Acceptable Use Policy

1. Purpose and Application

1.1 PenderExchange operates a community classifieds platform serving the Gulf Islands (the "Platform"). This Acceptable Use Policy (the "Policy") sets out the standards of content and conduct that apply to every User of the Platform, and is intended to keep the Platform safe, lawful, and useful for the community.

1.2 This Policy forms part of, and is incorporated by reference into, the PenderExchange Terms of Service. Capitalized terms not defined in this Policy have the meanings given to them in the Terms of Service. By using the Platform, you agree to comply with this Policy.

1.3 This Policy applies to all use of the Platform, including Listings, community events, display advertising, reports, and any communication with other Users that arises from the Platform.

2. Prohibited Content

You must not post, upload, or otherwise make available on the Platform any of the following content under any circumstances:

• Illegal goods or services: any item or service that is unlawful to sell, purchase, or possess under the federal laws of Canada or the laws of the Province of British Columbia;
• Stolen property: any item obtained by theft, or any item that you do not have the legal authority to sell;
• Firearms, weapons, and ammunition: including firearms, knives designed as weapons, crossbows, and related accessories and ammunition;
• Controlled substances and drugs: any narcotic, prescription medication, or controlled substance that is not authorized for private sale;
• Counterfeit goods: any fake, replica, or imitation product represented as a genuine branded item;
• Hazardous materials: any chemical, explosive, flammable substance, or other material that poses a risk to health or safety;
• Adult or explicit content: any sexually explicit material, pornography, or other content unsuitable for a general audience; and
• Tobacco and vaping products for minors: the sale or distribution of tobacco or vaping products to any person under the legal age.

3. Prohibited Conduct

You must not engage in any of the following conduct:

• Harassment or threats: intimidating, bullying, threatening, or otherwise harassing any other User through a Listing, a report, or any other feature of the Platform, or through contact arising from the Platform;
• Impersonation: impersonating any person, business, or entity, or misrepresenting your identity or affiliation;
• Spam and unsolicited messages: sending bulk, repetitive, or unsolicited messages to other Users, including by using contact details obtained through the Platform, or posting duplicate Listings;
• Misleading or fraudulent Listings: posting any Listing that contains a false description, deceptive photographs, or a price intended to mislead buyers;
• Manipulation of the Platform: artificially inflating views or other statistics, abusing the reporting system, creating multiple accounts to circumvent restrictions, or exploiting any defect in the Platform;
• Circumvention of moderation: re-posting content that has been removed by a moderator, or taking any other action to evade the enforcement of this Policy; and
• Interference with the Platform: attempting to gain unauthorized access to any account or system, or interfering with the operation or security of the Platform.

4. Commercial Use

4.1 The Platform is intended primarily for transactions between individual members of the community. Commercial advertising is not permitted without the prior approval of PenderExchange.

4.2 Businesses must post through a verified business account, must use the designated business categories, and must comply with any additional requirements that apply to commercial Users. Display advertising is subject to review and approval before publication. Requests for approval of commercial use may be directed to support@penderexchange.ca.

5. Intellectual Property

You may post only content, including photographs, text, and other media, that you own or are authorized to use. You must not copy any Listing, image, or description from another platform or person without permission. PenderExchange respects the intellectual property rights of others and will remove content that infringes those rights upon request.

6. Enforcement

6.1 PenderExchange may moderate content and enforce this Policy in its sole discretion. A violation of this Policy may result in any one or more of the following measures:

• Listing removal: any Listing that violates this Policy may be removed without prior notice;
• Account suspension: any account that repeatedly or seriously violates this Policy may be suspended; and
• Permanent termination: any User who commits an egregious or persistent violation may be permanently barred from the Platform.

6.2 PenderExchange will make reasonable efforts to notify affected Users of enforcement measures where appropriate, but is not obligated to do so. Moderation and enforcement decisions are final.

7. Reporting Violations

7.1 Users who encounter content or conduct that violates this Policy are asked to report it. To report a Listing, open the Listing and select "Report this listing" (sign-in required). Reports are visible only to PenderExchange moderators and administrators.

7.2 Other violations may be reported by email to support@penderexchange.ca. Please include the details of the Listing or conduct concerned and, where available, any relevant links or screenshots.