The Friction Force

Terms of Service

Guardrail Mode · Last updated: June 12, 2026

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Guardrail Mode mobile application ("the App"), provided by Benjamin Conklin ("we," "us," or "The Friction Force"). By downloading, accessing, or using the App, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the App.

1. What Guardrail Mode Is

Guardrail Mode is a behavioral structure tool. It lets you declare session parameters, introduce intentional delays, set self-imposed limits, restrict access to apps and websites you select, and keep a record of your own activity. Its purpose is to add structure and friction to high-velocity digital environments.

What Guardrail Mode is not: It is not a medical device, a treatment, a therapy, a recovery program, or a clinical intervention. It does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition, including gambling disorder or any other behavioral or mental health condition. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, financial, or legal advice.

2. Not Financial Advice

The App is not a financial product and does not provide financial, investment, trading, or tax advice. Any figures you enter — including capital allocations, deposits, and losses — are values you supply for your own tracking. The App does not connect to any financial account and does not verify, manage, or have access to your actual money. Nothing in the App is a recommendation to engage in, continue, or refrain from any gambling, trading, or financial activity. Decisions you make are your own.

3. No Guarantee of Outcomes

The App is a structural tool, not an enforcement guarantee. While it uses features such as session timers, delays, and Apple's Screen Time restrictions, we do not and cannot guarantee that it will prevent any particular behavior, financial loss, or outcome. The effectiveness of the App depends on your own honest and consistent use of it. You acknowledge that the App relies on information you enter accurately and on system features that may be affected by device settings, operating system behavior, or your own actions.

4. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction, if higher) to use the App. By using the App, you represent that you meet this requirement.

5. Screen Time & Device Restrictions

The App uses Apple's Family Controls and Screen Time frameworks to apply restrictions you choose, on your own device, for your own use. You are responsible for selecting which apps and websites to restrict. The restriction capability is provided by Apple's operating system, and its behavior and limitations are determined by Apple. We are not responsible for the underlying performance of Apple's frameworks.

6. Subscriptions, Trials & Billing

7. Acceptable Use

You agree not to misuse the App, including by attempting to reverse engineer it, interfere with its operation, circumvent its security or subscription mechanisms, or use it in violation of any applicable law.

8. Intellectual Property

The App, including its design, text, graphics, the "Guardrail Mode" and "The Friction Force" names, and all related content, is owned by us and protected by intellectual property laws. We grant you a limited, personal, non-transferable, revocable license to use the App for your own personal use, subject to these Terms. You may not copy, distribute, or create derivative works without our permission.

9. Disclaimer of Warranties

10. Limitation of Liability

11. Indemnification

12. Changes to the App and These Terms

We may modify or discontinue the App, or any feature of it, at any time. We may also update these Terms from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last updated" date above. Your continued use of the App after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Wisconsin, without regard to its conflict of law principles, except where prohibited by applicable law.

14. Contact

Questions about these Terms can be sent to thefrictionforce@gmail.com.

If gambling has become a crisis — National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700