Deploying bots and automated scripts on AustNet can greatly enhance channel utility, provide entertainment, and automate routine moderation tasks. However, network policy clearly defines what kinds of automation are encouraged versus what is strictly prohibited.
Permitted and Approved Uses
AustNet welcomes bots that contribute positively to the network ecosystem, maintain community health, or provide fun interactive elements for users. Approved uses include:
- Channel Management and Moderation: Assisting channel operators with automated ban enforcement, access control lists, flood monitoring, and welcome notices.
- Trivia and Entertainment: Running interactive games, trivia modules, quote databases, and fun utility commands within channels.
- Archiving and Logs: Maintaining public or private channel chat logs to help communities track discussions and history while respecting user privacy.
- Legitimate Community Services: Integrating bridge tools, notification feeds, or utility integrations that serve a clear, constructive purpose for channel members.
Strictly Prohibited Uses
Any bot engaged in malicious, disruptive, or unauthorized behavior violates the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and will result in network-wide bans. Prohibited activities include:
- Mass Messaging and Spam: Sending unsolicited private messages, automated bulk notices, or broadcast spam to users across the network.
- Cloning Violations: Exceeding the standard network connection limits (remember that AustNet permits a maximum of two simultaneous connections per IP unless an exemption is arranged via
#ASD). - Flooding and Disruption: Generating excessive channel or server traffic, triggering high-speed message loops, or attempting to crash or degrade server stability.