Acceptable Use Policy

This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") governs the use of all services provided by GRADAX ("we," "us," or "our"), including web hosting, cloud servers, managed WordPress, email hosting, website design, and digital marketing platforms. By using our services, you agree to comply with this policy. Violations may result in suspension or termination of your account in accordance with our Terms of Service.

1. Permitted Use

Our services are designed for lawful business and personal purposes. You may use GRADAX services to:

• Host websites, web applications, and online stores
• Send and receive business email using our email hosting services
• Store and serve legitimate content, media, and digital assets
• Run marketing campaigns, SEO activities, and advertising through approved channels
• Develop and deploy software applications on our cloud infrastructure
• Use our APIs and integrations in accordance with their documentation

2. Prohibited Activities

You may not use GRADAX services for any activity that is illegal, harmful, or disruptive. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:

• Illegal content or activities: Hosting, distributing, or linking to content that violates any applicable law, including copyright infringement, trademark violations, fraud, or child exploitation material.
• Spam and unsolicited communications: Sending bulk unsolicited emails, SMS, or messages; operating mailing lists without proper opt-in consent; or using our email services for spam distribution.
• Malware and security threats: Distributing viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, or any malicious software; hosting phishing pages or fraudulent websites; or conducting port scanning, network probing, or denial-of-service attacks.
• Resource abuse: Running processes that consume excessive CPU, memory, bandwidth, or storage in a way that degrades service for other users; cryptocurrency mining; or using our infrastructure as a proxy or relay without authorization.
• Harassment and harmful content: Publishing content that promotes violence, discrimination, or harassment; impersonating other individuals or organizations; or publishing private personal information without consent.
• SEO manipulation: Using black-hat SEO techniques such as cloaking, hidden text, link farms, keyword stuffing, or automated link building through our marketing services.

3. Hosting-Specific Rules

If you use our hosting services (web hosting, cloud servers, managed WordPress, or email hosting), the following additional rules apply:

• Bandwidth and storage: Use must remain within the limits of your plan. "Unlimited" plans are subject to fair use — usage that significantly exceeds the average for your plan tier may be reviewed.
• Backups: While we provide automated backup services, you are responsible for maintaining your own backup copies of critical data. We are not liable for data loss beyond our stated backup retention policy.
• Server access: You must keep your server credentials secure. Any unauthorized access resulting from compromised credentials is your responsibility.
• Software updates: For managed hosting plans, we handle core updates. For self-managed plans, you are responsible for keeping your CMS, plugins, and applications up to date to prevent security vulnerabilities.

4. Email Usage

Our email hosting services must be used in compliance with all applicable anti-spam laws, including CAN-SPAM (US), GDPR (EU), and CASL (Canada). Specifically:

• All marketing emails must include a clear unsubscribe mechanism
• Mailing lists must be built through legitimate opt-in processes
• You must honor unsubscribe requests within 10 business days
• Email headers and sender information must be accurate and not forged
• Sending limits apply per plan — exceeding these limits may result in temporary throttling

5. Content Restrictions

The following types of content are not permitted on our platforms:

• Content that infringes on intellectual property rights (copyright, trademarks, patents)
• Pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit material (unless specifically agreed in a custom hosting contract)
• Content promoting illegal drugs, weapons trafficking, or gambling in jurisdictions where such activities are prohibited
• Defamatory, libelous, or deliberately misleading content
• Content that violates export control laws or economic sanctions

We respect freedom of expression and will only act on content violations when they clearly breach this policy or applicable law. We follow a notice-and-takedown process consistent with EU Directive 2000/31/EC and the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

6. Security Responsibilities

You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account and any content or applications hosted on our infrastructure:

• Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where available
• Keep all software, plugins, and dependencies up to date
• Report any suspected security breaches or vulnerabilities to [email protected] immediately
• Do not attempt to access other users' accounts, data, or server resources
• Do not bypass or attempt to bypass any security measures we have in place

7. Monitoring and Enforcement

We reserve the right to monitor the use of our services to ensure compliance with this policy. We do not proactively monitor the content of your websites or emails, but we may investigate complaints and reports of abuse. Our enforcement process follows these steps:

• First violation: We will notify you of the violation and request corrective action within 48 hours.
• Second violation: Your service may be temporarily suspended until the issue is resolved. You will be given 72 hours to address the violation before suspension takes effect.
• Severe violations: For violations involving illegal activity, malware distribution, or imminent harm, we may suspend your account immediately without prior notice.
• Termination: Repeated or severe violations may result in permanent termination of your account and all associated services.

8. DMCA and Copyright Complaints

If you believe that content hosted on our platform infringes your copyright, please submit a DMCA takedown notice to our designated agent. Your notice must include:

• Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to be infringed
• The URL or location of the infringing material on our platform
• Your contact information (name, address, phone, email)
• A statement of good faith belief that the use is not authorized
• A statement under penalty of perjury that the information is accurate
• Your physical or electronic signature

Send DMCA notices to [email protected] or to our physical address listed below.

9. Reporting Abuse

If you encounter content or activity on our platform that you believe violates this Acceptable Use Policy, please report it to [email protected]. Include as much detail as possible, including URLs, screenshots, and a description of the violation. We will acknowledge receipt within 24 hours and investigate all reports promptly.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Acceptable Use Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our services, legal requirements, or industry best practices. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. For material changes, we will notify active clients by email at least 30 days before the changes take effect. Your continued use of our services after the updated policy is posted constitutes acceptance.

11. Contact Information

For questions about this Acceptable Use Policy or to report a violation, please contact us: