Acceptable Use Policy

1. Introduction

This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") governs your use of Billvate ("Service") operated by Stackvate Inc. ("we," "us," or "our"). This policy is an integral part of our Terms of Service.

By using our Service, you agree to comply with this AUP. Violations may result in warnings, account suspension, or termination.

2. Purpose of the Service

Billvate is designed exclusively for:

• Creating professional invoices for legitimate goods and services
• Managing client relationships and contact information
• Tracking payments and generating financial records
• Accepting online payments through integrated payment processors
• Generating business reports and analytics

The Service is intended for lawful business purposes only. It must not be used for any illegal, fraudulent, or harmful activities.

3. Permitted Uses

You may use the Service for the following legitimate business activities:

3.1 Business Requirements

To use our Service, your business activities must:

• Be legal in your jurisdiction
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• Not appear on our Prohibited Businesses list
• Involve actual goods or services (not fictitious transactions)
• Use accurate descriptions and pricing

4. Prohibited Uses

4.1 Prohibited Business Categories

The Service may not be used for invoicing related to prohibited business categories. For a complete list, see our Prohibited Businesses page. Key prohibited categories include:

• Illegal drugs and controlled substances
• Weapons, firearms, and ammunition
• Adult entertainment and pornography
• Gambling (unlicensed)
• Cryptocurrency exchanges (unregistered)
• Human trafficking or exploitation
• Counterfeit goods
• Terrorism-related activities

4.2 Prohibited Behaviors

• Creating multiple accounts to circumvent limits or restrictions
• Sharing login credentials with unauthorized individuals
• Using automated tools to access the Service without permission
• Attempting to bypass our content scanning systems
• Interfering with the operation of the Service
• Accessing other users' data without authorization
• Reverse engineering or copying the Service

5. Content Restrictions

All content you create using our Service must comply with these restrictions:

5.1 Invoice Descriptions

Invoice line item descriptions must:

• Accurately describe the goods or services provided
• Not contain prohibited keywords or references
• Not be intentionally vague to hide prohibited activities
• Be written in a professional manner

5.2 Prohibited Keywords

Our systems automatically scan for keywords associated with:

• Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia
• Weapons and explosives
• Adult content and sexual services
• Terrorism and extremism
• Financial fraud indicators
• Sanctioned entities and individuals

5.3 Client Information

Client names and information you enter must:

• Represent real clients with whom you have a business relationship
• Not include names on U.S. sanctions lists (OFAC SDN)
• Be accurate and up-to-date
• Not be used for phishing or fraud

6. Geographic Restrictions

Due to U.S. sanctions regulations, the Service is not available in certain countries and regions:

6.1 Sanctioned Countries

6.2 VPN and Proxy Usage

Using VPNs, proxies, Tor, or other anonymization tools to access the Service is prohibited. We detect and block such access to:

• Comply with sanctions regulations
• Prevent fraud and abuse
• Maintain accurate geographic records

If you have a legitimate business need to use a VPN (such as for corporate security), please contact us before use.

7. Technical Restrictions

7.1 Automated Access

You may not use automated tools, bots, or scripts to:

• Create accounts automatically
• Generate invoices in bulk without authorization
• Scrape or extract data from the Service
• Test our security systems without permission

7.2 API Usage

If API access is provided, you must:

• Comply with rate limits and usage policies
• Protect API keys and credentials
• Not share API access with third parties
• Use APIs only for intended purposes

7.3 System Integrity

You must not attempt to:

• Circumvent security measures or access controls
• Inject malicious code or content
• Exploit vulnerabilities in the Service
• Overload or disrupt the Service

8. Client Management

8.1 Client Data Responsibility

You are responsible for:

• Ensuring accuracy of client information you enter
• Obtaining necessary consents to store client data
• Complying with data protection laws regarding client information
• Not sharing client data inappropriately

8.2 SDN Screening

We screen client names against the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list. If a potential match is found:

• The client addition may be blocked
• Your account may be flagged for review
• You may be required to provide additional documentation

8.3 Client Portal Access

When providing clients with portal access:

• Ensure clients are informed about how their data is used
• Do not provide access to unauthorized individuals
• Monitor for suspicious login activity

9. Monitoring & Scanning

To maintain the integrity of our Service and comply with legal requirements, we employ monitoring systems:

9.1 What We Monitor

• Invoice Content: Automated keyword scanning for prohibited terms
• Client Names: SDN list screening
• Geographic Access: IP-based location verification
• Access Patterns: Detection of suspicious activity
• VPN/Proxy Usage: Detection of anonymization tools

9.2 Automated Actions

Based on monitoring, our systems may automatically:

• Flag content for human review
• Block invoice creation pending review
• Temporarily restrict account features
• Suspend accounts for serious violations

9.3 Human Review

Flagged accounts are reviewed by our compliance team. Reviews typically occur within:

• 24-48 hours for high-priority flags
• 5-10 business days for standard reviews

10. Violation Consequences

Violations of this policy are handled based on severity:

11. Reporting Violations

If you become aware of any violations of this policy, please report them:

11.1 How to Report

• Email: abuse@billvate.com
• Subject Line: Include "AUP Violation Report"

11.2 What to Include

• Description of the suspected violation
• Account or invoice identifiers if known
• Any supporting evidence
• Your contact information (optional, for follow-up)

11.3 Confidentiality

Reports are handled confidentially. We do not share reporter identity with the reported party unless legally required.

12. Appeals Process

If you believe an enforcement action was taken in error, you may appeal:

12.1 How to Appeal

1. Email support@billvate.com with subject "Policy Appeal"
2. Include your account email and a detailed explanation
3. Provide any supporting documentation
4. Submit within 14 days of the enforcement action

12.2 Appeal Timeline

• Acknowledgment: Within 2 business days
• Initial Review: Within 5-10 business days
• Final Decision: Within 14 business days

12.3 Appeal Outcomes

• Upheld: Original action stands
• Modified: Action reduced or altered
• Reversed: Action removed, account restored

13. Policy Changes

We may update this policy as needed. Changes will be communicated through:

• Email notification to registered users
• Notice on our website
• Updated "Last Updated" date

Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Information

For questions about this Acceptable Use Policy:

• General Inquiries: support@billvate.com
• Abuse Reports: abuse@billvate.com
• Compliance: compliance@billvate.com