TERMS AND CONDITIONS - FourVirtues
Effective: 24th October 2025
ACCEPTANCE
Thank you for choosing the FourVirtues app and any related online website or social channels (services). The FourVirtues app is accessible through the Apple App Store. These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) shall preside over both our products and services ("The FourVirtues app"), including any features, subscriptions, and our API services collectively, (“Services”) made available via this mobile application.
Our Services are offered subject to your acceptance without modification of all of the terms and conditions contained herein and all other acceptable rules, policies (including, without limitation, FourVirtues Privacy Policy) and procedures that may be published from time to time by FourVirtues (collectively, the “Agreement”). You agree that we may automatically upgrade our Services, and these Terms will apply to any upgrades.
BY CLICKING “I ACCEPT,” “SIGN UP,” OR BY DOWNLOADING, INSTALLING, OR OTHERWISE ACCESSING OR USING THE FOUR VIRTUES SERVICES, YOU AFFIRM THAT YOU ARE ATLEAST 16 YEARS OF AGE. IF YOU ARE UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE, YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO USE THE FOUR VIRTUES SERVICE.
If you download the mobile application from Apple’s Store, Apple’s Standard EULA shall apply to your use of the mobile application. in addition to these Terms. Where they conflict, Apple’s terms control the matters Apple requires; otherwise, these Terms apply between you and us.
WHO WE ARE
The FourVirtues app is product of the (“ELM APPS LTD” the "App", "Site", "Software", or "Service") and you, a user of the Service. The mobile application is operated by ELM APPS LTD, a company registered in England and Wales with (company number 16753162) and registered address located at, 71-75, Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ, UNITED KINGDOM.
In order to use the Service, you must first agree to these Terms of Service ("Terms") and your agreement will be confirmed by accepting these terms when prompted upon first sign in into the Service. If you do not accept these terms then please do not sign in, and if applicable close and delete the Software.
UPDATES
These Terms constitute a contractual agreement between FourVirtues app represented as (we, our, us or ELM APPS LTD) and you, defined as ( Users, and/or Subscribers) within this terms. We reserve the right at all times to remove or modify any part of this Terms unilaterally. We shall notify you via the push notification available via the mobile application about the amended and modified Terms to ensure that you stay informed of any such amendments and restatements.
Your use of the Service after the date of notification or the effective date of changes indicated in the notification shall mean your acceptance of the amended and restated Terms, unless you accepted them otherwise earlier. By clicking "I agree," you accept to be bound by the following terms and conditions.
THE FOUR VIRTUES MOBILE APPLICATION
Subject to your compliance with these Terms, FourVirtues app hereby grants you permission to use the Service, provided that: your use of the Service as permitted solely for your personal, non-commercial use. The FourVirtues app provides users with several core features designed to enhance personal growth and understanding of Stoic philosophy. These features may be updated or modified from time to time to improve user experience, performance, and compliance.
Decision Mode and Reflection Mode
These modes use AI-assisted, Stoic-informed prompts and summaries to guide users in thoughtful self evaluation and decision making.
Reflection Mode allows users to record daily experiences and assess how their actions align with the four Stoic virtues’: Wisdom, Courage, Justice, and Temperance.
Decision Mode supports users in analysing dilemmas by distinguishing between what is within their control and what is not, offering reasoned recommendations based on Stoic reasoning principles.
Stoic Library
The Stoic Library provides access to curated public-domain Stoic texts and translations, allowing users to study the works of key philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, and Epictetus. This resource is intended for educational use only and is offered to support self-directed learning within the app.
Chat with the Author
The “Chat with the Author” feature allows users to interact with AI-generated simulations of Stoic philosophers (for example, “Marcus Aurelius”). These conversations draw upon publicly available Stoic writings to provide contextual explanations and insights consistent with Stoic teachings. Users should note that these simulations are AI-generated and not authentic reproductions of historical authors or professional advice.
We may, at any time and without prior notice, modify, suspend, or withdraw any feature or service within the app. Such changes may be made to improve functionality, ensure system security, comply with applicable laws or regulations, or enhance user experience.
FEES
FourVirtues app reserves the right to charge fees for future updates and improvements to the Service. We will notify you of any charges and seek your agreement to them before they are applied.
ACCOUNTS, PERSONAL IDENTIFIERS, AND DATA STORAGE
The FourVirtues app operates without user accounts and does not require you to provide personal identifiers such as your name, email address, or contact details. We do not collect, store, or process any personal identifying information in the ordinary course of your use of the mobile application.
