1. 1. Scope of Acceptable Use

This Acceptable Usage Policy (AUP) forms an integral part of the HosteDomains Terms of Service and applies to all Clients without exception. Use of our services requires full compliance with the Syn(min) collaboration framework, as defined in the Terms of Service. HosteDomains provides managed hosting services. Clients do not act as system administrators and may not disregard the technical directions of Setin Designs. Compliance with the Syn(min) framework ensures that:
  • at minimum, there is an active Basic Technical Support Package (BP), and
  • where required, adherence to exclusive collaboration tasks (AT) for VPS and Dedicated hosting.
Failure to comply with the Syn(min) framework, as well as any activity contrary to this AUP, may result in suspension or termination of services, in accordance with the Terms of Service.  

  1. 2. Resource Usage (CPU, Disk, Bandwidth)

The use of hosting resources must be conducted in a manner that ensures the stable operation of all services.
  • CPU & Memory: Excessive consumption of processing power or memory that disrupts shared environments is strictly prohibited.
  • Disk Space: Disk space is intended exclusively for files necessary to operate the hosted project (website, email, backups within the account). Use as offsite storage (e.g., personal file repositories, video libraries, P2P applications) is not permitted.
  • Bandwidth: Available bandwidth is provided solely for the proper operation and access of hosted websites. Use for file distribution, mirroring, or streaming without prior approval is prohibited.
For VPS/Dedicated servers:
  • Resources belong exclusively to the Client; however, their management remains under the managed services framework of Setin Designs.
  • Any activity that causes instability or poses a threat to the overall project may result in immediate intervention (e.g., process suspension, forced reboot) for security reasons.
HosteDomains reserves the right to suspend or restrict resource usage if abusive behavior is detected that jeopardizes the stability of servers or other Clients.  

  1. 3. Email & Messaging Services

The use of HosteDomains email services must comply with international standards and avoid practices that negatively affect the reputation of our servers.
  • Sending Limits: Each account may send no more than 300 messages per hour. Exceeding this limit may result in automatic suspension, throttling, or blacklisting.
  • Spam: The sending of unsolicited commercial emails (SPAM), chain letters, or bulk mailings without consent (opt-in) is strictly prohibited. HosteDomains enforces a zero-tolerance policy against spam.
  • Email Storage: Email storage space is intended solely for professional correspondence. It may not be used as a general-purpose storage medium.
  • Mailing Lists & Newsletters: Permitted only if double opt-in procedures are followed and recipients are provided with a clear and easy unsubscribe option.
  • Relay Abuse: Use of HosteDomains servers as relays for third parties or sending via unauthorized mailers is prohibited.
HosteDomains reserves the right to place an account in Suspended status if repeated violations occur or if email activity leads to blacklisting of shared IP addresses. The Client is solely responsible for the cost of remediation (delisting, dedicated IP, migration).  

  1. 4. Prohibited Content & Activities

The use of HosteDomains services is strictly prohibited for storing, transmitting, or promoting content or activities that violate applicable law or public decency. Prohibited content and activities include, but are not limited to:
  • Illegal content: material related to child exploitation, drugs, weapons, terrorism, or fraud.
  • Pirated or copyrighted material: unauthorized copies of software, music, movies, warez, cracks, keygens.
  • Offensive content: racist, abusive, hateful, or violent messages, as well as any content that incites hatred.
  • Intellectual property violations: use of trademarks, logos, or third-party material without proper authorization.
  • Phishing & fraud: creation of fake websites, deceptive collection of information, distribution of malicious software.
  • Malicious activities: hosting malware, scripts for scanning, DDoS tools, botnets.
HosteDomains cooperates with the competent authorities and reserves the right to immediately suspend any account hosting or promoting the above content, without prior notice.  

  1. 5. Security & Maintenance Obligations

The security of services and the maintenance of a healthy hosting environment are a shared responsibility between HosteDomains and the Client. The Client must adhere to the following practices:
  • Software Updates: The Client is required to keep their CMS, plugins, and any other software up to date.
  • Prohibited Activities: Activities such as hacking, brute force attempts, scanning, phishing, malware injection, or any form of unauthorized access are strictly prohibited.
  • Compliance with Technical Guidance: The Client must comply with technical instructions provided by Setin Designs (e.g., enabling Cloudflare, PHP version changes, system upgrades). Failure to comply releases HosteDomains from responsibility for resulting issues.
  • IP Bans & Blacklisting: If the Client’s actions (intentional or unintentional) result in an IP address ban or blacklisting on a shared server, HosteDomains reserves the right to immediately suspend the account. The Client shall bear the cost of remediation (IP delisting, migration, dedicated IP).
  • Malware Detection: If proactive security scans (e.g., Imunify, Wordfence, or other malware scanners) detect malicious content on the Client’s website and the Client does not promptly remove or clean it, HosteDomains reserves the right to place the account in Suspended status without prior notice until full remediation is completed.
  • VPS/Dedicated Servers: The Client acknowledges that in VPS or Dedicated environments, such issues may affect the entire project. Any additional remediation work will be carried out exclusively by Setin Designs and charged separately.
 

