This Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) may be subject to change from time to time and must be read in conjunction with Centric Networks Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale and Internet Terms and Conditions of Use.

Centric Networks reserves the right to change this AUP at its sole discretion and without prior notice. Any decision Centric Networks makes in relation to its Service will be final in all matters.

It is the responsibility of Subscriber to ensure they comply with the latest edition of AUP at any given time. Connection to Service for the first time is deemed to be acceptance of our Terms and Conditions and Acceptable Use Policy.

This AUP is intended to be a guideline to Centric Networks position regarding violations of accepted Internet 'Netiquette' and is not intended to be exhaustive. Centric Networks reserve the right, at all times, to protect their reputation and goodwill.

Acceptable Use Policy - email
Centric Networks believes that using email is generally a matter of common sense and courtesy to others. The vast majority of users will be able to use their own judgement as to what is appropriate to guide their behaviour when sending email and will have no problem in conforming to this AUP.

Regrettably, from time to time, members of the Internet community send unacceptable email. This is usually described by the generic term of "abuse".

Much of what is deemed to be the proper use or the abuse of Internet email cannot be found in a single set of documents, but is based on contracts and understandings that have arisen between the administrators and owners of those computers and networks which exchange email. This AUP and its day to day application is based on consideration of both the formal and informal practices of this community where Centric Networks is one of the many participants. A document that discusses certain types of email activity that may fall into the category of "abuse" can be found at www.Centric Networks.net

t is not always obvious whether such activity is innocent, inadvertent, or intentional. It is most important that when abuse occurs Centric Networks takes appropriate action. If abuse were to continue unchecked Centric Networks could lose the confidence of the Internet community, which could significantly affect the ability of Subscriber to freely send and receive email.
Subscriber must not email a person after they have specifically requested that they not be mailed. This particularly applies to any automated mail service employed.

Centric Networks will enforce appropriate sanctions against any Subscriber who is responsible for serious "abuse". Such sanctions may include, but are not limited to, a formal warning, suspension of email access through Centric Networks, suspension of all Service through Centric Networks, or termination of Subscriber account(s).

If a suspension of access is imposed, then this may be lifted, at Centric Networks discretion, upon receipt of a formal written undertaking not to commit any future "abuse". All cases are, however, considered individually on their own merits.
Subscriber will be responsible for retaining copies of their own POP3 email including any data. Centric Networks will not undertake to keep backups unless otherwise agreed in writing. Centric Networks accepts no responsibility for loss of data or continuity of Service from the Service.

Centric Networks, in keeping with Internet 'Netiquette' operate an email account for anyone wishing to report (suspected) incidents of email abuse at support@centricnetworks.net. Although it may not be possible to respond to all abuse reports, all complaints will be investigated thoroughly.

 

Acceptable Use Policy - Internet Access
For the complex network of networks commonly known as the 'Internet' to function correctly, it is essential that all of those who connect to it do so in accordance with generally accepted standards.

Centric Networks relationship with other Internet Service Provider (ISP) networks, and ultimately its connectivity to the rest of the Internet depends largely upon proper behaviour by its Subscribers. Centric Networks will not tolerate any thoughtless or malicious activity by Subscriber that may damage or impair:

• Centric Networks equipment or network or Service.
• The use by other Subscribers of the Internet.
• Centric Networks standing in the wider community.
• Centric Networks will therefore take any appropriate steps against any Subscriber who is responsible for serious abuse of the Internet.
• Such actions include, but are not limited to, a formal warning, suspension of one or more of Subscriber Service, suspension of all Service through Centric Networks or termination of Subscriber account(s).

For the guidance of Subscriber, some general issues are addressed below:

1. Subscriber must not use Internet connection for any illegal purpose. Subscriber should be aware that some material is illegal to possess or transmit. Subscriber should also note that unauthorised access to computer systems may be an offence; although many machines connected to the Internet are placed there so that Subscriber may access them, it does not follow that Subscriber may access any computer they come across in any manner they choose.
2. Centric Networks is not responsible for the content of external sites.
3. Traffic over the Internet may traverse other networks, or use other services, which are not owned or operated by Centric Networks. Subscriber must abide by the AUP and other terms and conditions imposed by the operators of those networks and services.
4. Subscriber must not send packets onto the Internet, which have forged addresses or which are deliberately constructed to adversely affect remote machines.
5. Subscriber may not run "scanning" software which accesses remote machines or networks, except with the explicit permission of the owner of those remote machines or networks.
6. Subscriber must ensure that they do not further the sending of unsolicited bulk email or any other form of email or Usenet "abuse". This applies to both material that originates on your system and also third party material that passes through it.
7. Subscriber must not run an "open mail relay", viz. a machine which accepts mail from unauthorised or unknown senders and forwards it onward to a destination outside of your machine or network. If your machine does relay mail, on an authorised basis, then it must record its passing through your system by means of an appropriate "received" line. Centric Networks run checks for open relays and reserve the right to withdraw relaying services if Subscriber is found to be running an open relay.
8. Where applicable, Subscriber is required to accept email addressed to "postmaster" at their address. Subscriber will be deemed to have read any and all such email. Centric Networks may take action on the basis of this assumption.
9. Centric Networks, at its discretion, may run manual or automatic systems to determine compliance with this AUP (e.g. scanning for open mail relays). Subscriber is deemed to have granted permission for this limited intrusion onto their networks or machines.
   

