Internet Acceptable Use Policy

1. Introduction

For the Internet to operate in a manner that satisfies the majority of its users, all users need to observe some rules and etiquette governing their use of it. These requirements are usually contained or referred to in the relevant Terms and Conditions governing the particular Internet service as well as general law.

Zomp's customers must ensure that they know what these requirements are and how they are affected by them.

To enable its customers to have a better understanding of what is and is not acceptable when using the Internet, and to help you get the most out of the Internet, Zomp has developed a number of Acceptable Usage Policies (AUPs) relating to Internet services and usage. Complying with these AUPs, which is a contractual requirement, should help you benefit from safer surfing and minimise the risk of suffering "online abuse".

Zomp's AUPs are based on current Industry practice and draw on the collective experience of users and service providers across the Internet community.

We may change the AUPs from time to time. To make the most of the guidance contained in the AUPs, please keep up to date with changes and look at them on a regular basis. We hope you will find them useful and informative.

2. A Guide to Avoiding Abuse While Connected To the Internet

2.1 Common Sense

The majority of Zomp's online customers will be using commercial software to connect to and navigate the Internet. This software implements the technical aspects of the connection but there are also some simple common sense checks which all customers can implement. For example, when making use of a dial-up whether ay your primary connection or as a backup, ensuring that the computer is dialling the whole number, including the area code, will reduce the possibility of other people receiving unwanted calls.

2.2 Legal Compliance

The Internet is a global medium and is regulated by the laws of many different countries. Material which is illegal in this country may be legal in another, and vice versa. As a user in this country, for example, you should not access sites carrying child pornography, hard-core pornography or incitement to violence. These are just three examples of unlawful material and there are many others. When you visit a website, a copy of the visited pages is usually stored on the device accessing the Internet in the web browser's cache files. Storage of illegal material in this way may well constitute a criminal offence. If you are in any doubt, we recommend you to take independent legal advice.

While connected to the Internet usually via a telephone (PSTN) line, ISDN line or xDSL, but not limited to, you must comply with legal requirements concerning telephone network (mis)use. Set out below is a self explanatory extract from the Telecommunications Act. As you can see, network misuse is a serious criminal offence which can lead to fines and/or imprisonment.

"Improper Use of Public Telecommunication System"

A Person who -

Sends by means of a public communication system, a message or other matter that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character, or
Sends by those means, for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another, a message that he knows to be false or persistently makes use for that purpose of a public telecommunication system, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine…Or both.

2.3 Avoiding Abuse While Connected To the Internet

Taking the following steps should help you to protect yourself from becoming a victim of abuse while connected to the Internet:

Ensure that you are running good quality virus detection and Firewall application software or hardware appliances. The majority of these applications have the ability to detect hackers as well as viruses. Hackers are people who try to access your computer to either cause mischief or find your passwords and usernames. You should be aware that some hackers have the ability to seriously damage your computer system and steal sensitive information leading to crimes such as fraud and identity theft.

If you keep sensitive information on your computer, it is worth using encryption hardware and/or software to protect it.

While connected, do not actively publicise your IP address. This is the unique identifier that Zomp allocates you while you are connected to the Internet. This is especially important if you are using applications such as CHAT, IRC (Internet Relay Chat) or video conferencing using a directory service.

A majority of people spend their online time finding Internet software applications to run while online. Be careful what you install . Before installing software of unknown origin, ask yourself whether you trust the writer/source. Most computer viruses and Trojans are installed unknowingly while installing shareware or freeware applications that are supposedly designed to make your life easier. If in doubt, don't do it!

2.4 Sharing Logon Details

Zomp prohibits customers from sharing details and you may find your account terminated if it is found to be the case.

2.5 Port Scanning

Zomp prohibits the use of port scanning software on its services.

2.6 Sharing Internet Access and Applications on a Private Network and Running Personal SMTP Mail Servers

Some methods of sharing Internet access or applications expose your external Internet connection to other Internet users, and enable them to send unsolicited bulk emails via your computer (known as SPAM) or local network.

As Zomp do not block any ports it is vital that you configure your network securely, you are fully responsible for security in your own network and failure to secure it properly will result in your disconnection from Zomp services.

