Membership Agreement
1. Introduction and Acceptance
This Membership Agreement must be read carefully before becoming a Member of the Gezginsel Platform or beginning to use the Platform. Registering on Gezginsel, creating an Account, editing a Profile, exchanging messages, creating an Event, joining an Event, making a trip/camping/travel plan, earning Gezo points or benefiting from any Service on the Platform means that this Agreement has been accepted.
By ticking the box stating “I have read and accept the Membership Agreement.” during registration, or through similar electronic approval methods, the Member declares that they have read, understood and accepted this Agreement in its entirety.
Gezginsel is a social travel and community Platform created for the purposes of meeting new people, travelling together, taking part in social events, planning camping trips, sharing travel experiences and building community-based connections. In order for the Platform to be used in a safe, respectful and inclusive manner, Members are required to act in accordance with this Agreement, the Community Guidelines, the Privacy Policy, the KVKK Privacy Notice, the Cookie Policy and the applicable legislation.
This document constitutes Gezginsel’s main membership agreement. The Community Guidelines, Safety Tips, KVKK Privacy Notice, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, Distance Sales Agreement, Cancellation and Refund Terms, Event Rules and other terms of use published by Gezginsel within the Platform are an integral part of this Agreement.
2. Parties
This Membership Agreement is concluded electronically between the platform owner/venture owner that operates the digital Platform services offered under the “Gezginsel” brand and/or project, and the natural person User who becomes a Member of Gezginsel.
3. Definitions
Platform: means the website, mobile App, web application, messaging area, Profile system, Event module, trip/camping/travel community areas and connected digital Services offered under the Gezginsel brand.
Member / User: means the natural person who has completed the age of 18 and who accepts this Agreement by registering on Gezginsel.
Profile: is the Member’s personal area consisting of their own information, photographs, interests, travel preferences, event preferences, biography, location/city information, badges, Gezo points and similar information.
Standard Membership: is the membership type that allows the basic features of the Platform to be used within the limits determined by Gezginsel.
Plus Membership: is the advanced membership model that may be offered for a fee, as part of a campaign or in exchange for Gezo points, and that provides additional benefits compared to standard membership.
Gezo Points: is the points system that may be earned through certain positive, safe or community-oriented behaviours within the Platform and that may be used for in-Platform benefits such as badges, visibility, levels or Plus advantages.
Badge / Level: means the digital indicators and gamification elements that represent the Member’s experience, contribution, trustworthiness or participation status within the Platform.
Event: means trips, camping trips, coffee meet-ups, city tours, social activities, cultural events, sports events, day trips, trip plans and similar organisations created by Members or by Gezginsel.
Content: means the Profile information, text, photographs, messages, comments, Event descriptions, travel notes, memories, reviews, links, visuals and other digital materials that the Member uploads, writes, sends, publishes or shares on the Platform.
Community Guidelines: is the body of rules governing the conduct that is accepted and prohibited on Gezginsel, with which Members are obliged to comply.
Safety Tips: is the safety guide setting out the matters that Members are advised to pay attention to in terms of online communication, face-to-face meetings, events, camping, travel, accommodation and personal safety.
KVKK Privacy Notice: is the information text explaining for which purposes, on which legal grounds and in what manner Members’ Personal Data are processed, and the rights of the Data Subject.
Cookie Policy: is the text explaining the types and purposes of the cookies and similar technologies used on the Platform, and user preferences.
4. Subject Matter and Scope of the Agreement
The subject matter of this Agreement is the determination of the terms of use of the membership, Profile creation, messaging, Event creation, participation in Events, travel/camping/trip planning, community interaction, user Content, Gezo points, badges, Plus Membership, paid Services and similar digital Services offered by Gezginsel.
The Member accepts, declares and undertakes that, while benefiting from Gezginsel’s Services, they will act in accordance with the provisions set out in this Agreement and in the other policies and rules published on the Platform.
Gezginsel is a Platform that acts as an intermediary enabling communication to be established between Members, Events and trip plans to be created, Content to be shared and the community experience to be developed. Gezginsel does not guarantee the true identity, intention or conduct of Members, the realisation of a trip plan, Event safety, private arrangements between users, or the outcome of face-to-face interactions.
