In order to maintain the performance, security, and reputation of our infrastructure and to protect all customers on our shared platform, Shaw Networks enforces a strict Acceptable Usage Policy. By using any Shaw Networks service, you agree to be bound by the terms below in addition to the Terms of Service.
Shaw Networks does not permit account holders to engage in any activity that is illegal under applicable local, national, or international law. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to: spam, warez hosting, distribution of unsolicited commercial email, hacking, piracy, and use of copyrighted materials without the consent of the rights holder. This policy is strictly enforced. Violations will result in immediate account suspension or termination. Where appropriate, violating accounts will be reported to relevant law enforcement authorities.
The hosting, distribution, transmission, or possession of child sexual abuse material is a serious crime and is subject to zero tolerance. Discovery of any such material will result in immediate and permanent account termination, full disclosure of account holder information to all applicable law enforcement authorities, and full cooperation with any investigation or prosecution. No exceptions will be made under any circumstances.
The following activities are strictly prohibited and may result in immediate account termination and referral to law enforcement:
Shaw Networks reserves the sole right to determine whether any of these activities have occurred and to act accordingly, including termination and reporting to law enforcement.
Our shared hosting environment operates under CloudLinux LVE (Lightweight Virtual Environment), which enforces per-account resource limits to protect all customers on the same server. You agree to operate within the following limits at all times:
A minimum of 90% of your hosted content must be publicly accessible and linked from standard web pages (HTML or equivalent). Your site must consist of standard web content (text, images, HTML, CSS, JavaScript). The following additional disk usage rules apply:
All outbound email sent via Shaw Networks infrastructure must comply with the CAN-SPAM Act, GDPR, and all other applicable anti-spam legislation. Bulk or marketing emails may only be sent to recipients who have provided confirmed opt-in consent. You may not operate an open mail relay through your account. Shaw Networks monitors outbound email for abuse and reserves the right to throttle, block, or terminate sending privileges for accounts in violation. Repeated or severe email abuse will result in account termination.
Adult content of any kind — including but not limited to explicit text, images, video, or graphics — is prohibited on all Shaw Networks shared hosting plans. This includes hosted files, linked content, and embedded third-party material. Any account found to be hosting or distributing adult content will be suspended immediately pending investigation and permanently terminated if confirmed. Content involving minors in any sexual context is a criminal offense subject to the provisions of Section 2 above.
Shaw Networks performs automated daily backups for disaster recovery purposes; however, you are solely responsible for maintaining your own independent backups of all account data. Shaw Networks bears no liability for data loss under any circumstances.
If your account is suspended for non-payment or policy violation, you may request access to your data within 30 days of suspension for a data retrieval fee of $25 per request. After 30 days, backups may no longer be available and Shaw Networks makes no guarantee of data retention beyond this period.
WordPress caching plugins (including but not limited to WP Super Cache, W3 Total Cache, and similar tools) are prohibited on shared hosting plans due to the server load they generate. WordPress sites requiring caching must be hosted on a VPS or dedicated server environment. Shaw Networks monitors for the use of prohibited caching modules and may suspend accounts found to be running them on shared infrastructure.
You may not operate an anonymous proxy server, open proxy, VPN gateway, or any service that routes or anonymizes third-party internet traffic through your Shaw Networks account. Such services place unacceptable load on shared infrastructure and create significant abuse and legal liability. Discovery of proxy or gateway services will result in immediate suspension and termination.
Running public recursive DNS resolvers is strictly prohibited on all Shaw Networks plans. Shaw Networks actively scans for open or public DNS services on its network and will remove any server or account found to be running such a service without prior notice.
You may not use your Shaw Networks account to offer free hosting, subdomains, email accounts, or any similar services to third parties. Providing such services, whether as a business or otherwise, is a breach of this policy and will result in immediate account suspension and termination.
You accept full responsibility for all content displayed on or linked from your hosted website, including advertising or content sourced from third parties. Content that violates this Acceptable Usage Policy — whether produced by you or a third party — is treated as a policy violation by your account. It is your responsibility to ensure that any third-party advertising networks, content providers, or user-generated content hosted under your account comply with the terms of this Policy.
To report abuse originating from the Shaw Networks network, email abuse@shawnetworks.com with the subject line “Abuse Report”. Please include relevant log excerpts, originating IP addresses, timestamps, and a description of the issue. Shaw Networks investigates all credible abuse reports and aims to respond within 24 hours.
Shaw Networks reserves the right to suspend or terminate any account that violates this Policy, with or without advance notice, depending on the severity and nature of the violation. In cases of severe violation — including CSAM, active DDoS participation, criminal fraud, or distribution of malware — Shaw Networks will act immediately and report to law enforcement. No refunds are issued for accounts terminated due to policy violations.
Shaw Networks has the sole right to determine whether a violation of this Policy has occurred. Disputes regarding enforcement decisions may be raised by contacting abuse@shawnetworks.com.
Shaw Networks may update this Acceptable Usage Policy at any time. Significant changes will be communicated via email to the address on file and posted on our website with at least 14 days’ notice before taking effect. Continued use of Shaw Networks services following the effective date of any update constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.
For questions regarding this policy, contact abuse@shawnetworks.com.