3. Internet Access - Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

3.1 Introduction

Zomp's relationships with its customers, other networks, and ultimately its connectivity to the rest of the Internet, require its customers to behave responsibly. Accordingly, Zomp cannot permit irresponsible behaviour by its customers, which could damage these relationships, Zomp's network or the use of the Internet by others.

Compliance with this Acceptable Use Policy is a contractual requirement. If you fail to do so, your service may be suspended or terminated.

3.2 Heavy Usage

Persistent heavy users of the service, who in Zomp's reasonable opinion could be seen to be over-using their contended service, may at Zomp's discretion find that one of the below may be enforced:

Please note that data transfer includes traffic in both directions i.e. Uploads and Downloads.

Exceeding 50GB data transfer per month:

Move to PAYG platform.
Move into restricted daytime context*.
Move to SDSL where available.

Exceeding 100GB data transfer per month:

Move to PAYG platform.
Move into restricted all hours context**.
Move to SDSL where available.

*Restricted Daytime Context

Contended 50:1 during business hours 0800 - 1800.
No restrictions outside of these hours.
Any user exceeding the 100GB limit will be put into the restricted all hours context**

**Restricted all hours context

Contended 50:1 24/7/365.

3.3 Appeals

50GB Exceeders: Business cases where one line is part of a multi site VPN or similar will be considered, traffic profiles and type will be taken into consideration. The data transfer of the combination of sites must not exceed 50GB per site. Non business traffic users will have to remain in the restricted daytime context.

100GB Exceeders: Business cases where one line is part of a multi site VPN or similar will be considered, traffic profiles and type will be taken into consideration. The data transfer of the combination of sites must not exceed 50GB per site. Non business traffic users will have to remain in the restricted all hours context.

Please email abuse@zomp.net to register an appeal against our decision.

3.4 Illegal Activities

You must not, by using the service, possess or transmit illegal material. You should be aware that as the Internet is a global network, some activities/material which may be legal in the UK , may be illegal elsewhere in the world and vice versa. When you visit a website, a copy of the visited pages is stored on the device in the web browser's cache files. Storage of illegal material in this way may well be a criminal offence, as well as contravening this AUP.

If you are in any doubt as to the legality of anything, don't do it and take independent legal advice before proceeding.

You must not gain or attempt to gain unauthorised access to any computer systems for any purpose, including accessing the Internet. As well as being in breach of your contract for the particular service, such hacking or attempted hacking is a criminal offence.

3.5 Forging Addresses

You must not send data via the Internet which has forged addresses or which is deliberately constructed to adversely affect remote machines. You must not configure your device or any device on your LAN as an open relay system.

3.6 Port Scanning

You must not run "port scanning" software which accesses remote machines or networks, except with the explicit prior permission of the administrator or owner of such remote machines or networks. This includes using applications capable of scanning the ports of other Internet users.

If you intend to run a port scanning application, you must provide Zomp with a copy of the written consent received from the target of the scan authorising the activity. This must be supplied to Zomp prior to the application being run.

3.7 Spam or Unsolicited Email

You must not participate in the sending of unsolicited bulk email or any other form of email or Usenet "abuse". This applies to material which originates on your system as well as third party material which passes through your system.

3.8 Internet Connection Sharing, Application Servers and Mail Relays

If you share the resources of your Internet connection over a Private Network on your premises, you must make sure that your network is secure, and that any Internet Connection Sharing method that you are using does not permit access from outside of your network and abuse via other Internet users. This is especially important if running a “Proxy Server” or “Mail Relay”. This is because unsecured these will allow other users of the Internet to exploit your Internet connection, and use it as if it were their own. For example, an external user could access your local network or send unsolicited e-mail(s) that would appear to come from you. You must also ensure any application servers are properly configured and secured to reduce the exposure to hacking.

If your usage falls into this category we highly advise protecting your network with an advanced firewall which includes features such as packet inspection and intrusion detection and have it installed and maintained by a suitably qualified individual.

Please also note that Zomp expressly forbids the sharing of the Internet Connection(s) to users outside of your household/business or beyond your household/business premises' such as, but not limited to, wireless networks whether by gratis or fee without Zomp's prior written authorisation. Customers who breach this obligation may their service suspended or terminated or moved to a platform where this kind of facility if available.