  1. 6. Collaboration Framework Compliance (Syn(min))

HosteDomains operates under the minimum collaboration framework Syn(min), as defined in the Terms of Service. Compliance with Syn(min) is mandatory for all Clients.
  • Shared Hosting (Hermes & Zeus Premium): Syn(min) requires an active Basic Technical Support Package (BP). No exclusive collaboration in other areas is required; however, server/WHM administration and live deployments are performed exclusively by HosteDomains.
  • VPS Managed Hosting: Syn(min) includes the BP and additional exclusive collaboration tasks (AT) in the following areas: • Integration and management of conversion-tracking mechanisms (Google Ads, Meta Pixel, product feeds). • Compliance with GDPR Consent Mode v2. Any such work must be assigned to Setin Designs and is billed separately.
  • Dedicated Managed Servers: Syn(min) includes the BP and additional exclusive collaboration tasks (AT) that extend across the entire scope of Setin Designs services: • Website construction, redesign, and optimization. • Digital marketing (Google Ads, Meta Ads, SEO, newsletters). • Content creation, photography, graphic and digital design. • Technical support, hosting, and all related services. All tasks in these areas are carried out exclusively by Setin Designs.
Non-compliance: Circumventing the Syn(min) framework may result in:
  • Temporary suspension of the account.
  • In case of repeated violations, termination of service.
  • If the Client chooses to leave rather than comply, HosteDomains reserves the right to claim compensation of up to 6 times the value of the recurring billing cycle.
  • The account will remain in Suspended status until compensation is paid or the transfer to a new provider is assigned to HosteDomains at additional cost.
 

  1. 7. Support & Incident Handling

HosteDomains provides support exclusively through the ticketing system available within the client area.
  • Official Communication Channel: All technical support requests must be submitted via ticket. Phone calls or direct emails are not considered official requests and do not trigger SLA obligations.
  • Prioritization: Tickets are handled based on the severity of the issue, chronological order, and the Client’s support history.
  • Documentation & History: The ticketing system ensures a complete history per Client, providing documented context in cases of recurring issues.
  • Incident Handling: In cases of critical incidents (e.g., malware infection, IP blacklisting, server outage), the Client must cooperate with the technical team and follow the directions provided to restore functionality.
  • Failure to Follow Instructions: If the Client refuses to implement critical technical instructions related to security and functionality, HosteDomains reserves the right to temporarily suspend the service until the necessary measures are applied.
 

  1. 8. Penalties & Enforcement

HosteDomains enforces a strict policy regarding violations of the Acceptable Usage Policy (AUP).
  • Immediate Suspension: Accounts may be placed in Suspended status without prior notice if violations are detected that compromise the security, stability, or reputation of the servers.
  • Temporary Measures: If a violation can be remedied, the Client may be given a reasonable timeframe to comply.
  • Repeated Violations: In cases of repeated or severe violations, HosteDomains reserves the right to permanently terminate the service.
  • Compensation Clause: If the Client chooses to leave instead of complying with the Syn(min) collaboration framework, HosteDomains is entitled to claim compensation of up to 6 times the value of the applicable recurring billing cycle.
  • Transfer to a New Provider: In cases of departure, the account will remain in Suspended status until either compensation is paid or the migration of the project to a new provider is assigned to HosteDomains, subject to additional costs.
  • Special Cases of Malicious Use: In cases of hosting malicious material, SPAM, or activities resulting in IP blacklisting, no compensation or refund will be provided.
 

  1. 9. Third-Party Rights & Legal Compliance

The use of HosteDomains services must fully comply with applicable laws (Greek, European, and International).
  • Intellectual & Industrial Property Rights: The Client may not host or promote content that infringes on copyrights, trademarks, patents, or other third-party rights.
  • DMCA & Trademark Complaints: HosteDomains cooperates with competent authorities and responds to requests regarding DMCA notices, trademarks, or intellectual property violations. In the event of a complaint, the Client must provide all necessary information or immediately remove the infringing content.
  • GDPR & Data Protection: The Client must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and all applicable data protection laws.
  • Duty of Cooperation: In the case of a legal or administrative investigation, the Client is required to cooperate with HosteDomains and provide any necessary information.
  • Exclusive Responsibility: The Client acknowledges that any claims made by third parties arising from unlawful use of the services remain solely the Client’s responsibility.
 

  1. 10. Disclaimer & Liability

  • No Monitoring Obligation: HosteDomains has no obligation to actively monitor the content hosted by Clients. Responsibility for the legality, accuracy, and compliance of hosted content lies solely with the Client.
  • Limitation of Liability: HosteDomains shall not be held liable for any indirect, special, or consequential damages arising from the use or inability to use the services.
  • Maximum Liability Cap: The total liability of HosteDomains is limited to the amount equivalent to up to three (3) months of service fees or a maximum of €250, whichever is lower.
  • Security & Availability: While HosteDomains makes reasonable efforts to ensure the security and availability of its services, it does not warrant that services will be uninterrupted, fully secure, or error-free.
  • Acceptance of Risks: By using the services, the Client acknowledges that HosteDomains is not responsible for data loss, delays, or damages resulting from factors beyond its reasonable control (e.g., force majeure, third-party provider failures, cyberattacks).
 

  1. 11. Final Provisions

  • Relation to Terms of Service: This Acceptable Usage Policy (AUP) forms an integral part of the HosteDomains Terms of Service. In case of conflict, the Terms of Service shall prevail.
  • Amendments: HosteDomains reserves the right to amend this AUP at any time by posting the updated version on its website. Changes take immediate effect unless otherwise specified.
  • Governing Law: This AUP is governed by Greek and European law, as well as applicable international conventions. The courts of Athens shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes.
  • Severability: If any provision of this AUP is found to be invalid or unenforceable, this shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.
  • Survival of Provisions: Provisions that by their nature are intended to survive (e.g., Limitation of Liability, Compensation Clause, Legal Compliance) shall remain in effect even after the termination or expiration of the service.