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Last Updated: June 15, 2020

Scope and Purpose

Alternative Internet Services Inc., operating as Alternative Hosting (hereafter referred to as “Alternative Hosting”), provides services to view and use products, services, and other materials made available over the Internet (Content). By its nature, the Internet is designed to permit the expression of a wide variety of commercial and non-commercial messages, as well as purchase and use products, services, and other items. However, the Internet is not owned or controlled by any one entity. Alternative Hosting can not, and does not, monitor or control any Content, including its customer’s Content. Use of the Internet, as a provider of Content, or as a user of it, requires a high level of individual judgement. By accessing the Internet, you assume the risk that Content available through Alternative Hosting’s services may be inaccurate, offensive, illegal or otherwise unsuitable to your individual tastes, and/or needs. Alternative Hosting can not, and will not, accept responsibility for injury that results from this Content, even if that Content may be legally actionable.

To balance the often competing issues that the nature of the Internet creates, Alternative Hosting has created this Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). This AUP governs the use of the services provided by Alternative Hosting, its customers, visitors to Alternative Hosting’s web sites, and visitors to customer’s web sites (all such collectively referred to as “End Users”). It is a part of each customer’s agreement with Alternative Hosting and is incorporated by this reference. While this AUP is designed to facilitate open and free use of the Internet, and balance issues presented by that use, Alternative Hosting may take actions based on this AUP that in its sole opinion are in its best business interests, regardless of whether the use itself is legal.

In particular, Alternative Hosting encourages prospective customers to carefully review sections of this AUP covering E-Mail/SPAM, Intellectual Property Violations, and Security. A thorough review of those sections, and the entire AUP, may help avoid creating issues under it that will cause Alternative Hosting to take action, up to, and including, termination of a customer’s account.

Customers violate this AUP when they or End Users engage in activities prohibited by it. It is a customer’s responsibility and contractual obligation to ensure that End Users comply with this AUP. Alternative Hosting expects that customers will cooperate with it in the enforcement and administration of this AUP. A customer’s failure to do so is a violation of their contract.

As Alternative Hosting operates out of Canada with servers physically located in Canada, all laws of Canada are binding on your use of our services. The omission of any Canadian law in the below AUP does not disclaim our right to enforce said law.

Conduct

Lawful Use

Alternative Hosting’s services may be used for lawful purposes only. Customers and End Users may not use Alternative Hosting’s services to directly facilitate the violation of any particular law or regulation. Use of Alternative Hosting’s services is governed by the laws of Canada, regardless of our physical location or that of the Customer or End User.

Other Acceptable Use Policies

When using Alternative Hosting to connect to other systems, Customers and/or End Users must respect any acceptable use policies, terms of service, terms and conditions or similar restrictions placed on their use by the owners of those systems.

Services we provide may be subject to other acceptable use policies. We will provide these acceptable use polices to you on request.

Accountability

Any use of the Customer’s account, server, or any other service provided by Alternative Hosting will be considered use by the individual or entity set out in Alternative Hosting’s records as the owner, or principal contact. This individual or entity will be held responsible for all contractual obligations including violations of this AUP. The security of the Customer’s systems and account details are the responsibility of the customer. The primary contact is considered the owner or authorized user of all data using Alternative Hosting’s services.

Alternative Hosting recommends that Customers take steps to ensure that all use of their account and/or server is authorized. This includes restricting physical access to their computers and networks, logging their use, and ensuring that their account details (especially passwords) are stored securely. Connecting a computer to the Internet exposes it to millions of other computers. Alternative Hosting recommends that Customers ensure that their computer is secured against abuse from the Internet. All security related responsibilities are those of the Customer unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. Computers are configured to facilitate their operation in Alternative Hosting’s network. This configuration may be less secure than others. Customers are encouraged to review security protocols and ensure that they have selected the security level fitting their needs. Alternative Hosting makes no warranties regarding the security of its network.

Alternative Hosting reserves the right to change this AUP without notice. Continued use of Alternative Hosting’s services constitutes acceptance of the most current version of the AUP.

It is the responsibility of the customer to notify Alternative Hosting of any changes to their account or contact information. Alternative Hosting has no responsibility for communications that are misdirected as a result of Customer’s failure to provide Alternative Hosting with updated contact information.

Contacting Alternative Hosting regarding violation of this AUP

E-mail addresses used to contact Alternative Hosting are set out within this AUP. Please note, that Alternative Hosting has created special addresses for certain types of complaints. Complaints misdirected by a Customer or End User may not be responded to. Complaints submitted to Alternative Hosting are not confidential and may be forwarded to Alternative Hosting’s customer or law enforcement, without notice. Alternative Hosting does not recognize requests that complaints be kept confidential, and will not honour those requests.