4. A Guide to Avoiding Email Abuse

Email is without doubt an extremely effective and convenient method of communication. It is fast and cheap. Unfortunately, it is also the most common source of abuse over the Internet. Although much unsolicited email (SPAM) may just be a harmless but annoying way of advertising of products or services, some can be as distressing as receiving malicious telephone calls.

There most simple step you can take to minimise the likelihood of receiving nuisance emails:

Don't give out your email address unless you are absolutely sure you can trust the recipient. You should treat your Email address as you would treat your telephone number.

Never publicise your home address or telephone number.

Be very careful when sending details such as your home address or telephone number by email and we would highly advise that important information such as credit card or national insurance number are NOT sent by insecure means. Encryption will generally protect the Email in transit, however you cannot always be assured that the recipient can and will keep the information safe. Unless you are completely sure you can trust the recipient and the details of the recipient's email address don't do it.

When filling in on-line forms always look for and complete any "data protection opt out" boxes if you do not wish to be contacted regarding advertisement and promotion of any products and services. The information you provide may be disclosed to other organisations worldwide or used for marketing or other purposes which you did not envisage. Especially important is to read the website's Privacy Policy to see how your information is used and if in doubt, do not use the on-line form.

If you do become a victim of abusive emails, there is often very little your Zomp can do to stop the abuse. However, the ISP of your abuser can possibly do something under its Terms and Conditions and AUPs. Accordingly, we recommend you to take the following action:

Email the "abuse department" for the individual's ISP.
Send the relevant ISP as much evidence as possible. It is no use simply complaining about the activities of an individual, you must provide evidence of the abuse, e.g. send the whole email, newsgroup posting or the URL of the website to abuse@ the ISP in question. The ISP will probably need the IP Address that the abuser was using at the time of the abuse. This is the unique ID allocated to that user at that specific moment and can be found/seen in the header of the email, and in the header of the newsgroup posting.

It is unlikely that an ISP will simply give out the name and details of an alleged offender. However, an ISP may need to divulge such information to appropriate authorities, such as the Police or the Courts, if formally requested to do so.

In cases of extreme abuse, you may need to contact the Police if you think further action should be taken. If you decide to do so, you must be prepared to provide the Police with any evidence you have, they will then consider whether a criminal offence may have been committed and whether further action can or should be taken.

5. Email - Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

5.1 Introduction

Exchanging emails with others generally involves using common sense regarding the content material and being polite and courteous. The vast majority of Zomp's customers understand what is appropriate when sending or receiving emails. Regrettably, there are occasions when individuals or groups of people exchange emails or involve in online activities, which are considered to be unacceptable by the Internet community. This is described by the generic term of "abuse".

This email AUP is based on current "best Internet industry practice" and draws on the collective experience of email users and service providers across the Internet community.

5.6 Abusive emails

It is not always obvious whether an activity is innocent, inadvertent, or intentional but as a general rule, email users should be aware that what is unacceptable (and possibly illegal) offline (oral or written), applies equally online. As with telephone calls, you must not send any emails which cause annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety. You should not send false messages likely to cause distress (e.g. advising the recipient that a relative has been in an accident when they have not), or any other material which is distressing, grossly offensive, indecent, obscene, menacing or in any other way unlawful. Particular care should be taken to avoid any material which is offensive to people on grounds of gender, race, colour, religion or other similar categorisation. Always be sensitive to the fact that children might have access.

5.7 Spam (Unsolicited Bulk emails)

You must not use Zomp's email system or network to send unsolicited emails, bulk or otherwise. The sending of such emails is an abuse of the service and you will be in breach of the relevant terms and conditions.

5.8 Setting up Your Mail Server (Open Relay)

If you choose to run an SMTP email server on a private network on your premises you must ensure that it is configured correctly, so as to only accept mail from your private domain. Zomp will block access to ports (or by packet inspection), to your SMTP email server via your Internet connection to prevent it from being exploited for the purpose of sending unsolicited emails.

6. A Guide to Avoiding newsgroup Abuse

Zomp provides a hierarchy of newsgroups which although being un-moderated, they are subject to their own charters. These charters are posted into the newsgroups on a regular basis. Newsgroups outside this hierarchy are outside Zomp's control and Zomp has no say in the type of material that can and cannot be posted to them. Please note that Zomp takes complaints made by and against its customers very seriously, even if they concern customers that use newsgroups outside the Zomp hierarchy.

