Responsible Use FAQ

What is Qontinui?

Qontinui is a general-purpose GUI automation platform that uses computer vision and AI models to automate interactions with graphical user interfaces. Unlike traditional automation tools that rely on hardcoded coordinates or element selectors, Qontinui uses visual recognition to understand what's on your screen and interact with it intelligently.

How does Qontinui work?

Qontinui operates through three main components:

• Web Interface: Where you design and configure your automation workflows visually
• Desktop Runner: A local application that executes your automation on your computer
• Python Library: The open-source engine that powers the automation (available on GitHub)

All automation runs locally on your machine. We don't see or store what you're automating.

What is model-based automation?

Model-based automation uses AI/ML models (like computer vision and pattern recognition) to identify elements on screen rather than relying on fixed coordinates or DOM selectors. This makes automation more flexible and resilient to UI changes, but it also means the automation operates similarly to how a human would view and interact with a screen.

Do I need programming experience?

No! Qontinui's web interface is designed to be user-friendly with visual workflow builders. However, if you do have Python experience, you can use our open-source library directly for more advanced use cases.

What's your demo game and why Civilization VI?

We showcase Civilization VI because it's:

• Primarily single-player (low risk)
• Turn-based strategy (easier to automate safely)
• No real-time competitive advantage concerns
• Great for demonstrating complex decision-making automation
• Has no intrusive anti-cheat systems in single-player mode

Note: Always check the current Terms of Service for any game, including Civilization VI.

Is using Qontinui legal?

Yes, Qontinui itself is legal software. It's a general-purpose automation tool, like scripting languages, macro recorders, or other automation platforms. However, how you use it may or may not be legal depending on:

• The applications you automate
• The terms of service of those applications
• Your local laws and regulations
• Whether you bypass security measures or anti-cheat systems

You are responsible for ensuring your use complies with all applicable laws and third-party agreements.

Will I get banned for using automation in games?

It depends on the game, but the risk is real.

Most online games and many multiplayer games explicitly prohibit automation in their Terms of Service. If detected, consequences can include:

• Temporary suspension
• Permanent account ban
• Loss of all purchased content and progress
• IP or hardware ID bans
• In extreme cases, legal action

Single-player offline games typically carry lower risk, but you must still check each game's Terms of Service.

Does Qontinui bypass anti-cheat systems?

No. Qontinui does not include, provide, or support tools for bypassing anti-cheat systems.

Qontinui is a standard automation tool that operates at the user interface level, similar to how a human would interact with an application. We do not develop, distribute, or support:

• Anti-cheat bypass techniques
• Memory manipulation tools
• Code injection methods
• Detection avoidance systems
• Rootkits or kernel-level modifications

Attempting to bypass anti-cheat systems may violate laws like the DMCA and is not supported by our service.

Can anti-cheat systems detect Qontinui?

Yes, they can. Anti-cheat systems use various detection methods including:

• Behavioral analysis (detecting non-human patterns)
• Input timing analysis
• Process monitoring
• Screen capture detection
• Statistical anomaly detection

We provide no guarantees that automation will avoid detection. If you use automation in games with anti-cheat systems, you do so at your own risk.

What if I get banned from a game?

We are not responsible for bans or other consequences from third-party services. When you use Qontinui to automate applications:

• You accept all risks, including account loss
• Bans are between you and the game/service provider
• We cannot help you appeal bans or recover accounts
• You are not entitled to refunds of Qontinui subscription fees

Are there laws I need to worry about?

Yes. Depending on how you use automation, these laws may apply:

• Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) - U.S.: Prohibits unauthorized access to computer systems
• Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) - U.S.: Prohibits circumventing technical protection measures
• GDPR - EU: Governs data collection and privacy
• CCPA - California: Privacy and data protection
• Local computer crime laws: Vary by jurisdiction

We strongly recommend consulting with a lawyer if you're unsure about the legality of your intended use.

What if my country has different laws?

You must comply with your local laws, which may be more restrictive than U.S. laws. Some countries have stricter computer crime laws or different interpretations of automation legality. Research your jurisdiction's laws or consult a local attorney.

Which games are safe to automate?

Generally, the safest games to automate are:

• Single-player offline games: No online components, no competitive elements
• Games you developed: For testing and development purposes
• Sandbox/creative games: Where automation doesn't affect others (check ToS)

However, you must ALWAYS check the specific game's Terms of Service. Even single-player games may prohibit automation.