Your personal writings; including journals, reflections, notes, and similar entries’ are stored locally on your device. If you have enabled iCloud synchronisation, your content is also stored within your private iCloud database linked to your Apple ID. We do not have access to, or control over, this data, nor is it transmitted to or stored on our servers unless you expressly choose to share it with us. All iCloud storage and synchronisation functions are provided and governed by Apple Inc. under their applicable terms, policies, and data handling practices, including lawful access requests and Apple Support procedures. We do not accept responsibility for Apple’s handling of your iCloud data.
AI Processing: When you use AI-assisted features within the app, the text you input, together with only the context necessary for generating a relevant response, is securely transmitted from your device to OpenAI’s API for processing. The generated response is then returned and displayed to you within the app interface.
We do not retain, copy, or store the content of your writings or AI interactions on our own servers. Data handling by OpenAI is governed by OpenAI’s own privacy and security policies, which apply to the processing of your submitted text solely for the purpose of generating responses
SUBSCRIPTION, MEMBERSHIP & RENEWAL
All subscriptions, payments, renewals, and cancellations for the FourVirtues app are managed exclusively through Apple’s in-app purchase system. We do not directly process payments or hold any billing information.
Free Trial: From time to time, we may offer a free trial period (for example, seven days). Unless you cancel your trial at least 24 hours before the trial period ends, your paid subscription will commence automatically at the conclusion of the trial. The applicable subscription price, duration, and renewal terms will be clearly displayed on the App Store purchase screen prior to confirmation.
Managing or Cancelling a Subscription: You may manage or cancel your subscription at any time by navigating to your device Settings → Manage Subscriptions, or by visiting the App Store subscriptions page linked to your Apple ID. Cancellation will take effect at the end of the current billing period; you will retain access to the app’s features until that time.
Pricing and Renewals: Subscription pricing may be subject to change from time to time. Where required, Apple will provide advance notice of any change in subscription price or renewal terms in accordance with their policies. Continued use of the app after such notice constitutes acceptance of the revised pricing.
Refunds and Billing Enquiries: All billing, payment processing, and refund requests are administered by Apple under their applicable App Store terms and refund policies. We do not have the ability to issue refunds or resolve billing disputes directly. Any refund or billing queries should therefore be directed to Apple Support.
Your statutory consumer rights under UK law remain unaffected by these term.
PAYMENT, RENEWALS, AND REFUND POLICY (APPLE)
Payment Processing: All payments for the FourVirtues app are processed through Apple’s App Store in-app purchase system. By confirming a purchase, you authorise Apple to charge the applicable subscription fee to the payment method linked to your Apple ID. We do not collect, process, or store your payment details. All prices are displayed in your local currency and include applicable taxes where required by law. Any applicable charges, renewal rates, or promotional offers will be shown clearly before you confirm your purchase.
Automatic Renewals: Subscriptions are set to renew automatically at the end of each billing period (monthly, annually, or otherwise as displayed). Unless you cancel your subscription at least 24 hours before the renewal date, Apple will automatically charge your account for the next subscription period using the same payment method. You can review, manage, or cancel your subscription at any time via your device settings under Settings → Manage Subscriptions or by visiting the App Store Subscriptions page associated with your Apple ID.
Free Trials and Conversion to Paid Subscription: If a free trial is offered, you may cancel your subscription at any time during the trial period without incurring any charges. If you do not cancel at least 24 hours before the trial ends, your paid subscription will begin automatically once the trial period expires, and the applicable subscription fee will be charged through Apple.
Refunds and Disputes: As all payments are managed by Apple, refunds, billing disputes, and payment issues are handled directly by Apple Support in accordance with their App Store Terms and Refund Policy. We do not have the technical or legal capacity to issue refunds or alter billing records on your behalf.
If you believe you have been billed in error or wish to request a refund, please contact Apple Support through your purchase history or by visiting support.apple.com/billing. Your statutory consumer rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and related UK consumer protection laws remain fully unaffected by these terms.
We reserve the right to adjust pricing, modify available subscription plans, or update associated terms as necessary. Where required by law or platform policy, Apple will provide you with advance notice of any material changes. Continued use of the app following such notice will constitute acceptance of the updated terms
THIRD-PARTY SERVICES AND CONTENT
The FourVirtues app relies on certain trusted third-party services to operate securely and deliver key features. These integrations are limited and used only where necessary to support the App’s functionality and user experience.
