GHFS Hosting.Com Acceptable Usage Policy

GHFS Hosting Acceptable Usage Policy (AUP)

1. Introduction This Acceptable Usage Policy ("AUP") sets out the acceptable and unacceptable uses of GHFS Hosting's services. By using our services, you agree to comply with this AUP. Violation of this policy may result in the suspension or termination of your services without notice.

GHFS Hosting operates within the framework of UK laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Computer Misuse Act 1990, Data Protection Act 2018 (UK GDPR), and Communications Act 2003. Any use of our services must be in compliance with these regulations.

2. General Acceptable Use Guidelines

GHFS Hosting's services are intended for small and medium-sized businesses, individuals, and organisations requiring web hosting solutions. Customers must not:

  • Engage in activities that place excessive demands on our infrastructure, impacting other users.

  • Use our services primarily as a remote storage or file archiving solution.

  • Host or distribute malicious software, such as malware, spyware, or viruses.

  • Engage in fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive activities.

  • Use our services to conduct or promote illegal activities.

3. Disk Space and Resource Usage

Customers must use server resources efficiently and fairly. The following activities are prohibited:

  • Using more than 25% of system CPU resources for over 90 seconds or 1% of CPU resources for over 5 minutes.

  • Running distributed computing applications, including but not limited to SETI@home, Node Zero, or Folding@home.

  • Running server-side unattended processes or daemons.

  • Operating IRC bots or clients.

  • Running file-sharing, torrent, or P2P network services.

  • Hosting game servers, including Counter-Strike, Battlefield, and similar platforms.

Failure to comply with these limits may result in temporary suspension, upgrade requests, or service termination.

4. Bandwidth Usage

Each hosting package includes a monthly bandwidth allowance. If a customer exceeds their allocated bandwidth:

  • The account may be suspended until the next billing cycle.

  • The customer may be required to upgrade their hosting package.

  • Additional bandwidth can be purchased at an extra cost.

Unused bandwidth cannot be carried over to the next month.

5. Email Storage & Bulk Emails

GHFS Hosting allows email usage within reasonable limits. Customers must not:

  • Use email accounts primarily for file storage or archiving purposes.

  • Send more than 500 emails per hour per account.

  • Engage in spamming or unsolicited bulk email marketing.

  • Violate the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

  • Use third-party email services that do not enforce strict opt-in policies.

6. Offensive & Illegal Content

Customers must not use GHFS Hosting's services to publish, transmit, or store content that:

  • Violates UK laws, including the Communications Act 2003 and the Obscene Publications Act 1959.

  • Includes child exploitation materials.

  • Promotes violence, hate speech, or terrorism.

  • Encourages fraudulent activities or pyramid schemes.

  • Distributes defamatory or invasive content.

  • Facilitates intellectual property theft, including pirated software and copyrighted materials.

GHFS Hosting reserves the right to immediately suspend or terminate accounts containing such content without refund.

7. Security Responsibilities

Customers must take reasonable security precautions, including:

  • Keeping account credentials confidential.

  • Using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) where available.

  • Ensuring all hosted software and plugins are regularly updated.

  • Reporting suspected security breaches to GHFS Hosting immediately.

8. Copyright & Intellectual Property Protection

Customers must not host, distribute, or share copyrighted materials without permission. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Music, videos, software, or books protected by copyright.

  • Content that violates UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

GHFS Hosting follows the Digital Economy Act 2017 and may suspend or terminate accounts of repeat infringers.

9. Network Abuse & Internet Security

Customers must not:

  • Engage in unauthorised access (hacking) or attempting to breach network security.

  • Participate in DDoS attacks or interfere with network traffic.

  • Run scripts or bots that scan, probe, or exploit vulnerabilities.

  • Send forged or misleading emails (phishing, spoofing, or email fraud).

  • Use GHFS Hosting's network for activities that disrupt other users.

GHFS Hosting cooperates with UK law enforcement agencies in investigating cybercrime.

10. Compliance & Enforcement

Failure to comply with this AUP may result in:

  • Warnings or temporary account restrictions.

  • Service suspension or account termination.

  • Legal action, if applicable under UK law.

GHFS Hosting reserves the right to modify this policy at any time to align with new regulations or industry standards.

11. Reporting Violations

To report AUP violations, email abuse@ghfshosting.com with detailed information.

This AUP ensures a secure, fair, and legally compliant hosting environment for all customers. By using GHFS Hosting's services, you acknowledge and agree to abide by this policy.