PREAMBLE
This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") dated [Date] supplements the Terms of Service between [Company Name] ("Provider") and all users ("User"). This Policy specifies prohibited activities and enforcement mechanisms. Legal Framework: E-Commerce Directive 2000/31 (hosting liability), US DMCA §512 (safe harbor), German TMG (Telemediengesetz).
1.1 What This Policy Covers: All use of [Service Name] including: (a) uploading content, (b) API access, (c) third-party integrations, (d) communications with Provider, (e) customer data processing.
1.2 User Binding Agreement: By using Service, User accepts this AUP. Violations may result in:
- Account suspension (immediate or after warning)
- Content removal without notice
- Termination of service (permanent ban)
- Legal action + damages (if applicable)
2.1 Illegal Content (STRICT PROHIBITION):
❌ Child sexual abuse material (CSAM): Provider reports to
NCMEC (National Center Missing & Exploited Children) + law enforcement per
18 USC §2258
❌ Human trafficking content or recruitment: Reported to authorities
❌ Weapons/explosives sales or instructions
❌ Drug manufacturing/trafficking guides
❌ Hate speech inciting violence against protected groups per
StGB §130 (Incitement)
❌ Terrorism financing or recruitment
❌ Counterfeiting currency or forged documents
2.2 Malicious Technical Attacks:
- ❌ Malware distribution (viruses, trojans, ransomware)
- ❌ Phishing attacks or credential harvesting
- ❌ DDoS attacks or network disruption per US CFAA 18 USC §1030
- ❌ SQL injection, XSS attacks, zero-day exploitation
- ❌ Unauthorized access or account hijacking
- ❌ Botnet installation or command & control servers
2.3 Spam & Abuse:
- ❌ Mass unsolicited emails/SMS (SPAM) per US CAN-SPAM 15 USC §7701
- ❌ Automated account creation without user intent (bots)
- ❌ Scraping, crawling, or automated data extraction (unless allowed)
- ❌ Pump & dump schemes or market manipulation
- ❌ Harassment, bullying, or coordinated abuse targeting individuals
3.1 Copyright Infringement: User shall NOT upload copyrighted content without authorization:
- ❌ Movies, TV shows, music (unless user owns rights)
- ❌ Ebooks, textbooks, copyrighted articles
- ❌ Software, video games, source code
- ✓ ALLOWED: Fair use quotes, transformative excerpts, parody
3.2 DMCA Takedown Process (US): Provider complies with DMCA §512(c) takedown notices per 17 USC §512:
- Copyright owner submits signed takedown notice (specific content ID required)
- Provider removes content within [24 hours]
- User receives notice + opportunity to counter-claim (§512(g))
- Counter-claim protection: Content restored after 10-14 days unless litigation filed
3.3 Trademark Misuse: User shall NOT:
- ❌ Use Provider trademarks in domain names without permission
- ❌ Create accounts/pages impersonating known brands
- ❌ Register [Provider domain variations] or lookalike domains
4.1 GDPR Compliance: User processing personal data must comply with GDPR 2016/679:
- ❌ Processing personal data WITHOUT user consent (Art. 6 lawful basis required)
- ❌ Transferring personal data outside EU WITHOUT adequacy decision (Art. 44-49)
- ❌ Failing to honor data subject rights (access, deletion, portability)
- ❌ Processing special categories (race, health, biometric) WITHOUT explicit consent per Art. 9
4.2 Sensitive Data Exposure: User shall NOT publicly post:
- ❌ Social Security Numbers, tax IDs, passport numbers
- ❌ Credit card numbers, banking credentials
- ❌ Medical records or genetic information
- ❌ Home addresses, phone numbers without consent
- ❌ Private communications without consent
5.1 Warning System:
- 🟡 Level 1 (Warning): First violation → email warning + content temporarily hidden
- 🟠 Level 2 (Suspension): Repeated violation → account suspended [24-72 hours]
- 🔴 Level 3 (Termination): Severe violation (CSAM, malware, hacking) → permanent ban, law enforcement referral
5.2 Content Removal: Provider may remove prohibited content without notice if: (a) clearly illegal, (b) malicious, (c) actively harming users. User receives notification + opportunity to appeal within [10 days].
5.3 Appeal Process: User may appeal suspension/removal by submitting appeal to [abuse@company.com] within 10 days. Provider responds within [5 business days].
5.4 Legal Liability: Provider files reports with law enforcement for:
- Child exploitation (NCMEC per 18 USC §2258)
- Cybercrime attacks (FBI, CISA per 18 USC §1030)
- Terrorism financing (FBI per 18 USC §2331)
- Copyright infringement (MPAA, RIAA per DMCA §512(c))
6.1 User Indemnity: User shall indemnify Provider from all claims, damages, legal costs arising from User's violation of this AUP, including:
- Copyright infringement claims
- Defamation/libel lawsuits
- Privacy/data protection violations
- Law enforcement investigations
6.2 Provider Safe Harbor (Hosting Provider Liability): Provider has "notice & takedown" protection under DMCA §512(c) + eCommerce Directive Art. 14:
- Provider NOT liable for user-generated content unless Provider had actual knowledge
- Provider removes content expeditiously upon proper notice
- Provider does NOT pre-screen or monitor content proactively (costs prohibitive)
7.1 Changes to AUP: Provider may modify this Policy anytime with [30 days] notice (email + homepage notification). Continued use = acceptance of modified terms.
7.2 Governing Law: ☐ German law (StGB, GDPR) ☐ [US Federal Law] | Disputes: Binding arbitration per DIS / FAA
CRITICAL AUP ENFORCEMENT: Clear prohibited content list required (CSAM, malware, spam, copyright infringement). DMCA §512 notice & takedown process mandatory for US. GDPR compliance required for EU users (no personal data processing without consent). Multi-level enforcement (warning → suspension → termination) with appeal rights. Provider has safe harbor from liability if follows notice & takedown. User indemnifies Provider for violations + law enforcement claims.