Anti-Spam and Email Policy

Effective Date: January 26th 2025

Introduction

At North Georgia Web LLC, operating under the trade names (“North Florida Web, North Georgia Web, SiteEngine” “we,” “us,” or “our”), we are committed to fostering a secure and responsible online environment. This policy outlines our strict stance against spam and improper use of bulk email, ensuring compliance with legal standards and ethical practices. Violations of this policy may result in immediate account suspension or termination without refund.

What Constitutes Spam?

Spam refers to the sending of unsolicited bulk emails, messages, or other communications without the recipient’s prior consent. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Unsolicited promotional messages sent via email, instant messaging, or SMS.
  • Off-topic or promotional posts in forums, blogs, guestbooks, or newsgroups.
  • Misleading or falsified information in email headers or message content.

Policy on Bulk Email/Messaging

Subscription Requirements

  1. Opt-In Consent: Recipients must provide explicit consent to join any mailing list.
    • Consent may be gathered via online forms, event sign-ups, or other verifiable methods.
    • A confirmation email with a verification link (“double opt-in”) must be sent to validate the subscription.
  2. Confirmation Records: Subscribers’ details, including IP addresses, sign-up timestamps, and verification timestamps, must be logged and provided upon request.
  3. Transparency:
    • Clearly disclose how email addresses will be used and if they will be shared with third parties.
    • Link prominently to the privacy policy at the point of subscription.
  4. Third-Party Lists: Email lists procured from third-party vendors must meet these criteria:
    • The vendor must have a publicly accessible privacy policy allowing email list sharing.
    • The subscriber’s consent must be verifiable through records, including date, time, and IP address.
    • All imported lists must be re-confirmed via email before any bulk messaging.

Mailing Practices

  1. Accuracy and Integrity:
    • Do not falsify or obfuscate email headers or sender information.
    • Ensure all messages clearly identify the sender and purpose of communication.
  2. Opt-Out Mechanisms:
    • Provide a clear, easy-to-use method for recipients to unsubscribe from future communications.
    • Process opt-out requests promptly, no later than 5 business days after receipt.
  3. Bounced Emails:
    • Remove invalid or undeliverable email addresses after no more than five consecutive bounces.
  4. Affiliate and Advertising Responsibility:
    • You are accountable for the email practices of your affiliates or third-party marketing agencies.
    • Ensure all third parties comply with this policy and applicable laws.
  5. Bulk Email Location Restrictions:
    • North Georgia Web’s email servers are located in the United States. All bulk emails must comply with federal and state laws, including the CAN-SPAM Act and California Business and Professions Code §§ 17538.4 and 17538.45.

Prohibited Activities

The following activities are strictly forbidden:

  • Use of North Georgia Web services to send spam or unsolicited bulk communications.
  • Use of software (“spamware”) designed to facilitate spamming activities.
  • Posting promotional or irrelevant messages in forums, guestbooks, newsgroups, or similar platforms without explicit permission.

Violations and Enforcement

Account Suspension or Termination

  • Immediate Action: Accounts suspected of engaging in spam activities may be suspended or terminated without notice.
  • Response Time: Account holders must address spam-related inquiries from North Georgia Web within 72 hours. Failure to respond may result in account termination.

Reporting Spam

If you suspect spam originating from a North Georgia Web customer, report it to abuse@northgeorgiaweb.net. Please include the following:

  • Full email headers and message content for email-based spam.
  • IP addresses, timestamps, and message details for web-based spam.

Spam Complaint Resolution

Customer Responsibilities

  • Respond promptly to spam-related inquiries, providing full subscription and confirmation records upon request.
  • Ensure compliance with this policy when using third-party email services in conjunction with North Georgia Web-hosted domains or services.

Privacy Protections for Complainants

  • The identities of spam complainants are kept confidential unless explicitly permitted by the complainant.
  • Complaints are investigated based on the evidence provided, not the identity of the complainant.

Compliance Requirements

  1. Legal Compliance: Customers must comply with all applicable anti-spam laws, including the CAN-SPAM Act, GDPR, and any relevant state or international laws.
  2. Technical Requirements:
    • Maintain accurate opt-in confirmation logs.
    • Use tools that enforce opt-in verification and unsubscribe functionality.
  3. Exclusions and Limits: Simply providing an unsubscribe option or adhering to CAN-SPAM alone does not meet this policy’s standards.

FAQs and Common Scenarios

Is unsolicited email to my customers allowed?

No. Even if someone is a paying customer, they must explicitly opt-in to receive bulk email communications.

Are event or trade show sign-ups sufficient for opt-in?

No. Physical sign-ups must be followed by electronic opt-in confirmation to verify the recipient’s intent.

What should I do if I suspect malicious spam complaints?

As long as you maintain compliance with this policy, malicious complaints will not result in penalties. Respond promptly to inquiries and provide all requested records.

Policy Modifications

North Georgia Web reserves the right to amend or update this Anti-Spam Policy at any time. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the latest terms.

Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding this Anti-Spam Policy, please contact:

By adhering to this policy, you contribute to a secure and respectful online environment. Thank you for your cooperation.