PlateAlert Terms and Conditions
Effective Date: [1 May 2025]
Welcome to PlateAlert. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the PlateAlert service, including all related websites, mobile applications, hardware (including PlateAlert cameras), software, data storage, and notification features (collectively, the "Service").
By purchasing, registering, or using the Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you may not use the Service.
1. Definitions
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"You" / "User" means any person or entity who purchases or uses the PlateAlert service.
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"PlateAlert" refers to the service and platform operated by FarmAlert Ltd, a New Zealand-registered business.
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"Camera" refers to the PlateAlert solar-powered 4G LTE surveillance camera.
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"Subscription" means the recurring payment required to maintain access to the Service features including image upload, notifications, and storage.
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"Viewer" refers to any user granted access by a camera owner to view events or data.
2. Use of Service
2.1. You must be 18 years or older to use the Service.
2.2. You agree to use the Service in accordance with New Zealand law, including the Privacy Act 2020 and Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
2.3. PlateAlert is intended for lawful surveillance and rural monitoring. You must not use the Service for harassment, stalking, or unlawful surveillance.
2.4. Camera installation is your responsibility. You must comply with local council, landowner, and traffic safety regulations.
2.5. You agree not to tamper with, reverse engineer, or otherwise interfere with PlateAlert hardware or software.
3. Hardware and Installation
3.1. Cameras are solar-powered and are provided with a pre-installed SIM card and active 4G data plan, managed by the Service provider. The SIM is configured to work with supported New Zealand networks and must not be removed or replaced by the user.
3.2. PlateAlert is not responsible for mobile network outages, SIM card failures, or poor coverage.
3.3. Installation must be done in accordance with PlateAlert’s Quick Install Guide. Camera provisioning occurs before delivery and must be completed via our onboarding platform.
3.4. PlateAlert cameras include a 12-month limited warranty against manufacturing defects. This does not cover damage due to weather, incorrect installation, power surges, or misuse.
4. Subscription and Payment
4.1. Service access requires a valid subscription, payable via GoCardless (direct debit). Camera hardware is sold separately via Stripe (credit/debit card).
4.2. Subscriptions are monthly or annual. Failure to maintain payment will result in suspension of Service features, including image uploads, event notifications, and app access.
4.3. You may cancel your subscription at any time. Refunds are not provided for partial periods.
4.4. Camera purchases are non-refundable after delivery unless required under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
5. Data Use, Storage, and Privacy
5.1. Camera-generated data (images, timestamps, GPS, etc.) is stored securely using Google Firebase services in Australia (Sydney region).
5.2. Data is retained for 30 days for active subscriptions. PlateAlert reserves the right to delete data older than this without notice.
5.3. You retain ownership of your data. By using the Service, you grant PlateAlert a license to use data for performance, diagnostic, security, and service improvement purposes.
5.4. Data may be shared with emergency services or authorities where legally required.
5.5. For more information on data handling and your rights, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
6. Notifications and Rate Limiting
6.1. The PlateAlert app delivers notifications via push (Firebase Cloud Messaging).
6.2. Each subscription plan includes a snapshot usage allowance. If you exceed your plan limit (e.g., 100/day), PlateAlert may suspend further snapshots until the next billing cycle or require you to upgrade your plan.
6.3. You are responsible for managing your notification preferences within the app, including assigning viewer access.
7. Third-Party Services
7.1. The Service depends on several third-party providers:
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Google Firebase for backend storage, authentication, and notifications.
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GoCardless for direct debit subscription processing.
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Stripe for upfront hardware purchase.
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Preferred telco providers for SIM connectivity.
7.2. PlateAlert is not liable for third-party service outages or failures. However, we will make best efforts to rectify interruptions.
8. Software, App, and Access Control
8.1. The PlateAlert app is required to access your camera data and receive alerts. It is available for Android and iOS.
8.2. Only the camera owner can invite viewers. Viewers cannot manage subscriptions or hardware settings.
8.3. You must not share your login credentials. Each user, including viewers, must register a separate account and be granted access by the camera owner.
8.4. App access may be suspended if abusive or unauthorized activity is detected.
9. Limitation of Liability
9.1. PlateAlert is provided on a best-effort basis. We do not guarantee uninterrupted access or real-time delivery.
9.2. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from hardware failure, mobile data issues, notification delays, or third-party service outages.
9.3. To the maximum extent permitted by law, PlateAlert’s total liability is limited to the total subscription fees paid in the preceding 12 months, or the replacement value of the hardware (whichever is lower).
10. Suspension and Termination
10.1. PlateAlert may suspend or terminate your account for any breach of these Terms, misuse, or illegal activity.
10.2. You may terminate your account by cancelling your subscription. Data will be deleted after a grace period.
11. Changes to Terms
11.1. We may update these Terms at any time. You will be notified via app alert or email of material changes.
11.2. Continued use of the Service constitutes your acceptance of updated Terms.
12. Contact
For questions, support, or legal inquiries:
PlateAlert Support
Email: support@farmalert.net
Website: www.farmalert.net
These Terms are governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of New Zealand.
Last Updated: [1 August 2025]