5. Membership Requirements
5.1. Age Requirement
In order to become a Member of Gezginsel, it is mandatory to have completed the age of 18. It is prohibited for persons under the age of 18 to become a Member of the Platform, create a Profile, exchange messages, participate in Events or benefit from the Platform’s services. The Member accepts, declares and undertakes at the time of membership that they are over the age of 18.
Gezginsel may request age verification, identity verification or additional verification methods in cases it deems necessary. The Accounts of users determined to be under the age of 18 or to have misstated their age may be permanently closed.
5.2. Registration and Activation
For membership, the information requested by Gezginsel must be entered accurately and completely, the required approvals must be given and any e-mail, telephone or similar activation steps must be completed. Gezginsel reserves the right to accept, reject or suspend a membership application or to request additional verification.
5.3. Providing True and Up-to-Date Information
The Member accepts that the information they provide during registration and in their Profile is accurate, up to date, belongs to them and complies with the law. False information, misleading statements, use of photographs belonging to others, impersonation, catfishing, and untrue location or age declarations are prohibited.
5.4. Account Security
The Member is personally responsible for the security of their username, e-mail, telephone, password, verification code and all information providing access to their Account. The Member may not allow third parties to use their Account, and may not transfer, sell, rent out or lend it. Liability arising from the transactions carried out through the Member’s Account belongs to the Member.
If the Member becomes aware that their Account has been used without authorisation, they must notify Gezginsel immediately.
6. Account Rules
6.1. Authenticity of the Profile and Its Conformity with Its Purpose
The Member’s Profile must reflect the Member accurately and honestly. The Profile may not be used for commercial, political or religious propaganda, unlawful activity, fraud or advertising purposes, outside the purpose of social travel, events, camping, trips, friendship and community.
6.2. Profile Photographs
Profile photographs are expected to represent the User realistically. The following photographs and visuals are prohibited:
Use of photographs belonging to others, stock images, photographs of celebrities or misleading identity images.
Photographs in which minors appear alone, or visuals that put child safety at risk.
Visuals containing nudity, obscenity, sexual innuendo or inappropriate exposure.
Visuals containing violence, weapons, blood, hate symbols, terrorist propaganda or unlawful elements.
Excessive filters, artificial intelligence manipulation or misleading edits that render the person unrecognisable.
Visuals containing a telephone number, e-mail address, social media account, payment information, logo, advertising or commercial referral.
6.3. Profile Content
Profile descriptions may not contain insults, threats, discrimination, hate speech, sexual content, political/religious propaganda, commercial advertising, fraud, spam, external links or unlawful referrals. Gezginsel may remove such Content and apply sanctions to the membership.
6.4. Sharing of Contact Information
For the purpose of user safety, Gezginsel may restrict or prohibit the sharing of telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, full addresses, social media accounts, payment information, passport/identity information or direct contact details in Profile fields.
7. Rights and Obligations of the Member
The Member shall use the Platform in accordance with the applicable legislation, this Agreement, the Community Guidelines, and all rules published by Gezginsel.
The Member is obliged to communicate with other users in a respectful, honest, courteous and safe manner.
The Member shall respect other users’ privacy, Personal Data, consent, boundaries, safety and intellectual property rights.
The Member may not use the Platform for the purposes of unlawful activity, commercial advertising, spam, fraud, escort services, sexual services, gambling, betting, investment referrals, or the sale of unlawful products or services.
The Member may not request money, donations, tickets, accommodation fees, emergency assistance, investments, payments, credit, account opening or financial information from other users.
The Member accepts that it is prohibited to copy, collect, archive, process, share with third parties or use for commercial purposes the Content on the Platform and other users’ information without authorisation.
The Member is responsible for ensuring that the information they provide in Events, trips, camping or travel plans is accurate and of a nature that does not put safety at risk.
The Member is obliged to be careful when sharing their own personal information; they must not share their full address, location, identity, passport, bank, card, password, verification code and accommodation information with people they do not know.
