Hostcode - Acceptable Use Policy
Welcome to Hostcode Lab Technologies OPC. Pvt. Ltd (“Hostcode”). We are committed to providing reliable web hosting, website design, and development solutions to our customers. This Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) outlines the rules and guidelines that govern the use of our services. By using our web hosting, website design, and development services, you agree to comply with this AUP.
This Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) automatically applies to all customers (“Customers”) of Hostcode Lab Technologies OPC. Pvt. Ltd. (“Hostcode”) upon subscription to our services, including subscription through a third party or any commercial partner. By using our services, the Customer agrees to use them only for lawful purposes and in compliance with all applicable laws.
1. Prohibited Use cases but are not limited to:
Customers using Hostcode’s services must adhere to the following guidelines:
Threatening Behavior: Engaging in any behavior that threatens harm to individuals or property or involves harassment is strictly prohibited.
Compliance with Export Laws: Customers must comply with Indian export control laws concerning software or technical information.
No Misrepresentation or Fraud: Customers are not allowed to misrepresent or fraudulently represent products or services.
Compliance with Applicable Laws: Transmission, distribution, or storage of any material that violates any applicable law or regulation is not permitted.
Respect Intellectual Property Rights: Customers must not transmit, distribute, or store any material protected by copyright, trademark, trade secret, or other intellectual property rights without proper authorization. Additionally, hosting material that is obscene, defamatory, invades privacy, constitutes an illegal threat, or is otherwise illegal is prohibited.
Non-Facilitation of Prohibited Activities: Customers are prohibited from facilitating, aiding, or encouraging any of the above-mentioned activities, whether using Hostcode’s network or service directly or through a third party’s network or service.
No Interference with Third Parties: Customers must not interfere with a third party’s use of Hostcode’s network or service, or their ability to connect to the Internet or provide services to Internet users.
No Proxy Server Management: Customers are not allowed to manage a proxy server using Hostcode’s services.
Hostcode reserves the right to take appropriate action, including suspension or termination of services, in the event of any violation of this Acceptable Use Policy.
2. Hostcode - Email Policy
At Hostcode, we have a strong anti-spam policy in place, and we strictly enforce it. Spammers are not welcome on our platform. This policy applies to all customers, and any violation may result in account restrictions, suspension, or termination at our sole discretion. Additionally, we reserve the right to seek civil remedies for any costs incurred during the investigation of a substantiated policy violation. If the violation is believed to be a criminal offense, we will notify law enforcement officials accordingly. Customers are responsible for any spam-related actions originating from their accounts.
– Sending unsolicited email messages, including commercial advertising and informational announcements, is explicitly prohibited, even if the lists are claimed to be opt-in.
– Customers must not use another site’s mail server to relay mail without explicit permission from the site owner.
– It is strictly forbidden to send unsolicited email from any other network that advertises, promotes, or directs recipients to a location within Hostcode’s network.
– If spamming tools are found inside a server, the service will be terminated without refunds.
– Mail ports on UK location Windows/Linux servers are disabled by default to adhere to our strict anti-spam policy. Customers may request the technical department to enable the ports, but the approval of such requests is solely at the department’s discretion, and the decision cannot be challenged. The disabling of mail ports is not a valid reason to apply for refunds.
We are committed to maintaining a clean and spam-free email environment for all our customers. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact our support team at [support@hostcodelab.com](mailto:support@hostcodelab.com).
3.Hostcode - Prohibited Services
To ensure the stability and security of our network, certain services are strictly prohibited. These include hosting servers that frequently become targets of attacks, such as IRC networks, Camfrog servers, and similar services. Please adhere to the following guidelines:
IRC Servers: Hosting an IRC server that is connected to or part of another IRC network is absolutely forbidden. If we find a server connected to such networks, it will be immediately removed from our network without prior notice. Reconnection to our network will only be allowed after completely removing any traces of the IRC server and providing us access to verify its removal.
