1. Definitions

1.1 User Content

"User Content" means any content you create, upload, publish, or transmit through LocalBeat, including but not limited to:

• Blog posts, articles, and written content
• Images, photographs, graphics, and visual media
• Videos, audio files, and multimedia content
• Event listings and calendar entries
• Email campaigns and newsletter content
• Comments, metadata, and site customizations
• Subscriber data and contact lists

1.2 AI-Generated Content

"AI-Generated Content" means content created using LocalBeat's AI Generation Studio, including:

• AI-generated images created via OpenAI DALL-E or similar models
• AI-generated text, headlines, or article content via GPT models
• AI-assisted content modifications or enhancements
• Automated content generated through LocalBeat's Auto-News system

1.3 Platform Content

"Platform Content" means content owned or licensed by LocalBeat, including:

• LocalBeat software, code, and platform architecture
• LocalBeat branding, logos, and trademarks
• Default templates, themes, and design elements
• Documentation, tutorials, and help content
• Pre-built components and UI elements

1.4 Third-Party Content

"Third-Party Content" means content sourced from external services or providers, including:

• Content imported from Radio Content Pro (RCP)
• News articles sourced via NewsData.io API
• Embedded content from social media or external platforms
• Licensed stock photos or media from third-party libraries

2. Content Ownership

2.1 You Own Your Content

You retain full ownership of all User Content you create or upload to LocalBeat. We do not claim any ownership rights over your original content, data, or intellectual property.

This means:

• You control how your content is used and distributed
• You can export and delete your content at any time
• You can publish the same content on other platforms
• You own copyright and intellectual property rights

2.2 LocalBeat Owns Platform Content

LocalBeat retains all ownership rights to Platform Content. You receive a limited, non-exclusive license to use Platform Content solely for operating your LocalBeat site(s).

You may not:

• Redistribute or resell LocalBeat software or templates
• Remove LocalBeat branding or attribution (where required)
• Reverse engineer or decompile LocalBeat code
• Use Platform Content outside the LocalBeat service

2.3 Third-Party Content Licensing

Third-Party Content remains the property of its respective owners. You are responsible for complying with third-party licensing terms when using such content on your site.

3. License Grant to LocalBeat

3.1 Scope of License

By uploading or creating User Content on LocalBeat, you grant LocalBeat a limited, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license to:

• Host, store, and serve your content to end users
• Display your content on your public-facing site(s)
• Make technical copies for backups, caching, and performance optimization
• Transmit your content via CDNs and cloud storage (Cloudinary, etc.)
• Process your content through necessary technical services (image resizing, video encoding, etc.)

3.2 What We Don't Do With Your Content

The license granted above is limited to providing the LocalBeat service. We do NOT:

• Use your content for advertising or marketing without permission
• Share your content with third parties for their commercial purposes
• Train AI models on your private content without explicit consent
• Sell or license your content to others
• Claim creative or editorial control over your content

3.3 Marketing & Showcase Use

With your explicit opt-in consent, we may feature your site or content in:

• LocalBeat showcase gallery or customer success stories
• Marketing materials, case studies, or promotional content
• Social media posts highlighting customer sites

You can opt in or out of marketing showcase use at any time via Dashboard → Settings → Privacy.

3.4 Sublicensing

We may sublicense the rights granted above to our service providers (hosting, CDN, backup services) solely as necessary to provide the LocalBeat service. All sublicensees are contractually bound to protect your content and use it only for authorized purposes.

3.5 License Duration

The license remains in effect for as long as your content is stored on LocalBeat. When you delete content or terminate your account, the license ends, except:

• Technical copies in backups (deleted within 90 days per our retention policy)
• Content already distributed via CDN caches (cleared within 24 hours)
• Content required for legal compliance or dispute resolution

4. AI-Generated Content

4.1 Ownership of AI-Generated Content

You own AI-Generated Content created using your LocalBeat account and credits, subject to the following conditions:

• Content was generated using your account and paid credits
• Content complies with OpenAI's usage policies and applicable law
• Content does not infringe third-party intellectual property rights

4.2 OpenAI Terms Compliance

AI-Generated Content is created using OpenAI's API. You agree to comply with OpenAI's Usage Policies, including:

• Not using AI to generate illegal, harmful, or abusive content
• Not using AI to impersonate individuals or spread disinformation
• Not attempting to reverse engineer or extract training data from AI models

Full OpenAI policies: https://openai.com/policies/usage-policies

4.3 Attribution Requirements

While you own AI-Generated Content, we recommend (but do not require) disclosing AI usage in accordance with ethical journalism and transparency standards:

• Recommended: "Image generated using AI" or "AI-assisted content"
• Not Required: Attribution to LocalBeat or OpenAI (but appreciated)

4.4 No Warranty on AI Outputs

AI-Generated Content is provided "as is" without warranties of accuracy, quality, or fitness for purpose. You are responsible for:

• Reviewing and editing AI-generated text for factual accuracy
• Ensuring AI-generated images do not infringe trademarks or identities
• Complying with content standards and editorial guidelines
• Making final editorial decisions about publication

Plain English: AI can make mistakes. You're responsible for reviewing and approving all AI content before publishing.

4.5 Commercial Use

You may use AI-Generated Content for commercial purposes, including:

• Publishing on monetized websites with advertising
• Selling products or services promoted through AI content
• Using AI-generated images in commercial design work

Exception: You may not resell raw AI-generated content as a standalone product (e.g., selling stock photos or article templates). Incorporation into your original work is allowed.

4.6 Indemnification for AI Content

You agree to indemnify LocalBeat against claims arising from your use of AI-Generated Content, including claims of:

• Copyright or trademark infringement
• Right of publicity or privacy violations
• Defamation or false statements in AI-generated text
• Violations of OpenAI usage policies

5. User-Uploaded Content

5.1 Responsibility for Uploads

You are solely responsible for all content you upload to LocalBeat, including:

• Images, videos, and media files
• Text, articles, and written content
• Subscriber email lists
• Imported content from third-party sources (RCP, RSS, etc.)

5.2 Ownership Verification

You represent and warrant that for all User-Uploaded Content:

• You own the content or have obtained necessary licenses/permissions
• You have rights to publish and distribute the content
• The content does not infringe third-party intellectual property rights
• You have obtained necessary model releases and permissions (for photos of people)

5.3 Licensed and Stock Content

If you use licensed content (stock photos, licensed music, etc.) on LocalBeat:

• Maintain proof of licensing for your records
• Comply with attribution requirements from the license
• Ensure your LocalBeat usage complies with license terms (e.g., non-exclusive, web use)
• Do not exceed usage limits (e.g., impression caps, geographic restrictions)

5.4 User-Generated Content on Your Site

If your LocalBeat site allows user-generated content (comments, submissions, etc.):

• You are responsible for moderating and managing this content
• You must have terms of use for your site explaining content policies
• You are responsible for responding to DMCA takedown requests
• LocalBeat may remove content if we receive valid legal notices

6. Third-Party Content & Integrations

6.1 RCP (Radio Content Pro) Integration

If you import content from Radio Content Pro:

• You must have an active RCP license and account in good standing
• Imported content is subject to RCP's licensing terms
• You are responsible for ensuring imported content complies with RCP usage policies
• LocalBeat is not responsible for changes to RCP content or API availability

6.2 NewsData.io Integration (Auto-News)

Content sourced via NewsData.io through LocalBeat's Auto-News system:

• Original news articles are owned by their publishers
• LocalBeat AI-generated summaries and rewrites are derivative works
• You should provide attribution to original news sources when practical
• Use of news content must comply with fair use principles and copyright law
• LocalBeat is not responsible for accuracy or bias in source news data

6.3 Embeds and External Content

When embedding external content (YouTube videos, social media posts, etc.):

• Embedded content remains property of the originating platform
• You must comply with the embedding platform's terms (YouTube ToS, etc.)
• LocalBeat is not responsible for availability or terms of embedded content

6.4 Social Media Sharing

When your content is shared on social media:

• Social platforms may display previews, thumbnails, or excerpts per their terms
• You grant social platforms necessary licenses through their terms of service, not through LocalBeat
• LocalBeat provides Open Graph and metadata tags to control how content appears when shared

7. Representations & Warranties

7.1 Your Warranties

By uploading or creating content on LocalBeat, you represent and warrant that:

• You have the legal right to create, upload, and publish the content
• The content does not infringe any third-party intellectual property rights
• The content complies with all applicable laws and regulations
• The content does not contain viruses, malware, or malicious code
• You have obtained necessary permissions, releases, and consents (for photos of people, use of trademarks, etc.)
• The content is not defamatory, obscene, or otherwise unlawful

7.2 Accuracy of Information

You represent that:

• Factual statements in your content are accurate to the best of your knowledge
• You will correct material errors or inaccuracies when identified
• Opinions are clearly identified as such, not presented as facts
• Sponsored or paid content is clearly disclosed per FTC guidelines

7.3 LocalBeat's Disclaimers

LocalBeat makes no warranties regarding:

• The accuracy, quality, or legality of User Content
• The accuracy or reliability of AI-Generated Content
• The availability or accuracy of Third-Party Content
• Uninterrupted access to your content or the LocalBeat service

8. Prohibited Content

8.1 Content We Don't Allow

You may not create, upload, or publish content that:

• Illegal Content: Violates any applicable law or regulation
• Infringing Content: Infringes copyright, trademark, patent, or other intellectual property rights
• Harmful Content: Contains malware, viruses, or malicious code
• Exploitative Content: Exploits or harms minors in any way
• Violent Content: Depicts graphic violence or incites violence
• Hateful Content: Promotes hatred or discrimination based on protected characteristics
• Deceptive Content: Contains intentional misinformation or fraud
• Adult Content: Contains pornography or sexually explicit material (see Section 8.2)

8.2 Adult Content Policy

LocalBeat does not permit pornographic or sexually explicit content. Limited exceptions for:

• Educational or medical content with clear educational purpose
• Artistic content with cultural or historical significance
• News reporting on adult topics with appropriate editorial context

Adult content must include age verification and appropriate content warnings. Contact us at support@mylocalbeat.com before publishing such content.

8.3 Spam and Commercial Restrictions

You may not use LocalBeat to:

• Send unsolicited commercial emails (spam)
• Engage in affiliate link schemes or link farms
• Manipulate search engine rankings through deceptive practices
• Republish scraped or auto-generated spam content

8.4 Impersonation

You may not:

• Impersonate individuals, organizations, or brands
• Create fake news sites mimicking legitimate news organizations
• Use misleading branding or trademarks

8.5 Enforcement

Violations of content policies may result in:

• Content removal without notice
• Account suspension or termination
• Reporting to law enforcement (for illegal content)
• No refund of subscription fees or credits

9. Content Removal & Takedowns

9.1 Your Right to Remove Content

You may remove or delete your content at any time:

• Dashboard → Content Management → Delete
• Deleted content is removed from public view immediately
• Deleted content is purged from backups within 90 days
• CDN caches are cleared within 24 hours

9.2 DMCA Takedown Requests

If you believe content on a LocalBeat site infringes your copyright:

• Submit a DMCA takedown notice to dmca@mylocalbeat.com
• See our DMCA Policy for required notice elements
• We will investigate and remove infringing content per DMCA procedures
• Site owners may submit counter-notices if they believe removal was in error

9.3 LocalBeat's Right to Remove Content

LocalBeat reserves the right to remove content without notice if:

• Content violates our Terms of Service or this Agreement
• Content is illegal or we receive valid legal process demanding removal
• Content poses security risks to the platform or users
• Content violates third-party rights (after receiving valid takedown notice)

We will attempt to notify you when we remove content, except where legally prohibited or where the violation is egregious (child exploitation, terrorism, etc.).

9.4 Appeals

If your content is removed:

• You will receive an email explanation (in most cases)
• You may appeal by emailing appeals@mylocalbeat.com
• Include: your account details, content in question, reason you believe removal was in error
• Appeals are reviewed within 5 business days
• Decisions are final and made at LocalBeat's sole discretion

10. Data Portability & Export

10.1 Export Your Content

You have the right to export your content at any time:

• Dashboard → Settings → Export Data
• Full export includes: posts, pages, media URLs, subscribers, analytics
• Standard formats: JSON, CSV, WordPress WXR (where applicable)
• No charge for data export
• Export available even after account cancellation (for 60 days)

10.2 Media Files

Media files (images, videos, documents) are stored on Cloudinary:

• Export includes direct URLs to all media files
• You can download media files individually or in bulk
• Media URLs remain accessible for 90 days after cancellation
• After 90 days, media files are permanently deleted and URLs become invalid

Recommendation: Download a backup of all media files before canceling your account.

10.3 Migration Assistance

We want you to succeed even if you leave LocalBeat:

• WordPress export format available for easy migration
• API access for custom export scripts (Enterprise plans)
• Migration documentation and guides available
• Support team can assist with export questions

11. Effect of Termination

11.1 License Termination

Upon termination or cancellation of your account:

• Your license grant to LocalBeat (Section 3) terminates
• We will cease hosting and serving your content after the termination effective date
• Technical copies in backups will be deleted within 90 days
• You retain full ownership of your content

11.2 Grace Period for Data Recovery

Voluntary cancellation:

• Days 1-30: Full data export available, read-only access to dashboard
• Days 31-60: Data export still available via support request
• After Day 60: All content permanently deleted and unrecoverable

11.3 Termination for Violation

If your account is terminated for policy violations:

• Immediate loss of access to content and dashboard
• 30-day data retention for legal/appeal purposes only
• Data export may be restricted in cases of illegal content
• No refund of fees or credits

11.4 Survival

The following provisions survive termination:

• Your ownership of User Content
• Indemnification obligations (Section 12)
• Representations and warranties (Section 7)
• Limitation of liability (per Terms of Service)

12. Indemnification

12.1 Your Indemnification Obligations

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless LocalBeat, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Your User Content or AI-Generated Content
• Your violation of this Content License Agreement
• Your violation of third-party intellectual property rights
• Your violation of applicable laws or regulations
• Content created by users of your LocalBeat site (comments, submissions, etc.)

12.2 Example Scenarios

You would be responsible for indemnifying LocalBeat if:

• A photographer sues claiming you used their photo without license
• A person sues claiming you used their image without permission (right of publicity)
• A company sues claiming your content infringes their trademark
• A subject sues claiming your article is defamatory or false
• A rights holder files a DMCA lawsuit (beyond a takedown notice)

12.3 Defense and Settlement

If we receive a claim covered by your indemnification:

• We will notify you promptly
• You will assume defense of the claim at your expense
• We will cooperate and provide reasonable assistance
• You may not settle any claim without our prior written consent
• We reserve the right to participate in defense with our own counsel at our expense

12.4 LocalBeat's Indemnification (Limited)

LocalBeat will indemnify you against claims that LocalBeat's Platform Content (software, templates, default designs) infringes third-party intellectual property rights, subject to:

• You promptly notify us of the claim
• You give us sole control of defense and settlement
• You cooperate with our defense efforts
• The claim relates to unmodified Platform Content (not your customizations)

This indemnification does NOT cover claims arising from User Content, AI-Generated Content, or Third-Party Content.