Apple: The App is distributed and managed via the Apple App Store, and may use Apple frameworks such as iCloud for optional data backup and synchronisation. Your use of these services is subject to Apple’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, including Apple’s data handling and security standards.
OpenAI: AI-generated summaries, reflections, and “Chat with the Author” simulations are powered by OpenAI’s API. When you use these features, your text and minimal context are securely transmitted to OpenAI to generate a response. We do not store or further process this data. OpenAI processes it in accordance with its own Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Analytics and Diagnostics: We may use limited, anonymised analytics tools to monitor technical performance, crash reports, or error diagnostics. These do not identify individual users and are used solely to improve stability, security, and functionality.
We do not sell, trade, or otherwise share your information with any third party for marketing or profiling purposes. All third-party integrations are selected for compliance with UK data protection and privacy laws and reviewed periodically for security and performance.
USAGE, EDUCATIONAL, AND ADVISORY DISCLAIMER
The FourVirtues app is designed to support users in personal reflection, decision-making, and learning based on Stoic philosophy. While the app offers structured tools, AI-assisted insights, and educational resources, it is intended solely for personal development and informational use.
Educational Purpose: All content, guidance, and materials provided through the app, including AI-generated summaries, reflections, Stoic quotes, texts, and interactive conversations, are for educational purposes only. The app is not intended to replace professional advice or serve as a therapeutic, psychological, medical, or counselling service.
No Professional or Medical Advice: The insights, suggestions, and Stoic-based reflections generated within the app should not be interpreted as professional advice of any kind. The app does not diagnose, treat, or provide therapy for emotional or mental health conditions. Users experiencing emotional distress, mental health concerns, or requiring professional advice should seek guidance from a qualified healthcare or mental health professional.
Accuracy and AI-Generated Content: Some app features, such as the Decision Mode, Reflection Mode, and Chat with the Author simulation, incorporate AI-generated outputs. These responses are derived from Stoic writings and public-domain sources to provide context and philosophical perspective. However, users acknowledge that AI-generated content may not always be factually accurate, contextually complete, or suitable for every situation. Users are encouraged to exercise independent judgment when interpreting or acting upon such information.
“Chat with the Author” Simulation: The “Chat with the Author” feature is an AI-generated simulation that draws upon public-domain Stoic texts, contextual metadata, and historical prompts. Any interaction with “Marcus Aurelius,” “Seneca,” “Epictetus,” or similar representations is purely simulated and intended for educational exploration only. There is no affiliation, endorsement, or approval by any author’s estate, publisher, institution, or rights holder.
User Discretion and Responsibility: Users remain solely responsible for their decisions, reflections, and actions resulting from their use of the app. The developers, owners, and affiliates of the FourVirtues app shall not be held liable for any outcomes, decisions, or consequences arising from reliance on the app’s content or features. We may update, modify, or enhance educational and advisory content from time to time to ensure compliance, accuracy, or relevance. Such updates may occur without prior notice and will take effect once published within the app.
USER CONTENT OWNERSHIP
You retain full ownership and control of any personal content you create within the App, including your journals, reflections, notes, and entries. Such material is stored locally on your device and, if you enable iCloud, within your private iCloud database linked to your Apple ID. We do not collect, access, or store your writings on our servers unless you explicitly choose to share them with us for feedback or support purposes. In such cases, any data shared will be processed solely for that purpose and handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
iCloud storage and synchronisation are subject to Apple’s terms and conditions, and Apple may process data under its own policies and lawful obligations. By using the App, you grant us a limited, non-exclusive right to process your content only as necessary to operate and deliver App features (such as generating AI reflections or summaries). This right automatically ends when you delete the App or your content.
LICENCES YOU GRANTS TO FOUR VIRTUES
By using the FourVirtues Mobile Application, you grant us a limited, non-exclusive, revocable licence to process and use the content you create only as necessary to provide, operate, and improve the App’s features and services.
This licence: allows us to temporarily process your text, prompts, or reflections when you use AI-assisted tools such as Reflection Mode, Decision Mode, or Chat with the Author; enables us to display, summarise, and return results within the App interface; and permits secure, technical handling (e.g., temporary caching or formatting) needed for the App to function properly.