Camfrog Servers and Vulnerable Applications: Hosting Camfrog servers or any other server applications that are commonly targeted by Denial of Service attacks or other forms of attacks is prohibited. Servers found guilty of a second violation will face immediate account termination.
At Hostcode, we prioritize the security and integrity of our network and services. By complying with these policies, you help us maintain a safe environment for all our customers.
If you have any questions or need clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact our support team at support@hostcodelab.com.
4.Hostcode - Adult Content Policy
At Hostcode, we have specific policies regarding the hosting of adult content on our servers. Please note the following guidelines based on the type of hosting service:
1. VPS/Dedicated Servers: Publishing adult content on VPS/Dedicated servers is strictly forbidden. Hostcode reserves the right to suspend any account found to be hosting offending adult content.
2. Shared/Reseller Hosting: Hosting adult content, including but not limited to images and videos, on shared/reseller hosting accounts is strictly prohibited.
We take these policies seriously to maintain a safe and appropriate environment for all our customers. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in the suspension or termination of the hosting account in question.
If you have any questions or require assistance regarding our content policies, feel free to contact our support team at support@hostcodelab.com.
5. System and Network Security
At Hostcode, we prioritize the security and integrity of our systems and networks. To ensure a safe and reliable environment for all our customers, the following activities are strictly prohibited:
Threatening Behavior: Customers must not use Hostcode services to engage in behavior that threatens harm to persons or property or involves harassment.
Use or Distribution of Security Compromising Tools: Utilizing or distributing tools designed for compromising security is strictly forbidden.
Unauthorized Access: Customers are not allowed to gain unauthorized access to data, systems, or networks. This includes any attempts to probe, scan, or test the vulnerability of systems or networks without explicit authorization from the system or network owner.
Unauthorized Monitoring: Monitoring data or traffic on any network or system without express authorization from the owner is prohibited.
System Overload and Broadcast Attacks: Deliberate attempts to overload a system or launch broadcast attacks are not allowed.
Forging TCP-IP Packet Header: Any forgery of TCP-IP packet headers or header information in emails or newsgroup postings is strictly prohibited.
Transmission of Viruses or Corrupted Data: Intentionally or negligently transmitting files containing computer viruses or corrupted data is not permitted.
Failure to comply with these security guidelines may result in account suspension or termination. We take the security of our infrastructure seriously and appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a secure hosting environment.
6. Content Restrictions
Content restrictions apply to both Shared/Reseller Hosting and VPS/Dedicated Servers. Please review the following guidelines carefully:
Shared/Reseller Hosting:
Unauthorized Copyright or Trademark Infringement: Hosting or distributing copyrighted materials, including music, books, photographs, or any other copyrighted work, without proper authorization is prohibited. Similarly, offering counterfeit merchandise of a trademark holder will lead to immediate account termination. Any account found violating copyright laws will be promptly removed or access to the material will be disabled.
Unacceptable Material: The following types of content are strictly forbidden on all Shared and Reseller servers:
- IRC Scripts/Bots
- Proxy Scripts/Anonymizers
- Pirated Software/Warez
- Image Hosting Scripts (similar to Photobucket or Tinypic)
- AutoSurf/PTC/PTS/PPC sites
- IP Scanners
- Bruteforce Programs/Scripts/Applications
- Mail Bombers/Spam Scripts
- File Dump/Mirror Scripts (similar to rapidshare)
- Commercial Audio Streaming (more than one or two streams)
- Escrow/Bank Debentures
- High-Yield Interest Programs (HYIP) or Related Sites
- Investment Sites (FOREX, E-Gold Exchange, Second Life/Linden Exchange, Ponzi, MLM/Pyramid Scheme)
- Sale of any controlled substance without prior proof of appropriate permit(s)
- Prime Banks Programs
- Lottery/Gambling Sites
- MUDs/RPGs/PBBGs
- Hacker-focused sites/archives/programs
- Sites promoting illegal activities
- Forums and/or websites that distribute or link to warez/pirated/illegal content
- Fraudulent Sites (Including, but not limited to sites listed at aa419.org & escrow-fraud.com)
- Push-button mail scripts
- Anonymous SMS Gateways
Unauthorized Network Connections: Connecting to a third-party network or system without explicit authorization from the third party is subject to suspension. Access to external networks or systems must be with written consent from the third party. Documentation may be required to prove authorized access.