Zomp aims to filter out newsgroups that are perceived by their titles to have illegal content. However, Zomp does not monitor the content contained in any of the newsgroups and is not responsible for the content of any newsgroup. Specifically in the interest of the safety of children, Zomp asks that if you identify a newsgroup with illegal content, you notify us as soon as possible by emailing abuse@zomp.net in order that we can consider adding that group to our list of barred groups.

We recommend that you follow our advice on preventing Email abuse as posting to a newsgroup is similar to sending an email and in addition take some simple steps you can take to minimise the likelihood of receiving abuse via a newsgroup:

When posting into newsgroups it is wise to configure your newsreader so that it does not show or it disguises your email address, i.e. joe.bloggs@nospam.zomp.net. In the posting you would say “to reply to Joe, remove the nospam". In this event, a person responding to the email would have to remove the nospam section of the email address. This makes it more difficult for automated newsgroup crawlers to strip email addresses from the postings. The majority of the mail lists that are used for the bulk sending of emails are compiled from undisguised email addresses in newsgroups.

Avoid posting into newsgroups if you are not entirely sure about the nature of their subject matter. If you are going to post into these groups, be aware that there is very little Zomp, as your ISP, can do to protect you if you become a victim of abusive emails resulting from your posting or a "flame war ". If you do post into such newsgroups it is a sensible precaution to keep your email address private, as often the only cure to stop nuisance emails is to change your email address.

Never publicise your home address or telephone number.

Do not post material that falls outside the topic under discussion. Every newsgroup has a title; the content should reflect that title.

Do not post binary attachments, (pictures or files on your computer etc.) into newsgroups not designed for that purpose.

You must observe copyright issues. Do not post material that you did not create, unless you have the permission of the owner of the relevant rights in that material.

Do not post advertisements into newsgroups of a non-commercial bias.

Be careful what you post. What may seem amusing to you may very well be offensive to another participant in the newsgroup.

Try not to cross post (post the same article to a number of groups).

Remember newsgroups are archived and postings that you make may exist for many years to come, postings are very hard to remove and almost impossible to remove completely, please do not post something you'll regret later.

If you do become a victim of Usenet abuse, outside of Zomp's hierarchy, there is often very little we can do to stop the abuse. However, the ISP of your abuser can possibly do something under its terms and conditions. Accordingly, we recommend you to take the following action:

Email the "abuse department" for the individual's ISP.
Send the relevant ISP as much evidence as possible. It is no use simply complaining about the activities of an individual, you must provide evidence of the abuse, e.g. send the whole email, newsgroup posting or the URL of the website to abuse@ the ISP in question. The ISP will probably need the IP Address that the abuser was using at the time of the abuse. This is the unique ID allocated to that user at that specific moment and can be found/seen in the header of the email, and in the header of the newsgroup posting.

It is unlikely that an ISP will simply give out the name and details of an alleged offender. However, an ISP may need to divulge such information to appropriate authorities, such as the police or the courts, if formally requested to do so.

7. Guide to Avoiding Abusing Your Webspace

As part of certain Internet services, Zomp offers its customers personal webspace. This is an area on Zomp's Internet servers that you can personalise and display to the World Wide Web ( WWW ).

The support Zomp provides relates only to accessing your webspace. Zomp does not provide support for HTML authoring, page design or how to publish your pages. Make sure you do not display too much personal detail on your webspace and remember that you publish any personal information at your own risk.

To help you get the most from your webspace, and to avoid either infringing the relevant terms and conditions or becoming a victim of abuse because of your content, here are some simple do's and don'ts:

Avoid content that can offend. If you have any doubt about the suitability of your content to others, in particular to children, you must give a warning page before reaching the content. If in doubt, seek independent legal advice.

You must not publish content, or link to, content in which you do not own the rights, without the permission of the owner of the relevant rights.

Be careful with content that may lead to argument. This is especially important if your website domain is also your primary email address. Remember not everyone has the same opinion as you, and what you say could be offensive to others and lead to a situation where you receive abusive e-mails.

