Acceptable Use Policy

1. Purpose

This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") sets out the rules for using the Kowalink platform operated by Adscod ("we", "us"). It applies to all sellers who register on Kowalink and supplements our Terms of Service. By creating an account or using Kowalink, you agree to this AUP. If you disagree, do not use the platform.

2. Prohibited products and services

You may not list, sell, or facilitate the sale of:

• Counterfeit or infringing goods — items that copy or imitate a brand, trademark, or copyrighted work without authorisation.
• Illegal goods — any product or service whose sale is prohibited under the laws of Uganda, Kenya, or the buyer's country of location.
• Controlled substances — illegal drugs, narcotics, prescription-only medicines sold without a valid prescription, or drug paraphernalia.
• Weapons and dangerous items — firearms, ammunition, explosives, knives designed as weapons, or items primarily used to cause harm.
• Stolen goods — items that were obtained through theft or fraud, or goods you do not have the right to sell.
• Adult or sexually explicit content — pornography or sexually explicit materials of any kind.
• Tobacco and alcohol — unless you hold all applicable licences required in your jurisdiction and comply with applicable advertising restrictions.
• Pyramid schemes and MLM recruitment — selling "opportunities" where earnings depend primarily on recruiting others rather than selling genuine products.
• Endangered wildlife — animals, plants, or products derived from species protected under CITES or national wildlife laws.
• Gambling services — betting, lotteries, casino games, or any service that constitutes gambling under applicable law, unless fully licensed.

3. Prohibited conduct

You may not use Kowalink to:

• Defraud customers — misrepresent your products, prices, or delivery timelines, take payment and fail to fulfil orders, or run any form of advance-fee or confidence scam.
• Mislead buyers — use false or exaggerated claims about a product's origin, quality, or certifications; post fake reviews or testimonials.
• Spam customers — send unsolicited bulk messages via WhatsApp, SMS, or email to people who have not ordered from you or opted in.
• Impersonate others — pretend to be another seller, brand, or Kowalink itself in your shop name, handle, or communications.
• Evade enforcement — create multiple accounts to circumvent a suspension, or assist another suspended user in rejoining the platform.
• Interfere with the platform — upload malicious code, attempt unauthorised access to our systems, conduct denial-of-service attacks, or exploit security vulnerabilities.
• Scrape or copy — systematically extract data from Kowalink (product listings, customer data, pricing) using automated tools without our written permission.
• Collect data unlawfully — harvest personal information from your customers beyond what is needed to fulfil their orders, or sell customer data to third parties.
• Price gouge — charge exploitative prices during emergencies, disease outbreaks, or periods of scarcity for essential goods.
• Violate applicable law — use the platform in any way that breaches local, national, or international law or regulation.

4. Content standards

All content you publish on Kowalink — including product names, descriptions, images, and shop branding — must meet these standards:

• Accurate: product images and descriptions must honestly represent what the customer will receive.
• Appropriate: no graphic violence, nudity, hate speech, or content that discriminates on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
• Legal: you must have the right to use all images, logos, and text you upload. Do not use another brand's trademarks without permission.
• Clear on pricing: the price shown must be the full price the customer will pay. Hidden fees added at checkout are not permitted.

5. Seller responsibilities to customers

• Fulfil orders within the delivery timeframe stated on your shop or communicated to the buyer.
• Handle refund and dispute requests promptly and honestly. Kowalink is not a party to your sales, but we may withdraw platform access from sellers with a pattern of unresolved disputes or fraud complaints.
• Keep your contact information (WhatsApp number, email) up to date so customers can reach you.
• Not charge customers a fee simply for placing an order or asking questions.

6. Reporting violations

If you believe another seller is violating this policy, or if a customer reports a bad experience with a Kowalink shop, please email us at support@kowalink.app with details. We investigate all credible reports and take appropriate action.

7. Enforcement

We reserve the right to take any of the following actions in response to a violation of this AUP:

• Issue a warning and require removal of offending content.
• Temporarily suspend your account pending investigation.
• Permanently terminate your account without refund of any prepaid subscription fees.
• Report illegal activity to the relevant authorities in Uganda, Kenya, or any applicable jurisdiction.

The severity of the action depends on the nature and seriousness of the violation. We may act without prior notice where immediate action is needed to protect customers or the platform.

8. Appeals

If you believe your account was suspended in error, you may appeal by emailing support@kowalink.app within 14 days of receiving notice of the suspension. Include your shop handle and a clear explanation of why you believe the decision was incorrect. We will review your appeal and respond within 7 business days.

9. Changes to this policy

We may update this AUP from time to time. We will notify you via email or in-app notice at least 14 days before material changes take effect. Continued use of Kowalink after that date constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact

Questions about this policy? Email us at support@kowalink.app. You may also write to Adscod, Kampala, Uganda.