Schedule 4: Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

EFFECTIVE DATE: 13th April 2026

This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") governs the acceptable and permissible use of all services, networks, and infrastructure provided by BatchHeader Ltd t/a EncodeDotHost ("EncodeDotHost").

This AUP is incorporated by reference into the Master Services Agreement (MSA). By using our Services, you agree to comply strictly with this policy. EncodeDotHost reserves the right to amend this AUP at any time to respond to newly emerging threats or legal requirements.

1. Illegal and Harmful Content 

   The Customer shall not use the Services to store, transmit, or display any material that is unlawful under UK law or the laws of any jurisdiction where the Services are consumed. Prohibited content includes, but is not limited to:
   
   • Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM): Any content depicting or promoting the abuse or exploitation of children.
   • Terrorism & Extremism: Material that promotes, encourages, or instructs in acts of terrorism or violent extremism.
   • Hate Speech & Harassment: Content that incites violence, hatred, or discrimination against individuals or groups based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability, or material used to harass or threaten individuals.
   • Online Safety Act 2023: In compliance with the UK Online Safety Act, EncodeDotHost maintains a zero-tolerance policy for illegal content. We reserve the right to immediately remove such content and report the Customer to the relevant authorities (e.g., the National Crime Agency or local police) without prior notice.

2. System and Network Security

   Violations of system or network security are strictly prohibited and may result in criminal and civil liability. The Customer shall not use the Services to engage in:
   • Malware & Viruses: Distributing, hosting, or linking to viruses, trojan horses, worms, ransomware, or any other malicious software.
   • Hacking & Unauthorized Access: Attempting to probe, scan, or test the vulnerability of a system or network, or breaching security or authentication measures without proper authorization.
   • Denial of Service (DoS/DDoS): Interfering with the service of any other user, host, or network, including via flooding, overloading, or executing DDoS attacks.
   • Phishing & Fraud: Hosting fake websites, fraudulent schemes (e.g., ponzi schemes, scams), or deceptive material designed to unlawfully obtain personal data or financial information.

3. Email and Spam Policy 

   EncodeDotHost operates a strict Zero-Tolerance Anti-Spam Policy. The Services must not be used to transmit unsolicited commercial email or bulk email (Spam).
   
   • Prohibited Actions: Sending unsolicited bulk emails, operating open proxy servers, or using purchased, rented, or scraped email lists.
   • Opt-in Requirement: All mass mailing must be strictly "opt-in" based, and every email must include a clear, functional unsubscribe mechanism.
   • Blacklisting: If the Customer's actions cause EncodeDotHost's IP space to be listed on any recognized anti-spam blacklist (e.g., Spamhaus), the Customer’s account will be immediately suspended, and they may be held liable for the costs associated with IP unblocking.

4. Intellectual Property Infringement 

   The Customer shall not use the Services to publish, distribute, or host any material that infringes upon the Intellectual Property Rights of any third party. This includes:
   
   • Piracy & Warez: Hosting or distributing pirated software, cracked media, or "Warez".
   • Copyrighted Media: Distributing copyrighted music, films, books, or television programs without authorization or a valid license.
     EncodeDotHost will respond to and investigate valid takedown notices (e.g., under the standard of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act or UK equivalent) and may suspend or terminate accounts of repeat infringers.

5. Resource Abuse 

   While specific limits (e.g., CPU, RAM, Bandwidth) are defined in the relevant Service Schedule, the Customer may not run scripts or software designed to aggressively consume server resources or disrupt the shared hosting environment. Prohibited activities include:
   • Running Crypto-currency mining scripts or nodes.
   • Operating automated IRC bots, bouncers (BNC), or proxy scripts.
   • Running continuous, unattended background processes on shared hosting environments without prior approval.

6. Enforcement and Suspension

   1. Investigation: EncodeDotHost reserves the right to investigate suspected violations of this AUP, which may involve gathering information from the Customer or the complaining party and reviewing server logs and hosted data.
   2. Actions: Upon identifying a violation, EncodeDotHost may take any appropriate action, including:
      • Issuing a warning.
      • Temporarily suspending the Customer's Services.
      • Permanently terminating the Customer's account.
      • Removing or blocking the offending content.
   3. No Liability: EncodeDotHost shall not be liable for any damages of any nature suffered by any Customer or any third party resulting in whole or in part from EncodeDotHost's exercise of its rights under this AUP.