Terms of Service

Last Updated: November 26, 2025

Welcome to TheDebated.com ("we," "us," "our," or "TheDebated"). By accessing or using our platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use our platform.

1. Platform Description

TheDebated.com is a skill-based debate platform where users engage in intellectual discourse on political, social, and cultural topics. Our platform facilitates:

• Public Debates: Free text and video debates open to all users
• Premium Debates: Optional paid debates where participants may contribute entry fees, with proceeds distributed to debate winners based on audience evaluation of argumentation quality, factual accuracy, and persuasive ability
• Community Voting: Audience members evaluate debate performance using transparent criteria
• Fact-Checking: Automated and community-driven verification of claims made during debates

2. User Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to use TheDebated. By creating an account, you represent and warrant that:

• You are at least 18 years of age
• You have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms
• You will provide accurate and truthful information
• You will comply with all applicable laws and regulations

3. Nature of Premium Debates

3.1 Skill-Based Intellectual Activity

Premium debates on TheDebated are skill-based intellectual activities, not games of chance. Winners are determined solely by:

• Quality of argumentation: Logical reasoning, evidence presentation, and rhetorical effectiveness
• Factual accuracy: Truthfulness and verifiability of claims
• Persuasive ability: Effectiveness in convincing the audience through reasoned discourse
• Audience evaluation: Transparent voting by informed viewers who assess debate performance

3.2 Not Gambling or Gaming

Premium debates are NOT:

• Games of chance or gambling activities
• Lotteries, sweepstakes, or raffles
• Sports betting or fantasy sports
• Any activity where outcomes are determined by random events or luck

Debate outcomes are determined exclusively by the demonstrated skill, knowledge, and persuasive ability of participants as evaluated by the audience.

3.3 Entry Fees and Payouts

Premium debates may involve optional entry fees:

• Entry fees are optional: Users can participate in free debates at any time
• Transparent structure: All fee amounts and payout structures are disclosed before participation
• Skill-based distribution: Funds are distributed to winners based on demonstrated debate performance
• Platform fee: TheDebated retains a service fee (disclosed at time of entry) to maintain platform operations
• No guaranteed returns: Payment of an entry fee does not guarantee any payout; payouts are based solely on debate performance

4. User Accounts and Responsibilities

4.1 Account Creation

To participate in debates, you must create an account. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain the security of your password and account
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account

4.2 Prohibited Conduct

You may NOT:

• Use the platform for any illegal purpose
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
• Post false, misleading, or defamatory content
• Impersonate any person or entity
• Manipulate voting or debate outcomes through fraud or collusion
• Use bots, scripts, or automated tools to manipulate the platform
• Violate intellectual property rights
• Post content containing hate speech, violence, or explicit material

5. Content Ownership and License

5.1 Your Content

You retain ownership of content you post on TheDebated. By posting content, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to:

• Display, reproduce, and distribute your content on the platform
• Use your content for promotional purposes
• Allow other users to view and interact with your content

5.2 Platform Content

All platform features, design, logos, and proprietary content are owned by TheDebated and protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

6. Voting and Fact-Checking

6.1 Voting System

Audience members vote on debate performance based on:

• Argumentation quality
• Factual accuracy
• Persuasiveness

We reserve the right to remove votes that appear fraudulent or violate our policies.

6.2 Fact-Checking

TheDebated provides automated fact-checking tools and community fact-checking features. While we strive for accuracy:

• Fact-checks are informational and may not be comprehensive
• Users are responsible for verifying information independently
• Fact-check results do not constitute legal or professional advice

7. Payment Terms

7.1 Payment Processing

All payments are processed through third-party payment processors (e.g., Stripe). By making a payment, you agree to the payment processor's terms of service.

7.2 Refunds

Entry fees for premium debates are non-refundable once a debate has commenced. Refunds may be issued at our sole discretion in cases of:

• Technical errors preventing debate participation
• Platform malfunction affecting debate integrity
• Violation of Terms by another participant

7.3 Payouts

Debate winners will receive payouts according to the terms disclosed at the time of debate entry. Payouts are processed within 5-10 business days after debate conclusion and vote verification.

8. Intellectual Property and DMCA

We respect intellectual property rights. If you believe your copyright has been infringed, please contact our DMCA agent at dmca@thedebated.com with:

• Description of the copyrighted work
• Location of the infringing material
• Your contact information
• A statement of good faith belief
• Your physical or electronic signature

9. Privacy

Your use of TheDebated is subject to our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. By using the platform, you consent to our privacy practices.

10. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

10.1 No Warranties

TheDebated is provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not guarantee:

• Uninterrupted or error-free operation
• Accuracy or reliability of content
• Fitness for any particular purpose

10.2 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, TheDebated shall not be liable for:

• Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
• Loss of profits, data, or opportunities
• Damages arising from user conduct or content
• Any amount exceeding the fees you paid in the past 12 months

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless TheDebated, its officers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Your use of the platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any third-party rights
• Content you post on the platform

12. Dispute Resolution

12.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to conflict of law principles.

12.2 Arbitration

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of TheDebated shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Volusia County, Florida, rather than in court, except that you may assert claims in small claims court if they qualify.

13. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time for:

• Violation of these Terms
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Abuse of other users
• Any reason at our sole discretion

Upon termination, your right to use the platform ceases immediately. You remain liable for any outstanding obligations.

14. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes via email or platform notification. Continued use of TheDebated after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

15. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

16. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

TheDebated.com
Email: legal@thedebated.com
Website: Contact Us