Scope

This policy applies to all ShadowShells accounts and services, including shell access, web hosting, databases, and all associated infrastructure.

Invite-only and vouching

ShadowShells is invite-only. New accounts are created only on the recommendation of an existing account holder who vouches for the new user. Vouching is a trust relationship: a voucher may be held accountable for the conduct of an account they recommended. Do not vouch for someone unless you are confident they will follow this policy.

Prohibited uses

The following are strictly prohibited:

• Distributed denial-of-service attacks, botnets, or any attempt to attack or compromise other hosts or networks
• Spam, unsolicited bulk email, or operating a mail relay
• Illegal content or activity
• Copyright infringement or distribution of copyrighted material without permission
• Accessing, reading, or tampering with another user's data, files, or account
• Circumventing resource limits through exploitation or deception

IRC bots and bouncers

Running IRC bots and ZNC bouncers is a core use case for ShadowShells and is actively encouraged. However, your bots and bouncers must behave ethically:

• Do not flood or spam IRC networks
• Do not participate in DDoS attacks or network abuse of any kind
• Respect network policies and channel rules
• A badly-behaved bot running on ShadowShells reflects on all of us. Misbehaviour will be addressed.

Resource limits

Each plan has defined limits on memory, disk, and process count. These limits are enforced to ensure fair and stable service. If you consistently approach or exceed your limits, you will receive a warning. Continued violation may result in enforcement action.

Web hosting content

If you use the optional website hosting feature, all content hosted must comply with this policy. Do not host illegal content, copyright-infringing material, or anything that violates the prohibited uses listed above.

Enforcement

Violations are addressed proportionately:

• First violation: formal warning and an explanation of the issue
• Second or continued violation: account suspension, which disables access but preserves all data and account state
• Severe or repeated violation: account termination with a grace period before data is purged from backups

Suspension and termination decisions are made by staff on a case-by-case basis, taking severity and context into account. You will be notified before any enforcement action is taken and will have a chance to respond.

Copyright and DMCA

If you believe content hosted on ShadowShells infringes your copyright, contact abuse@shadowsquad.org with details. Legitimate DMCA notices will be acted upon. Frivolous or abusive notices may result in investigation into the reporter's conduct.

Privacy

See the privacy policy for details on what data is logged, retained, and how it is protected.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Significant changes will be announced in advance via MOTD and email to all account holders. Continued use of your account after such a notice constitutes acceptance of the new policy.

Contact

Questions about this policy: hello@shadowsquad.org

Abuse reports: abuse@shadowsquad.org