Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

Last updated: 16 June 2026

Introduction

This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") sets out the rules for using any service provided by 8Bit Hosting. By purchasing or using our services, you agree to comply with this policy. It applies to all customers, users, and any third parties accessing servers hosted on our infrastructure.

Some rules apply to all services; additional rules apply specifically to VPS/VDS hosting, where you have root access and full control over the operating system.

1. Prohibited Activities — All Services

Network & Security Attacks

  • Launching or participating in DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks or any form of network flooding
  • Scanning, probing, or attempting to gain unauthorised access to other systems
  • Running packet amplification or reflection tools

Illegal & Harmful Content

  • Hosting, distributing, or linking to illegal content under UK law or your local jurisdiction
  • Distributing malware, ransomware, viruses, spyware, or any harmful software
  • Hosting or distributing content that exploits or harms minors (CSAM)
  • Content that promotes terrorism, violence, or hatred

Resource & Network Abuse

  • Attempting to bypass or exploit your allocated resource limits (CPU, RAM, storage, bandwidth)
  • Deliberately causing resource contention that impacts other customers' services

Other Prohibited Activities

  • Sending unsolicited email (spam) from your server
  • Any activity that violates UK law or international law applicable to you
  • Abusive, threatening, or harassing behaviour toward 8Bit Hosting staff

2. Game Server Hosting — Additional Rules

  • Distributing or hosting cheat software, aimbots, wallhacks, or other game-cheating tools
  • Running servers designed to grief, harass, or harm other players
  • Hosting cracked or pirated game servers where the game or platform prohibits this
  • Hosting adult, NSFW, or explicit content
  • Cryptocurrency mining of any kind

3. VPS / VDS Hosting — Additional Rules

VPS/VDS customers have root access and run their own operating systems. With that freedom comes responsibility. The following apply in addition to the general rules above:

  • All software must be properly licensed. You must not run unlicensed or pirated software.
  • Cryptocurrency mining is prohibited unless you have written permission from us.
  • Open proxies and public anonymisers that facilitate abuse (e.g. circumventing sanctions, enabling illegal activity) are prohibited. Running a private VPN or personal WireGuard tunnel for your own legitimate use is permitted.
  • Hosting adult or NSFW content is prohibited without prior written approval.
  • Bulk email / mailing lists must comply with UK GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). Opt-in lists only; no spam.
  • Open mail relays are prohibited.
  • Tor exit nodes are prohibited.

24-Hour Abuse Response Obligation

If 8Bit Hosting receives an abuse complaint related to your VPS/VDS — for example, DDoS activity, spam, malware distribution, or illegal content — we will contact you and you must take action to stop the abuse and confirm resolution within 24 hours. If we do not receive a satisfactory response within 24 hours, your server will be suspended. This reflects the obligation imposed on us by our infrastructure provider and is non-negotiable.

Sanctions

You must not use VPS/VDS services if you are, or are acting on behalf of, a person or entity in a country subject to UK, EU, or US sanctions. We reserve the right to terminate services immediately where sanctions compliance requires.

4. Enforcement

Violations may result in enforcement action, escalating based on severity:

  • Warning: a formal notification for minor or first-time violations, with an opportunity to remedy the issue
  • Suspension: temporary service suspension pending investigation or resolution
  • Termination: permanent termination without refund for serious, repeated, or malicious violations

For severe violations (e.g. active DDoS attacks, illegal content, active exploitation), we reserve the right to suspend or terminate immediately and without prior notice.

5. Reporting Abuse

If you believe a server hosted by 8Bit Hosting is being used for malicious or illegal activity:

All reports are treated confidentially and investigated promptly. See our Abuse Reporting Policy for what to include.

6. Changes to This Policy

We may update this AUP at any time. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated version.

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