Acceptable Use Policy

1. Scope

This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") applies to all services provided by Hoststack, including shared hosting, VPS, VDS, game servers, email hosting and domain services. By using any Hoststack service, you agree to comply with this AUP in addition to our Terms of Service.

This policy protects the integrity of our network, the experience of all customers, and ensures Hoststack remains compliant with applicable Indian and international law.

2. Prohibited Content

You may not host, store, distribute or link to any content that:

3. Network Abuse

The following activities are strictly prohibited:

• Launching or participating in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks against any host, network or service
• Port scanning, vulnerability scanning or probing networks without explicit written permission from the target
• IP spoofing or forging network packets
• Operating open relay mail servers that enable third-party spam
• Intercepting network traffic (packet sniffing) on shared infrastructure
• Attempting to gain unauthorised access to any system, account or network (hacking)
• Operating anonymous proxy services or VPN exit nodes that facilitate abuse
• Participating in IRC botnets or other coordinated network abuse activities

4. Email & Spam

• You may not send unsolicited bulk email (spam) from our servers or using our IP addresses.
• All marketing emails must include a valid unsubscribe mechanism and comply with India's IT Act and the TRAI regulations for commercial communications.
• You may not send email that misrepresents the sender identity (email spoofing).
• Operating open SMTP relays is prohibited.
• Shared hosting accounts have a default outbound email limit of 500 emails per hour. Higher limits require pre-approval.
• Persistent spam complaints or blacklisting events may result in immediate service suspension.

5. Resource Usage

Fair use of shared resources is required to ensure all customers enjoy good performance:

• Shared hosting: No single account may consistently use more than 25% of a shared server's CPU or RAM. Scripts that cause excessive load may be suspended without notice and the customer contacted.
• VPS / VDS: You may use your allocated resources fully as contracted. However, activities intended to consume resources beyond your allocation (e.g., through hypervisor escape attempts) are prohibited.
• Bandwidth: Plans with "unmetered" or "unlimited" bandwidth are subject to reasonable use. Sustained 10Gbps+ saturation for extended periods may trigger a review.
• Inodes: Shared hosting accounts must stay within inode limits specified in the plan. Storing millions of small files without legitimate reason is prohibited.

6. Cryptocurrency Mining

Cryptocurrency mining of any kind (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Monero, etc.) is prohibited on all Hoststack infrastructure without express prior written consent.

This includes CPU mining, GPU mining (where available), and mining via customer websites (in-browser miners). Discovery of mining activity without consent will result in immediate account suspension. Prior written consent may be granted for dedicated server plans on a case-by-case basis — contact support to enquire.

7. Adult Content

Legal adult content (18+) is permitted only on VPS and dedicated VDS plans, subject to the following conditions:

• All content must be legal under Indian law and the applicable law of the content's audience.
• You must implement robust age verification mechanisms before presenting adult content.
• CSAM is absolutely prohibited — see section 2.
• Adult content is not permitted on shared hosting plans due to shared IP reputation concerns.
• You must notify us when signing up that your VPS will host adult content.

8. Copyright & Intellectual Property

Hoststack respects intellectual property rights and expects customers to do the same.

• You may not host, distribute or facilitate distribution of copyright-infringing content.
• Copyright holders may submit takedown notices to [email protected] with subject "Copyright Takedown". Include: your identity, the copyrighted work, the infringing URL, and a statement of good faith.
• We will act on valid takedown notices within 72 hours.
• Repeat copyright infringers will have their accounts terminated.
• Counter-notices may be filed if you believe a takedown was filed in error.

9. Security Research

Legitimate security research is permitted provided:

• Testing is conducted only on systems you own or have explicit written permission to test.
• You do not conduct penetration testing or vulnerability scanning against Hoststack infrastructure without prior written consent.
• You responsibly disclose any vulnerabilities discovered in Hoststack systems to [email protected].

10. Consequences of Violation

Violations of this AUP may result in, at our sole discretion:

Where the violation is not severe and the customer has a good history, we may issue a warning and require remediation before suspending service.

11. Reporting Abuse