Terms of Use

Last updated: 20 July 2026

CyberChat is a free, private, one-to-one messenger. Messages are end-to-end encrypted, so only you and the person you are talking to can read them. By using CyberChat you agree to these terms. If you do not agree, do not use the service.

1. Who may use CyberChat

You must be 18 years or older to use CyberChat. By using it you confirm that you are at least 18 and that you are legally able to enter into this agreement.

2. How CyberChat works

• There are no accounts. Your identity is a cryptographic key created on your device.
• Your messages are end-to-end encrypted. Our relay passes encrypted data between two people and cannot read message content.
• The service is online only. Messages are not stored on our servers and are not delivered while the other person is offline.
• We keep no message history and no accounts. What is stored on your own device stays under your control.

3. Acceptable use

You are solely responsible for everything you send and receive through CyberChat. You agree not to use CyberChat to:

• create, send, request or distribute child sexual abuse material, or any content that sexualises a minor;
• send content that is unlawful, that incites violence or hatred, or that harasses, threatens or stalks another person;
• distribute malware, or attempt to attack, overload, probe or gain unauthorised access to the relay or any related system;
• send spam, or infringe the intellectual property, privacy or other rights of any person;
• do anything that is illegal under the laws of the Republic of South Africa or of any place where you use the service.

4. We do not monitor content

Because CyberChat is end-to-end encrypted, we cannot and do not read, scan or monitor the content of your messages. We do not carry out general monitoring of what people send. This is a deliberate design choice that protects private communication and freedom of expression. It also means we rely on user reports to act against abuse. See our Reporting abuse page.

5. Reports and enforcement

If someone reports an identity to us, or if we otherwise become aware of misuse, we may block that identity key from connecting to our relay. Because we hold no accounts, this is our main enforcement measure. We may also cooperate with a lawful request from the South African Police Service or a court.

6. No warranty

CyberChat is provided free of charge, "as is" and "as available", without any warranty of any kind. We do not guarantee that the service will be available, uninterrupted, error free, or that messages will be delivered. You use it at your own risk.

7. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, CyberChat and Cybercell will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your use of, or inability to use, the service, including any loss arising from content sent by another user. Nothing in these terms excludes any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

8. Changes

We may update these terms. If we make a material change we will ask you to accept the updated terms the next time you open CyberChat. Continued use after a change means you accept it.

9. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, including the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002. Disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of the South African courts.

10. Contact

Questions or reports: abuse@cybercell.co.za.