// LEGAL / TERMS OF SERVICE

Terms of Service

Last updated: September 12, 2026

Article 1 (Scope)

These Terms of Service (the "Terms") set out the conditions for using the services (the "Service") provided by Trypophobia Research Institute (the "Site"). By using the Service, you are deemed to have agreed to these Terms.

Article 2 (Service Description)

The Service provides the following features related to trypophobia:

Browsing aggregate-pattern images (Specimen Gallery)
Resonance trial (tolerance assessment)
Voting and rankings
Community (Observation Log)
Viewing statistical data
Reading related articles

Article 3 (Recommended Age & Health Notice)

The Service contains images of dense holes, bumps, and clustered patterns. Please refrain from browsing, or browse with caution, if any of the following apply:

You may experience strong discomfort or physical distress from aggregate imagery
You are at risk of epileptic seizures
You are feeling unwell
Minors should use the Service with the consent of a guardian

The Site assumes no responsibility for physical or psychological discomfort arising from use of the Service.

Article 4 (Prohibited Conduct)

Users must not engage in any of the following:

Acts that violate laws or public order and morals
Acts connected to criminal activity
Placing excessive load on the Site's servers or network
Unauthorized access, automated voting, or spam posting
Defaming or harassing other users or third parties
Reproducing or commercially using posted images without permission
Modifying, copying, or redistributing any part of the Service
Any other conduct the Site deems inappropriate

Article 5 (User Content)

Regarding posts to the Community (Observation Log):

Copyright in and responsibility for posted content remains with the poster
The poster grants the Site the right to display and use the post within the Service
The Site may remove posts without notice
Posts flagged as containing banned words or spam are automatically rejected

Article 6 (Intellectual Property)

Copyright and other intellectual property rights in the Service's content (specimen images, articles, designs, logos, etc.) belong to the Site or their rightful owners. Reproduction, republication, or commercial use without permission is prohibited.

Article 7 (Advertising)

The Service may include third-party advertising such as Google AdSense. Ad content is the responsibility of each advertiser; the Site assumes no responsibility for its accuracy or legality.

Article 8 (Changes to or Suspension of the Service)

The Site may change, add to, remove, or suspend the Service without notice. The Site is not liable for any damages users incur as a result.

Article 9 (Disclaimers)

The Site makes no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the Service
Trial results are not a medical diagnosis. If you have health concerns, please consult a medical professional
The Site bears no liability for damages arising from use of the Service
The Site is not involved in disputes between users

Article 10 (Amendments)

The Site may amend these Terms without prior notice to users when deemed necessary. Amended Terms take effect when posted on the Service.

Article 11 (Governing Law & Jurisdiction)

These Terms are governed by the laws of Japan. Any dispute relating to the Service shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the court having jurisdiction over the location of the Site's operator.