Terms of Use

Last updated: February 25, 2025

Introduction

Hume AI provides users with access to APIs, software tools, developer services, data, and documentation (the "Platform"). By accessing or using these services, users agree to be legally bound by these terms and to use the Platform in accordance with The Hume Initiative's Ethical Guidelines for Empathic AI.

1. Registering and Accessing the Platform

Accepting the Terms

Users must be at least 18 years old and possess legal authority to accept these terms. Changes to the terms take effect immediately and are communicated via the website.

Registration

Users must provide accurate information during registration. Hume does not knowingly collect data from individuals under 13 years old.

Access Credentials

Users receive confidential credentials (username, password, API key) for personal use only. Sharing or misrepresenting credentials is prohibited.

2. Using the Platform

Guidelines and Documentation

Users must comply with all posted policies, the Privacy Policy, and technical documentation provided by Hume.

Applications

These terms apply to any software, applications, or websites incorporating the Platform. Applications cannot make content available standalone.

License

Hume grants a revocable, non-exclusive, non-sublicensable right to access and use the Platform for developing and supporting applications.

Ownership

Hume retains all rights to the Platform and its intellectual property. Users retain rights to their own applications.

Feedback

Users grant Hume perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free rights to any feedback or suggestions provided.

Support

Hume may provide technical support but can discontinue it anytime without obligation.

Third Party Products

Use of third-party products is governed by their respective terms; Hume assumes no responsibility.

Early Access/Beta

Beta features may have different privacy and security commitments and may not be error-free.

Free Tier

Users cannot create multiple accounts to access additional free tier benefits.

Children

Users must be at least 18 years old to access the Platform.

3. Usage Requirements

Users must:

• Comply with all applicable laws and not engage in illegal activities
• Not infringe on third-party intellectual property rights
• Use the Platform consistent with Ethical Guidelines
• Respect call rate limits and regional restrictions
• Not reproduce, modify, or reverse engineer the Platform
• Not harvest data from the Platform or Hume's systems
• Not create competing products using the Platform
• Not remove copyright or trademark notices
• Not interfere with Platform functionality
• Not transfer access credentials to third parties
• Not make the Platform publicly available

4. Commercial Use

Free Users and Starter Plan

Limited to non-commercial use only.

Creator Plan and Above

May use the Platform for commercial purposes.

All usage must comply with Hume's Acceptable Use Policy and ethical guidelines.

5. User Content and Voice Models

Inputs and Outputs

Users submit data as input and receive generated audio output. All content use is subject to the Acceptable Use Policy.

Voice Cloning

Users can create voice models resembling their own voice or authorized voices through uploaded recordings.

Rights to Content

Users retain rights to their input and output, except as specified in these terms.

License to Content

Users grant Hume a perpetual, irrevocable, nonexclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, sublicensable license to use input for platform improvement and product development.

Necessary Rights

Users warrant they possess all necessary rights to grant licenses for their content.

No PHI

Users cannot provide protected health information (HIPAA) without an executed Business Associate Agreement.

6. Confidentiality

Hume protects confidential, proprietary information. Users must:

• Use confidential information only as permitted
• Not disclose it to third parties without consent
• Delete all copies upon termination

Breach may result in irreparable harm; Hume may seek injunctive relief.

7. Security

Users must ensure applications contain adequate security protections. They must notify Hume of vulnerabilities and establish response processes. Hume may monitor activity for security, quality improvement, research, and compliance purposes.

8. Privacy

Compliance

Users must comply with all privacy laws and provide clear user agreements and privacy policies consistent with Hume's Policy.

HIPAA

Hume does not permit use by HIPAA-covered entities or business associates without express written agreement.

9. Data

User Data

Users bear sole responsibility for user data collected through applications.

Submissions

Hume does not acquire ownership of intellectual property in user submissions but may use non-API submissions to improve model performance.

10. Branding

Users cannot use Hume's trademarks, service marks, or logos without prior written consent. All goodwill generated inures to Hume's benefit.

11. Term & Termination

Term

Agreements begin upon registration and continue until terminated.

Termination by Hume

Hume may terminate or suspend access immediately, with or without cause.

Termination by User

Users may terminate with written notice and discontinuation of use.

Effect

All licenses terminate immediately; users must delete confidential information and pay outstanding fees.

Survival

Certain sections survive termination, including Ownership, Feedback, Confidentiality, Security, Privacy, Data, Branding, Indemnification, Disclaimers, and Liability Limitations.

12. Fees and Payments

Fees

Users pay fees according to current pricing on Hume's website. Pricing may change with 14 days' notice (except legal or beta changes).

Taxes

Users are responsible for all taxes except those based on Hume's net income.

Billing Information

Users must maintain accurate contact and payment information.

Payments

Charges occur on a transaction basis; all obligations are non-cancelable and non-refundable except as specified.

Payment Authorization

Users authorize Hume to charge their payment method until account termination.

Disputes and Late Payments

Users must dispute charges within 30 days. Late payments incur 1.5% monthly interest (or maximum allowed by law). Hume may suspend access for unpaid amounts.

13. Subscription Services

Auto-Renewal

Subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled. Users authorize automatic charges.

Overage Fees

Usage exceeding subscription volume incurs additional charges.

Payment Authorization

Users warrant they have rights to use submitted payment methods.

Final Sales

All sales are final; refunds offered only at Hume's discretion.

Promotional Restrictions

Hume may impose conditions on coupons, bar transactions, or refuse service.

14. Indemnification

Users defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Hume and affiliates from claims arising from user access, applications, breaches, or infringement of intellectual property rights.

15. Disclaimers

The Platform is licensed "as is" and "as available." Hume makes no warranties regarding merchantability, fitness for purpose, error-free operation, or accuracy of results. The Platform is not intended for emergency, mission-critical, or safety-related uses.

16. Limitation of Liability

Hume is not liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, loss of profits, or data. Aggregate liability is limited to $100 USD. This does not exclude liability for gross negligence, death, bodily injury, fraud, or willful misconduct.

17. Miscellaneous Terms

Relationship

Terms create no partnership or joint venture.

No Third-Party Beneficiaries

Only contracting parties have rights.

Assignment

Users cannot assign without consent; Hume may freely assign.

Export Control

Users comply with U.S. export laws and cannot use the Platform from embargoed countries.

U.S. Government

The Platform is "Commercial Items" licensed under FAR.

Waiver

Failure to enforce provisions does not constitute waiver.

Severability

Invalid provisions are modified to conform to law while preserving intent.

Remedies

Breach may result in injunctive relief.

Dispute Resolution

Disputes proceed to binding arbitration (AAA for U.S./Canada, SIAC for APAC, ICC otherwise).

Class Waiver

Arbitration occurs individually; class actions are prohibited.

Governing Law

New York law applies; venue is New York City.

Notices

Hume may contact users through registered contact information; notices to Hume go to 51 Madison Ave, Floor 31, New York, NY 10010.

Construction

Standard interpretive rules apply; headings are for reference only.

Entire Agreement

These terms constitute the full understanding and supersede prior communications.