8. Prohibited Content and Conduct
The following Content and conduct are strictly prohibited on Gezginsel. Where such violations are detected, Gezginsel may apply any and all sanctions, including removal of Content, warnings, restrictions, suspension, closure of the Account and, where necessary, notification of the official authorities.
Any inappropriate communication, Content or referral directed at minors.
Any real, fictional, written, visual or digital Content relating to the sexual abuse or exploitation of children.
Harassment, threats, blackmail, bullying, insults, humiliation, stalking or disturbing contact.
Sexual harassment, unwanted sexual content, sharing of intimate images without consent or the threat of such sharing.
Threats of physical violence, glorification of violence, incitement to violence or endangering safety.
Fake profiles, impersonation, catfishing, fraud or manipulative relationship/travel offers.
Misleading users by requesting money, donations, tickets, accommodation, transport, investment or financial support.
Encouraging the sale, supply or misuse of illegal substances, narcotics, weapons, tobacco, alcohol, prescription medicines or controlled products.
Commercial advertising, unauthorised marketing, chain messages, spam, misleading links or referrals to malicious software.
Hate speech, discrimination, racism, sexism, xenophobia or degrading expressions based on protected characteristics.
Content that praises, supports or encourages terrorism, violent extremism, criminal organisations or unlawful activities.
Disrupting the technical operation of the Platform, bots, automation, data scraping, multiple fake accounts, circumventing bans, or evading sanctions by means of VPNs or technical methods.
Sharing other users’ photographs, messages, location, Personal Data or private information without authorisation.
9. Messaging and Communication Within the Platform
The legal and criminal liability arising from the messages that Members exchange via the Platform belongs to them. Gezginsel is not responsible for disputes, face-to-face interactions, trip plans or private relationships that may arise as a result of communication between Members.
Gezginsel may review messages by means of automated systems or human moderation for the purposes of safety, fraud prevention, child safety, spam detection, prevention of abuse and enforcement of the Community Guidelines. Reported messages may additionally be assessed.
It is prohibited for Members to maliciously direct other users to different platforms, commercial sites, payment links, investment platforms, harmful links or areas outside Gezginsel’s control.
10. General Rules Within the Platform
10.1. Creating and Joining Events
Members may create trips, camping trips, coffee meet-ups, city tours, social activities, cultural events, sports events or similar organisations in the areas permitted by Gezginsel. Event descriptions must be prepared in a manner that is accurate, clear, not misleading and does not put safety at risk.
10.2. Safety and Responsibility
Members who organise an Event or participate in an Event must provide accurate information about the Event location, time, transport, number of participants, cost sharing, accommodation, route, risks and emergency plan. Gezginsel does not guarantee the safety or quality of the Events created by Members, that they will take place, or the conduct of participants.
10.3. Travel and Accommodation
Decisions made between Members, such as travel, transport, car sharing, accommodation, room sharing, choice of camping site, cost sharing or route planning, are entirely the Members’ own responsibility. Gezginsel is not a party to these private arrangements.
10.4. Cost and Payment Arrangements
Arrangements made between Members regarding tickets, accommodation, transport, meals, camping equipment or other cost sharing are private relationships to which Gezginsel is not a party. Members should not send money to people they do not know, should not share their financial information, and should carry out payment transactions only through reliable channels under their own control.
10.5. Meetings Outside the Platform
Members are responsible for their own safety if they meet outside the Platform with people they have met through the Platform. It is recommended that first meetings take place in public areas, that the plan be shared with a trusted person, that transport be arranged independently, and that the meeting be ended in the event of discomfort.
11. Gezo Points, Badges and Plus Membership
Gezginsel may offer gamification features such as Gezo points, levels, badges, visibility, rewards or similar in order to improve the user experience. The conditions for earning, using, deleting, restricting or converting these features are determined by Gezginsel.
Gezo points are not money, electronic money, a crypto asset, a gift voucher, a receivable or a value convertible into cash. Gezo points may be used only for the benefits determined within Gezginsel. Gezginsel reserves the right to change, restrict, suspend or discontinue the Gezo points system.
Plus membership is an advanced membership model that may be offered for a fee, as part of a campaign or in exchange for Gezo points. The benefits, duration, price, renewal, cancellation and refund conditions to be provided under Plus membership are separately set out on the purchase screen, in the subscription information or in in-Platform announcements.
