Acceptable Use Policy

This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") outlines the rules and guidelines for using engineers.network ("Platform"). This policy is part of our Terms of Service and applies to all users. By using the Platform, you agree to comply with this AUP.

1. Professional Conduct

engineers.network is a professional platform for engineers, scientists, and technology innovators. All interactions should maintain a standard of professionalism:

• Treat all users with respect and courtesy
• Engage in constructive and meaningful discussions
• Provide accurate information about your qualifications and experience
• Respect intellectual property rights of others
• Maintain confidentiality of proprietary or sensitive information

2. Prohibited Content

You may not post, share, or transmit content that:

• Harmful: Promotes violence, self-harm, or dangerous activities
• Hateful: Promotes discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics
• Harassing: Targets, bullies, intimidates, or threatens any individual
• Fraudulent: Deceives or misleads users, including fake credentials, fabricated experience, or impersonation
• Illegal: Violates any applicable law or regulation
• Infringing: Violates intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, trade secrets, or copyrights
• Sexually Explicit: Contains pornographic or sexually explicit material
• Spam: Unsolicited commercial messages, chain messages, or repetitive content
• Malware: Contains viruses, trojans, or other malicious software
• Misleading: False or misleading professional claims, fake product reviews, or fabricated metrics

3. Prohibited Activities

You may not engage in the following activities on the Platform:

3.1 Account Abuse

• Creating multiple accounts for deceptive purposes
• Sharing account credentials with unauthorized individuals
• Using another person's account without permission
• Creating accounts using false identities

3.2 Technical Abuse

• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to systems or data
• Reverse engineering, decompiling, or disassembling the Platform
• Using automated bots, scrapers, or crawlers without written permission
• Overloading or interfering with Platform infrastructure
• Exploiting bugs or vulnerabilities (report them to security@engineers.network instead)
• Circumventing security measures or access restrictions

3.3 Data Abuse

• Collecting or harvesting other users' personal information
• Using contact information obtained from the Platform for unauthorized purposes
• Selling or sharing user data with third parties
• Using the Platform to build competing databases of professional profiles

3.4 Commercial Abuse

• Using the Platform primarily for advertising or promotion unrelated to engineering
• Posting fake job listings, tenders, or business opportunities
• Engaging in pyramid schemes, multi-level marketing, or fraudulent business practices
• Manipulating engagement metrics (fake likes, views, or connections)

4. Content Standards for Specific Features

4.1 Job Postings

• Must represent genuine employment opportunities
• Must include accurate compensation information where required by law
• Must not discriminate based on protected characteristics
• Must clearly identify the hiring organization

4.2 Tenders

• Must describe real project requirements
• Must include accurate scope, timeline, and budget information
• Must be posted by authorized representatives of the tendering organization

4.3 Courses

• Must contain accurate and up-to-date technical information
• Must clearly state prerequisites and learning outcomes
• Must not plagiarize content from other sources

4.4 Groups

• Must be created for legitimate professional or technical purposes
• Group administrators must enforce this AUP within their groups
• Must not be used primarily for commercial promotion

5. Reporting Violations

If you encounter content or behavior that violates this AUP, please report it:

• Use the "Report" button available on content and profiles
• Email abuse@engineers.network with details and evidence
• Contact us through our Contact page

All reports are reviewed by our moderation team. We take reports seriously and investigate promptly.

6. Enforcement

Violations of this AUP may result in the following actions, depending on severity:

• Warning: A formal notice that your behavior violates the AUP
• Content Removal: Removal of offending content without notice
• Temporary Suspension: Temporary restriction of account access
• Permanent Ban: Permanent removal from the Platform
• Legal Action: Referral to law enforcement if required

We reserve the right to take enforcement action at our sole discretion. Repeated or severe violations may result in immediate account termination.

7. Appeals

If you believe an enforcement action was taken in error, you may appeal by emailing appeals@engineers.network within 14 days of the action. Include your username and a detailed explanation. Appeals are reviewed within 10 business days.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this AUP from time to time. We will notify users of material changes through the Platform. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance.

9. Contact

For questions about this Acceptable Use Policy:

• Email: abuse@engineers.network
• Contact Page: engineers.network/contact