Can I automate multiplayer games?

Not recommended. Almost all multiplayer games prohibit automation in their Terms of Service. Using automation in multiplayer games:

• Violates ToS (very high ban risk)
• Provides unfair competitive advantage
• Harms other players' experience
• Often violates our Acceptable Use Policy
• May be illegal under CFAA or similar laws

We explicitly do not support or condone automation in competitive multiplayer environments.

What about PvE (Player vs. Environment) grinding in online games?

Still risky. Even in non-competitive PvE scenarios like resource farming or level grinding:

• Most online games prohibit all automation
• Anti-cheat systems may detect it
• Can result in permanent bans
• May affect in-game economy or other players indirectly

If you proceed despite these risks, you do so entirely at your own risk and accept full responsibility for consequences.

Which popular games definitely prohibit automation?

Most popular online games explicitly prohibit automation, including (but not limited to):

• World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV (MMORPGs)
• League of Legends, Dota 2 (MOBAs)
• Counter-Strike, Valorant, Overwatch (FPS)
• Fortnite, Apex Legends, PUBG (Battle Royale)
• RuneScape, EVE Online (MMOs)
• Any game with EasyAntiCheat, BattlEye, Vanguard, etc.

This is not a complete list. Always check the specific game's current Terms of Service.

How do I check if a game allows automation?

Follow these steps:

1. Find and read the game's Terms of Service (ToS) or End User License Agreement (EULA)
2. Search for keywords: "bot," "automation," "macro," "third-party software," "unfair advantage"
3. Check the game's official forums or FAQ for automation policies
4. Look for community guidelines or code of conduct
5. When in doubt, contact the game developer directly

If the ToS is unclear, assume automation is prohibited.

What about accessibility features? Can I use automation to help with disabilities?

This is a nuanced area. Some games make exceptions for accessibility purposes, but:

• You must still comply with the game's ToS
• Some games have official accessibility features built-in
• Contact the game developer to request permission or clarification
• Document any permissions you receive
• Even with good intentions, you may still face bans without explicit permission

We support making games more accessible, but you must work within each game's rules.

Can I sell automation services or bots for games?

No. Creating and selling game bots or automation services:

• Almost certainly violates game ToS
• May violate our Acceptable Use Policy
• Could expose you to legal action from game developers
• May constitute tortious interference with contracts
• We will terminate accounts engaged in this activity

What about games that are no longer supported or offline?

Lower risk, but not zero risk. For games that have been discontinued or are fully offline:

• Terms of Service may still technically apply
• No practical enforcement mechanism if servers are offline
• Still worth checking if any legal agreements remain in effect
• Generally, this is one of the safest scenarios

Does Qontinui require admin/root privileges?

The Qontinui runner may require elevated privileges for certain operations like simulating input or capturing screenshots, depending on your operating system. We only request the minimum permissions necessary for functionality.

Does Qontinui inject code into other applications?

No. Qontinui operates at the user interface level, similar to how a human interacts with applications. We do not inject code, modify memory, or hook into other processes. We use screen capture and input simulation APIs provided by the operating system.

What data does Qontinui collect?

The desktop runner executes locally on your machine. We do not collect or see:

• Screenshots or screen content from your automation
• Which applications you automate
• Credentials or personal data processed by automation
• Game content or in-game activities

We do collect standard analytics like account usage, feature utilization, and error reports. See our Privacy Policy for details.

Can I use Qontinui with virtual machines or cloud gaming?

Yes, technically, but be aware:

• Some games prohibit running in VMs
• Performance may be reduced
• Anti-cheat systems may detect VM environments
• Cloud gaming platforms have their own terms to comply with

What operating systems are supported?

Qontinui currently supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. Specific feature availability may vary by platform. Check our documentation for the most current compatibility information.

Can I inspect the source code?

Partially. Our Python library (qontinui) and desktop runner (qontinui-runner) are open source and available on GitHub. The web interface and backend are proprietary. You can review how the automation engine works and verify it doesn't contain malicious code.

How is this different from traditional macro tools?

Traditional macro tools record and replay mouse/keyboard inputs at fixed coordinates. Qontinui uses computer vision and AI to understand what's on screen, making automation more flexible and resilient to UI changes. This model-based approach can adapt to different screen resolutions, window positions, and UI variations.