Where a rule violation, abuse, fake account, automation, manipulation or fraud is detected, Gezginsel may cancel or restrict the Gezo points, badges, levels and Plus advantages that have been earned.
12. Paid Services, Subscription, Cancellation and Refund
Gezginsel may offer some features free of charge and some features for a fee. The scope, duration, price, payment method, renewal, cancellation and refund conditions of paid Services are presented to the User on the purchase screen or in the relevant information text.
A user who purchases a paid membership or subscription is deemed to have accepted the price, duration, scope, renewal and cancellation conditions displayed prior to purchase. In purchases made through app stores, payment infrastructures or third-party platforms, the payment, cancellation and refund rules of the relevant platform or the provisions of the Distance Sales Agreement may apply.
Where automatic renewal is applied in the subscription model, this is notified to the Member prior to purchase. The Member may cancel automatic renewal through the relevant app store, payment platform or Gezginsel account settings. The cancellation affects the usage rights relating to the relevant period in accordance with the conditions set out on the Platform.
The Member accepts that, in the event that their Account is closed due to abuse, cheating, rule violation, fake account or security breach, their access to paid Services may be restricted, without prejudice to their mandatory rights arising from the legislation.
13. Rights and Obligations of Gezginsel
Gezginsel may from time to time change the Services offered on the Platform, the membership types, prices, the Gezo points system, badges, algorithms, interfaces and terms of use.
Gezginsel may remove Content that is contrary to the law, to this Agreement, to the Community Guidelines or to the purpose of the Platform, restrict its visibility, or apply sanctions to the relevant Account.
Gezginsel may apply automated systems, artificial intelligence-supported tools and manual moderation for the purposes of user safety, fraud prevention, child safety, spam prevention and protection of the integrity of the Platform.
Gezginsel may share information duly requested by the competent official authorities pursuant to the applicable legislation.
Gezginsel does not guarantee that the Services will be uninterrupted, error-free or accessible at all times; however, it exercises reasonable efforts to operate the Platform in a safe and functional manner.
14. User Content and Hosting Provider Status
Gezginsel is a social travel and community Platform on which Members can share Content such as profiles, photographs, memories, travel writings, Event descriptions, comments, messages and reviews. Gezginsel provides hosting provider services for the Content created by users. The relevant user is responsible for ensuring that user-generated Content complies with the law, with this Agreement, with the Community Guidelines, and with third-party rights.
The Member accepts, declares and undertakes that all Content they upload, send, publish or share on the Platform belongs to them, or that they hold the rights and permissions necessary to use such Content. Any and all legal, criminal, administrative and financial liability that may arise from the Content created by the Member belongs to the Member.
Gezginsel is not obliged to review user Content in advance. However, Gezginsel may at any time remove, in whole or in part, Content that it assesses to be contrary to the law, to this Agreement, to the Community Guidelines, to its safety policies or to the purpose of the Platform, restrict its visibility, issue a warning to the relevant Member, temporarily suspend the membership or permanently terminate it.
The fact that Content created by the Member is subsequently deleted by the Member or removed by Gezginsel does not eliminate the Member’s legal liability in respect of the period during which the Content was published.
15. Intellectual Property Rights
The name, logo, design, software, interface, database, texts, visuals, brand elements, domain name, code and algorithms of Gezginsel and all intellectual property rights belonging to the Platform belong to Gezginsel.
Members may not copy, reproduce, distribute, publish, use for commercial purposes, reverse engineer or create derivative works from Content belonging to Gezginsel without authorisation.
The Member accepts that the Content they upload to the Platform belongs to them or that they hold the right to use such Content. The Member grants permission for the Content they upload to the Platform to be used for the purposes of the provision, display and sharing of Gezginsel’s Services, their technical operation, moderation, ensuring safety and the promotion of the Platform. This permission is in the nature of a right of use that is free of charge, worldwide and valid for the duration of the membership, to the extent necessary for Gezginsel to be able to maintain its Platform Services.
