Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

This Acceptable Use Policy (“AUP”) forms part of your agreement with Webmatics Ltd (“Webmatics”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) and applies to all users of our web hosting, domain, and related services (the “Services”). By using our Services, you agree to comply with this AUP.

1. Purpose

Our Services must be used responsibly and lawfully. This policy sets out activities that are prohibited to protect our network, other customers, and the wider internet community.

2. General Principles

• Clients must not use the Services to engage in, promote, or facilitate any unlawful, fraudulent, misleading, or harmful activity.
• Clients are responsible for all content, data, and actions conducted under their accounts.
• Webmatics reserves the right to investigate, suspend, or remove any account or domain that breaches this policy.

3. Prohibited Activities

The following uses of the Services are strictly prohibited:

3.1 Unlawful or Misleading Activity

• Use of the Services in violation of any applicable law or regulation (UK, EU, or international).
• Misrepresentation of identity or affiliation, including impersonating a business or individual.
• Operating or advertising under the name or identity of a company that has been dissolved, liquidated, or placed into administration without lawful authorisation from the appointed liquidator or administrator.
• Fraudulent activity of any kind, including phishing, false billing, deceptive advertising, or unauthorised collection of data.

3.2 Security and Network Abuse

• Attempting to gain unauthorised access to systems, networks, or data.
• Interference with or disruption of our servers or any connected network (including denial-of-service attacks).
• Distribution of malware, viruses, or any software designed to harm or exploit systems or users.
• Running open mail relays or similar configurations that can be abused by third parties.

3.3 Content Restrictions

• Hosting, transmitting, or distributing material that is defamatory, harassing, abusive, threatening, obscene, or discriminatory.
• Hosting or linking to sexually explicit or pornographic material of any description.
• Hosting content relating to hacking, cracking, warez, or unauthorised software distribution.
• Hosting copyrighted or trademarked material without the rightsholder’s permission.
• Storing or sharing personal data in breach of data protection laws (e.g., UK GDPR).

3.4 Email, Spam, and Messaging

• Sending unsolicited bulk or commercial emails (“spam”) via our servers or any third-party system referencing a site hosted by us.
• Using deceptive headers, sender addresses, or subject lines in emails or messages.
• Harvesting or collecting email addresses without consent.

3.5 Resource Abuse

• Running resource-intensive applications that adversely affect server performance or stability.
• Using shared hosting plans for file distribution, mirror, or backup storage purposes unrelated to a hosted website.

4. Enforcement

• Webmatics may suspend, restrict, or terminate Services (in whole or in part) where this AUP is breached or suspected to be breached.
• We may remove content, disable domains, or place a domain on clientHold/serverHold pending verification of lawful use.
• Serious violations may be referred to law enforcement or regulatory authorities, including the Insolvency Service or National Crime Agency (NCA).
• Refunds will not be issued for Services suspended or terminated due to AUP violations.

5. Reporting Abuse

To report abuse of Webmatics Services, please email abuse@webmatics.co.uk with full details (including domain, IP, and evidence). We review all abuse reports promptly.

6. Policy Changes

We may modify this AUP at any time by posting an updated version on our website. The most recent version supersedes all prior versions. Continued use of our Services constitutes acceptance of any changes.

7. Contact

Summary: Use our Services responsibly and lawfully. Do not engage in fraud, impersonation, post-liquidation trading, spam, or hosting unlawful content. Violations may result in suspension, termination, and reporting to authorities.