Terms & Conditions / End User License Agreement

Last updated: March 5, 2026

These Terms apply to Avalw Shield for macOS and Windows ("the App"), developed and published by Avalw SRL ("Avalw", "we", "us", "our"), a company registered in Romania. This document serves as both the Terms & Conditions and the End User License Agreement (EULA) for the App.

IMPORTANT — PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. By downloading, installing, accessing, or using Avalw Shield, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions and End User License Agreement. If you do not agree, do not download, install, or use the App.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing, downloading, installing, or using Avalw Shield ("the App"), you ("User", "you", "your") agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms and Conditions and End User License Agreement (collectively, "Terms"). These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Avalw SRL.

If you are accepting these Terms on behalf of an organization, you represent and warrant that you have the authority to bind that organization to these Terms.

2. Description of Service

Avalw Shield is a privacy and security application that uses face recognition technology to:

• Away Lock: Automatically lock your screen when you step away from your computer, using real-time face detection to determine your presence.
• Shoulder Guard: Detect unauthorized viewers looking at your screen and automatically hide screen content to protect your privacy.
• Face Recognition: Authenticate the device owner using on-device biometric face recognition with adaptive enrollment capabilities.
• Attention Awareness: Detect whether the user is actively looking at the screen with eyes open, providing anti-spoofing protection.

All processing occurs entirely on your device. The App does not require an internet connection for its core functionality.

3. License Grant

3.1 Grant of License

Subject to your compliance with these Terms, Avalw grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable, revocable license to download, install, and use the App on devices that you own or control, solely for your personal, non-commercial purposes.

3.2 Scope of License

This license allows you to:

• Install the App on devices you own or control
• Use the App for personal privacy and security purposes
• Create a backup copy of the App for archival purposes only

3.3 License Restrictions

You shall NOT, and shall not permit any third party to:

• Reverse engineer: Reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, decode, decrypt, or otherwise attempt to derive or gain access to the source code of the App or any part thereof.
• Modify: Modify, adapt, translate, create derivative works based on, or otherwise alter the App or any part thereof.
• Distribute: Distribute, sell, resell, rent, lease, lend, sublicense, assign, or otherwise transfer or make available the App or any rights therein to any third party.
• Copy: Copy, reproduce, or duplicate the App, in whole or in part, except for a single backup copy for archival purposes.
• Remove notices: Remove, alter, obscure, or deface any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary rights notices displayed on or within the App.
• Circumvent: Circumvent, disable, or otherwise interfere with any security, license management, digital rights management, or access control features of the App.
• Extract: Extract, scrape, or harvest any data, algorithms, models, weights, or other content from the App.
• Benchmark: Use the App for competitive benchmarking, analysis, or to build a competing product or service without prior written consent from Avalw.
• Misuse: Use the App for any unlawful, unauthorized, or malicious purpose, including but not limited to surveillance of others without their consent.
• Tamper: Tamper with, hack, or otherwise corrupt the App, its security mechanisms, or its integrity verification systems.
• Commercial use: Use the App for any commercial purpose, including but not limited to offering it as part of a service, without a separate commercial license from Avalw.

4. Intellectual Property

4.1 Ownership

Avalw Shield, including but not limited to its source code, object code, algorithms, neural network models and weights, user interface designs, graphics, logos, icons, trade names, trademarks, and documentation, is and remains the exclusive property of Avalw SRL. All rights not expressly granted in these Terms are reserved by Avalw.

4.2 Trademarks

"Avalw", "Avalw Shield", "Away Lock", "Shoulder Guard", the Avalw logo, and all related names, logos, product and service names, designs, and slogans are trademarks of Avalw SRL. You may not use such marks without the prior written permission of Avalw.

4.3 AI Models and Algorithms

The face recognition models, neural network architectures, trained weights, detection algorithms, and matching algorithms embedded in the App constitute trade secrets and proprietary technology of Avalw SRL. These are protected by intellectual property laws and international treaties.

4.4 Feedback

If you provide Avalw with any feedback, suggestions, or ideas regarding the App ("Feedback"), you hereby assign to Avalw all rights, title, and interest in such Feedback, and Avalw shall be free to use the Feedback without restriction or compensation to you.

5. Subscriptions and Purchases

5.1 Purchase Options

Avalw Shield offers the following purchase options:

• Monthly Subscription: Auto-renewing subscription billed monthly at the current price displayed in the App Store or Microsoft Store.
• Annual Subscription: Auto-renewing subscription billed annually at the current price displayed in the App Store or Microsoft Store.
• Lifetime Purchase: One-time, non-refundable payment for permanent access to the App on the platform where purchased.

5.2 Payment Processing

All payments are processed by Apple (via StoreKit on macOS) or Microsoft (via Microsoft Store on Windows). Avalw does not directly process, store, or have access to your payment information, credit card numbers, or billing details. Payment processing is governed by Apple's or Microsoft's respective terms of service.

5.3 Auto-Renewal

Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current billing period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period at the then-current subscription price.

5.4 Cancellation

You can manage or cancel your subscription at any time:

• macOS: System Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions
• Windows: Microsoft Store → Account → Subscriptions

Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period. You will continue to have access until the period ends. No refunds are provided for partial billing periods.

5.5 Price Changes

Avalw reserves the right to change subscription prices at any time. Existing subscribers will be notified in advance of any price increase and will have the option to cancel before the new price takes effect.

5.6 Refunds

Refund requests are handled by Apple or Microsoft according to their respective refund policies. Avalw does not directly process refunds. Lifetime purchases are non-refundable except as required by applicable law.

6. Free Trial

New users may be eligible for a limited free trial of 15 minutes per session. The trial allows you to experience the full functionality of the App. After the trial expires, a subscription or lifetime purchase is required for continued use. Avalw reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue the free trial at any time without notice.

7. Privacy and Data

All face recognition, face detection, and screen protection processing occurs entirely on your device. No biometric data, camera footage, personal information, or usage data is transmitted to Avalw's servers or any third party. Please review our Privacy Policy for complete details on how your data is handled.

8. Camera Usage and Biometric Data

8.1 Camera Access

The App requires access to your device's camera (built-in or external) to function. By using the App, you consent to the use of your camera for face detection, face recognition, and shoulder detection purposes.

8.2 Biometric Consent

By enrolling your face in Avalw Shield, you expressly consent to the local processing and storage of biometric data (face embeddings) on your device. This data is:

• Processed and stored exclusively on your device
• Never transmitted to Avalw or any third party
• Encrypted using platform-native encryption (Keychain on macOS, DPAPI on Windows)
• Deletable at any time from the App's Settings

8.3 Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA)

For users in Illinois: Avalw Shield does not collect, capture, or otherwise obtain biometric identifiers or biometric information as defined by BIPA, 740 ILCS 14/1 et seq. All biometric processing occurs locally on your device, and Avalw never possesses, stores, or transmits biometric data.

9. User Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

• Ensuring your device meets the minimum system requirements for the App
• Maintaining the security of your device and user account
• Using the App in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Obtaining consent from any other individuals whose faces may be processed by the Shoulder Guard feature in shared environments
• Understanding that face recognition technology is not infallible and should not be relied upon as the sole security measure for sensitive data

10. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE APP IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

Without limiting the foregoing, Avalw does not warrant that:

• The face recognition will work perfectly in all conditions, lighting environments, or with all facial variations
• The App will be uninterrupted, error-free, secure, or free of viruses or harmful components
• The Away Lock feature will activate in every scenario where the user leaves
• The Shoulder Guard feature will detect every unauthorized viewer
• The results obtained from using the App will be accurate or reliable

Factors such as lighting conditions, camera quality, camera angle, facial changes (surgery, significant weight changes), accessories (masks, heavy makeup), and environmental conditions may affect the App's performance.

11. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL AVALW SRL, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AFFILIATES, OR LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Unauthorized access to your device due to face recognition limitations
• Data breaches resulting from the App's failure to lock your screen
• Loss of data, profits, revenue, business, or goodwill
• Damage to your device or other software
• Personal injury or property damage of any nature
• Any other damages arising from your use of or inability to use the App

IN NO EVENT SHALL AVALW'S TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID FOR THE APP IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, OR ONE HUNDRED US DOLLARS ($100), WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain damages. In such jurisdictions, Avalw's liability shall be limited to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Avalw SRL, its directors, officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or related to: (a) your use or misuse of the App; (b) your violation of these Terms; (c) your violation of any applicable law or regulation; or (d) your violation of any rights of a third party.

13. Age Requirement

You must be at least 13 years of age (or 16 in jurisdictions where the GDPR applies) to use the App. By using the App, you represent and warrant that you meet this age requirement. Face recognition accuracy may be reduced for users under 13 as facial features are still developing. If you are a parent or guardian and discover that your child has been using the App without your consent, contact us at office@avalw.com.

14. Updates and Modifications

14.1 App Updates

Avalw may from time to time release updates, patches, bug fixes, or new versions of the App. Some updates may be mandatory and may be installed automatically by the platform (App Store or Microsoft Store). Your continued use of the App after an update constitutes acceptance of the updated version.

14.2 Feature Changes

Avalw reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any feature of the App at any time, with or without notice. Avalw shall not be liable to you or any third party for any modification, suspension, or discontinuance of features.

14.3 Terms Modifications

Avalw reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated through the App or posted at shield.avalw.ai/terms. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree to the modified Terms, you must stop using the App.

15. Termination

15.1 Termination by Avalw

Avalw may suspend or terminate your license to use the App immediately, without prior notice, if you violate any provision of these Terms. Avalw may also terminate the App entirely at its discretion.

15.2 Termination by You

You may terminate your use of the App at any time by uninstalling it from your device and cancelling any active subscriptions.

15.3 Effects of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your license to use the App is immediately revoked
• You must delete all copies of the App from your devices
• Sections 4 (Intellectual Property), 10 (Disclaimers), 11 (Limitation of Liability), 12 (Indemnification), and 17 (Governing Law) survive termination

16. Export Compliance

The App may be subject to export control laws and regulations. You agree to comply with all applicable export laws and restrictions and regulations of Romania, the European Union, and any other applicable jurisdictions. You may not export or re-export the App except in compliance with such laws and regulations.

17. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

17.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Romania, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. For users in the European Union, mandatory consumer protection provisions of your country of residence shall apply to the extent they provide more favorable protection.

17.2 Dispute Resolution

Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms or the App shall first be attempted to be resolved through good-faith negotiation between the parties. If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation within thirty (30) days, either party may submit the dispute to the competent courts of Romania.

17.3 EU Consumer Rights

For consumers in the European Union: Nothing in these Terms affects your statutory rights under EU consumer protection legislation, including the Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU) and the Unfair Contract Terms Directive (93/13/EEC). For online dispute resolution, you may use the European Commission's ODR platform at ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr.

18. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permissible, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

19. Waiver

The failure of Avalw to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. Any waiver of any provision of these Terms will be effective only if in writing and signed by Avalw.

20. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Avalw with respect to the App and supersede all prior or contemporaneous understandings, agreements, or communications, whether written or oral, regarding such subject matter.

21. Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or any rights hereunder without the prior written consent of Avalw. Avalw may freely assign or transfer these Terms without restriction. Subject to the foregoing, these Terms will bind and inure to the benefit of the parties, their successors, and permitted assigns.

22. Force Majeure

Avalw shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under these Terms due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, epidemics, government actions, power failures, internet disruptions, or other force majeure events.

23. Third-Party Platforms

The App is distributed through the Apple App Store and the Microsoft Store. Your use of these platforms is subject to their respective terms of service:

• Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions
• Microsoft Store Terms of Use

In the event of a conflict between these Terms and the platform terms, the more restrictive provision shall apply with respect to your use of the App. Apple and Microsoft are third-party beneficiaries of these Terms and have the right to enforce them against you.

24. Open Source Components

The App may include open source software components subject to their own license terms. A list of open source components and their licenses is available within the App's Settings or upon request at office@avalw.com. Nothing in these Terms restricts your rights under applicable open source licenses.

25. Contact

For questions, concerns, or legal notices regarding these Terms, contact us:

Legal notices should be sent to office@avalw.com with the subject line "Legal Notice — Avalw Shield".