In the event that the Member deletes their Content or closes their Account, the relevant Content may be removed from the Platform, without prejudice to legal obligations, technical backups, security records and uses previously carried out.
16. KVKK, Privacy and Cookies
Gezginsel processes Members’ Personal Data in accordance with the applicable personal data protection legislation. The purposes for which Personal Data are processed, the legal grounds on which they are based, to whom they may be transferred, the retention periods and the rights of the Data Subject are explained in detail in the Gezginsel KVKK Privacy Notice and the Privacy Policy.
While using the Platform, the Member may not collect, record, share, disclose, archive or use for commercial purposes other users’ Personal Data without authorisation.
Gezginsel may use cookies and similar technologies for the purposes of session security, authentication, user preferences, performance analysis, security, fraud prevention, advertising/analytics activities and improvement of service quality. Details regarding the use of cookies are explained in the Cookie Policy.
The Member accepts that they are aware of the risks that may arise from the personal information they share on the Platform of their own volition, the private information they disclose in messages, the data they publish in their Profile or the information they share with third parties.
17. Child Safety Standards
Gezginsel provides services only to users aged 18 and over. A zero-tolerance policy is applied on the Platform against child sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation, child abuse material, inappropriate communication directed at minors, or any Content and conduct that threatens child safety.
In this context, the following rules apply:
It is prohibited for persons under the age of 18 to become Members of the Platform.
It is prohibited to establish inappropriate communication with minors.
Content relating to children that is sexual, obscene, abusive or endangering is strictly prohibited.
Content that threatens child safety is removed immediately.
The relevant Accounts are permanently closed.
Where deemed necessary, notification is made to the competent authorities, to law enforcement and to the relevant reporting mechanisms in accordance with the legislation.
If users encounter any Content or conduct that threatens child safety, they must notify Gezginsel by using the in-App “Report” button or the support channels.
18. Reports, Blocking, Moderation and Sanctions
Members may report to Gezginsel conduct that is disturbing, suspicious, unlawful, threatening to safety or contrary to the Community Guidelines. Reports may be made through in-Platform tools, support channels or other communication methods determined by Gezginsel.
Depending on the nature of the violation and whether it is repeated, Gezginsel may apply the following sanctions:
Removing the Content or restricting its visibility.
Issuing a warning to the user.
Restricting the right to exchange messages, create Events or participate in Events.
Restricting Profile visibility.
Cancelling Gezo points, badges, levels or Plus advantages.
Temporarily suspending the Account.
Permanently closing the Account.
Notifying the official authorities where necessary.
Gezginsel may take action without prior notice in cases it deems necessary in order to protect safety and community integrity. Malicious, misleading or discriminatory reports may also be subject to sanctions.
19. Limitation of Liability
Gezginsel is not responsible for any direct or indirect damages that may arise from the communication that Members establish with one another on or outside the Platform, from face-to-face meetings, travel, Events, camping plans, accommodation arrangements, payment agreements, car sharing, personal relationships or disputes with third parties.
Gezginsel does not guarantee the true identities, intentions or conduct of Members, their participation in Events, the safety of trip plans, or that the private arrangements made between users will be performed.
Gezginsel’s liability is limited to the provision of the Platform Services, without prejudice to the mandatory liability cases arising from the legislation.
19.1. Map, Track and Location Data
The GPS tracks (trails) shared on Gezginsel are created by users. Gezginsel does not guarantee that these tracks are accurate, up to date, actually walkable on the terrain or safe. A track reflects its condition on the date it was recorded; trail conditions, markings, access permissions, weather and terrain conditions change over time.
The map and location display in the App is for information purposes only and may not be used for navigation, wayfinding or safe passage. GPS measurement carries a margin of error depending on the device, the weather conditions and the terrain; the App does not give off-route warnings and does not provide guidance. The User is responsible for verifying their own route in outdoor activities, for carrying suitable equipment and backup wayfinding tools, and for their own safety.
This disclaimer applies to the display of tracks within the App as well as to cases where they are exported in GPX or similar formats and used in other applications.
