ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
1. About this policy
This Acceptable Use Policy ("Policy") applies to all use of the eMates services provided by Unilink Software Ltd. It forms part of the Terms and Conditions governing the services.
The services may include messaging, photo attachments, reply services, video sessions, telephony and other related communication services provided by Unilink.
By using the services, you agree to comply with this Policy. If you do not agree to this Policy, you must not use the services.
Use of the services is permitted only on the basis that users understand and accept that the services operate subject to checks and review as described in this Policy and the Terms and Conditions.
2. Nature of the services
The services operate within a custodial context and are subject to prison rules, operational requirements, and applicable law.
Use of the services is subject to automated checks and, where necessary, limited human review carried out as part of the operation of the relevant service. As a result, content sent through the services, including messages, photographs and other materials, may be delayed, withheld, rejected, stopped or disclosed before onward transmission or delivery where necessary for the safe, secure and lawful operation of the services, to comply with custodial requirements, or as otherwise required or permitted by law.
3. Permitted use
You may use the services only for lawful purposes, in accordance with this Policy, the Terms and Conditions, and any applicable prison or establishment rules.
You must ensure that any information you provide is accurate, complete and up to date, and that any content you send is appropriate for transmission through a monitored custodial communications service.
4. Prohibited use
You must not use the services:
a. for any unlawful purpose or in any way that breaches applicable law or regulation;
b. to send, upload or share content that is abusive, threatening, harassing, indecent, obscene, discriminatory or otherwise harmful;
c. to send content that promotes, encourages or facilitates violence, criminal conduct, terrorist activity, self-harm, or the evasion of prison, law enforcement or other official controls;
d. to infringe another person's privacy, confidentiality, intellectual property rights or other legal rights;
e. to introduce malware, harmful code or any other material intended to interfere with systems, services or networks;
f. to attempt unauthorised access to any account, system, service or data;
g. to impersonate another person, misrepresent your identity, or falsely represent your relationship to a prisoner;
h. to send content that is misleading, fraudulent, or intended to deceive;
i. to use the services for communications with legal representatives, or for legally privileged, confidential legal, or legal professional communications.
5. Content standards
Any content sent through the services must:
a. be lawful and respectful;
b. not be threatening, obscene, abusive or discriminatory;
c. not be intended to cause harm, distress or fear;
d. not promote criminal, violent, extremist or terrorist activity;
e. be suitable for transmission through a service operating in a custodial context and subject to checks and review.
6. Monitoring and review
To support the safe, secure and lawful operation of the services, Unilink may monitor and review use of the services, including communications sent through them.
Such monitoring and review may include automated analysis to detect risks, prohibited content, or potential breaches of this Policy or the Terms and Conditions, and may also include targeted and limited human review by authorised personnel where required.
Monitoring and review are carried out only for legitimate service purposes, including:
a. enforcing this Policy and the Terms and Conditions;
b. protecting users, prisoners and third parties;
c. maintaining the safe, secure and proper operation of the services;
d. complying with custodial requirements;
e. complying with legal, regulatory and law enforcement obligations.
Monitoring and review are conducted in line with applicable law, including relevant data protection requirements and the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 where applicable.
Access to communications and related information is restricted to authorised personnel, is subject to appropriate controls, and may be logged and audited.
7. Action we may take
If we reasonably believe that you have breached this Policy, or that use of the services gives rise to safety, security, legal or operational concerns, we may take such action as we consider appropriate.
This may include:
a. issuing a warning;
b. delaying, withholding, rejecting, removing or stopping content;
c. suspending, restricting or terminating access to the services;
d. restricting account functionality;
e. preserving, reviewing or disclosing relevant information where required or permitted by law, or where required for custodial, security or law enforcement purposes.
We are not liable for action taken in accordance with this Policy where reasonably necessary to protect the services, users, prisoners, third parties, or to comply with legal or custodial requirements.
8. Data protection
Any personal data processed in connection with use of the services, including monitoring and review activity, will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection law and our Privacy Policy.
Where applicable, users may have rights in relation to their personal data, including rights of access, rectification and complaint to the Information Commissioner's Office.
9. Changes to this policy
We may update this Policy from time to time. The version in force at the time you use the services will apply.
10. Governing law
This Policy is governed by the laws of England and Wales.