Acceptable Use Policy - News
Participating successfully in the various newsgroups that make up the Usenet news system is generally a matter of common sense and courtesy to others. The vast majorities of Subscribers use their own sense as to what is appropriate in guiding their behaviour and will have no problem in conforming to this AUP.

Regrettably, from time to time, some articles are posted which are considered to be unacceptable by the Usenet community. This is usually described by the generic term of "abuse".

Much of what is deemed to be the proper use or the abuse of Usenet cannot be found consolidated into a single set of documents, but is based on the many informal understandings that have arisen between the administrators and owners of those computers which exchange Usenet articles. This AUP and its day to day application is based on consideration of both the formal and informal practices of this Usenet community where Centric Networks is one of the many participants.

It is not always obvious whether abuse is innocent, inadvertent or intentional. Regardless of this, if Centric Networks considers that "abusive" articles have been posted it is important for the protection of other Internet users that Centric Networks takes firm action to prevent any recurrence.

If such articles were to continue to be posted unchecked, then the Usenet community could lose confidence in the ability of Centric Networks to take appropriate sanctions. This, in turn, may impact peering arrangements and significantly affect the number of newsgroups and articles that Centric Networks can offer to Subscriber.

Centric Networks will not tolerate any action by Subscriber that could jeopardise its position within the Usenet community and Centric Networks will enforce appropriate sanctions against any Subscriber who is responsible for serious abuse of Usenet. Such sanctions include, but are not limited to, a formal warning, suspension of Usenet access through Centric Networks systems, suspension of all Service, or termination of Subscriber account(s).

If a suspension of access is imposed, then this may be lifted, at Centric Networks sole discretion, upon receipt of a formal written undertaking by the relevant Subscriber not to post any further abusive articles. All cases are, however, considered individually by Centric Networks on their merits.

 

Acceptable Use Policy- Hosted Web Sites

1. Subscriber may use up to a maximum of 25Mb of space, unless otherwise agreed in writing
2. Commercial use of your web site space is permitted.
3. Passwords are Subscriber responsibility and must not be disclosed to any third party.
4. Subscriber must maintain an index page called "index.htm" or "index.html" in the root directory of their web site space.
5. Subscriber must accept mail sent to 'webmaster' as a precondition of using this service.
6. No user defined CGI or Microsoft ASP is permitted, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
7. Support is only available for uploading, downloading and viewing pages. No support will be given for HTML authoring or page design or the use of standard software.
8. Subscriber will be responsible for retaining copies of their own web site(s) including any data. Centric Networks will not undertake to keep backups unless otherwise agreed in writing. Subscriber may, however, upload or download their pages for backup purposes.
9. Centric Networks accepts no responsibility for loss or change of data, information in any form or other material whatsoever that result from the use, or inability to use Service.
10. Subscriber will be responsible for the content of their web site site, including obtaining the legal permission for any works included and ensuring that the contents of these pages does not violate English law.
11. Subscriber will be held responsible for and accept responsibility for any defamatory, confidential, secret or other proprietary material available via their web site site.
12. Subscriber must ensure that your index.htm or index.html file does not contain any material liable to offend, together with a suitable warning on links to such material.
13. Subscriber web site may not be used to distribute or advertise any of the following:
    Software for sending SPAM (bulk emails, excessive news postings, etc.)
    Lists of email addresses except where all the addressees have given their explicit permission.
    any collection of personal data other than in accordance with the Data Protection Act and the Data Protection Principles
14. Subscriber may not advertise web site, or cause another person to advertise it, by techniques that would be classified as abuse if they were carried out from a Centric Networks Service. This includes, but is not limited to, bulk emailing and excessive news posting. Such action may be treated under the appropriate AUP as if it had been done by the Subscriber, or as a violation of this AUP or both.
15. If your account is barred for any reason (e.g. non-payment) access to your web site may be suspended.
16. When Service has ceased or an account closed, your web site will be deleted.
17. Centric Networks reserve the right to remove any material from a Subscriber web site at their sole discretion, without prior notice and without explanation.
18. Centric Networks will require sites that they consider to be using excessive bandwidth to be modified or be moved to a different server.
19. Centric Networks reserve the right to vary the definition of 'excessive use' at their sole discretion at any time without prior notice.
20. Subscriber must not reference or cause their web site to be referenced by any dotted IP address. Requests made to your web site using dotted IP addresses or alternative names may not work.
21. The IP address that may be allocated to your web site may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice.

