Acceptable Use Policy for Alstra.org Services
Introduction
This Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) outlines the rules and guidelines for using the web hosting, domain registration, and related services provided by Alstra Solutions Ltd. (“Company”). By utilizing our services, clients (“Users”) agree to comply with this policy. The Company reserves the right to amend this policy at any time without prior notice. Continued use of the services after changes to this policy constitutes acceptance of the new terms.
1. Use of Products and Services
- Eligibility: Users must be legally authorized to form a binding contract and must not be prohibited from receiving services under the laws of Canada, the United States, or their country of residence.
- Account Registration: To access hosting services, Users must provide accurate and up-to-date identification, contact information, and other necessary details during registration. Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and accuracy of their account information.
- Account Responsibility: Users are solely responsible for all activities conducted under their accounts and must promptly notify the Company of any unauthorized use or security breaches. The Company is not liable for any loss or damage arising from the User’s failure to maintain the security of their account.
2. Domain Registration for .ngo.us
- Eligibility: The .ngo.us domain registration is exclusively available for non-commercial entities that are not affiliated with governmental bodies.
- Registration Process: Users seeking a .ngo.us domain must provide complete and accurate information during the registration and validation processes. The initial registration fee is $5 per year, with a 5-year free extension available upon successful validation of the non-profit status.
- Re-Validation: Non-profit organizations are required to re-validate their status every five years to maintain the free domain service. Failure to do so will result in a renewal fee of $5 per year.
3. Conditions of Use
- Prohibited Activities: Users are prohibited from engaging in any activities that may cause harm to the Company’s services or other users, including but not limited to:
- Resource Abuse: Any activity that consumes excessive system resources, thereby negatively affecting other users. This clause only applies to managed hosting customers.
- Unsolicited Communications (Spam): Sending unsolicited email communications without the recipient’s consent is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate termination of services.
- Malicious Content: Hosting or distributing malicious content, including harmful scripts or code, is forbidden. Such actions will lead to the immediate suspension of services and a permanent ban from future use. This clause only applies to managed hosting customers.
- Incompatible Software: Users must ensure that any third-party software used with the Company’s services is compatible. The Company is not liable for issues arising from the use of incompatible software. This clause only applies to managed hosting customers.
4. Service Limitations and Liability
- No Guarantee of Results: The Company strives to provide high-quality services but does not guarantee specific outcomes, such as improved website speed, search engine rankings, or complete prevention of security breaches.
- Scheduled Maintenance: The Company reserves the right to perform scheduled maintenance on its servers and infrastructure, which may temporarily affect the availability of User websites. Users will be notified in advance whenever possible. This clause only applies to managed hosting customers.
- Force Majeure: The Company is not liable for any failure or delay in service due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, strikes, or other events considered as force majeure.
- Third-Party Services: Users who integrate third-party services with the Company’s offerings do so at their own risk. The Company is not responsible for any issues or damages arising from such integrations.
5. Data Backup and Security
- Data Integrity: Users are responsible for the security and integrity of their data. Although the Company provides regular backups, it does not guarantee full data recovery in cases of data loss or corruption. This clause only applies to managed hosting customers.
- Security Measures: The Company employs industry-standard security measures, including Web Application Firewalls (WAF) and regular security checks, to protect User data and websites. However, Users acknowledge that no security system is foolproof. Users are encouraged to implement additional security measures and maintain their own backups. This clause only applies to managed hosting customers.
6. Email Sending Using Domains and Hosting
- Email Practices: Users utilizing the Company’s domain and hosting services to send emails must adhere to best practices and applicable laws governing email communication, including the CAN-SPAM Act and GDPR.
- Unsolicited Emails (Spam): Sending unsolicited bulk emails, commonly known as spam, is strictly prohibited. This includes but is not limited to:
- Bulk Emailing: Sending large volumes of emails without the recipient’s explicit consent.
- Misleading Information: Using misleading or false information in the email header, subject line, or content.
- Opt-Out Mechanism: Failing to provide a clear and functional opt-out mechanism in emails, allowing recipients to unsubscribe or opt-out of future communications.
- Email Sending Limits: The Company may impose limits on the volume of emails sent through its servers to prevent abuse and ensure service quality for all Users. Users requiring higher limits must seek approval from the Company.
- Email Authentication: Users must implement proper email authentication methods, such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, to prevent unauthorized use of their domain for email purposes.
- Account Suspension: Violation of these email practices may result in the suspension of email services and, in severe cases, termination of the User’s account.
7. Specific Terms for Non-Profit Organizations
- Discounts and Free Services: The Company offers significant discounts or free hosting and technical support to non-profit organizations. Eligibility is determined at the Company’s discretion, primarily targeting small, secular, independent charities and initiatives with a broad mission and geographical scope.
- Validation of Non-Profit Status: Non-profit Users must submit required documentation and information as part of the validation process to qualify for free domain registration and hosting services.
8. Termination and Suspension
- Grounds for Termination: The Company reserves the right to suspend or terminate services for any User who violates this AUP. Activities leading to suspension or termination include but are not limited to resource abuse, spam, and hosting malicious content.
- Notice of Termination: In cases of violation, the Company will provide notice where feasible. However, immediate termination may occur without notice if the User’s activities pose an imminent threat to the Company’s infrastructure or other Users.
9. General Provisions
- Amendments: The Company may update this policy at its discretion. Users will be notified of significant changes through email or an announcement on the Company’s website.
- Governing Law: This AUP is governed by the laws of Canada. Any disputes arising from this policy will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts in Canada.
10. Contact Information
- Communication: Users must provide a legal name, registered business address, and valid contact information. All modifications to account details require a written notice to the Company.
- Support: For any questions or issues regarding this AUP or the services provided, Users should contact the Company through the provided support channels.
By using Alstra’s services, Users agree to adhere to this Acceptable Use Policy. Non-compliance may result in service suspension or termination without prior notice.