Acceptable Use Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Sitemap.xml. This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") outlines the rules and standards for using our services, including but not limited to sitemap generation, XML hosting, indexing APIs, and analytics tools (collectively, the "Services").

By accessing or using our Services, you agree to comply with this AUP. Violation of this policy may result in the suspension or termination of your account and access to the Services.

This AUP supplements our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. In the event of a conflict, the Terms of Service shall prevail.

2. Scope & Eligibility

This policy applies to all users, including free trial users, paid subscribers, API clients, and partners. You represent that you have the legal right to access and manage the websites and URLs you submit to our Services.

You must be at least 18 years of age or have parental/guardian consent to use our Services.

3. Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to use our Services to engage in any of the following activities:

3.1 Security Violations

• Attempting to hack, probe, scan, or test the vulnerability of our servers or networks.
• Interfering with or disrupting the integrity, performance, or availability of the Services.
• Using automated scripts or bots to interact with our Services beyond the scope of authorized API usage without prior written consent.
• Injecting malicious code, including but not limited to malware, ransomware, or cryptominers, into sitemap files or API payloads.

3.2 Content Restrictions

While Sitemap.xml acts as a navigation and indexing tool, you are responsible for the content of the URLs you submit. You agree not to use our Services to index, promote, or facilitate access to content that:

• Violates any applicable local, national, or international laws.
• Contains illegal substances, services, or weapons.
• Depicts child sexual abuse material (CSAM) or exploitation.
• Promotes hate speech, discrimination, or violence against protected groups.
• Invades the privacy of others or distributes personally identifiable information (PII) without consent.
• Encourages self-harm or dangerous acts.

3.3 Service Abuse

• Using the Services for spamming, phishing, or fraudulent activities.
• Submitting URLs that employ deceptive practices such as cloaking, doorway pages, or link schemes intended to manipulate search engine rankings.
• Impersonating another user, company, or individual.
• Attempting to resell, sub-license, or redistribute access to the Services without authorization.

4. API & Technical Limits

To ensure fair usage and service stability, please adhere to the following technical guidelines:

• Rate Limits: API calls are subject to rate limits based on your subscription tier. Excessive requests resulting in 429 Too Many Requests errors may trigger temporary throttling.
• Payload Size: Sitemap XML files submitted via API must not exceed the size limits specified in our documentation (typically 50MB uncompressed or 50,000 URLs per file).
• Authentication: You must securely store your API keys and secrets. Failure to protect credentials resulting in unauthorized access is your responsibility.
• Data Accuracy: You are responsible for ensuring the URLs submitted are valid, accessible, and accurately reflect the content at those locations.

5. Intellectual Property

You retain ownership of your sitemap data and submitted URLs. However, by using our Services, you grant Sitemap.xml a limited, non-exclusive, worldwide license to process, host, and distribute your sitemap files solely for the purpose of providing the Services.

You agree not to use our Services to infringe upon the intellectual property rights of third parties. We reserve the right to remove content and terminate accounts that receive valid DMCA takedown notices or legal complaints.

6. Monitoring & Enforcement

Sitemap.xml reserves the right to monitor the Services for violations of this AUP. We may use automated systems to detect patterns of abuse, spam, or malicious activity.

Upon detection of a violation, we may take any action we deem appropriate, including:

• Issuing a warning or cure period.
• Suspending access to specific features or the entire account.
• Terminating the account immediately without notice for severe violations.
• Refunding prepaid fees at our sole discretion.
• Reporting illegal activities to law enforcement authorities.

7. Reporting Violations

If you believe someone is violating this Acceptable Use Policy or using our Services to infringe your rights, please report it to us immediately. All reports are reviewed promptly and confidentially.

Include as much detail as possible, such as URLs, API keys involved, timestamps, and evidence of the violation.

8. Policy Modifications

We may update this AUP from time to time to reflect changes in our Services, technology, or legal requirements. Material changes will be communicated via email or through a prominent notice on the Dashboard.

Continued use of the Services after modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact Information

For questions regarding this Acceptable Use Policy or to report a violation, please contact us: