Acceptable Use Policy
Effective: May 2026 · Platform: sme.smartes.com.ng
1. Purpose
This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") sets out the rules for how the Smartes SME Platform may be used. It is part of — and incorporated by reference into — our Terms and Conditions. By using the Platform, you agree to comply with this AUP.
The purpose of this AUP is to:
- Protect Customers, their staff, and their customers from harm
- Protect the integrity, security, and reputation of the Platform
- Comply with Nigerian law and our regulatory obligations
2. Who This Applies To
This AUP applies to:
- All registered Customers (business owners and account administrators)
- All staff members and additional users added to a Customer's account
- All visitors to the Platform
3. Prohibited Conduct
You must not use the Platform for any of the following. This list is not exhaustive — we may identify and prohibit other behaviours we determine, in good faith, to be harmful, abusive, or unlawful.
3.1 — Illegal Activities
- ✗Any business activity that is illegal under Nigerian law
- ✗Selling prohibited goods: controlled substances, firearms, counterfeit currency, fake medical products, unlicensed pharmaceuticals, ivory or other wildlife products
- ✗Trading in regulated products (alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, fuel) without required licences
- ✗Money laundering, terrorism financing, or any financial crime
- ✗Tax evasion or falsifying records to mislead FIRS or state tax authorities
- ✗Smuggling or trading goods that breach Nigerian customs or import/export laws
3.2 — Fraudulent or Deceptive Activities
- ✗Operating under a fake business identity or impersonating another business
- ✗Issuing fake invoices, ghost transactions, or fraudulent receipts
- ✗Misrepresenting the nature, quality, origin, or quantity of goods sold
- ✗Using the Platform to defraud your customers, suppliers, or staff
- ✗Manipulating sales records, inventory, or reports to deceive investors, lenders, partners, or regulators
3.3 — Misuse of Accounts & Credentials
- ✗Sharing your login credentials (email, password, OTP) with unauthorised parties
- ✗Selling, leasing, or transferring your account to another party
- ✗Creating multiple accounts to circumvent restrictions, pricing, or suspensions
- ✗Using another person's identity or credentials to register or access an account
- ✗Allowing competitors to access the Platform through your account
3.4 — Security Violations
- ✗Attempting to hack, breach, or compromise the security of the Platform
- ✗Reverse-engineering, decompiling, or attempting to derive the Platform's source code
- ✗Scraping or using automated means to extract data outside of provided APIs
- ✗Probing or scanning the Platform for vulnerabilities (see Section 5 for responsible disclosure)
- ✗Introducing viruses, malware, ransomware, or any malicious code
- ✗Conducting denial-of-service (DoS) or DDoS attacks
- ✗Bypassing authentication, rate limits, or other security controls
3.5 — Misuse of Other People's Data
- ✗Storing personal data you do not have a lawful basis to collect under NDPA 2023
- ✗Using customer data for purposes beyond what they consented to
- ✗Selling or sharing customer data to third parties without proper consent
- ✗Failing to honour your customers' data subject rights (access, correction, deletion)
3.6 — Spam & Unsolicited Communications
- ✗Using Platform communication tools to send unsolicited marketing
- ✗Sending bulk messages without proper consent from recipients
- ✗Sending content that is harassing, threatening, defamatory, or abusive
- ✗Repeated unwanted contact with customers who have opted out
3.7 — Intellectual Property Infringement
- ✗Uploading, listing, or selling counterfeit or pirated goods
- ✗Storing or distributing content that infringes copyright, trademarks, or other IP rights
- ✗Removing or altering Smartes branding, copyright notices, or proprietary marks
- ✗Reselling, sublicensing, or redistributing the Platform without our written consent
3.8 — Harmful Content
- ✗Content depicting child sexual abuse, terrorism, or extreme violence
- ✗Content that incites hatred or discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics
- ✗Pornographic content of any kind
3.9 — Misuse of Platform Resources
- ✗Using the Platform for purposes other than legitimate business operations
- ✗Excessive or abusive use that degrades performance for other users
- ✗Storing files or data unrelated to business operations (e.g., using the Platform as a free file host)
4. Enforcement
4.1 How We Detect Violations
- Automated monitoring (unusual activity patterns)
- Reports from users, customers, regulators, or third parties
- Routine audits and security reviews
- Complaints submitted to support@smartes.com.ng
4.2 Actions We May Take
Warning
Reasonable opportunity to correct minor or first-time violations
Restrict Access
Limit access to specific features
Suspend Account
Immediate suspension for serious violations
Terminate Account
Permanent termination for repeated or severe violations
Remove Content
Delete or quarantine content violating this AUP
Report to Authorities
Report criminal conduct to Nigeria Police Force, EFCC, NDPC, FIRS, NCC
4.3 No Refunds for Violations
If your account is suspended or terminated for violating this AUP, you will not be entitled to any refund of fees paid. You remain liable for any outstanding fees.
4.4 Appeals
If you believe your account has been wrongly suspended or terminated, email support@smartes.com.ng within 14 days of the action. We will review your appeal and respond within 10 business days.
5. Responsible Security Disclosure
🔍 Found a security vulnerability?
Please report it responsibly by emailing support@smartes.com.ng with full details.
When reporting, please do NOT:
- ✗Exploit the vulnerability beyond confirming it exists
- ✗Access or modify data belonging to other Customers
- ✗Publicly disclose the vulnerability before we've had a reasonable chance to fix it
We appreciate responsible disclosure and will acknowledge contributors in our security notes where appropriate.
6. Reporting Violations
If you believe another user is violating this AUP — for example, operating a fraudulent business, misusing customer data, or engaging in any prohibited activity — please report it:
📧 Email: support@smartes.com.ng
Subject line: "AUP Violation Report"
All reports are treated confidentially and investigated in good faith.
7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this AUP from time to time. Material changes will be notified at least 14 days in advance. The current version is always available on the Platform.
8. Contact
Smartes LTD · RC 9165795
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