Ads-Free Subscription Plan Terms of Use

Last Updated: October 15, 2024

The Ads-Free Subscription Plan ("Subscription Plan") is a paid service that allows you to view SmartNews content without advertisements, subject to certain exceptions. By purchasing this Subscription Plan, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the Subscription Terms. Please carefully read these Subscription Terms, which supplement our general Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, incorporated by reference.

Subscription Fee and Duration

  • Fees and Billing: The Subscription Fee and Subscription Period (e.g., monthly, yearly) are displayed within the SmartNews App and may vary depending on the selected plan. Your subscription will begin once payment is successfully processed.
  • Changes to Fees: We may adjust the Subscription Plan, including the Subscription Fee or Subscription Period, due to market conditions, taxes, or other factors. We will post the updated terms in the SmartNews App if we make any such changes. It is your responsibility to review these terms periodically. Continued use after the terms have been updated or otherwise changed constitutes acceptance of the new terms. If you do not agree with the changes, you must cancel your subscription before the next billing cycle to avoid being charged for the next Subscription Period.

Ads-Free Experience and Exceptions

While the Ads-Free Subscription Plan aims to remove ads from most content, the following exceptions apply:

  • Third-Party Ads: Some content may contain third-party ads or promotional links added by publishers, which are outside our control and may still appear.
  • Sponsored and Branded Content: Certain content (e.g., sponsored videos or live streams) may include branded messages, promotions, or integrations exempt from the no-ad policy.
  • Platform Notices: System notices, such as terms of service updates or critical platform notifications, are not classified as ads and may be displayed.

Content Modifications and Access

  • Modifications: We reserve the right to modify, add, or remove the Subscription Plan, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice.
  • Geographic Restrictions: The Subscription Plan may only be available to users in certain regions, as specified by SmartNews. You agree not to falsify your location to bypass these restrictions. We may use lawful methods to verify your location.

Automatic Renewal and Cancellation

  • Automatic Renewal: Your subscription will automatically renew at the end of the billing period for each Subscription Period unless canceled 24 hours before the end of the billing period for the current Subscription Period. The applicable Subscription Fee will be charged upon renewal.
  • Cancellation: You may cancel each subscription up to 24 hours before the end of the next billing period for each Subscription Period. Upon cancellation, the service will remain active until the end of the current Subscription Period. No refunds will be issued for the remaining portion of the subscription.
  • App Store Purchases: If your subscription is managed through a third-party app store (e.g., Apple, Google), cancellations must be processed through that app store’s specific terms and procedures.

Eligibility and User Responsibilities

  • Eligibility: The Subscription Plan is available to those who meet the eligibility criteria, which may be modified from time to time by SmartNews without prior notice. To be eligible to purchase the Subscription plan, a subscriber must meet this minimum criteria:
    • be 18 years or older. If you are under 18, you must have parental or guardian consent to subscribe. We may request proof of consent or age verification;
    • be using the U.S. edition of the SmartNews App; and
    • have the location of their Apple or Google ID set to the U.S.
  • Account Security: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for any activities that occur under your account. Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.

Payment and Refund Policy

  • Payment: Subscription Fees are due at the beginning of each billing cycle. Late payments may incur a fee of 14.6% per annum.
  • Third-Party Platforms: If you subscribe through platforms such as Apple or Google, those platforms handle all payment-related issues, including refunds and price adjustments. Contact them directly for any payment-related inquiries.

Termination and Suspension

  • Non-Payment or Violations: We reserve the right to terminate or suspend your subscription if you fail to make timely payments or violate any of the applicable terms.
  • Termination for Convenience: We may terminate or modify the Subscription Plan for any reason, including, if you violate any applicable terms or policies or if we cease offering the Subscription Plan.

Conflicts

If these Subscription Terms conflict with our general Terms of Service, they will govern solely regarding the Subscription Terms and only to the extent of any actual conflict; otherwise, the Terms of Service will govern.