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Terms of Service

Last updated: July 27, 2026

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TERMS OF SERVICE

Last Updated: July 28, 2026

1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By accessing or using NOVA Mail ("the Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to all of these Terms, you may not access or use the Service. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User," "you," or "your") and NOVA Mail ("we," "us," or "our").

2. DEFINITIONS

"Account" means the user account created to access the Service. "Content" means any email messages, attachments, files, data, or information transmitted, stored, or processed through the Service. "Disposable Account" means a temporary Account that expires and is automatically deleted after ten (10) days. "Kid Account" means an Account created by a parent or legal guardian for a minor child. "Parent" means the parent or legal guardian who creates and manages a Kid Account. "Service" means the NOVA Mail email hosting service operating under the nova-email.com domain.

3. ELIGIBILITY AND REGISTRATION

3.1 Eligibility

You must be at least 13 years of age to use the Service. Users under 18 must have parental or legal guardian consent. Kid Accounts require a Parent to create and manage the Account.

3.2 Registration

To register, you must provide a valid email address and create a password. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information. You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials.

3.3 Account Limits

A maximum of five (5) Accounts may be registered per verified email address. Disposable Accounts are limited to three (3) active Accounts per IP address. Kid Accounts require a verified Parent Account.

3.4 Verification

All Accounts require email verification via a one-time code sent to the provided email address. Verification codes expire ten (10) minutes after issuance.

4. ACCOUNT TYPES

4.1 Standard Accounts

Standard Accounts provide full access to all Service features, including unlimited storage, email sending and receiving, external account synchronization, and all customization options.

4.2 Disposable Accounts

Disposable Accounts are temporary Accounts that expire and are automatically deleted ten (10) days after creation. A maximum of three (3) Disposable Accounts may be active per IP address simultaneously. Disposable Accounts may be manually deleted by the user at any time. Disposable Accounts cannot be recovered after expiration or deletion. Disposable Accounts do not require an external email address for verification.

4.3 Kid Accounts

Kid Accounts are created by a Parent for a minor child. Kid Accounts are subject to additional parental controls including but not limited to: approved contacts list only, restricted external sending, and content filtering. The Parent retains full control over the Kid Account, including the ability to view activity, modify settings, and delete the Account. By creating a Kid Account, the Parent represents that they have legal authority to consent on behalf of the minor child.

5. SECURITY AND ENCRYPTION

For a comprehensive overview of our security practices, encryption architecture, and vulnerability disclosure program, see our [Security Policy](SECURITY.md).

5.1 Encryption at Rest

All email message bodies are encrypted at rest using AES-256-GCM (Advanced Encryption Standard with 256-bit keys in Galois/Counter Mode). Key details:

  • Each message receives a unique initialization vector (IV) — no two messages share the same IV
  • The encryption key is stored in Cloudflare Secrets, completely isolated from the database and application layer
  • The raw encryption key is never accessible through API endpoints, query logs, or error messages
  • Metadata (subject, sender, recipient, timestamp) is not encrypted to enable search and folder organization

5.2 Key Management

NOVA Mail employs a single-tenant encryption model. A single encryption key encrypts all message bodies at rest. This key is:

  • Generated using a cryptographically secure random number generator
  • Stored exclusively in Cloudflare Secrets (never in the database, source code, or environment variables outside of Cloudflare)
  • Rotated on a periodic basis or immediately upon any suspected compromise
  • Never logged, transmitted, or exposed to the application at runtime — only the encrypted ciphertext passes through the application layer

Future iterations will introduce per-user encryption keys for enhanced isolation.

5.3 Password Security

All passwords are hashed using PBKDF2 (Password-Based Key Derivation Function 2) with SHA-512, 100,000 iterations, and a unique per-user salt. This makes brute-force and dictionary attacks computationally infeasible.

5.4 Rate Limiting

The following rate limits apply to protect the Service and its users:

LimitThreshold
Outbound messages20 per 60 seconds per user
Login attempts5 per 5 minutes per IP address

Exceeding these limits will result in a temporary 429 (Too Many Requests) response. Repeated violations may result in Account suspension.

5.5 Brute-Force Protection

Accounts are temporarily locked after five (5) failed login attempts within a five (5) minute window from a single IP address. Lockout duration increases exponentially with repeated attempts.

5.6 Session Management

Session tokens expire twenty-four (24) hours after issuance. All sessions are logged with IP address and user agent information. Users may view and revoke active sessions from Account settings.