We do not claim ownership of your journals, reflections, or any personal writings. Your content remains entirely yours and stays stored on your device (and, if enabled, your private iCloud account). This licence is automatically terminated when you delete your content, uninstall the App, or your subscription ends. It does not give us any right to distribute, publish, or commercialise your material beyond what is required for essential service delivery.
You also grant us a limited right to use anonymous, aggregated, and non-personal data, for example, usage statistics or diagnostic information strictly for maintaining performance, improving features, and ensuring legal compliance. No personally identifiable or journal content is ever included in such data.
USER RESPONSIBILITIES
By using the FourVirtues app, users agree to use the app responsibly, lawfully, and in accordance with these Terms and Conditions. Users are expected to:
- Provide accurate and up-to-date payment information when subscribing.
- Maintain the confidentiality of their device and subscription credentials and not share access with unauthorised persons.
- Use the app solely for personal and non-commercial purposes, unless expressly authorised otherwise in writing.
- Respect all intellectual property rights and refrain from reproducing, distributing, or modifying any app content without permission.
- you will not duplicate, transfer, give access to, copy or distribute any part of the Service in any medium without FourVirtues app's prior written consent;
- you will not attempt to alter or modify any part of the Service; and
- you will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Users are solely responsible for their reflections, entries, and how they interpret or apply the Stoic insights and recommendations provided through the app
ACCEPTABLE USE
To ensure a respectful and secure environment for all users, the following actions are strictly prohibited:
- Using the app for any unlawful, harmful, or abusive purposes.
- Uploading, transmitting, or sharing content that is offensive, misleading, defamatory, or infringes upon the rights of others.
- Attempting to interfere with or compromise the app’s security, performance, or data systems.
- Reverse-engineering, copying, or extracting any part of the app’s code or AI systems for unauthorised use.
- Misusing AI features (including the “Chat with the Author” simulation) to generate or disseminate harmful, deceptive, or discriminatory material.
Violation of these terms may result in suspension or permanent termination of access to the mobile application.
PUBLIC-DOMAIN TEXTS AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
The FourVirtues app includes selected editions and translations of Stoic philosophical works believed to be in the public domain. These materials are provided for educational and informational use, with attributions and acknowledgements where reasonably appropriate. If you have reason to believe that any material included in the App is not in the public domain or that attribution is incomplete, please contact us at support@elmapps.co.uk. We will review and, if necessary, amend or remove the material promptly.
The App’s software, design, structure, compilation, selection, presentation, and metadata are protected under UK and international intellectual property and database rights. All rights are reserved by the developer and its licensors. You are granted a personal, limited, revocable, non-exclusive, and non-transferable licence to install and use the App on Apple devices that you own or control, in accordance with Apple’s Standard End-User Licence Agreement (EULA).
You must not, without prior written consent or except as otherwise permitted by law:
- Copy, reproduce, or redistribute any part of the App;
- Extract, scrape, or bulk-export its data or metadata;
- Perform text or data mining of the App’s contents;
- Reverse engineer, decompile, or modify the software; or
- Create derivative works based on the App or its databases.
CHILDREN PRIVACY
The FourVirtues app is intended for users aged 16 and over. It is not designed for children, and we do not knowingly collect or process personal data from anyone under 16 years old.
If you are under 16, you must not use the App or its AI features without the consent and supervision of a parent or guardian. If we become aware that we have inadvertently processed a child’s data, we will delete it promptly in line with the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the ICO’s Age Appropriate Design Code.
Parents or guardians who believe their child has used the App without consent may contact us at support@elmapps.co.uk for immediate review and removal.
DATA PROTECTION & THE UK/EU GDPR
We take your privacy and data protection seriously. The FourVirtues app is designed to minimise data collection and to operate in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
The App does not require registration, and we do not collect personal identifiers such as your name, email address, or contact details. Your writings, reflections, and notes remain on your device and, if enabled, are synchronised securely via Apple’s iCloud service. We do not access or store this content on our servers.
When you use the AI-powered features, the text you submit, and any minimal context required to generate a response, is processed securely through OpenAI’s API to deliver your results. We do not retain or further process this content. All processing is limited to what is necessary to provide the App’s functionality, and no data is sold, shared, or used for profiling or advertising.
| Model | Data Controller | Access to Data | Consent Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| User | Apple act as the Sole Data Controller | Access to user data, such as journals, reflections, notes etc which are stored locally on your device or iCloud | Yes |
| Subscriber | Apple & OpenAI act as the Sole Data Controller | Access to user data, such as journals, reflections, notes etc which are stored locally on your device or iCloud | Yes |
We recommend that you review Apple’s Privacy Policy and OpenAI’s Privacy Notice for details on how they handle data processed through their respective services.
