Terms of service

Last updated: October 9, 2026.

These terms cover the TopoKin app, this website, the TopoKin relay that carries your group's encrypted messages and positions, the map service, and the TopoKin connector for AI assistants (together, "TopoKin"). By using TopoKin you agree to them. If you don't agree, please don't use it.

What TopoKin is, and isn't

TopoKin helps you and your kin see a shared topo map, each other's last known positions and messages, with or without cell signal. It is not an emergency service, a rescue beacon, or a guarantee that anyone can be found. Positions can be old, wrong or missing (no GPS, no signal, a dead battery, a radio out of range), messages can fail to arrive, and maps can be out of date or wrong about trails, roads, land ownership and closures.

• In an emergency, call 911 or use a dedicated SOS device (a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon).
• Carry the usual essentials: a paper map and compass, and the skills to use them. Plan as if TopoKin weren't there.
• You are responsible for your own decisions and safety, and for the people in your care.

Using it well

• Use TopoKin only with people who agree to share their location with the group, and only for the outdoors and keeping track of your own group: not to follow, watch or locate anyone without their knowledge.
• Kids and others who carry a TopoKin tracker radio are added by an adult in the group, who is responsible for them.
• Don't use TopoKin to break the law, to harass anyone, or to interfere with the relay or map service (for example, by overloading them or trying to read other groups).
• Radios: use only radios and settings that are legal where you are. TopoKin sets radios to the U.S. 915 MHz band.

The AI connector

If someone in your group adds the AI helper (Group › Add AI helper), an AI assistant you use (such as Claude) can read your group's messages, places and drawings and add new ones when you ask; it can't see anyone's location (see the privacy policy). Your use of that assistant is also under its maker's terms. AI answers can be wrong: check places and advice yourself, and never rely on them for safety.

Your content

What you and your group share (messages, places, drawings, positions) stays yours. It's encrypted on your phones, and we only carry it so the group can see it. Don't share content you don't have the right to share.

Availability and changes

TopoKin is provided free and as is. We work to keep it running but don't promise it will always be available, error free, or compatible with every device, radio or AI assistant. We may change or stop parts of it; if a change matters to you, we'll say so in the app or on this site. We may update these terms; the date above shows the latest version, and continuing to use TopoKin means you accept the update.

Limits

To the fullest extent the law allows, TopoKin and the people who make it are not liable for indirect, incidental or consequential damages, or for any loss arising from relying on positions, messages, maps or AI answers. Some places don't allow these limits, so they may not apply to you.

TopoKin is made for the United States; these terms are governed by the laws of the State of Nevada.

Contact

Questions about these terms: support@topokin.app.