tolerance for hate speech. Do not post content that attacks or demeans a group of people based on who they are. Protected characteristics include (but not limited to) race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or disease status. Examples of prohibited hate content:
  • Violence and Graphic Content: We do not allow extreme gore or gratuitous violence. Use common sense: if it’s something that would make a reasonable viewer extremely upset or nauseated because of violence/gore, don’t post it.
  • Self-Harm and Suicide: We care about our users’ well-being. Content that promotes or glorifies self-harm or suicide is prohibited. If you see someone expressing suicidal ideation, please report it – we have protocols to reach out or provide resources. Also, no content showing someone’s suicide or self-harm acts (even as shock content). That can be traumatic to viewers and is disrespectful.
  • Integrity and Authenticity (Spam, Scams, Impersonation),Recruiting others into MLM schemes is generally considered spammy and is discouraged (and often ends up being scammy). In short, be genuine. Let’s keep ZapNow interactions real and trustworthy.
  • Intellectual Property and Content Ownership .DMCA Complian If someone believes you infringed their copyright, they can send us a takedown request and we’ll remove content (and you’ll get a strike possibly). If you believe it’s a mistake, you can counter-notice legally. It’s better to avoid that by just not posting others’ work.
  • Moderation and Enforcement: These guidelines can’t list everything, and context matters. ZapNow’s moderation team will review reported content and behavior and decide based on these rules and the spirit behind them.We strive to be consistent and fair. We also allow an appeals process if you feel we made a mistake
  • Mission, Values Reminder: We want ZapNow to be more like TikTok in positivity and creativity, focusing on talents and communities, not negativity. We lean towards protecting creators who follow rules and ensuring fans have a good experience. By following these guidelines, you contribute to that mission.