You must not publish or link to content that is illegal. You must also remember that what is legal in this country in not necessary legal everywhere else in the world (and vice versa) and that you could risk being prosecuted in another country if what you publish is illegal in that country. If in doubt, don't do it and take independent legal advice before proceeding.

You must not incite disorder or publish any material, which would amount to instructions concerning illegal activities.

You must not publicise the personal details of others without their consent.

You must not use your website to advertise, distribute (or link to another webpage containing) virus creation software, e-mail spamming software, or port scanning software.

Don't share the password for your webspace. Your passwords are your responsibility, and must not be disclosed to any third party. This is important for your own protection.

8. WEBSPACE - Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

8.1 Introduction

The following AUP contains rules governing the use by customers of Zomp webspace services.

It is based on current Industry practice and draws on the collective experience of webspace users, service providers and the owners and administrators of computer networks which are connected to form the World Wide Web.

Zomp cannot and does not proactively monitor content on its customers websites and therefore cannot and does not guarantee that all such websites are free of illegal material or other content considered unacceptable (abusive) by the Internet community.

8.2 Illegal Activities

You must not have illegal material on your website or link to content that is illegal. You should be aware that as the Internet is a global network, some activities/material which may be legal in the United Kingdom may be illegal elsewhere in the world and vice versa, and you could risk being prosecuted in another country if you publish what is illegal in that country. If you are in doubt, don't do it and take independent legal advice before proceeding.

You must not incite disorder or publish any material which would amount to instructions concerning illegal activities.

You must not publish content, or link to content in which you do not own the rights, without the permission of the owner of the relevant rights.

8.3 Unacceptable Behaviour

It is not always obvious whether an activity is innocent, inadvertent, or intentional, but generally webspace users should be aware that what is unacceptable (and possibly illegal) offline (oral or written) applies equally online.

Avoid content that may offend. If you have any doubt about the suitability of your content to others, in particular to children, you must give a warning page before reaching the content. If in doubt, don't do it and take independent legal advice before proceeding. In particular, you must not use expressions that are offensive to others on grounds of gender, race colour, religion or other similar categories. Zomp will not issue any logs or details of who visited your site unless you have specifically selected a package that makes this information available.

You must ensure that your homepage or landing page (the first to be viewed on a site) does not contain any material liable to offend. A clearly readable warning page must be displayed before any adult material is displayed.

You must not use your webspace to cause annoyance, inconvenience, offence or needless anxiety.

You must not publicise the personal details of others without their consent.

You must not use your website to advertise, distribute (or link to another webpage containing) virus creation software, e-mail spamming software, or port scanning software.

Your homepages site may not be used to distribute or advertise any of the following:
- Software for sending SPAM (excessive news postings, bulk emails etc.).

Software for port scanning, virus creation, hacking or any other illegal or antisocial activity.

Lists of email addresses except where all the addressees have given their explicit permission.

Any collection of personal data other than in accordance with all applicable data protection legislation.

Links to websites hosting illegal content, including adult material.

Content designed to offend or cause needless anxiety to others.

You must not advertise your Homepages (websites), or cause another person to advertise it, by techniques that would be classified as abuse, e.g. bulk emailing and excessive news posting.

8.4 Security

You must not share the password for your webspace. Your passwords are your responsibility, and must not be disclosed to any third party. This is also important for your own protection.

9. A Guide to Using Chat and Instant Messaging Services

Chat is carried out in a ‘room'. The room usually has a theme so people can chat together about the same topic. Rooms are generally public so that anyone can join in.

Instant messaging is a way of sending text messages to other people connected to the Internet

Chat and Instant Message services are great fun to use and both are tremendously popular with teenagers.

However, where there's fun there's also risk. Both these services are a potential source of worry, especially to parents, as there's no way of checking that the people in the chat room are who they say they are. In fact most chat rooms encourage you to adopt an alias. Therefore chat rooms can be used by adults who may, for example, pretend to provide a sympathetic ear for a teenager's problems, possibly coaxing personal information out of them and trying to arrange a 'real life' meeting.

In addition, passions can run high online and chat rooms can easily be the scene of violent arguments.

But please don't be put off by this as there are some steps you can take to minimise risks.

