HostPatch Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
This Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) governs your use of HostPatch’s services. Violations of this policy may result in suspension or termination of services. In case of disputes regarding this AUP, HostPatch’s interpretation, based on its reasonable commercial judgment, shall prevail.
Purpose of the AUP
The AUP applies to all personal and corporate accounts hosted by HostPatch. HostPatch provides managed web hosting and domain services and expects all users to adhere to ethical and legal guidelines while using its servers. The company reserves the right to suspend or terminate services when an account is misused or if it negatively impacts server performance or violates regulations.
Service Usage
HostPatch’s hosting plans are designed to serve the needs of small and independently-owned businesses and organizations. Given the shared hosting environment, users must ensure that their website usage does not degrade server performance for other users. We monitor our servers 24/7 to ensure balanced performance, and any misuse or adverse effect on the server community will result in action, including potential suspension.
Content Restrictions
Users may not publish or transmit any content that includes:
- Child pornography or pornographic material.
- Excessive violence, threats of violence, harassment, or hate speech.
- Deceptive or unfair material under consumer protection laws, including chain letters and pyramid schemes.
- Defamatory material or content that violates privacy.
- Anything that jeopardizes safety, public health, or national security.
- Trade secrets, intellectual property violations, or sensitive personal information.
- Promotion of illegal activities such as drug trafficking, illegal gambling, arms sales, or export violations.
- Content that could harm or disrupt other users, the server, or HostPatch’s reputation.
HostPatch strictly prohibits materials such as proxy services, illegal gambling, warez, HYIP, and pyramid schemes. Violation may result in termination, without a refund.
Data Storage and Backups
HostPatch’s services are intended solely for hosting websites. Using hosting accounts for backup, storage, or archiving data is strictly prohibited.
Security Obligations
Users must implement reasonable security practices, including securing passwords. HostPatch is not responsible for data breaches due to weak user practices, but provides technical security to prevent unauthorized access.
Bulk and Unsolicited Email
Bulk commercial email is permitted up to a limit of 500 emails per hour per account. Recipients must have opted in to receive emails, and users must comply with anti-spam regulations like the CAN-SPAM Act. HostPatch will not tolerate unsolicited emails (spam). Violations may lead to service termination.
Copyright and Intellectual Property
Users may not publish or distribute any copyrighted work without explicit authorization from the copyright holder, unless otherwise permitted by law. HostPatch will terminate services for repeat copyright infringers.
Network Abuse and Prohibited Activities
Users are prohibited from engaging in activities such as:
- Unauthorized system access or network probing.
- Interfering with network service or attempting to overload systems.
- Using compromised accounts, password theft, or port scanning.
- Forging headers or conducting TCP/IP-based attacks.
Any misuse of the HostPatch network will result in service suspension or termination.
Forums and Newsgroups
When participating in forums, chat rooms, IRC, USENET groups, or bulletin boards, users must follow the specific rules and guidelines of each platform. Posting off-topic commercial content or mass postings in multiple forums is strictly prohibited.
Liability Disclaimer
HostPatch is under no obligation to monitor customers’ activities but reserves the right to take action against any misuse. We disclaim responsibility for any internet abuse or misuse of our network.