1. Scope
This Acceptable Use Policy ('AUP') applies to all users of the IEC platform, including members, guests, API developers, and event participants. It supplements the Terms of Service and Membership Agreement. In the event of conflict, the Terms of Service takes precedence.
2. Prohibited Conduct
The following are strictly prohibited on the IEC platform:
- (a) Misrepresentation — creating fake accounts, misrepresenting professional credentials, seniority or organisational affiliation
(b) Spam and unsolicited contact — sending bulk, commercial, or unsolicited messages to other members outside the marketplace
(c) Scraping — automated collection of member data, listings, or platform content without prior written API consent
(d) Security violations — attempting to bypass authentication, exploit vulnerabilities, introduce malware, or conduct denial-of-service attacks
(e) Sanctions violations — entering into transactions with, or facilitating transactions involving, parties on international sanctions lists
(f) Harassment — threatening, abusive, discriminatory or sexually explicit communications
(g) Intellectual property infringement — uploading content that violates third-party copyright, trademark or trade secret rights
(h) Financial crime — using the platform to launder money, evade tax or commit fraud
(i) Regulatory violations — making unsolicited financial promotions or investment recommendations without the required regulatory authorisation.
3. Enforcement
IEC's Trust & Safety team reviews reports of AUP violations. Upon receiving a credible report or identifying a violation independently, IEC may:
- (a) issue a written warning
(b) remove specific content
(c) temporarily suspend the account pending investigation (up to 14 days)
(d) permanently terminate membership; or
- (e) refer the matter to law enforcement where criminal activity is suspected. The severity and recurrence of the violation will determine the response. IEC aims to complete initial assessment of reported violations within 2 business days.
4. Appeals
Members who believe an enforcement action was taken in error may appeal within 14 calendar days of notification by submitting a written appeal to compliance@internationalenergyclub.org. The appeal will be reviewed by a senior member of the Trust & Safety team who was not involved in the original decision. IEC will respond to appeals within 10 business days. The outcome of the appeal is final. Pending appeal, any suspension remains in effect unless the review team determines it appropriate to lift it.
5. Reporting
Members are encouraged to report suspected AUP violations using the in-platform 'Report' function available on member profiles, listings, and messages, or by emailing trust@internationalenergyclub.org. Reports are treated confidentially. IEC will not disclose the identity of the reporter to the subject of the report without the reporter's consent, except where required by law.
Document versioning and re-acceptance
This document was last updated on Nov 1, 2025. IEC maintains a versioned archive of all prior versions. Where a material change affects the rights or obligations of existing members, affected members are notified by email at least 14 days before the change takes effect. Continued use of the platform after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated terms. To request a prior version, contact legal@internationalenergyclub.org.