I was thinking of getting a server and hosting websites for myself and friends.<br /><br />One thing thats worrying me though is what happens if one of these users uploads something they shouldnt. Be it copyrighted materails or even child porn. Would the server owner get in trouble?<br /><br /><!--content-->
Your server's host would be the one taking the fall, although your account will probably be terminated.<!--content-->
Ideally you should make periodical checks for illegal content and be prepared to shut down any account that violates your terms and conditions (which inevitably would follow the same lines as your upstream provider). The important thing here is to confirm with your host what they do and do not allow. You'll find many of the more responsible ones banning the use of things like chat rooms (server intensive), file hosting and certain scripts so you need to monitor these as well.<br /><br />A good hoster will warn you of any issues when they occur rather than just shut you down instantly, possibly suspending one of your users accounts and asking you to take action if it's serious. If you sort your end out promptly there's no reason for them to complain - they want to keep you as a customer at the end of the day.<!--content-->
Your server's host would be the one taking the fall, although your account will probably be terminated.<!--content-->
Ideally you should make periodical checks for illegal content and be prepared to shut down any account that violates your terms and conditions (which inevitably would follow the same lines as your upstream provider). The important thing here is to confirm with your host what they do and do not allow. You'll find many of the more responsible ones banning the use of things like chat rooms (server intensive), file hosting and certain scripts so you need to monitor these as well.<br /><br />A good hoster will warn you of any issues when they occur rather than just shut you down instantly, possibly suspending one of your users accounts and asking you to take action if it's serious. If you sort your end out promptly there's no reason for them to complain - they want to keep you as a customer at the end of the day.<!--content-->