Terms of Service
Last Updated: January 25, 2026
Agreement to Terms
By downloading, installing, or using Arké ("the App"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the App.
Description of Service
Arké is a self-custodial Bitcoin wallet application that implements the Ark protocol. The App provides software that allows you to:
- Generate and manage Bitcoin wallets
- Send and receive Bitcoin
- Interact with the Ark protocol for Bitcoin transactions
- Store wallet data securely on your device using Apple Keychain and iCloud
Self-Custody and Your Responsibilities
You Control Your Wallet
This is a self-custodial wallet. This means:
- You alone control your private keys and recovery phrase
- We never have access to your private keys, recovery phrase, or funds
- We cannot freeze, seize, or control your Bitcoin in any way
- We cannot reverse, cancel, or modify any transactions you make
- We cannot recover your wallet if you lose your recovery phrase
Your Responsibilities
By using the App, you acknowledge and agree that you are solely responsible for:
- Securing your recovery phrase — Write it down and store it in a safe, offline location. Anyone with access to your recovery phrase can access your funds.
- Securing your device — Use a strong passcode, enable biometric authentication, and keep your device's operating system updated.
- Securing your Apple ID — Your iCloud backup (if enabled) is protected by your Apple ID. Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication.
- Maintaining backups — Ensure you have a secure backup of your recovery phrase before storing any significant value.
- Verifying transaction details — Always verify recipient addresses and amounts before confirming transactions. Bitcoin transactions are irreversible.
- Understanding the technology — You are responsible for understanding how Bitcoin, the Ark protocol, and self-custodial wallets work.
No Recovery Possible
IMPORTANT: If you lose your recovery phrase and lose access to your device, your Bitcoin will be permanently lost. We have no ability to recover your funds under any circumstances. There is no "forgot password" option.
Risks
Cryptocurrency Risks
You acknowledge that:
- Price volatility — The value of Bitcoin can fluctuate dramatically. You may lose some or all of the value of your holdings.
- Regulatory uncertainty — Cryptocurrency regulations vary by jurisdiction and may change. You are responsible for compliance with applicable laws.
- Technical risks — Software may contain bugs. While we strive for quality, no software is perfect.
- Network risks — The Bitcoin network and Ark protocol operate independently of us. Network congestion, protocol changes, or failures could affect your ability to transact.
- Irreversibility — Bitcoin transactions cannot be reversed. If you send Bitcoin to the wrong address, it may be permanently lost.
Ark Protocol Risks
The Ark protocol involves specific considerations:
- Ark is a relatively new protocol and may have undiscovered vulnerabilities
- Interacting with Ark service providers requires trust in those operators
- Protocol upgrades or changes could affect functionality
- Liquidity and availability of Ark services may vary
No Investment Advice
Nothing in the App or these Terms constitutes financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Consult qualified professionals before making financial decisions.
Prohibited Uses
You agree not to use the App to:
- Violate any applicable laws or regulations
- Engage in money laundering, terrorist financing, or other illegal activities
- Defraud or attempt to defraud any person or entity
- Interfere with or disrupt the App or any connected networks
- Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the App except as permitted by law
- Use the App in any jurisdiction where such use is prohibited
Intellectual Property
The App and its original content, features, and functionality are owned by GBKS limited and are protected by international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.
Open Source Components
The App may include open source software components, which are subject to their respective licenses. A list of open source components and their licenses is available at this link.
Disclaimer of Warranties
THE APP IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
- IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
- FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
- NON-INFRINGEMENT
- THAT THE APP WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE
- THAT DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED
- THAT THE APP IS FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS
YOU USE THE APP AT YOUR OWN RISK. WE DO NOT WARRANT OR GUARANTEE THE SECURITY OF YOUR BITCOIN OR THE RELIABILITY OF ANY TRANSACTION.
Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL GBKS LIMITED, ITS DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, PARTNERS, AGENTS, SUPPLIERS, OR AFFILIATES BE LIABLE FOR:
- ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES
- ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, DATA, OR USE
- ANY LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO YOUR BITCOIN OR OTHER CRYPTOCURRENCY
- ANY LOSS ARISING FROM YOUR FAILURE TO SECURE YOUR RECOVERY PHRASE
- ANY LOSS ARISING FROM UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO YOUR DEVICE OR ACCOUNTS
- ANY LOSS ARISING FROM ERRORS IN TRANSACTION DETAILS YOU PROVIDED
- ANY LOSS ARISING FROM THE OPERATION OF THE BITCOIN NETWORK OR ARK PROTOCOL
WHETHER BASED ON WARRANTY, CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, AND WHETHER OR NOT WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
IN JURISDICTIONS THAT DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY, OUR LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE GREATEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless GBKS limited and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from:
- Your use of the App
- Your violation of these Terms
- Your violation of any third-party rights
- Your violation of any applicable laws
Updates to the App
We may update the App from time to time. While we will strive to maintain compatibility, updates may change functionality. You are responsible for keeping your App updated.
Changes to Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by updating the "Last Updated" date and, where appropriate, providing notice within the App. Your continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.
Termination
You may stop using the App at any time. We may terminate or suspend your access to the App immediately, without notice, for conduct that we believe violates these Terms or is harmful to other users, us, or third parties.
Upon termination, your right to use the App ceases immediately. However, because this is a self-custodial wallet, your Bitcoin and recovery phrase remain yours. You can use your recovery phrase to access your funds through any compatible wallet software.
Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Germany, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
Dispute Resolution
Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the App shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of Germany, except that either party may seek injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction.
Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and GBKS limited regarding the App.
Contact
If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us at:
Acknowledgment
BY USING THE APP, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ THESE TERMS, UNDERSTAND THEM, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM. YOU ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SELF-CUSTODIAL CRYPTOCURRENCY WALLETS AND ACCEPT FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR SECURING YOUR RECOVERY PHRASE AND FUNDS.