Terms of Service
Introduction
Welcome to Homer, a privacy-first home automation system that puts you in control of your data. These Terms of Service outline our commitments to you and your responsibilities as a user of the Homer system.
Our Privacy Promise
At Homer, we've built our system with a fundamentally different approach from conventional cloud-based services:
- Your data stays in your organization. The Homer server runs on your premises, keeping your information local and under your control.
- Direct access model. You connect directly to your Homer server, not through third-party cloud services.
- Local authentication. Your password is known only to your Homer server. We never see, store, or have access to it.
Our central server serves only as a connection broker that helps establish initial connections between you and your Homer server. We cannot access your data unless you explicitly grant us permission.
This privacy-first approach means your data belongs to you. We can't access your information unless you specifically grant permission.
System Architecture & Security
The Homer system provides secure remote access to your home automation system through a unique architecture:
Central Server Role
- Registration service
- Connection broker
- Update distribution
- Server discovery
Your Homer Server
- Stores all your data locally
- Handles all device control
- Performs all authentication
- Processes all information
Security Measures
- Encrypted WebSocket connections
- Local password storage only
- Direct connections once established
- Central server acts only as a bridge
Your Responsibilities
Password Security
- Choose a strong, unique password
- Remember your password—we cannot recover it for you as we never store it
- Protect access to your Homer server
System Security
- Maintain reasonable physical security for your Homer server
- Keep your system updated with security patches
- Follow best practices for device security
Network Security
- Secure your home network appropriately
- Use strong Wi-Fi passwords
- Consider network segmentation for added security
Limitations of Liability
While we make every effort to ensure the security and reliability of the Homer system, we cannot guarantee that our services will always be secure, error-free, or uninterrupted. By using Homer, you acknowledge:
Shared Responsibility
- The security of your Homer system is a shared responsibility
- No system is entirely risk-free
- We cannot be held liable for security breaches outside our direct control
Data Responsibility
- You are responsible for your data and how it is used
- We cannot be held liable for loss of data
- We recommend implementing backup procedures for critical data
Service Availability
- While we strive for high availability, our central server may occasionally be unavailable
- Your Homer system will continue to function locally even if our central server is unavailable
- We cannot be held liable for temporary service interruptions
Data Collection
Homer's approach to data collection is minimal:
On Our Central Server
We store only the information necessary for system operation:
- Your username
- Your Homer system's unique identifier
- Technical information needed for connection brokering
On Your Homer Server
- All operational data is stored locally
- Temperature readings, energy usage, device states, etc.
- By default, data is retained for up to 10 years for historical analysis
Analytics & Improvements
- We collect anonymized usage statistics to improve the system
- You can opt-out of analytics at any time
- We never sell data to third parties
Updates & Maintenance
System Updates
- Security patches
- Feature enhancements
- Bug fixes
- Performance improvements
Update Distribution
- Updates are distributed through our central server
- Your Homer system will check for updates regularly
- Critical security updates may be applied automatically
Termination of Service
You may terminate your use of Homer at any time by:
- Uninstalling the Homer server from your system
- Contacting us to deactivate your account on our central server
We reserve the right to terminate service to any user who:
- Violates these Terms of Service
- Attempts to abuse or attack our systems
- Uses Homer for illegal purposes
Changes to Terms
We may update these terms from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes to these terms.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at:
- Email: support@myhomer.nl
- Website: myhomer.nl/contact