Important advice to use chat and instant message services more safely:

Children under 13 years must not be allowed to use Chat or Instant Message.

Children under 16 years should be supervised when using these services. Make certain they know they should never give out any personal details or details that could be pieced together so that they could be identified, e.g. name of their school or friends.

When setting up the service check to see if you can hide your IP address from other people using the service. Hiding your IP address helps protect your computer and keeps it hidden from other users

Make sure that none your personal details are available to other users. Most Chat and Instant Message services let you choose what details to share with others.

Make sure your children are aware of the dangers of using this type of service.

Never publicise your home address, telephone number or credit card details.

Don't give out your email address or other personal details unless you're absolutely sure you can trust the recipient. Never give it out in a public chat room where anyone could be watching and make use of it. You should treat your email address as you would treat any other personal details about yourself.

If you decide to meet someone that you've been chatting with, arrange to meet in a public place and make sure that you've told a friend where you're going and who you're meeting. Better still; take a friend along with you.

Try to avoid getting into heated arguments in public chat rooms. It is best to leave the chat room if you find yourself in this situation rather than become involved.

If you do become a victim of abuse in a chat room, there's often very little Zomp can do to stop the abuse. However, the Chat or Instant Message Service provider may be able to identify the abuser and forward details to their ISP who may be able to take action under its Terms & Conditions or AUPs. If you do need to complain in this way, you should email as much information as you can, including all the details of your conversation (by cutting and pasting) to the Chat or Instant Message Service provider.

In the case of Zomp's Chat or Instant Message services, you should send your complaint to abuse@zomp.net.

In cases of extreme abuse, you should contact the police if you think further action is required. If you decide to do so, you must be prepared to provide the police with any evidence you have. The police will then consider whether a criminal offence may have been committed and whether further action can or should be taken.

10. Chat & Instant Message Service - Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

10.1 Introduction

Using Chat and Instant Message Services on the Internet generally requires politeness, courtesy and caution in exactly the same way as face-to-face and telephone conversations. This is probably more important when communicating with strangers.

Most people understand and apply acceptable standards of behaviour and language when using these services.

However, there are times when individuals, or groups, behave in what is considered by the Internet community to be an unacceptable way. This is described by the generic term of ‘abuse'.

10.2 Conduct in Chat Rooms

Please remember that what is acceptable by one culture may be regarded as offensive by another. Since the Internet is worldwide, please take great care to avoid giving offence.

We recognise the right to freedom of expression, but with that right comes a responsibility to respect the feelings of others. It's not necessary to use inflammatory language to express strongly held views.

Abuse may be innocent, inadvertent or intentional. It's not always clear which is which, so please remember that the following are NOT allowed:

Saying anything that would cause annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to other users
Advertising products or services
Using foul language
Using explicit sexual language or inappropriate behaviour
Frequently changing Username and jumping in and out of rooms (‘Frogging')
Making insulting remarks at other members ('flaming')

10.4 Conduct in Instant Message Communications

You must not use the service to:

Distribute illegal, indecent or offensive material or any messages that may incite disorder or encourage illegal activities.
Cause annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety to other users.
Impersonate someone else.
Distribute material in which you do not own the copyright, without the permission of the owner of the relevant rights.
Transfer files that contain viruses, Trojans or other harmful programs.
Distribute advertisements or junk mail (‘spam').

Important safety advice:

Children under 13 years must not use the service.
We strongly recommend that a responsible adult supervises children under 16 years while they're using the service.

11. What Action Will Zomp Take?

Compliance with this Acceptable Use Policy is a contractual requirement. If you fail to do so, your service may be suspended or terminated.

Zomp may operate systems to ensure compliance with this AUP, including without limitation port scanning and testing of open servers and mail relays.

Customers who engage in abusive behaviour will be notified that their behaviour is unacceptable and may have their accounts suspended or terminated if such behaviour continues.

If we find out that you are using our service for illegal purposes, we may notify the Police. If we receive a Court Order requesting us to reveal your identity to someone complaining that you have used this service in an abusive manner we will do so.

11.1 Account Restoration

A suspended account may be restored at Zomp's discretion following an appeal, upon receipt of a written undertaking by the abuser not to commit any future "abuse". All cases are, however, considered by Zomp on their individual merits.