Website Acceptable Use Policy UK

Standalone Acceptable Use Policy for UK websites and platforms. Covers prohibited conduct, enforcement, account suspension and governing law. From £4.99.

What is a Website Acceptable Use Policy?

A Website Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) sets the rules of conduct for users of a website or digital platform — what they may and may not do, and the consequences of misuse. It is a standalone document distinct from Website Terms of Use (which govern access and liability) and Terms and Conditions of sale (which govern transactions). The AUP is the primary contractual basis for content removal, account suspension, and access termination.

When do you need one?

Any website that accepts user accounts, user-generated content, API access, or any form of user interaction beyond passive reading needs an AUP. It is essential for SaaS platforms, online communities, marketplaces, and developer tools. The Online Safety Act 2023 imposes duties on user-to-user services to have systems for reporting and removing illegal content — an AUP is the contractual foundation for those systems.

What does it cover?

Prohibited conduct (illegal content, harassment, scraping, spam, unauthorised access, malware), content standards, account suspension and termination rights, enforcement procedure, reporting mechanism, consequences of breach including legal action, API and automated access rules, and the governing law of England and Wales.

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