Instructions. By downloading and installing the application from Apple’s Store, you hereby, authorize Apple Inc to process such personal data on your behalf, and in accordance with Data protection instructions, as otherwise necessary to provide the API Services. For more information about our privacy practices or to raise a concern, you may contact us at support@elmapps.co.uk
DATA SECURITY AND RETENTION
We are committed to ensuring that your information remains secure, private, and within your control. The FourVirtues app has been developed with a privacy by design approach, meaning that personal data collection and processing are kept to the absolute minimum necessary for the App to function.
Your journals, reflections, and notes are stored locally on your device and, if you enable iCloud, within your private iCloud database linked to your Apple ID. These entries are encrypted and protected under Apple’s security standards. We do not hold or store copies of your writings on our servers.
When using AI-powered features, the text you input is transmitted securely for processing through OpenAI’s API. This processing is transient, it is not retained or reused by us. We do not create user profiles, track your behaviour, or retain any personal data beyond what is strictly necessary for operational, security, or legal compliance purposes.
If you contact us directly (for example, via email), we may retain minimal correspondence records solely to handle your query or as required under applicable law. Such data will be securely deleted once no longer necessary. You remain responsible for maintaining appropriate security measures on your own device and Apple account, including passcodes and backups.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
To the fullest extent permitted by UK law, the FourVirtues app and all related content and features are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. We make no express or implied representations, warranties, or guarantees regarding the App’s accuracy, reliability, availability, or suitability for any particular purpose.
While we take care to ensure that the App functions correctly and that its educational content is responsibly prepared, we do not warrant that:
- the App or its content will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free from defects;
- AI-generated outputs or philosophical summaries will be accurate, complete, or appropriate for every circumstance; or
- the App will always meet your personal expectations or goals.
You acknowledge that the App is educational and informational only and does not replace professional medical, mental health, financial, or legal advice. Decisions based on the content of the App are made at your own discretion and risk.
Your statutory rights as a consumer remain unaffected
TERMINATION AND SUSPENSION OF SERVICE
We may suspend, restrict, or discontinue access to the FourVirtues app (in whole or in part) where reasonably necessary to:
- maintain or improve performance, reliability, or security;
- comply with law, regulation, or valid governmental request;
- address suspected misuse, abuse, or breach of these Terms; or
- perform essential maintenance or updates.
If your subscription lapses, is cancelled, or payment fails, access to paid features will automatically end at the close of your current billing period. You may continue to use any free or offline features (if available). Where possible, we will give reasonable notice before making material changes or suspending access, unless immediate action is required for security, technical, or legal reasons.
You may terminate your use of the App at any time by cancelling your subscription through Apple’s App Store settings and uninstalling the App from your devices.
Upon termination:
- your licence to use the App will end immediately;
- any locally stored reflections, notes, or journal entries will remain on your device (or in your iCloud account, if enabled); and
- we will not retain any copies of your data on our servers, as we do not store your personal content.
We are not responsible for any loss of access or data resulting from your decision to uninstall the App or cancel your subscription
TAKE-DOWN NOTICES
If you are a copyright owner or an agent thereof and believe, in good faith, that any materials provided on FourVirtues app infringe upon your copyrights, you may submit a notification by sending a message in writing to FourVirtues designated copyright agent at support@elmapps.co.uk
APPLE THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARY
If you downloaded the FourVirtues App from the Apple App Store, Apple Inc. and its subsidiaries are third-party beneficiaries of these Terms and may enforce Apple’s Standard EULA against you. Except as stated here, no other party has rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION
This mobile application and Services and Terms shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales. The parties agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts. This is without prejudice to the FourVirtues right and that of its affiliates to commence proceedings anywhere in the world relating to the protection of its Intellectual Property Rights or those of its Licensors.
QUESTIONS, OR COMPLAINTS
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests about these Terms or how your information is handled, please contact us at: support@elmapps.co.uk
We will respond as promptly as possible and aim to resolve any concerns directly. If you are not satisfied with our response or believe your data protection rights have been infringed, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s data protection authority:
Website: www.ico.org.uk Telephone: 0303 123 1113 (within the UK)
We always encourage users to contact us first so we can address any issue quickly and fairly.