The Athletic Insiders Group Chat Terms of Use

The following Terms of Use (“Terms”) govern your use of the features described below.

1.WhatsApp Communications

1. By providing your phone number and basic details, you consent to receiving communications from The Athletic Media Company and its affiliates (“The Athletic”, “we” and “us”) via WhatsApp.
2. You understand and agree that these WhatsApp communications, sent as part of The Athletic’s Insiders Group Chat (the “Group Chat”), may include information related to sports news and analysis on football, sports and related topics.
3. The information shared through the Group Chat is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or guidance.
4. You acknowledge that you can opt out of receiving WhatsApp communications from The Athletic at any time by following the instructions provided in the WhatsApp messages.

2. User Registration

In order to receive WhatsApp communications from The Athletic, you may need to provide accurate and complete registration information, including your phone number.

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your WhatsApp account information and for all activities that occur under your account.

3. Initiating WhatsApp Communications

1. To initiate receiving WhatsApp communications from The Athletic as part of the Group Chat, you must follow these steps: 
2. Save the provided WhatsApp number +44 (0)7597090110 in your phone’s contacts. 
3. Send a message to the saved WhatsApp number, stating your intention to receive communications from The Athletic. 

By sending the initial message as described in clause 3.1(b) you acknowledge and agree to receiving communications from The Athletic via WhatsApp.

4. User Conduct

1. 1. You agree not to use the Group Chat for any unlawful, abusive, or harmful purpose.
   2. You agree not to violate any applicable laws, regulations, or third-party rights in your use of the Group Chat.
   3. You agree not to distribute, upload, or transmit any content to the Group Chat that is harmful, offensive, defamatory, obscene, or otherwise objectionable.

5. Limitation of Liability

1. You understand and agree that your participation in the Group Chat is at your own risk.
2. The Athletic and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and licensors shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of or relating to your use or inability to use the Group Chat.
3. The Athletic will in so far as permitted by law not be liable or assume any responsibility for:  

1. 1. any faulty, incorrect, erroneous or failed electronic data transmissions in the Group Chat, or any difficulties in registering, receiving or any information delayed or corrupted or any loss arising out of such an event.
   2. communications line failure, regardless of cause, with regards to any equipment, systems, networks, lines, satellites, servers, computers or providers utilised in any aspect of the Group Chat.
   3. inaccessibility or unavailability of the internet or any combination thereof. The Athletic cannot guarantee continuous, uninterrupted access to the Group Chat. 
   4. any injury or damage to participants or to any other person’s computer which may be related to or resulting from any attempt to participate in the Group Chat.

        4. The Athletic reserves the right to suspend your participation in the Group Chat if your involvement would violate these Terms.

6. Intellectual Property

1. All content transmitted by The Athletic in the Group Chat, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, news, information, icons, images, and software, is the property of The Athletic Media Company and is protected by international copyright laws.
2. You may not reproduce, modify, distribute, transmit, republish, display, or perform any of the content in the Group Chat without The Athletic’s prior written consent.

7. Privacy and Data Protection

1. Your privacy is important to us. We will handle your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference into these Terms.

8. Modifications to Terms

1. The Athletic reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time.

9. Governing Law

1. These terms shall be governed by English law and wherever you live you can bring legal proceedings in respect of the service in the English courts. If you live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can bring claims against us in the courts of the country you live in. We can claim against you in the courts of the country you live in. 

10. WhatsApp Terms and Conditions

1. By agreeing to these Terms, you also acknowledge and agree to comply with WhatsApp’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, as they pertain to your use of the WhatsApp messaging service. You understand that you are solely responsible for your interactions and communications on the WhatsApp platform.

11. Opt-Out Clause

1. You have the right to opt out of receiving WhatsApp updates at any time. If you no longer wish to receive communications from the Group Chat, you can do so by following the instructions provided in the WhatsApp messages or by contacting us directly at +44 (0)7597090110 and stating STOP.
2. Upon opting out, you will no longer receive updates from The Athletic’s Insiders Group Chat via WhatsApp. 

12. Contact Us

1. If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms, our data protection practices, the opt-out process, or the interaction between these Terms and WhatsApp’s policies, please contact us at theathletic.com/contact-support.

By participating in the Insiders Group Chat, initiating WhatsApp communications as described in clause 3.1, and opting in to receive WhatsApp communications from The Athletic via the Group Chat, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Use, as well as the implications of using WhatsApp as outlined in clauses 9 and 10.