5.7 User Responsibilities

You are responsible for maintaining the security of your password and for all activities that occur under your Account. You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your Account.

6. ACCEPTABLE USE

6.1 Permitted Use

The Service is intended for lawful personal and business email communication.

6.2 HTML Content

The Service supports sending and receiving email messages in HTML format. All HTML content rendered by the Service passes through a server-side sanitizer that strips:

  • <script>, <iframe>, <object>, <embed>, <applet> tags
  • All inline event handlers (onclick, onerror, onload, onmouseover, etc.)
  • javascript: URLs and other pseudo-protocols
  • <base> tags and other document-manipulating elements

You agree not to attempt to bypass the HTML sanitizer or send malicious HTML content through the Service.

6.3 Prohibited Activities

You agree NOT to:

a) Send spam, unsolicited bulk messages, or commercial advertisements without proper consent; b) Transmit malware, viruses, ransomware, or any malicious code; c) Engage in phishing, pharming, social engineering, or identity theft; d) Use the Service for any illegal activity under applicable local, state, federal, or international law; e) Harass, threaten, abuse, or intimidate other users or individuals; f) Impersonate any person or entity, or falsely state or misrepresent your affiliation; g) Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any user Accounts, systems, or networks; h) Interfere with or disrupt the integrity or performance of the Service; i) Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble any aspect of the Service; j) Use automated scripts, bots, or scrapers to access or interact with the Service without express written permission; k) Create Accounts for the purpose of circumventing Account restrictions, bans, or limitations; l) Use the Service to store or transmit child sexual abuse material or any illegal content; m) Use the Service to store or transmit content that violates the intellectual property rights of others.

6.4 Enforcement

We reserve the right, but have no obligation, to investigate and take appropriate action regarding violations of these Terms, including suspending or terminating Accounts, removing Content, and reporting violations to law enforcement authorities.

7. CAN-SPAM COMPLIANCE

NOVA Mail complies with the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003. By using the Service to send email, you agree to:

7.1 Accurate Information

  • All "From," "To," "Reply-To," and routing information must be truthful and identify you as the sender.
  • Subject lines must accurately reflect the content of the message and must not be misleading.

7.2 Opt-Out Rights

  • Every commercial email you send through the Service must include a clear and conspicuous explanation of how the recipient can opt out of receiving future emails.
  • You must honor opt-out requests promptly (within 10 business days).
  • You may not send commercial email to recipients who have opted out.

7.3 Content Standards

  • You must not send deceptive, misleading, or fraudulent content.
  • Commercial email must be clearly identified as an advertisement where required by law.
  • You must include a valid physical postal address in commercial email (we include ours automatically: 548 Market St, PMB 92696, San Francisco, CA 94104).

7.4 Consent

  • You are responsible for obtaining proper consent from recipients before sending commercial email.
  • We may record consent information to assist with compliance audits.
  • Violations of CAN-SPAM may result in account suspension, termination, and referral to law enforcement.

7.5 Our Role

NOVA Mail is an email service provider. While we do not monitor or control the content of your communications, we reserve the right to take action against accounts that violate these Terms or applicable law, including CAN-SPAM.

8. PRIVACY AND DATA

7.1 Data Collection

We collect only the minimum data necessary to provide the Service: a) Email address (for identification and communication); b) Account preferences and settings; c) Email metadata (sender, recipient, subject, timestamp); d) Connection data (IP address, user agent, session information).

7.2 Data We Do NOT Collect

We expressly do NOT: a) Read, scan, or analyze email message content for any purpose; b) Train artificial intelligence or machine learning models on user data; c) Sell, rent, or license user data to third parties; d) Track user activity outside the Service; e) Share user data with advertisers or marketing platforms; f) Use any form of AI-driven features including smart replies, auto-classification, content suggestions, or predictive text.

7.3 Data Storage

All data is stored on Cloudflare's global infrastructure. Message bodies are encrypted at rest using AES-256-GCM. Data is replicated across multiple geographic regions for redundancy and availability.

7.4 Data Retention

Your data is retained for the duration of your Account's active status. Upon Account deletion, all associated data is permanently and irreversibly deleted within thirty (30) days. Disposable Accounts are automatically purged upon expiration or manual deletion.

7.5 Data Portability

You may export your data at any time through Account settings. Export includes all messages, contacts, and settings in a portable format.

