Terms of Service
Matrix Homeserver: matrix.ramforth.net
Last Updated: March 31, 2026
Administrator: Joe (ramforth)
Contact: joe@ramforth.net or @ramforth:matrix.ramforth.net
1. What This Is
This is a personal/community Matrix homeserver hosted in Norway. It's not a commercial service. It's run by one person (Joe) for friends, family, collaborators, and like-minded people who value privacy and self-hosting.
Key point: This server is a labor of love, not a business. Things may break. I may be slow to respond. But I care about keeping it running and keeping it private.
2. Who Can Use This Server
You're Welcome Here If:
- You respect other users
- You don't spam, harass, or abuse the system
- You understand this is run by a human with limited time
- You're okay with a small-community vibe
I Reserve the Right To:
- Decline registration requests (no reason needed)
- Suspend or remove accounts that violate these terms
- Change these terms with reasonable notice
- Shut down the server entirely (though I'll try not to)
3. Rules of Conduct
Don't Do This:
- Harassment or abuse — Targeting individuals, hate speech, threats
- Spam — Unsolicited bulk messages, advertising, botnets
- Illegal content — CSAM, terrorism content, etc. (will report to authorities)
- Doxxing — Sharing others' private information without consent
- Impersonation — Pretending to be someone you're not
- Abuse of resources — Intentionally flooding rooms, excessive automation
Do This:
- Be decent to other humans
- Respect others
- Report issues to @ramforth:matrix.ramforth.net
4. Moderation
How It Works:
- I (Joe) am the primary moderator
- Trusted users may have moderator privileges in specific rooms
- Reports go to @ramforth:matrix.ramforth.net
What Happens:
- First violation: Warning (unless severe)
- Repeat violation: Temporary suspension
- Continued violations: Permanent ban
Severe Violations (Immediate Ban):
- CSAM or illegal sexual content
- Terrorism-related content
- Credible threats of violence
- Malicious doxxing
Appeals:
Message @ramforth:matrix.ramforth.net. I'll review within 7 days.
5. Rooms & Communities
Room Types:
- Public rooms — Anyone on this server can join, may be federated
- Private rooms — Invite-only, may or may not be federated
- Local-only rooms — Not federated, this server only
Your Responsibilities:
- Room creators set rules for their rooms
- Respect room-specific rules
- Report rule violations to room admins or @ramforth:matrix.ramforth.net
6. Federation
What Is Federation?
Matrix allows users on different servers to communicate. This server is federated by default, meaning:
- You can message users on other Matrix servers
- Users on other servers can message you (unless you disable it)
- Public rooms may be visible to other servers
Federation Controls:
- I may block federation with specific servers (e.g., known abuse sources)
- You can disable incoming messages from unknown users in your settings
- Some rooms may be local-only (no federation)
Data Leaving This Server:
When you message someone on another server:
- Your message is stored on their server too
- Their server's policies apply to that copy
- I can't control what they do with it
7. Account Management
Creating an Account:
- Registration may be open or closed at my discretion
- If closed, message @ramforth:matrix.ramforth.net for an invite
- One account per person (no bots without permission)
Your Account:
- You own your data — I'm just hosting it
- You can export your data at any time (Matrix supports this)
- You can delete your account at any time
- Deleted accounts cannot be recovered
Inactivity:
- Accounts inactive for 12+ months may be flagged for removal
- I'll message you before deletion
- Respond to keep your account
8. Bots & Automation
Personal Bots:
- Fine for personal use (backup, notifications, etc.)
- Don't spam or abuse rate limits
Shared Bots:
- Message @ramforth:matrix.ramforth.net before adding bots to shared rooms
- Bots must respect these terms too
Prohibited:
- Bots that scrape user data
- Bots that spam or flood
- Bots that impersonate humans without disclosure
9. Server Changes & Downtime
Expectations:
- I aim for high uptime but this is not a SLA
- Maintenance may happen with little notice
- Backups are best-effort (you're responsible for your important data)
If The Server Goes Down:
- I'll post updates when possible
- May create temporary status page or alternate contact method
- No compensation available (this is free)
If I Shut It Down:
- At least 30 days notice if possible
- Instructions for exporting data
- Help finding alternative servers if I can
10. Legal Jurisdiction
Governing Law:
- Norway (where the server is physically hosted)
- GDPR applies for EU/EEA users
- Any disputes subject to Norwegian courts
Law Enforcement Requests:
- I will comply with valid Norwegian court orders
- Will notify affected users unless legally prohibited
- Minimal data retention reduces what can be handed over
11. Changes to These Terms
- I'll post announcements in a public room or via broadcast message
- Significant changes get at least 14 days notice
- Continued use = acceptance of new terms
- If you disagree, you can leave and take your data
12. Contact
Administrator: Joe (ramforth)
Matrix: @ramforth:matrix.ramforth.net
Email: joe@ramforth.net
Location: Norway 🇳🇴
For abuse reports: @ramforth:matrix.ramforth.net
For technical issues: @ramforth:matrix.ramforth.net
Summary (TL;DR)
| ✅ Do |
Be decent, respect others, report issues |
| ❌ Don't |
Harass, spam, post illegal content, dox people |
| 🔒 Privacy |
You own your data, GDPR applies, minimal logging |
| ⚠️ Reality |
Run by one person, things may break, no SLA |
| 🇳🇴 Law |
Norway governs, Norwegian courts for disputes |
This is a personal server. Treat it like someone's home, not a public square.