Acceptable Use Policy

This Acceptable Use Policy sets out the rules that apply when anyone uses FormatOS, its file conversion tools, content pages, upload and download flows, or any other part of the service. It is designed to protect users, rights holders, FormatOS, third-party services, and the broader online environment from harmful, abusive, or unlawful use.

This policy should be read together with the Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Copyright Policy, File Handling Policy, and Disclaimer. Those documents address related responsibilities not covered here.

This policy applies to all users of FormatOS, regardless of location, device, browser, or method of access. It applies to individual users, organisations, automated systems, and anyone who accesses or interacts with the website in any way — including uploading files, converting files, downloading outputs, reading content, or using any part of the service.

By using FormatOS, you agree to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, you should not use the service.

FormatOS is designed for lawful, responsible file conversion. Permitted uses of the service include:

• Converting files you own, created, or have explicit permission to process
• Converting files under a valid and applicable licence
• Converting files for personal, professional, or business use where you hold the necessary rights
• Using supported output formats for lawful and intended purposes
• Downloading your own converted outputs for personal or professional use
• Using the service from any location where its use is lawful
• Accessing legal pages, contact forms, and tool descriptions for informational purposes

Permitted use of the service does not override copyright, licensing, privacy, data protection, or any other legal obligations that may apply to a specific file or use case. Users remain responsible for their own legal compliance at all times.

The following uses of FormatOS are prohibited. This list is not exhaustive — any use that is unlawful, harmful, abusive, or inconsistent with this policy is prohibited.

• Uploading pirated, stolen, or unauthorized files
• Converting copyrighted material without permission or a valid licence
• Bypassing DRM, paywalls, access controls, or platform restrictions
• Distributing converted files in violation of copyright, licensing, or platform rules
• Uploading malware, viruses, ransomware, exploits, or harmful code
• Using the service for fraud, identity theft, or deceptive purposes
• Uploading files containing illegal content of any kind
• Using automated bots, scripts, or tools to submit excessive requests
• Attempting to disrupt, overload, attack, or probe the service
• Attempting to access restricted systems, data, or infrastructure
• Scraping or harvesting data from the website
• Misrepresenting your identity, rights, or authorization
• Submitting false copyright or abuse complaints in bad faith
• Using the service in a way that violates applicable laws or regulations
• Uploading files that infringe privacy, publicity, or confidentiality rights
• Reselling or commercializing unauthorized access to the service

FormatOS may take action against users who engage in prohibited use, including restriction, blocking, or removal of access, with or without prior notice.

Users must not upload files that are illegal, pirated, stolen, malicious, harmful, abusive, excessively large, unsupported, corrupted, or otherwise in violation of this policy. FormatOS may reject, block, or fail to process files that do not meet technical or policy requirements.

Specific file restrictions include:

• Files containing malware, viruses, spyware, ransomware, trojans, or malicious code
• Files that infringe copyright, trademark, privacy, or other third-party rights
• Files that contain illegal content of any kind
• Files that are password-protected, encrypted, or technically incompatible without adequate disclosure
• Files that are excessively large or resource-intensive beyond reasonable service limits
• Files uploaded in volumes that exceed rate limits or abuse-prevention thresholds

For more information about how uploaded files are handled, see the File Handling Policy.

Users must only upload and convert files for which they hold the necessary copyright, licence, or permission. File conversion does not remove or waive copyright protections. Converting a file does not grant permission to use, share, sell, or distribute protected content without authorization.

FormatOS must not be used to bypass DRM, access controls, paywalls, platform restrictions, or any technical copyright protection. Users are responsible for ensuring their file use complies with applicable copyright law, licensing terms, and platform rules.

For full copyright rules, see the Copyright Policy.

Users must not attempt to compromise the security, performance, or integrity of FormatOS or any systems it relies on. Prohibited security-related actions include:

• Uploading malware, exploits, or files designed to attack systems
• Attempting to probe, scan, or test for vulnerabilities
• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to systems, data, or infrastructure
• Attempting to disrupt, overload, or deny service to FormatOS or third-party services
• Intercepting, spoofing, or tampering with network traffic or communications
• Attempting to bypass rate limits, access controls, or abuse-prevention systems

Users are responsible for the security of their own devices, browsers, and networks. FormatOS is not responsible for security incidents caused by user devices, user-uploaded files, or circumstances outside reasonable control.

FormatOS may apply rate limits, file size limits, format restrictions, processing limits, download limits, and abuse-prevention controls to protect the service and ensure fair access for all users.

Users must not attempt to circumvent these controls through automation, proxies, credential rotation, repeated session creation, or other technical means. Automated or excessive use of the service that degrades performance for others or exceeds reasonable limits is prohibited.

FormatOS may use automated or technical measures to detect and respond to suspicious activity, excessive usage, bot behavior, and abuse patterns. Responses may include rate limiting, temporary restriction, or blocking of access.

FormatOS may use third-party services for hosting, file processing, security, analytics, advertising, performance, content delivery, and other operational purposes. Users are responsible for complying with applicable third-party terms of service, platform rules, and legal requirements when their file use involves third-party infrastructure or content.

FormatOS does not control all aspects of third-party systems and is not responsible for the practices, errors, or omissions of third-party providers. Users should review third-party policies where their file use may be governed by those terms.

FormatOS may display advertisements through third-party advertising partners or advertising networks. Advertising helps support the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the website and its file conversion tools. Advertising does not change users' obligations under this Acceptable Use Policy.

The appearance of an advertisement does not mean FormatOS endorses the advertiser, their products, services, or claims. Users should independently review advertised products and services before interacting with them.

FormatOS may take action against users who violate this Acceptable Use Policy. Actions may include — but are not limited to — rate limiting, restricting access, blocking sessions or IP addresses, removing temporary files or links, reporting activity to relevant authorities where required by law, and updating policies or guidance as needed.

Enforcement actions may be taken with or without prior notice depending on the severity, urgency, or nature of the violation. FormatOS may reject, ignore, or disregard reports or complaints that are false, abusive, incomplete, or submitted in bad faith.

FormatOS reserves the right to determine whether a use violates this policy and to take appropriate action at its discretion.

If you believe FormatOS is being used in a way that violates this policy, or if you have a copyright, privacy, security, or abuse concern, please contact us through the Contact page. Please provide as much relevant detail as possible so that the concern can be reviewed effectively.

FormatOS will review reports where sufficient information is provided. Submitting a materially false or bad-faith report may expose the complainant to consequences under applicable law.

This Acceptable Use Policy is for general governance purposes only. It is not legal advice. Nothing in this policy constitutes a legal opinion about whether any specific file use, conversion, or activity is lawful in any jurisdiction. Users should consult qualified legal professionals for questions about their specific legal rights and obligations.

FormatOS may update this Acceptable Use Policy from time to time to reflect changes in law, technology, abuse patterns, service functionality, or operational requirements. When meaningful updates are made, the "Last updated" date will be revised. Continued use of the website after changes means you accept the updated policy.