👤 Profile Policies, Violations, and Rules

Your profile, signature, avatar, and usertitle are subject to moderation. Violations may result in warnings, content removal, or account action.

📋 Basic Rules

1. No account trading or sharing.
   Buying, selling, trading, or sharing accounts is not allowed.
2. One account per user.
   Multiple accounts are not permitted, except for a UID_TEMP account as outlined in the Stolen and Lost HF Accounts help document.
3. No adult content.
   Nudity or explicit images are not allowed in profiles, avatars, or signatures.
4. No links to competing sites.
   Competing sites include any forum or website with topics similar to those under the Hacking tab.
5. No site goals.
   Examples include “1000 Posts”, “100 Popularity”, or similar achievement tracking.
6. English only.
   All profile text must be in English or reasonably readable English (including decorative Unicode).
7. No impersonation.
   Impersonating other members or staff is strictly prohibited.
8. No advertising DDoS, stressers, or booters.
   These services may not be advertised anywhere in your profile.
9. No shock sites.
   Links to shock content or shock websites are not permitted.
10. Username requirements.
    Usernames must contain at least four visible characters.
11. No layout-breaking characters.
    Profiles may not contain special characters or formatting that breaks or alters the forum layout.
12. No site goals or achievements in signatures.
    This includes posts, popularity, upgrades, or group memberships.
13. Signature image limits.
    Maximum size: 650x200 pixels, 500KB. Animated images must not be distracting or excessive.
14. Off-site contact restrictions.
    Email addresses, Discord, or other off-site contact methods may not be shared in signatures unless you are an upgraded member.

❓ Common Questions

I received a “Profile Violation” warning but no explanation. Why?

If no private message accompanied your warning, review this entire help document carefully. Profile violations are issued for clear policy breaches listed here.

What is the maximum signature image size?

Signature images may be no wider than 650 pixels, no taller than 200 pixels, and no larger than 500KB.

What if my signature only contains text?

There is no exact visual size limit for text-only signatures. However, the system limit is 255 characters including MyCode.

Do not artificially enlarge text or use excessive spacing. Be reasonable.

Why not increase the character limit or discount MyCode?

This is the enforced limit. It will not be changed.

All users are subject to the same restrictions.

Why can’t I upload an avatar?

Only upgraded members may upload avatars directly.

Regular members may use remote avatars by providing an image URL hosted elsewhere. Remote avatars must still comply with all avatar rules.

What is the maximum size for remote avatars?

Remote avatars are resized for display, but file size is not automatically checked.

The enforced maximum size is 100KB. Avatars exceeding this limit will be removed and may result in a warning.

Can I use the same avatar or signature as a staff member?

No.

Impersonating staff or other members through usernames, avatars, signatures, or usertitles is taken very seriously and may result in an immediate ban—even if intended as a joke.

What are the rules for usertitles?

Usertitles follow the same rules as profiles and signatures.

Do not impersonate staff, flame members, advertise competing sites, or use religious or political symbolism.

I run or belong to another forum. Can I advertise it in my profile?

No.

Advertising competing forums—defined as forums with similar categories or subjects to those under the Hacking tab—is not allowed.

Can I have suggestive or “sexy” images in my profile?

To a limited extent.

Nudity is not allowed. If staff determines an image is overly explicit, it may be removed and a warning may be issued.

Someone is flaming me or calling me a scammer in their signature. What should I do?

Contact staff. We will review and take appropriate action.

Can I have site goals in my signature?

No.

Goals related to posts, popularity, groups, or upgrades are no longer allowed.

Can I use referral links in my signature (e.g., adf.ly)?

Yes, referral links are allowed.

Note that some services (such as Sharecash) are censored.

Can I have donation requests or donation links in my signature?

Yes.

Donation links in signatures are allowed, but donation begging threads or posts are still prohibited.

I don’t see MSN, AIM, or email displayed on my profile. Can I put them in my signature?

You may, but it is strongly discouraged.

Hack Forums contains malicious users. Posting personal contact information may expose you to harassment, targeting, or abuse.

Can I use fake links or shock links in my signature?

No.

Deceptive links, fake spoilers, or disguised shock content are not allowed.

Use common sense.

All profile-related enforcement decisions are made at staff discretion.

Repeated or intentional violations may result in escalated moderation action.