1. INTRODUCTION

RFCNET's Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") is intended to help enhance the use of the Internet by preventing unacceptable use. All users of RFCNET's Internet services (the "Services")-those who access some of our Services but do not have accounts ("Visitors"), as well as those who pay a monthly service fee to subscribe to the Services ("Customer")-must comply with this AUP. We support the free flow of information and ideas over the Internet and do not actively monitor use of the Services under normal circumstances. Similarly, we do not exercise editorial control over the content of any Web site, electronic mail transmission, news group, or other material created or accessible over or through the Services, except for certain proprietary websites. However, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions, we may remove any materials that, in our sole discretion, may be illegal, may subject us to liability, or which may violate this AUP. RFCNET may cooperate with legal authorities and/or third parties in the investigation of any suspected or alleged crime or civil wrong. Your violation of this AUP may result in the suspension or termination of either your access to the Services and/or your RFCNET account or other actions as detailed in Section 3. This AUP should be read in conjunction with our Terms and Conditions and other policies.

2. VIOLATIONS OF RFCNET'S ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

The following constitute violations of this AUP:

a.Illegal use. Using the Services to transmit any material (by email, uploading, posting, or otherwise) that, intentionally or unintentionally, violates any applicable local, state, national or international law, or any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder.

b. Harm to minors. Using the Services to harm, or attempt to harm, minors in any way.

c. Threats. Using the Services to transmit any material (by email, uploading, posting, or otherwise) that threatens or encourages bodily harm or destruction of property.

d. Harassment. Using the Services to transmit any material (by email, uploading, posting, or otherwise) that harasses another.

e. Fraudulent activity. Using the Services to make fraudulent offers to sell or buy products, items, or services or to advance any type of financial scam such as "pyramid schemes," "Ponzi schemes," and "chain letters."

f. Forgery or impersonation. Adding, removing or modifying identifying network header information in an effort to deceive or mislead is prohibited. Attempting to impersonate any person by using forged headers or other identifying information is prohibited. The use of anonymous remailers or nicknames does not constitute impersonation. Using deliberately misleading headers ("munging" headers) in news postings in order to avoid spam email address collectors is allowed.

g. Unsolicited commercial email/Bulk email. Using the Services to transmit any unsolicited commercial email or solicited/unsolicited bulk email. Activities that have the effect of facilitating unsolicited commercial email or solicited/unsolicited bulk email whether or not that email is commercial in nature, are prohibited.

h. Unauthorized access. Using the Services to access, or to attempt to access, the accounts of others, or to penetrate, or attempt to penetrate, security measures of RFCNET's or another entity's computer software or hardware, electronic communications system, or telecommunications system, whether or not the intrusion results in the corruption or loss of data.

i. Copyright or trademark infringement. Using the Services to transmit any material (by email, uploading, posting, or otherwise) that infringes any copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, or other proprietary rights of any third party, including, but not limited to, the unauthorized copying of copyrighted material, the digitization and distribution of photographs from magazines, books, or other copyrighted sources, and the unauthorized transmittal of copyrighted software.

j. Collection of personal data. Using the Services to collect, or attempt to collect, personal information about third parties without their knowledge or consent.

k. Commercial Use. Reselling the Services without RFCNET's prior written authorization is strictly prohibited. You agree not to use RFCNET's services for operation as an Internet service provider, or for any other business enterprise, including, without limitation, IP address translation or similar facilities intended to provide additional access to RFCNET's service.

l. Network disruptions and unfriendly activity. Using the Services for any activity which adversely affects the ability of other people or systems to use RFCNET Services or the Internet. This includes "denial of service" (DoS) attacks against another network host or individual user. Interference with or disruption of other network users, network services or network equipment is prohibited. It is the Customer's responsibility to ensure that their network is configured in a secure manner. A Customer may not, through action or inaction, allow others to use their network for illegal or inappropriate actions. A Customer may not permit their network, through action or inaction, to be configured in such a way that gives a third party the capability to use their network in an illegal or inappropriate manner.

m. News. RFCNET Customer should use their best judgment when posting to any newsgroup. Many groups have charters, published guidelines, FAQs, or "community standards" describing what is and is not considered appropriate. Usenet can be a valuable resource if used properly. The continued posting of off-topic articles is prohibited. Commercial advertisements are off-topic in most newsgroups, especially regional groups not specifically named for such. The presence of such articles in a group is not indicative of the group's "intended" use. Please familiarize yourself with basic Usenet netiquette before posting to a newsgroup.

RFCNET Customer may not cancel messages other than their own messages. A Customer may cancel posts forged in that Customer's name. We may cancel any postings which violate this AUP.

n. Inappropriate Account Usage. Using a personal or limited buisiness account for high volume or commercial use is prohibited. The Services are intended for periodic, active use of email, newsgroups, file transfers, Internet chat, games, and browsing the World Wide Web. Hosting of DNS, Websites, Ftp sites, Email or other services is strictly prohibited. If you have purchased a Public IP address this is intended to be for secure VPN or the client use of other services that require a Public IP address. Purchasing a Public IP address does not give license to Customer to engage in any normally disallowed activities.

o. Exceeding Traffic Limitations: If a Customer?s use of Services is deemed excessive for the level currently subscribed to, Customer will be asked to increase from a residential account to a commercial account and pay the appropriate difference in costs or be asked to cancel their service.

p. Security. You are solely responsible for the security of any device connected to the service, including any data stored on that device. RFCNET recommends that you take appropriate security precautions for any systems connected to the service. We recommend the use of a firewall or other security devices to protect your equipment. You are responsible for securing any wireless (WiFi) networks connected to your RFCNET service. Any wireless network installed by the customer or a RFCNET representative that is unsecured or ?open? and connected to the RFCNET network will be deemed to be operating as an ISP and subject to the prohibition as mentioned in the Commercial Use section of this AUP. Continued use of an unsecured or "open" wireless network will be subject to a cost recovery fee above and beyond your current monthly charges.

3. REPORTING VIOLATIONS OF RFCNET'S AUP

RFCNET requests that anyone who believes that there is a violation of this AUP direct the information to Director-Abuse Department, at: webmaster@RFCNET.com.

If available, please provide the following information:
  • The IP address used to commit the alleged violation
  • The date and time of the alleged violation, including the time zone or offset from GMT
  • Evidence of the alleged violation
Email with full header information provides all of the above, as do syslog files. Other situations will require different methods of providing the above information.

RFCNET may take any one or more of the following actions in response to complaints:
  • issue warnings: written or verbal
  • suspend the Customer's newsgroup posting privileges
  • suspend the Customer's account
  • terminate the Customer's account
  • bill the Customer for administrative costs and/or reactivation charges
  • bring legal action to enjoin violations and/or to collect damages, if any, caused by violations.
4. REVISIONS TO THIS ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

RFCNET reserves the right to revise, amend, or modify this AUP, our Terms and Conditions and our other policies and agreements at any time and in any manner. Notice of any revision, amendment, or modification will be posted at www.rfcnet.com.