Complaints for which a particular e-mail or other contact address is not specified in this AUP, should be sent to [email protected] Complainants should include as much detail as possible. Relevant E-mails or Usenet postings (including all headers) and logs, together with references to charters, acceptable use policies and other supporting evidence should all be included when they are available. Some abuse complaints may not receive a reply depending on the volume of abuse complaints about that particular issue.

Alternative Hosting recognizes that it is often expedient to request that Alternative Hosting take action related to a Customer or End User. However, Alternative Hosting is not always in the best position to take action. The fact that a particular activity is prohibited in this AUP does not obligate Alternative Hosting to take any specific action.

Intellectual Property Rights

Customers warrant that their use of Alternative Hosting’s services are authorized, and that they are the lawful owner, or licensee of Content, placed on, or accessed through those services.

Copyright Infringement

The Notice and Notice provisions of the Copyright Modernization Act requires Alternative Hosting to pass along any notice of alleged infringement to the site owner. If you receive an infringement notice, please see the Office of Consumer Affairs website for more details.

Other Intellectual Property Infringement

Customers, and End Users, may not engage in activity that infringes or misappropriates the intellectual property rights of others. This includes but is not limited to, trademarks, service marks, trade secrets, software piracy and patents. Complaints about such activity by Customers or End Users may be directed to [email protected]

Certain Content Restrictions

Alternative Hosting does not knowingly host sites containing Child Pornography, Child Erotica or Bestiality. For the purposes of this AUP, Alternative Hosting does not distinguish between Child Pornography, and Child Erotica, and both are collectively referred to as Child Pornography. Customers and End Users are prohibited from using Alternative Hosting’s services to disseminate or access Child Pornography and Bestiality. Alternative Hosting is required by law to report the use of its services to disseminate or display Child Pornography and Bestiality. Alternative Hosting actively cooperates with law enforcement in their efforts to prosecute violations of Canadian statutes restricting Child Pornography and Bestiality, and will do so without informing Customers or End Users.

Child Pornography and/or Bestiality complaints may be directed to [email protected]

Further information about child pornography may be found at http://www.missingkids.org/home

Canadian Export and Import Laws

Customers and End Users may not use Alternative Hosting’s services to engage in a violation of Canadian export and import control laws. Violation of these laws may include selling products that may be legal to sell in Canada, but illegal to export; or legal to sell in one country, and illegal to sell in Canada. Customers may not use Alternative Hosting’s services to provide services to End Users with whom Canadian citizens may not do business.

More information about Canadian export laws may be found at www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/about-a_propos/expor/guide.aspx?lang=eng

Privacy

Customers and End Users should not assume that any information in Alternative Hosting’s possession is confidential or will not be disclosed.

Customers and End Users should not assume that they will receive notice of subpoenas and requests for information related to their accounts.

IP Addresses

Alternative Hosting owns IP numbers and addresses assigned to customers. Alternative Hosting may, in its sole discretion, change these numbers. These numbers may not be transferred to another provider.

Subpoenas and Other Requests for Information

Law enforcement agencies who seek information about Alternative Hosting’s customers, and/or their use of Alternative Hosting’s services, are required to submit a subpoena, or other similar document, pursuant to which Alternative Hosting is required by law to produce this information (Subpoena). Unless specifically required by law and so clearly communicated to Alternative Hosting, the Subpoena will be transmitted to Alternative Hosting’s Customer.

Third party Civil demands for information, such as discovery requests and similar demands (Civil Demands), must be part of a filed and pending litigation matter. Responses to Civil Demands are at Alternative Hosting’s discretion. Responses are subject to a response fee of $500 per hour. The same rate applies for requests, research or responses on issues where you have indicated you wish to pursue legal action, but have not yet files such action (whether you intend to pursue such legal action or not). Alternative Hosting does not honour requests from civil litigants to limit or to pre-approve response expenses. Civil litigants are encouraged to contact Alternative Hosting prior to serving Civil Demands in order to minimize their expense.

Address for Subpoenas and Civil Demands:

Alternative Hosting,
C/O Alternative Internet Services Inc.,

105 Hemlo Cr.,
Kanata, Ontario,
Canada, K2T 1C9

Security

Unauthorized Access

Under no circumstances may Alternative Hosting’s systems be used to gain access or deny access to a system or attempt to gain or attempt to deny access to a system without the permission of the system’s owners (or rightful users).