Harm to Minors: Hosting or linking to child pornography or content perceived to be child pornography (Lolita) will lead to immediate suspension of the account. Violations will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Secure Scripts and Passwords: Customers are responsible for ensuring that scripts/programs installed under their account are secure. Set permissions on directories to 755 or as restrictive as possible. It is essential to use strong passwords, and accounts with weak passwords may be suspended until a more secure password is used.
VPS/Dedicated Servers:
VPS accounts must adhere to the following restrictions:
a) Resource Usage: The 15-minute load average must not exceed two (2) times the number of CPU cores given.
b) IRC and Bots: Running public IRCd’s or malicious bots is not allowed.
c) BitTorrent: Running any type of BitTorrent client or tracker that links to or downloads illegal content is prohibited.
d) Proxies: Usage of Open/Public proxies or proxies to access illegal/malicious content is not permitted.
e) I/O Intensive Applications: Running I/O intensive applications that adversely affect normal server operations is forbidden.
Unacceptable Material on all Dedicated Servers/VPS includes:
- IRCD (irc servers)
- IRC Scripts/Bots
- Pirated Software/Warez
- IP Scanners
- Bruteforce Programs/Scripts/Applications
- Mail Bombers/Spam Scripts
- Escrow
- High-Yield Interest Programs (HYIP) or Related Sites
- Sale of any controlled substance without prior proof of appropriate permit(s)
- Prime Banks Programs
- Lottery/Gambling Sites
- Hacker-focused sites/archives/programs
- Sites promoting illegal activities
- Forums and/or websites that distribute or link to warez/pirated/illegal content
- Bank Debentures/Bank Debenture Trading Programs
- Fraudulent Sites (Including, but not limited to sites listed at aa419.org & escrow-fraud.com)
- Mailer Pro
We maintain these content restrictions to uphold the security and integrity of our hosting services. Failure to comply may result in account suspension or termination.
8. Restrictions in UK Location Dedicated Servers/VPS
As a responsible hosting provider, Hostcode enforces the following restrictions on the use of our UK location Dedicated Servers/VPS to ensure a secure and reliable environment for all our customers:
Prohibited Material: Transmission, distribution, or storage of any material that violates applicable laws or regulations is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted, trademarked, or trade secret materials used without proper authorization, as well as obscene, defamatory, or threatening content that violates export control laws.
Content That May Disrepute Hostcode: Hosting material that may cause Hostcode to come into disrepute or could be considered immoral, even if it is of a legal nature, is not allowed.
Internet Access, VPN, or Tunneling: Provision of internet access, VPN services, or tunnelling of traffic from unidentified users or in a manner that prevents disclosure of user details to Hostcode is prohibited.
Unsolicited Bulk Email (UBE): Sending UBE, commonly known as spam, through Hostcode’s servers or utilizing Hostcode’s resources to send UBE from another service provider is strictly forbidden. Outbound port 25 is blocked to prevent UBE complaints.
Mail Relaying and Forwarding: Mail relaying, using mailbox forwarders, or forwarding mail using mailing lists hosted on Hostcode’s servers is prohibited.
Mailing Lists: Running unconfirmed mailing lists or purchasing lists of email addresses from third parties for mailing to Ucartz-hosted domains is not allowed. Mailing lists must be Closed-loop (“Confirmed Opt-in”) with verifiable permission from the email address owner.