20. Technical Interruptions, Data Loss and Backup
Gezginsel takes reasonable technical and administrative measures to protect the user data, Content, messages, Event records and other digital materials on the Platform. Nevertheless, it does not guarantee that data will not be lost, in whole or in part, due to technical failure, cyber attack, infrastructure outage, third-party service provider problems, user error, force majeure or causes arising beyond Gezginsel’s reasonable control.
Gezginsel may temporarily suspend the Services due to routine maintenance, updates or infrastructure work. Gezginsel may not be held responsible for the access problems that Members may experience as a result of such interruptions, without prejudice to the mandatory liabilities arising from the legislation.
Members are responsible for backing up, by their own means, the travel notes, memories, photographs or other Content that they consider important.
21. Third-Party Links and Services
Links, map links, booking sites, payment pages, social media accounts, external applications or external websites shared on the Platform by users or third parties are not under Gezginsel’s control.
Gezginsel is not responsible for the services, Content, products, payments, bookings, transport, accommodation or transactions accessed through these links. Members should review the terms and privacy policies of the relevant service provider before using third-party services.
22. Force Majeure
Natural disasters, war, terrorism, insurrection, epidemic disease, strikes, lockouts, cyber attacks, infrastructure failure, internet outage, power outage, decisions of official authorities, payment infrastructure problems, app store outages, third-party service provider problems or events arising beyond Gezginsel’s reasonable control are deemed to be force majeure.
In cases of force majeure, Gezginsel may not be held responsible for the late, incomplete or non-performance of its obligations arising from the Agreement.
23. Notices
The Member accepts that the e-mail address, telephone number or other contact details they provide when registering with Gezginsel are accurate and up to date. Notices relating to membership, security, amendment of the Agreement, payment, subscription, reports, sanctions and information processes may be made through these communication channels.
The Member is responsible for keeping their contact details up to date. Gezginsel is not responsible for the failure of notices to be delivered due to incorrect or out-of-date contact details.
The sending of Commercial Electronic Messages is carried out within the scope of the applicable legislation and the user’s consent preferences. The Member may change their consent preferences through the relevant settings.
24. Amendments to the Agreement
Gezginsel may from time to time update this Agreement, the Community Guidelines, the Safety Tips, the Privacy Policy, the KVKK Privacy Notice, the Cookie Policy and the other terms of use.
Updated texts enter into force on the date they are published on the Platform. The Member’s continued use of the Platform after an update means that they accept the updated terms. In the case of material changes, Gezginsel may inform users by reasonable methods.
25. Termination of the Agreement
The Member may terminate their membership at any time through the account settings, or may request the closure of their Account by applying to the Gezginsel support team. Account deletion, the processes of deletion/destruction/anonymisation of Personal Data and the legal retention obligations are separately assessed within the scope of the KVKK Privacy Notice and the Privacy Policy.
If Gezginsel determines that the Member has acted contrary to this Agreement, to the Community Guidelines or to the applicable legislation, or has engaged in conduct that threatens the security of the Platform, it may unilaterally suspend or terminate the membership.
The termination of the membership does not eliminate the rights and obligations of the parties that arose during the membership period. In the case of Accounts terminated due to a rule violation, Gezginsel’s rights to pursue legal remedies and to claim the damages it has suffered are reserved.
26. Miscellaneous
The law of the Republic of Türkiye applies to the implementation and interpretation of this Agreement.
In disputes that may arise from this Agreement, the İstanbul Anadolu Courts and Enforcement Offices are competent, without prejudice to the legal authorities to which the User may apply in respect of consumer transactions.
The parties accept that, in disputes that may arise from this Agreement, Gezginsel’s system records, electronic records, transaction records, membership approval records, notification records, e-mail correspondence, support requests, IP and access records, log records, payment/subscription records and in-Platform transaction records may be used as evidence within the scope of Article 193 of the Turkish Code of Civil Procedure (Hukuk Muhakemeleri Kanunu). The Member’s rights arising from the applicable legislation are reserved.
By becoming a Member of Gezginsel, by giving electronic approval or by continuing to use the Platform, the Member declares that they have read, understood and accepted all the provisions of this Membership Agreement.
This Agreement enters into force upon the Member giving approval in an electronic environment and remains in force until the membership ends.