Denial of Service (DoS)

A Denial of Service (DoS) attack is designed to disproportionately consume the resources of a system in order to reduce its ability to serve its function.

Under no circumstances may Alternative Hosting’s systems be used in DoS attacks.

Prohibition of Abnormal, Damaging Traffic

Abnormal traffic shapes may cause detrimental effects to other users and/or the network, and, in extreme cases, may have DoS attack like effects.

Maximum pps Ratio

Customers must ensure that their packets per second (pps) ratio is below 1 packet/second per each 1000 bits/second (i.e. 1 pps per 1 Kb/s). Any higher pps to bandwidth ratios will result in immediate service termination with no grounds for reinstatement. Furthermore, Customer will be liable for a minimum fine of $500 per hour that the pps ratio is exceeded, or greater based on the scope of the effect on other users and/or the network.

Probes and Scans

Definitions

Probe

A probe is a connection made to a computer in order to determine if it has a security vulnerability (for example, testing a mail relay to see if it allows third party relay). This also includes un-authorized security testing of any system or network.

Port-Scan

A port scan is making multiple attempts to connect to a computer on different ports in order to determine the services it provides.

Sweep

A sweep is a series of attempts to connect to multiple network addresses in order to determine whether they are in-use, providing a specific service or to map a network’s topology.

Spoofing

Spoofing is faking the details of a connection in order to make it appear to come from a different computer, organization or individual without their permission.

Prohibition of Probes, Port-Scans, Sweeps and Spoofing

Probes, port-scans, sweeps and spoofing of systems without the express permission of the owners of those systems is prohibited, and may be reported to law enforcement agencies.

Alternative Hosting reserves the right to use probes, port-scans, sweeps and spoofing on any system connected to the Alternative Hosting network in the course of performing security assessments and threat management.

Virus/Worm/Trojan Infections and Distribution

Virus infections are the responsibility of the customer and must be rectified as soon as possible. Alternative Hosting reserves the right to disconnect an infected customer if damage to other servers or third parties cannot be avoided otherwise. Notification will be sent if a disconnection is necessary, but there may be no delay between notification and disconnection.

E-mail/Spam

Generally The Internet is a robust source for communication between individuals and entities. Alternative Hosting supports the use of E-mail for legitimate communications in a manner that is generally accepted. The use of E-mail for unsolicited bulk E-mails is not generally accepted. The use of Alternative Hosting’s services to transmit this type of E-mail is specifically prohibited by this AUP. While differences of opinion may exist on what type of E-mail communication constitutes unsolicited bulk E-mail, or SPAM, Alternative Hosting’s Customers and End Users are required to abide by the definitions and restrictions in this AUP, regardless of whether a particular type of E-mail communication is permissible by law or other regulation.

Definitions

Bulk (or Broadcast) E-mail

Bulk E-mail is sending of substantively similar E-mails to more than 20 E-mail addresses.

Commercial E-mail

Commercial E-mail is any E-mail message, the primary purpose of which, is the commercial advertisement or promotion of a commercial product or service, including Content on a web site, which is operated for a commercial purpose, or which has as its primary goal, a commercial purpose.

Alternative Hosting’s services may not be used to send UBE and UCE (a.k.a. spam)

Alternative Hosting’s systems may not be used to send Unsolicited Bulk E-mails (UBE) or Unsolicited Commercial E-mails (UCE).

Customers or others acting on their behalf may not send UBE or UCE promoting or advertising domain names, URIs or E-mail addresses hosted by Alternative Hosting.

See RFC2635 for more information on spam.

Other Commercial Announcements

Neither customers nor End Users may post any commercial advertisement on any public bulletin board system or web site unless it is expressly allowed on that system or web site. Complaints will be handled the in the same manner as UBE and UCE complaints.

Bulk Mailing

Bulk Mailing Through Alternative Hosting

Alternative Hosting’s mail servers are the only servers designed to send Bulk E-mail using the mailing list system that may be part of the subscribers account. Sending Bulk (or Broadcast) E-mail through or from any Alternative Hosting owned server, that is not expressly designed to handle mailing lists, is strictly prohibited. This specifically includes but is not limited to Alternative Hosting web servers running any operating system or combination of server software. Violations of this policy may lead to sanctions permanently or temporarily inhibiting the ability to send any mail from those servers or total account termination at Alternative Hosting’s sole discretion.

Mail Bombing

Mail Bombing is sending more than 10 substantively similar E-mails to the same recipient in any 24-hour period.