Acceptable Use Policy - email abuse
There are many forms of email abuse. This document discusses the more common forms, but is by no means an exhaustive list. This document is not a formal acceptable use policy but is provided to give some guidance as to what Centric Networks consider to be email abuse.

It is usual to describe "abuse" as being abuse of Internet facilities, rather than common abuse sent via the Internet. To qualify as "abuse", an act must interfere with the use of the network by an individual or group of individuals in some specific way, for example by consuming resources or wasting others time. The term "abuse" also includes activities that are illegal or dishonest.

Generalities aside, due to the practical problems caused by "spamming" Centric Networks wishes to make it clear that it considers the sending of bulk unsolicited email, of any kind, to be unacceptable behaviour. Centric Networks will always act when such behaviour is brought to its notice. Education, in the form of an email warning, can be the most appropriate response to a first offence, since Subscribers can be unaware of contemporary standards. However, it is Centric Networks policy to terminate the accounts of any Subscriber who continues to send bulk unsolicited email.

 

Chain Letters, "Make Money Fast" and other Ponzi Pyramid-Selling Schemes
These articles are similar to paper versions, where Subscriber is invited to add their name at the end of a list and send the message to lots of friends. The person at the head of the list is typically sent some small amount of money and hopes to become rich. Simple mathematics shows why they do not work in theory, and a little thought about human nature will show Subscriber why they do not work in practice either.

These schemes even where they offer no financial or material reward constitute unacceptable abuse. They waste resources for Internet service providers and for the users who download them. If they do involve money they are also illegal in many countries - despite common claims to the contrary within their text.

 

Unsolicited Commercial Email (UCE)
Unsolicited Commercial Email is advertising material sent and received by email without the recipient either requesting such information or otherwise explicitly expressing an interest in the material advertised.

Since many Internet users use a dial-up connection and pay for their online time, it costs them money to receive email. Receipt of unsolicited commercial advertising therefore costs them money and is often therefore particularly unwelcome.

It should be noted that a user has not expressed an interest by the mere act of posting a news article in any particular newsgroup, or by visiting a web site, unless of course they have made a specific request for information to be emailed to them.

 

Unsolicited Bulk Email (UBE)
Similar to the above UCE section but differing in that it is not attempting to sell anything. Its sole purpose is usually to annoy.

Forged Headers and / or Addresses
Forging headers or messages means sending email such that its origin appears to be another user or machine, or a non-existent machine.
It is also forgery to arrange for any replies to the email to be sent to some other user or machine.

However, in either case, if prior permission has been granted to Subscriber by the other user or the administrators of the other machine, then there is no problem, and of course "null" reverse paths can be used as defined in the relevant email standards.

 

Mail Bombing
Mail bombing is the sending of multiple emails, or one large email, with the sole intent of annoying and/or seeking revenge on a fellow Internet user. It is wasteful of shared Internet resource as well as serving no value to the recipient.

Due to the time taken to download it, sending a long email to sites without prior agreement can amount to denial of service, or denial of access to email at the receiving site. Note that adding binary attachments to email may increase its size considerably. If prior arrangement has not been made, the email may be extremely unwelcome.

 

Denial of Service Attacks

Denial of Service is any activity designed to prevent a specific host on the Internet making full and effective use of its facilities. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Mail bombing an address in such a way to make their Internet access impossible, difficult, or costly
• Opening an excessive number of email connections to the same host
• Intentionally sending email designed to damage the receiver's systems when interpreted; for example, sending malicious programs or viruses attached to an email
• Using a smarthost or email relay without authorisation to do so

 

Mailing List Subscriptions
Mailing lists are schemes for distributing copies of the same email to many different people. It is not acceptable to subscribe anyone to any mailing list or similar service, unless their explicit permission has been given.
List owners are encouraged to confirm all subscription requests by requesting confirmation from the apparent subscriber before starting to send any list email. They must ensure that unsubscribe requests are handled efficiently. Good emailing list software is available that will automate both these processes.

Many reports of unsolicited bulk email turn out to be from people who were unaware that they had joined a mailing list. It is not acceptable to subscribe people to a list merely because they have visited your web site or used one of your products; the person must make an explicit request to be listed.

However, some reports occur because people have genuinely forgotten that they had made such a request. If Subscriber run a mailing list Subscriber are strongly advised to keep copies of administrative requests (web logs, or emails including headers) so that Subscriber may demonstrate that subscription requests were genuine.

 

Illegal Content
Various Acts of Parliament make it illegal to possess or transmit certain material on a public telecommunications network, such as the telephone system. It is not acceptable to send such material by email.

 

Breach of Copyright or Intellectual Property
If Subscriber send copyright material or other intellectual property via email Subscriber must have permission to do so from the owner of that intellectual property.

 

Helpful tips
If in any doubt, when receiving e-mail from an unknown source be aware that this could be a Spam message. Do not open any attachments you are unsure of, never enable macros unless you are sure of the source of the message. Do not reply to Spam e-mail, as this will confirm an active address, if you do reply, please be sure NOT to reply to all the other recipients as this perpetuates the Spamming process.