9. SPAM DETECTION

The Service employs automated rule-based spam detection that analyzes message characteristics including keyword patterns, formatting anomalies, and sender reputation. This system is rule-based only and does not employ artificial intelligence, machine learning, or any form of content analysis beyond pattern matching. Messages classified as spam are automatically routed to the user's Spam folder. Users may manually override spam classification on individual messages.

10. BLOCKING AND FILTERING

Users may block specific email addresses. Blocked senders are automatically routed to the Spam folder. The Service also provides parental controls including approved contacts lists, content filtering, and external sending restrictions for Kid Accounts.

11. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

11.1 Service Ownership

The Service, including its code, design, branding, and infrastructure, is owned by NOVA Mail. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without express permission.

11.2 User Content

You retain all ownership rights to your email messages and data. We claim no intellectual property rights over your Content.

12. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

The Service integrates with third-party email providers via IMAP for external account synchronization. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or security of third-party services. External account passwords are encrypted at rest using AES-256-GCM.

13. PARENTAL CONTROLS AND CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

13.1 COPPA Compliance

The Service complies with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Kid Accounts require verifiable parental consent. Parents have the right to review, modify, or delete their child's data at any time.

13.2 Parental Controls

Parents may: a) Approve or block specific contacts; b) Restrict sending to approved contacts only; c) Set content filter levels (off, moderate, strict); d) Restrict or allow external email sending; e) View Account activity and usage; f) Delete the Kid Account at any time.

14. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE SERVICE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, TIMELY, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE.

NO DIRECTOR, OFFICER, EMPLOYEE, OR AGENT OF NOVA MAIL MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND REGARDING THE SERVICE.

15. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL NOVA MAIL, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF THE SERVICE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

a) Data loss or corruption; b) Service interruptions or downtime; c) Unauthorized access to or alteration of transmissions or data; d) Damages for loss of profits, goodwill, use, or data; e) Third-party email delivery failures; f) Statements or conduct of any third party on the Service.

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO THE SERVICE SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (i) THE AMOUNT YOU HAVE PAID US FOR THE SERVICE (IF ANY) OR (ii) ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00).

16. INDEMNIFICATION

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless NOVA Mail, its directors, officers, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

a) Your use of and access to the Service; b) Your violation of any term of these Terms; c) Your violation of any third-party right, including privacy or intellectual property rights; d) Your violation of any applicable law or regulation; e) Any Content you submit, post, transmit, or make available through the Service.

17. TERMINATION

17.1 Termination by You

You may delete your Account at any time through Account settings. Deletion is irreversible. All data associated with the Account will be permanently deleted within thirty (30) days.

17.2 Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate your Account at any time, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including but not limited to:

a) Breach of these Terms; b) Violation of applicable laws or regulations; c) Conduct that we determine in our sole discretion is harmful to the Service or other users; d) Extended periods of inactivity; e) Upon request by law enforcement or government agency.

17.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your right to use the Service immediately ceases. Sections 14 (Disclaimer of Warranties), 15 (Limitation of Liability), 16 (Indemnification), and 18 (Dispute Resolution) shall survive termination.

18. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

18.1 Informal Resolution

Before filing any claim, you agree to attempt to resolve the dispute informally by contacting us at legal@nova-email.com. We will attempt to resolve the dispute within thirty (30) days.

18.2 Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

18.3 Arbitration

Any dispute arising from or relating to these Terms or the Service that cannot be resolved informally shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the American Arbitration Association's rules. The arbitration shall be conducted in Delaware.

18.4 Class Action Waiver

You agree to resolve disputes on an individual basis and waive any right to participate in a class action, class arbitration, or representative proceeding.

19. MODIFICATIONS TO TERMS

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email to the address associated with your Account. Continued use of the Service after changes constitute acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree to the modified Terms, you must delete your Account.

20. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be reformed to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

21. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, Data Processing Agreement, Security Policy, and DMCA Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and NOVA Mail regarding the Service and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

21. CONTACT INFORMATION

NOVA Mail

Legal Inquiries: legal@nova-email.com Support: issues@nova-email.com Privacy: privacy@nova-email.com Development: dev@nova-email.com

Documentation: https://nova-email.com/docs Report Issues: https://nova-email.com/report

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© 2026 NOVA Mail. All rights reserved.

Questions? Contact legal@nova-email.com

© 2026 NOVA Mail. All rights reserved.