Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
Effective Date: 05/03/2026
This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") governs the use of HostingBarn’s email, website, and VPS/Server hosting services. To ensure a fast, secure, and reliable environment for all clients, all users must adhere to the following rules.
1. General Conduct
All services provided by HostingBarn may be used for lawful purposes only. Transmission, storage, or presentation of any information, data, or material in violation of any South African or International law is prohibited.
2. Adult Content Policy
HostingBarn maintains a nuanced policy regarding adult content to ensure server stability and network reputation:
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Shared & VPS Hosting: We allow legal, consensual adult content (e.g., glamour photography, adult blogs, or artistic nudity). However, "hardcore" pornographic websites, tube sites, or high-traffic adult galleries are strictly prohibited on shared hosting plans due to the extreme resource demands and bandwidth spikes they generate..
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Prohibited Content: Regardless of the hosting plan, the following are strictly forbidden and will result in immediate termination and reporting to authorities:
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Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
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Non-consensual sexual content (Revenge Porn).
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Content depicting violence, bestiality, or illegal acts.
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3. System and Network Security
Users are prohibited from violating or attempting to violate the security of the HostingBarn network. Violations include:
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Unauthorized Access: Accessing data not intended for the user or logging into a server/account without authorization.
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Vulnerability Testing: Probing, scanning, or testing the vulnerability of a system or network without express permission.
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Interference: Deliberately attempting to interfere with service to any user, host, or network (e.g., DDoS attacks, "flooding," or "mail bombing").
4. Email and Anti-Spam
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Zero Tolerance: HostingBarn has a zero-tolerance policy for SPAM. Sending unsolicited mass email is grounds for immediate account suspension.
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Mailing Lists: All mailing lists must be "Double Opt-In." Purchased or "scraped" lists are strictly prohibited.
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Blacklisting: If an account's activity causes our IP ranges to be blacklisted by RBLs (Spamhaus, Barracuda, etc.), the account holder will be liable for a cleanup fee.
5. Prohibited Scripting/Software
The following scripts/services are banned from our network:
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Crypto-miners: Any form of cryptocurrency mining is prohibited.
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Proxies: Publicly accessible proxy scripts or VPN tunnels.
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Torrenting: Torrent trackers, clients, or seeds.
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Illegal Downloads: Sites promoting "Warez," pirated software, or "cracks."
7. Enforcement and Reporting
HostingBarn is the sole arbiter of what constitutes a violation of this AUP.
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Suspension: We reserve the right to remove any account without prior notice if it threatens the stability or security of our network.
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Reporting Abuse: To report a violation of this policy, please email abuse@hostingbarn.africa.