Bulk Email with Non-Reply Addresses: Sending bulk email, including Confirmed Mailing Lists, from email addresses that cannot be replied to or have auto-responders is prohibited.
Software and Services Violating AUP: Advertising, transmitting, or making available any software, program, product, or service that violates this AUP or the AUP of any other ISP is strictly forbidden.
Services Causing Harm: Operating or advertising any service known or likely to cause Unsolicited Bulk Email, denial-of-service attacks, or other malicious activities is not allowed.
Spamhaus ROKSO Database: Operating an account on behalf of, or in connection with, persons or firms listed in the Spamhaus Register of Known Spam Operations (ROKSO) database is prohibited.
Defacement and Harassment: Defacing websites or submitting spam to blogs, forums, or message boards is strictly forbidden.
Unauthorized Access and Cracking: Unauthorized attempts to gain access to any account or computer resource not belonging to the user (e.g., “cracking”) are not allowed.
Avoiding Payment: Attempting to obtain service with the intent to avoid payment is prohibited.
Unauthorized Access and Alteration: Unauthorized access, alteration, destruction, or any attempt thereof, of any information belonging to Hostcode’s customers or end-users is strictly forbidden.
Denial-of-Service and Harassment: Knowingly engaging in activities designed to harass or cause a denial-of-service to other users, whether on Hostcode’s network or another provider’s network, is prohibited.
Interference with Ucartz Network: Using Hostcode’s services to interfere with the use of the Hostcode network by other customers or authorized users is not allowed.
Failure to comply with these restrictions may lead to account suspension or termination. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a secure and reliable hosting environment.
9. "UNLIMITED" USAGE POLICIES AND DEFINITIONS
At Hostcode, we aim to provide our Subscribers with ample resources to power their websites successfully. Here are the definitions and policies regarding our “unlimited” services:
What “Unlimited” means: Hostcode does not set arbitrary limits on the amount of storage and bandwidth resources a single Subscriber can use. We make every commercially reasonable effort to ensure our Subscribers have the resources needed to support their websites. As long as the usage complies with our Terms of Service, we do not impose caps or additional charges for resource usage. This allows us to offer simple and consistent pricing as websites grow.
What “Unlimited” DOES NOT mean: While we do not set specific resource limits, our service is designed to cater to typical small and home business websites. It is not intended to support the sustained demand of large enterprises, internationally based businesses, or non-typical applications better suited to a dedicated server. To ensure a quality experience for all Subscribers, we have automated safeguards in place to prevent any one site from adversely impacting the system due to rapid growth.
Unlimited Hosting Space and MySQL Files: We do not set arbitrary limits on the disk space a Subscriber can use for their website. However, our hosting service is not intended for online storage, backups, or archiving of electronic files. Any such prohibited use may result in the termination of the Subscriber’s account. Accounts with a large number of files or excessive MySQL/PostgreSQL tables can negatively affect server performance. We may request a reduction in such usage to ensure proper performance or terminate the account, with or without notice.
Unlimited File Transfer: There are no arbitrary limits on the amount of visitor traffic a web site can receive or the amount of content a Subscriber can upload in a given month, as long as it complies with our Terms of Service. However, in certain cases, we may limit processor time, bandwidth, processes, or memory to prevent negative impacts on other Subscribers.
Unlimited Domain Hosting: Hostcode does not impose arbitrary limits on the number of domain names a Subscriber can associate with their web hosting account.
For hosting plans that offer unlimited traffic and/or storage, the primary purpose is to serve web documents, not act as an offsite storage area for electronic files. All web pages (html) must be ‘linked’ with files (.GIF, .JPEG, etc.) stored on our server. Websites found to contain a large number of unlinked files or primarily consist of picture galleries or file downloads may be subject to warning, suspension, or cancellation at our discretion.
To maintain the integrity of our service and ensure fair resource allocation, the following limitations apply to such hosting plans:
- Sites with banners, graphics, or CGI scripts running from their domain used on other domains.
- Sites with picture galleries (where 50% of the transferred files are graphics).
- Sites offering download files or archives (where more than 50% of the monthly traffic is from file downloads).
10. Unsolicited Bulk Email (UBE)
At Hostcode, we strictly prohibit the practice of sending unsolicited bulk and/or commercial messages over the Internet, commonly known as “spamming.” This prohibition is in place to safeguard our network, protect our clients, and maintain a positive reputation for Hostcode.
Sending spam not only has a negative impact on consumer attitudes toward Hostcode but also has the potential to overload our network and disrupt services for our clients. To ensure fair and reliable service for all, maintaining an open SMTP relay is also strictly prohibited.
When we receive a complaint regarding spamming, our team will thoroughly investigate the matter, considering all relevant evidence, to determine if a violation of this policy has occurred. We take such violations seriously to uphold the integrity of our services and maintain a secure hosting environment.
11. Intellectual Property Violations
At Hostcode, we take intellectual property rights seriously and prohibit any activities that infringe or misappropriate the intellectual property rights of others. This includes violations related to copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade secrets, software piracy, and patents held by individuals, corporations, or any other entities.
Engaging in any activity that violates the privacy, publicity, or other personal rights of individuals is also strictly prohibited.
As a responsible service provider, Hostcode is bound by the law to promptly remove or block access to client content upon receiving a proper notice of copyright infringement or any other violations of the law.
In addition, it is our policy to terminate the privileges of clients who repeatedly violate copyright laws. We are committed to upholding the rights of intellectual property owners and ensuring a safe and legal hosting environment for all our clients.
12. Prohibited Activities
At Hostcode, we are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful network environment for all our clients. To ensure the integrity of our services, the following activities are strictly prohibited:
Obscene Speech or Materials: Any use of our network to advertise, transmit, store, post, display, or make available child pornography or obscene speech or material is strictly prohibited. Hostcode is required by law to notify law enforcement agencies if we become aware of the presence of child pornography on our network.
Defamatory or Abusive Language: Using Hostcode’s network to transmit or post defamatory, harassing, abusive, or threatening language is not allowed.
Forging of Headers: Forging or misrepresenting message headers, whether in whole or in part, to mask the originator of the message is prohibited.
Illegal or Unauthorized Access to Other Computers or Networks: Unauthorized access to computers, accounts, or networks belonging to another party, or attempting to penetrate security measures of another individual’s system (commonly known as “hacking”) is strictly prohibited. Any activity that may be used as a precursor to an attempted system penetration, such as port scanning or information gathering, is also not allowed.
Distribution of Internet Viruses, Worms, Trojan Horses, or Other Destructive Activities: Distributing information regarding the creation and sending of Internet viruses, worms, Trojan horses, pinging, flooding, mail bombing, or denial of service attacks is prohibited. Any activity that disrupts or interferes with the use of the network, or the ability of others to effectively use the network, systems, services, or equipment is also not allowed.
Facilitating a Violation of the AUP: Advertising, transmitting, or making available any software, program, product, or service that is designed to violate Hostcode’s Acceptable Use Policy is strictly prohibited. This includes facilitating spam, initiating pinging, flooding, mail bombing, denial of service attacks, and software piracy.
Illegal Activities: Engaging in any activities that are determined to be illegal is strictly prohibited. This includes but is not limited to, false advertising, transmitting or making available ponzi schemes, pyramid schemes, fraudulently charging credit cards, and pirating software.
Other Activities: Engaging in activities, whether lawful or unlawful, that Hostcode determines to be harmful to our clients, operations, reputation, goodwill, or customer relations is also prohibited. We strive to maintain a positive and secure environment for all our users, and any actions that jeopardize this commitment will not be tolerated.
We believe that our Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) helps clarify the obligations of all Internet users, including Hostcode and our clients, as responsible members of the online community. By adhering to these guidelines, we ensure a safe, fair, and respectful environment for everyone.
