A First Word
With so many definitions of "spam", how do we define it?
We use a definition adapted from CAUCE (see the last section on this page):

SPAM is defined as "Unsolicited Commercial E-mail", e-mail you didn't ask to be sent to you that is commercial in nature (an advertisement) -- even if it's not a bulk mail sent to millions of people -- and you don't otherwise have a "prior relationship" with the sender.
Additionally, "true" spam generally does NOT give you a method of "opting out", or removing yourself from a given mailer's list.

This definition does not include bills, statements or system alerts from your ISP (see "prior relationship").

Our Promise to YOU
In light of the seriousness with which all of us, and most online users, take spam and the perceived invasion of privacy it brings, we felt it was time to publicly make clear the following understanding which we have ALWAYS held as a company.

We will not, nor have we EVER, under any circumstances: Sell, give out, or merge for profit any information you give us as part of the "sign-up" process, with one RARE exception:

• We will, and have always, cooperated with proper legal authorities engaged in legitimate legal investigations, and who derive their request from due legal process (subpoena).
  

We understand the above to apply to these three types of information:

1. Information about your identity and living location
   
2. Transactional information (how and what you pay for your online usage and how much time you spend online).
   
3. Your e-mail address(es)

• ANY and ALL computers containing your personal information reside SOMEWHERE on our properties.
  
• Any computer storing any personal information is kept either behind one or more locked doors at all times.
  
• On rare occasions when physical locking devices are NOT in place, the machine or machines affected are attended by one or more people.
  
• We do not, for ANY reason, disclose the location of these computer unless there is a demonstrated need to know.
  

ELECTRONIC MEASURES

All of our computers employ operating systems which have proven to be secure over many years of public testing.

Personnel in charge of those computers consider it to be part of their job description to stay as up-to-date as possible on --

• all new electronic and other computer-related threats to your information,
  
• on means of countering those threats
  
• the deployment and proper use of such means.
  

PERSONAL MEASURES

To further protect your privacy and security, we will take any steps we feel necessary to verify your identity before we make any corrections or changes to your personal information. While this may feel insulting or annoying, we are treating you as we expect to be treated.

What the Above Does Does NOT Mean
1. This does not mean that we can protect your information once you venture out onto the Internet with it. The Internet now reflects a full cross-section of the population, including its share (tiny, but present) of people who will do anything for a quick buck.

• If you choose to place your address on a web site you've built without taking proper HTML precautions, rest assured it WILL be found.
  
• If you choose to purchase a product or sign up to receive information without CAREFULLY reading that site's "information privacy policy", don't be surprised to find that information being used or sold.
  
• If you use "Newsgroups" - expect spam. Period.
  
• If you choose to try to "handle" a spammer on your own - by replying to him/her - rest assured you'll have enough spam for a lifetime - by replying - even to "chew them out", you've simply confirmed that your address is valid.
  

2. This also does not mean that, should you attempt to simulate KCOnline's functions on a computer of your own (ie - running your own e-mail, FTP or web server) we can or will protect you. If you do not understand this statement, then it would be unwise for you to attempt to operate such servers.

3. Despite our ability and willingness to harshly penalize those who have SIGNED OUR USER AGREEMENT who abuse OUR internal user policy, there are 120+ million other Internet users who are outside of our control.

• Put simply - we can either protect you from spam by reading ALL of your mail, all the time, or you can get a few spam e-mail from outside of our system.
  
• Rest assured - if we find a violation from INSIDE - we will act.
  
• Action against outside violators, however, is becoming increasingly futile - WHEN they can be caught.