Acceptable Use Policy

AustNet Chat Network is provided for lawful communication and community interaction. Permitted uses include:

• General Communication: Text-based chat, discussion, and information sharing
• Community Building: Creating and participating in channels for legitimate interests
• Technical Discussion: Sharing knowledge about technology, programming, and related topics
• Social Interaction: Making friends, networking, and building online communities
• Educational Content: Sharing educational materials and learning resources
• Entertainment: Gaming discussions, music sharing, and recreational activities

The following activities are strictly prohibited on AustNet:

1. General Network Policy

• IRC is an unmoderated platform. AustNet does not monitor or log user messages, and is not responsible for content shared by users.
• AustNet does not accept legal liability for any messages or content transmitted over its network.
• Parents are strongly advised to supervise minors using IRC, as content may not be suitable for all ages.
• By connecting, you consent to security checks on your host/IP, including identd/auth lookups, open port scans, and proxy/Tor detection.

2. Illegal Content and Activities

• Distribution of illegal content including copyrighted material, malware, or viruses
• Discussion or coordination of illegal activities
• Sharing of pirated software, music, movies, or other copyrighted works
• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to systems or networks

3. Harassment and Abuse

• Harassment, threats, or intimidation of other users
• Discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity
• Personal attacks, insults, or derogatory language
• Stalking or repeated unwanted contact
• Impersonation of other users, staff, or organizations

4. Spam, Flooding, and Disruption

• Sending unsolicited messages or advertisements
• Flooding channels with excessive messages
• Using bots or scripts to disrupt normal channel operation
• Creating channels for spam or malicious purposes
• Flooding, spamming, posting personal info, or using OPAS/CTCP for mass invites or notices is not allowed. Offenders will be removed.

5. Inappropriate Content

• Sharing explicit sexual content or pornography
• Graphic violence or disturbing imagery
• Hate speech or promotion of violence
• Content that violates local laws or regulations

6. Network Abuse & Cloning

• Cloning (connecting more than two clients from the same host/IP) is not permitted. For exceptions (e.g. LAN parties), request approval in #ASD. Violators will be removed.
• Circumventing network bans by using VPNs, BNCs, proxies, or changing your IP is considered hostile and will result in removal and bans.

7. Nickname and Channel Registration

• You may register up to four nicknames per host/IP. To keep a nickname active, you must /identify at least once every 180 days.
• If you own a channel, you must use at least one ChanOP command every 60 days to keep it active.
• Exceeding nickname/channel limits may result in a services ban or OPAS ignoring your commands, with or without warning.
• Channels must not use bots or clones to mimic ChanOP or other network services. This is strictly prohibited.

8. Poaching and User Solicitation

• Do not connect to AustNet to recruit or poach users for other IRC networks or social media via spam, flooding, or advertising. Offenders will be removed.

• Attempting to disrupt network services or infrastructure
• Using excessive bandwidth or connection attempts
• Exploiting network vulnerabilities
• Running unauthorized services or proxies

Channel Ownership

Users may create and manage their own channels. Channel owners are responsible for:

• Setting appropriate channel topics and descriptions
• Maintaining channel rules that don't conflict with network policies
• Managing disruptive users within their channels
• Ensuring their channel content complies with this Acceptable Use Policy

Channel Takeovers

AustNet does not support forced channel takeovers. If you believe a channel has been taken over inappropriately:

• Contact network staff with evidence of the original ownership
• Provide logs or other proof of your claim
• Staff will investigate and may intervene if warranted

Permitted Bots

• Bots must be clearly identified as such (use /MODE +B)
• Bots should not flood channels or disrupt normal conversation
• Bot owners must register their bots with OPAS

Prohibited Bot Activities

• Mass messaging or spamming
• Channel takeovers or disruptive behavior
• Data collection without user consent
• Malicious or harmful functionality

Data Collection

AustNet may collect limited technical information for network operation:

• IP addresses for security and abuse prevention
• Connection logs for troubleshooting
• Channel and nickname registration data

User Privacy

• We do not sell or share personal information with third parties
• Registered nicknames and contact information are kept private
• Channel logs are not maintained by the network
• Users should exercise caution when sharing personal information

Violations & Enforcement

Violations of this Acceptable Use Policy may result in:

• Verbal warnings from network staff
• Temporary or permanent removal from channels
• Temporary network suspension
• Permanent network ban (K-line)

Appeals

If you believe you have been unfairly penalized:

• Contact network administration with details of the incident
• Provide any relevant evidence or context
• Appeals will be reviewed by network staff

If you have questions about this Acceptable Use Policy or need to report violations:

• Email: [email protected]
• IRC: Join #help channel on AustNet
• Web: Submit a ticket