1. Purpose and scope
This Prohibited Goods & Acceptable Use Policy ("Policy") forms part of the Shopibot Terms of Service and applies to every merchant using the Service and to everything you sell, list, promote, or distribute through it. By using the Service you agree to this Policy. We may update it from time to time; material changes will be notified as described in the Terms.
This Policy applies in addition to — and does not replace — the rules of Telegram and of any payment provider you connect. Where those rules are stricter, they also apply.
2. Prohibited — you must not sell, list, or facilitate
You must not use the Service in connection with any of the following:
- Illegal goods, services, or activity. Anything illegal in the merchant's jurisdiction or in the Customer's jurisdiction, or that promotes or facilitates illegal activity.
- Controlled or dangerous substances. Narcotics, controlled drugs, "legal highs", precursor chemicals, and drug paraphernalia.
- Weapons and related items. Firearms, ammunition, explosives, weapon parts or kits, and other regulated weapons, except where lawfully permitted and only if expressly approved by us in writing and by your payment provider.
- Counterfeit and IP-infringing goods. Counterfeit items, unauthorised replicas, and goods or media that infringe another party's trademark, copyright, or other intellectual-property rights.
- Child safety. Any content that sexualises, exploits, or endangers minors. This is reported to authorities and results in immediate, permanent termination.
- Adult content and services prohibited by providers. Pornographic content and adult services where prohibited by Telegram or by your payment provider.
- Stolen, fraudulent, or hacked goods. Stolen property, fraudulent documents, hacked accounts, fake reviews/engagement, and means of accessing services without authorisation.
- Hateful, violent, or harassing content. Content promoting hatred, violence, terrorism, or discrimination against people on protected grounds, or used to harass or harm others.
- Malware and abuse. Malware, spyware, phishing, spam, or tools designed to compromise systems or accounts; and any interference with or scraping of the Service contrary to the Terms.
- Regulated financial and money services. Unlicensed money transmission, currency exchange, "get-rich-quick" or pyramid/Ponzi schemes, unregistered securities, and unlicensed financial products.
- Anything prohibited by your payment provider or by Telegram. Including each provider's published restricted-business list and Telegram's terms.
3. Restricted — allowed only with care and where lawful
The following are not outright prohibited but are restricted; you are responsible for all licences, age-verification, labelling, and legal requirements, and we or your payment provider may require approval or may decline them:
- Alcohol, tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products (age-restricted).
- Pharmacy, supplements, and medical devices (licensing/labelling rules apply).
- CBD and hemp-derived products where locally lawful.
- Gambling, lotteries, and competitions (licensing required).
- High-value items, precious metals, and collectibles (provider rules may apply).
- Digital goods, subscriptions, and downloadable content (Telegram's rules for digital goods may require Telegram Stars rather than card payments).
- Cryptocurrency-related goods or services (heavily restricted by providers).
4. Your responsibilities
You are responsible for ensuring everything you sell complies with this Policy and with all applicable laws in every jurisdiction where you offer or deliver it, for holding all required licences and authorisations, and for accurate descriptions, pricing, and age-gating. You are the seller; Shopibot does not pre-review listings.
5. Reporting
Anyone may report a suspected violation using the Report option in the shop (open the shop's menu in Telegram and choose Report), or by emailing [email protected]. We review reports and act on them; we may request further information and we will respond within a reasonable time.
6. Enforcement
If we reasonably determine that you have breached this Policy, we may, depending on severity and at our discretion: request that you remove the offending content; restrict or suspend the affected bot or product; suspend or disable your account; report to authorities or to your payment provider where required; and terminate your access. Where we take action for a policy reason we will provide a statement of the reason and a means to contact us, except where immediate action is necessary or disclosure is prohibited by law. For serious violations (such as those involving child safety or imminent harm) action is immediate and may be permanent.
7. Changes
We may update this Policy. Material changes will be notified through the Service or by email, and continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance.