Effective 27 September 2026 · the Tern beta
Tern is beta software provided free, as-is, while it is being built. It works well and we use it daily, but things can break, change, or be removed between builds. Keep copies of anything you cannot afford to lose.
We claim no rights over anything you send. Tern's servers hold no keys to read it — see the privacy page — so you are responsible for what you share and with whom, and for keeping your invite codes to people you trust: anyone with a room's code can join that room.
Don't use Tern to break the law, to harass people, or to distribute content that exploits or endangers anyone. Encryption protects your privacy; it is not an offer to host abuse.
There is no tolerance for objectionable content or abusive users. Objectionable content includes harassment, threats, hate, sexual content involving minors, and anything unlawful. Anyone in a room can report a message to the room's moderators and can block a member; moderators can remove messages and members. A report can also be sent to Tern by email to abuse@hellotern.com. Tern acts on reports within 24 hours. Tern cannot read private rooms and today usually cannot identify the device behind a report; where it can, we refuse that device call service. Restricting abusive identities across the service is being built.
The beta is provided without warranty of any kind. To the maximum extent the law allows, we are not liable for lost data, missed calls or messages, or anything else arising from use of beta software. Do not rely on Tern as your only channel for emergencies — it is not a replacement for emergency calling.
These terms may change as the product does; the date above moves when they do. Continuing to use Tern after a change means you accept it.
Report abuse: abuse@hellotern.com (answered within 24 hours). Everything else: smaan@hellotern.com.