Acceptable Use Policy

1. Purpose

This Acceptable Use Policy (“AUP”) sets out the rules and standards of behaviour for all users of the SongShare platform. SongShare is a faith-based platform dedicated to honouring Caribbean and African Gospel music creators, and we expect all users to treat one another with respect and integrity.

2. Permitted Use

You may use SongShare to:

Create and maintain a profile showcasing your musical work, ministry, or organisation. Upload original songs, lyrics, chord charts, and audio recordings that you own or have the rights to share. Log performances of your original works for royalty evidence purposes. Browse, discover, and engage with other creators' published content. Participate in community features such as comments, reviews, and song requests. Access learning resources and educational guides. Use church and venue directories to find and connect with the wider Gospel music community.

3. Content Standards

All content uploaded to SongShare (including songs, lyrics, images, blog posts, comments, and profile information) must meet the following standards:

Originality & Rights: You must own or hold the necessary rights to all content you upload. Do not upload songs, lyrics, or recordings owned by others without their explicit written permission. If you are a collaborator, ensure all credited parties have consented.

Accuracy: Profile information, performance logs, and industry details (such as PRS membership) should be truthful and accurate. Do not misrepresent your identity, qualifications, affiliations, or the nature of your work.

Appropriateness: SongShare is a Christian platform. Content should be consistent with the values of the Gospel music community. Content that is sexually explicit, gratuitously violent, or promotes hatred against any individual or group is not permitted.

Legality: Content must comply with all applicable UK laws. Do not upload content that is defamatory, libellous, threatening, harassing, or that incites criminal activity.

4. Prohibited Conduct

The following activities are strictly prohibited on SongShare:

Copyright Infringement: Uploading songs, lyrics, or recordings that you do not have the right to share. This includes covers of copyrighted songs without a licence, and samples used without clearance.

Impersonation: Pretending to be another person, organisation, or entity, or falsely claiming affiliation with any person or organisation.

Spam & Unsolicited Contact: Sending bulk unsolicited messages, repeatedly posting irrelevant content, or using the platform for advertising or promotion unrelated to Gospel music.

Harassment & Abuse: Directing hostile, threatening, or abusive language at any user, including via comments, reviews, messages, or any other feature.

Discrimination: Content or behaviour that discriminates against or promotes hatred towards individuals or groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or any other protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.

Data Scraping: Using automated tools, bots, or scripts to access, collect, or download data from the Platform without our express written permission.

Security Interference: Attempting to access another user's account, circumventing security measures, uploading malware or malicious code, or interfering with the Platform's infrastructure.

Fraudulent Claims: Submitting false performance logs, fabricating royalty evidence, or making misleading claims about your rights, membership of collecting societies, or industry affiliations.

5. Song & Audio Uploads

When uploading audio files to SongShare:

Files must be in MP3 format, with a maximum size of 15 MB per file. Songs should be original compositions or arrangements for which you hold the copyright or have obtained the necessary licences. Audio recordings should be of a quality suitable for review and archival purposes. Uploaded songs go through a review process before being published to the public directory. Songs that do not meet our content standards will be rejected with an explanation.

6. Performance Logging

SongShare's performance logging feature is designed to help songwriters build evidence for royalty claims. When using this feature:

You must only log performances that actually took place. Performance details (date, venue, songs performed) should be accurate and truthful. Fabricating or inflating performance records is a serious violation and may result in immediate account termination. SongShare may audit performance logs for accuracy and consistency.

7. Profile & Directory Standards

Your public profile represents you to the SongShare community and the wider Gospel music industry. Please ensure:

Your profile photo is a genuine image of yourself or your organisation (not someone else's image, a stock photo, or AI-generated image). Your display name reflects your real name or established artist/ministry name. Professional claims (e.g. PRS membership, CCLI registration, church roles) are accurate and verifiable. Organisation accounts accurately represent the entity they claim to be.

8. Enforcement

We take violations of this policy seriously. Depending on the nature and severity of the violation, we may take one or more of the following actions:

Warning: A notification explaining the violation and requesting corrective action.

Content Removal: Removal of specific content that violates this policy.

Account Suspension: Temporary suspension of your account while a violation is investigated.

Account Termination: Permanent removal of your account for serious or repeated violations.

Legal Action: Where violations constitute criminal offences or cause material harm, we may refer the matter to law enforcement or take legal action.

We aim to be fair and proportionate in all enforcement decisions. Where possible, we will explain our reasoning and give you an opportunity to respond before taking permanent action.

9. Reporting Violations

If you believe that a user or piece of content violates this Acceptable Use Policy, please report it to us at SongShare.co.uk@gmail.com. Please include as much detail as possible, including the URL of the content, the nature of the violation, and any supporting evidence.

10. Changes

We may update this Acceptable Use Policy from time to time. We will notify users of material changes through the Platform or by email.