Introduction
This Acceptable Use Policy outlines the terms under which you and we may use the hosting services provided by HostGrower Limited ("Hosting Services"). By using our Hosting Services, you acknowledge and agree to comply with all provisions in this policy, which supplements our Terms of Service.
If you have purchased a hosting package, you may grant access to a third party ("Third Party"). Any such Third Party is also bound by the terms of this Acceptable Use Policy, and you are responsible for ensuring their compliance. Any violation of this policy by a Third Party will be considered a violation by you.
HostGrower Limited ("we," "us," and "our") is a company registered in England and Wales under company number 14636097, with our registered office at 128 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX. VAT Registration Number: GB 458 9261 48.
1. Resource Use
Hosting Services provide web space on our servers for uploading pages and files necessary for publishing websites. Hosting Services include "unlimited" server space for routine, non-file-distribution web usage. However, a bandwidth limit of 25GB (26,843,545,600 bytes) per calendar month may be imposed for websites facilitating the downloading of video, audio, or other large files. Non-file-distribution usage remains unaffected by this limit.
2. Prohibited Uses
You may only use the Hosting Services for lawful purposes. You are strictly prohibited from using the Hosting Services:
- In any manner that violates applicable local, national, or international laws or regulations.
- For illegal or fraudulent activities.
- To harm or attempt to harm minors in any way.
- To upload, download, send, or reuse content that does not comply with our Content Standards (see Section 5).
- To distribute spam or other unauthorised promotional material.
- To knowingly transmit malware, including viruses, Trojan horses, worms, spyware, or any other harmful code intended to disrupt or compromise computer systems.
The following activities are prohibited unless you are using a dedicated server:
- Using more than 5% of the server's processing capacity (e.g., through CGI scripts, intensive FTP, PHP, or HTTP operations).
- Running unattended server-side processes or daemons (e.g., IRCd).
- Running web spiders, indexers, or automated data scrapers (e.g., GoogleCash, AdSpy).
- Running software that interacts with Internet Relay Chat (IRC) networks.
- Operating BitTorrent clients, trackers, or related applications.
- Engaging in peer-to-peer file sharing.
- Hosting game servers.
- Running cron jobs or scheduled tasks outside of StackCP.
- Allocating web space under a domain free of charge.
- Operating a proxy website or service.
- Using the Hosting Services as remote file storage for other websites.
Hosting Services cannot be used as an offsite backup facility. All uploaded files must be web-accessible unless they are essential for the website's operation. Non-web-visible files may be deleted without notice.
Search engines will be able to access all public pages on your website unless you take action to prevent indexing. If optimising for search engines, you must ensure compliance with the guidelines of Google, Microsoft Bing, Yahoo, and other major search engines.
3. Unauthorised Access & Reselling
You must not attempt to gain unauthorised access to, interfere with, or damage:
- Any part of the Hosting Services.
- Any hardware or network used to provide Hosting Services.
- Any software used in providing Hosting Services.
- Any third-party equipment, network, or software.
4. Interactive Services
If your website includes interactive services (e.g., chat rooms, forums), you must ensure they operate in accordance with best practices. If minors may use the interactive services, you must assess potential risks and apply appropriate moderation. HostGrower Limited is not responsible for monitoring your interactive services.
5. Content Standards
These Content Standards apply to all material hosted via our Hosting Services, including content within interactive services. The following standards must be adhered to in both spirit and practice.
Material must:
- Be accurate where it states facts.
- Be genuinely held where it expresses opinions.
- Comply with UK law and the laws of any country from which it is posted.
Material must not:
- Contain defamatory statements.
- Include obscene, offensive, hateful, or inflammatory content.
- Contain pornographic material.
- Promote violence or discrimination of any kind.
- Infringe on copyright, trademarks, or database rights.
- Be used to deceive or defraud any person.
- Promote illegal activities.
- Harass, threaten, or invade the privacy of any individual.
6. Suspension & Termination
HostGrower Limited reserves the right to determine whether a violation of this policy has occurred and to take appropriate action. A breach of this policy constitutes a material breach of our Terms of Service and may result in:
- Suspension or termination of Hosting Services.
- Immediate removal of content.
- Issuance of a formal warning.
- Legal action for reimbursement of costs incurred.
- Further legal proceedings as appropriate.
- Reporting of violations to law enforcement authorities where necessary.
7. Reporting Violations
If you become aware of any misuse of our Hosting Services or a breach of this Acceptable Use Policy by any party, please report it to us at abuse@hostgrower.com. Please include the date, time, and any relevant logs or evidence to assist our investigation. HostGrower Limited will treat all reports confidentially and cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities where required.
8. Value Added Tax (VAT)
All prices for Hosting Services exclude VAT at 20%, in compliance with UK regulations. VAT is applied automatically at checkout where applicable. VAT Registration Number: GB 458 9261 48. Customers outside the UK may qualify for VAT exemption or reclaim, subject to the provision of valid supporting documentation.
9. Changes to This Policy
HostGrower Limited reserves the right to amend this Acceptable Use Policy at any time by updating this page. You are responsible for reviewing this policy regularly to stay informed of any changes, as updated versions are legally binding upon continued use of our Hosting Services.
10. Governing Law
This Acceptable Use Policy is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising in connection with this policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding this Acceptable Use Policy, please contact us at support@hostgrower.com or write to us at HostGrower Limited, 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ, United Kingdom.