Alternative Hosting’s systems may not be used to engage in Mail Bombing.

Prohibited Services & Protocols

Bit Torrent / File Serving Traffic

You may not use our service to host a bit torrent or any other type of file transfer server that allows unrestricted access the public or consumes a significant amount of traffic. Personal use and use for downloading files is acceptable. If you are found to be using this type of traffic your system may be disconnected with or without notice.

Usenet

Usenet is a distributed hierarchy of publicly accessible forums primarily defined by RFC1036. Usenet related programs, including, but not limited to, clients, bots, and servers, may not be run using Alternative Hosting’s services for any purpose.

IRC

IRC related programs, including, but not limited to, clients, bots, and servers, may not be run using Alternative Hosting’s services for any purpose.

Multicast

Customers may not make use of the multicast protocol unless they have a written and signed exemption to this rule from Alternative Hosting. Customers using the multicast protocol without prior written authorization will be billed up to $500 per hour that multicast is used.

Open Proxies

Customers may not make use of proxy servers that are not protected by a username and/or password or restricted to specific IP addresses to make indirect network connections to other network services. This includes, but is not limited to, SOCKS proxies, Web proxies, Network address translation (NAT) proxies, Web-based proxy servers, TOR proxies and open SMTP relays.

Consequences

Alternative Hosting expressly reserves the right to suspend or terminate, without notice, all services for any customer who violates our terms and conditions. The sub-sections in this section are only presented as a guide to how complaints are normally handled. Complaints about any violation or unacceptable activity may lead to suspension or termination of any service or services offered by Alternative Hosting. No refunds are provided for services terminated because of any violations of this AUP.

If practical, we will contact Customer (either by telephone or E-mail) before any action is taken. Where Alternative Hosting believes that that the violation was accidental or will not be repeated, Alternative Hosting may, at its discretion, choose to re-enable services. In these circumstances Alternative Hosting may also place restrictions or further conditions on Customer’s use of Alternative Hosting’s systems, require a formal undertaking from them regarding their future conduct or require payment to cover costs incurred by Alternative Hosting in dealing with the abuse incident.

In certain circumstances, Alternative Hosting may suspend a Customer’s services in the interests of preventing further abuse while Alternative Hosting investigates.

Consequences of UBE and UCE Complaints

UBE and UCE are a total violation of a customer’s contract, and will be dealt with firmly by Alternative Hosting. Since it is true that complaints do come in about UBE or UCE and the complainant is actually a valid subscriber there is an allowance as follows: The responsibility lies on Customer to make sure their mailing lists are kept up to date and clean of all non-subscribers.

Two or More Complaints in One 24 Hour Period

If UBE or UCE generates two or more complaints in one 24-hour period Customer will be notified of those complaints with copies of the reported E-mails. This one chance will be given to cease this activity, secure the system from relaying/abuse, or unsubscribe those who filed the complaints. In addition, Alternative Hosting reserves the right to perform an audit of the customers server to determine the source of activity. At Alternative Hosting’s sole discretion a zero tolerance policy may be applied and the customers account terminated.

Five or More Complaints in Three Consecutive 24 Hour Periods

If UBE or UCE generates five or more complaints in three 24-hour periods service will be suspended for ten days. Customer will be notified of those complaints with copies of the reported E-mails. It will be the responsibility of Customer to request re-connection when the ten day suspension period has expired. A re-connection fee, equivalent to the a normal account/service set-up fee, will apply.

Eight or More Complaints in Five Consecutive 24 Hour Periods

If UBE or UCE generates eight or more complaints in five consecutive 24-hour periods the account will be terminated immediately. Notification will be sent after services are terminated.

Complaints Regarding Open Relays or Open Proxies

If UBE or UCE complaints indicate an open relay or open proxy or Alternative Hosting discovers an open relay or open proxy through the course of business Customer will be notified after services are suspended.

Restoration of service will require written acknowledgement of the reason for suspension and either:

1. An indication that the security issue will be remedied including how this will be achieved; or

2. Customer pays Alternative Hosting to remedy the security issue on the customer’s behalf.

If Any Portion of Our Network is Blocked or ‘Blacklisted’ by a Third Party

If any services consumed by a Customer, or End User, is found to be the cause for any part of Alternative Hosting’s network being blocked or ‘blacklisted’ by any third party in any way, Alternative Hosting reserves the right to terminate some or all services offered by Alternative Hosting without notice. It is the responsibility of Customers to be sure they and their subscribers are not abusing our network and causing service problems for other Customers.