Can Qontinui work with games that use DirectX or OpenGL?

Yes, Qontinui can capture and analyze screens from games using various graphics APIs. However, some games may have protections that prevent screen capture or detect it as suspicious activity.

How much does Qontinui cost?

We offer both free and paid subscription plans. The free tier includes basic features with usage limitations. Paid plans offer advanced features, higher usage limits, and priority support. Visit qontinui.com/pricing for current pricing details.

What's included in the free plan?

The free plan includes:

• Access to the web interface and workflow builder
• Basic automation features
• Limited project storage
• Community support
• Desktop runner (open source)

Can I cancel anytime?

Yes. You can cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings. Cancellations take effect at the end of your current billing period. We do not provide refunds for partial months unless required by law or in cases of service failure on our part.

What happens to my projects if I cancel?

Your projects remain accessible in read-only mode for 30 days after cancellation. You can export them during this period. After 30 days, projects may be deleted. The desktop runner and Python library remain free and open source, so exported projects can continue to run locally.

Do you offer refunds if I get banned from a game?

No. Account bans from third-party services are not grounds for refunds. You acknowledge and accept all risks associated with automation when you use our service. We explicitly disclaim any warranty that our service will avoid detection or comply with third-party terms.

Is there an enterprise plan?

Yes, we offer enterprise plans with custom features, dedicated support, SLAs, and volume licensing. Contact us at jspinak@alum.mit.edu for enterprise inquiries.

Do you offer student or educational discounts?

We may offer discounts for educational institutions and verified students. Contact us with details about your educational use case.

How can I minimize the risk of bans?

While we cannot guarantee you won't be banned, these practices may reduce risk:

• Only automate single-player games without online components
• Read and comply with game ToS before automating
• Use reasonable timing - don't make automation inhumanly fast
• Add randomization to behavior patterns
• Don't run automation 24/7 - take breaks like a human would
• Avoid competitive modes entirely
• Don't automate games with aggressive anti-cheat
• Use separate accounts for testing if you must test in risky scenarios

Remember: The safest approach is to not automate games that prohibit it.

What should I NOT automate?

Avoid automating:

• Multiplayer or competitive games
• Any application that explicitly prohibits automation
• Banking or financial applications (security risk)
• Social media for spam or manipulation
• E-commerce for scalping or price manipulation
• Voting systems or engagement metrics
• Applications containing sensitive personal data of others
• Any activity that provides unfair competitive advantage

Should I tell others I'm using automation?

It depends on the context:

• In competitive environments: You should not be using automation at all
• In single-player games: It's your choice, though some communities frown upon it
• For research or testing: Be transparent about your methods
• In professional settings: Document automation for QA and testing

Never misrepresent automated achievements as manual play in competitive or social contexts.

How do I test automation safely?

Safe testing practices:

1. Start with your own applications or test environments
2. Use sandbox/test accounts when possible
3. Test offline before going online
4. Start with simple, low-risk tasks to verify behavior
5. Monitor automation closely during initial runs
6. Have kill switches to stop automation quickly
7. Document what you're testing and why

What are good use cases for Qontinui?

Excellent use cases include:

• Software QA: Automated UI testing, regression testing
• Personal productivity: Automating repetitive desktop tasks
• Data entry: Migrating data between systems (where authorized)
• Game development: Testing your own games
• Research: UI/UX research, human-computer interaction studies
• Education: Teaching automation and AI concepts
• Accessibility: Creating aids for users with disabilities (with permission)
• Single-player gaming: In games that allow it

How can I stay updated on Terms of Service changes?

For games and services you automate:

• Check their official website or forums periodically
• Subscribe to game developer newsletters
• Join community Discord servers or subreddits
• Set calendar reminders to review ToS quarterly
• Use ToS change tracking services if available

For Qontinui: We'll notify you of material changes to our Terms or Acceptable Use Policy by email and on our website.

Should I use a VPN or proxy with automation?

We neither recommend nor discourage VPN use. However, be aware:

• VPNs don't make automation undetectable
• Some games ban VPN usage
• Suspicious IP changes may trigger additional scrutiny
• VPNs won't protect you from behavioral detection
• Using VPNs to evade bans typically violates ToS