Examples: ✅ Using a pseudonym (allowed)
✅ Creating parody account (clearly labeled)
✅ Brand/business accounts (legitimate)
❌ Pretending to be someone else
❌ Fake credentials or affiliations
❌ Misleading identity to scam

2.2 Safety

Everyone Deserves Safety:

Don't threaten or endanger others
Don't promote violence or self-harm
Don't exploit vulnerable people
Don't share content that could cause harm

We Prioritize:

Physical safety (threats, violence)
Psychological safety (harassment, bullying)
Financial safety (scams, fraud)
Privacy and security

2.3 Respect

Treat Others With Dignity:

Disagree without personal attacks
Respect diverse perspectives
No harassment or bullying
No hate speech or discrimination

Remember:

Behind every account is a real person
Your words have impact
Criticism ≠ harassment
Debate ≠ abuse

2.4 Responsibility

You're Accountable:

For content you post
For actions you take
For communities you create
For transactions you make

Consider:

Will this harm someone?
Is this truthful?
Would I want this said to me?
Is this legal?

2.5 Community First

We're Stronger Together:

Help maintain community standards
Report violations you see
Support other users
Build positive spaces

3. PROHIBITED CONTENT

3.1 Illegal Content

Absolutely Prohibited - Zero Tolerance:

Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)

Any sexualized content involving minors (under 18)
Includes photos, videos, drawings, text descriptions
Includes "fantasy" or "fictional" depictions
Includes "clothed" suggestive poses
Action: Immediate permanent ban + law enforcement report

We Report To:

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)
FBI
Local law enforcement
International authorities (INTERPOL)

Human Trafficking

Recruitment for trafficking
Advertisement of trafficking victims
Facilitation of exploitation
Action: Permanent ban + law enforcement report

Terrorism

Recruitment for terrorist organizations
Promoting terrorist acts
Fundraising for designated groups
Instructions for attacks
Action: Permanent ban + law enforcement report

Designated Organizations: FBI Foreign Terrorist Organizations List, UN sanctions list

3.2 Violent Content

Graphic Violence

Prohibited:

Detailed depictions of death or injury
Gore, dismemberment, torture
Animal cruelty or abuse
Content glorifying violence

Exceptions:

✅ News reporting (with warning labels)
✅ Educational/documentary content (appropriately contextualized)
✅ Artistic expression (not gratuitous)
✅ Video game content (clearly fictional)

Examples:

❌ Videos of actual deaths or severe injuries
❌ Animal abuse videos
❌ "Fail" compilations with severe injuries
✅ News coverage of war (with content warning)
✅ Medical/educational anatomy content
✅ Horror movie clips (clearly fiction)

Threats of Violence

Prohibited:

Direct threats against individuals or groups
Credible threats of mass violence
Threats against public officials
"Swatting" or false emergency reports

Context Matters:

Hyperbole may be allowed ("I'm going to kill my exam tomorrow")
Jokes about violence toward public figures (case-by-case)
Threats with specific details, time, place = serious violation

Examples:

❌ "I'm going to shoot up the school on Friday"
❌ "You're dead when I find you" (with personal info)
❌ Posting someone's address with violent intent
✅ "That plot twist killed me!" (hyperbole)
✅ "I'd die for this pizza" (figure of speech)

3.3 Hateful Content

Hate Speech Defined: Content that attacks, demeans, or dehumanizes individuals or groups based on protected characteristics.

Protected Characteristics:

Race or ethnicity
National origin
Religion or beliefs
Gender or gender identity
Sexual orientation
Disability or medical condition
Age (when targeting elderly/vulnerable)
Caste
Refugee or immigration status

What Constitutes Hate Speech:

Level 1 - Dehumanization:

Comparing groups to animals, insects, diseases, objects
Denying humanity or personhood
Claiming inferiority at biological level
Example: "They're vermin that need to be exterminated"
Action: Immediate removal + suspension

Level 2 - Calls for Exclusion/Segregation:

Advocating removal from society
Calling for segregation
Supporting discriminatory laws
Example: "These people should all be deported"
Action: Content removal + warning

Level 3 - Slurs and Stereotypes:

Using derogatory slurs
Promoting harmful stereotypes
Mocking protected characteristics
Example: Racial slurs, homophobic epithets
Action: Content removal + warning (first offense)

Level 4 - Symbols and Imagery:

Nazi symbolism (swastikas, SS bolts) outside historical context
White supremacy symbols
Other hate group insignia
Exception: Historical, educational, or documentary use
Action: Content removal + warning

What is NOT Hate Speech:

✅ Criticism of ideas, beliefs, or practices (not people)
✅ Political commentary on immigration policy
✅ Religious debate or theological disagreement
✅ Satire or parody (when clearly marked)
✅ Self-referential use by group members (context-dependent)
✅ Academic or educational discussion
✅ Reporting on hate speech (when contextualized)

Examples:

❌ "All [group] are criminals"
❌ "[Group] is destroying our country"
❌ Mocking someone's disability
✅ "I disagree with [religion]'s teachings on X"
✅ "This policy disproportionately affects [group]"
✅ Documentary about hate groups (educational)

3.4 Harassment & Bullying

Harassment Defined:

Targeted, repeated behavior intended to intimidate, degrade, or silence someone.

Prohibited:

Repeated unwanted contact after being asked to stop
Coordinated attacks by multiple accounts
Doxxing (publishing private information)
Encouraging others to harass ("brigading")
Impersonation to damage reputation
Sexual harassment or unwanted advances
Stalking behavior across platform

Severity Levels:

Severe Harassment:

Publishing home address, phone number, workplace
Threats of violence
Sexual harassment with explicit imagery
Coordinated campaigns to destroy reputation
Action: Immediate permanent ban

Moderate Harassment:

Repeated insults after being asked to stop
Following across platform to harass
Creating accounts to evade blocks
Mass reporting (false flagging)
Action: Suspension (7-30 days)

Minor Harassment:

Single instance of unwanted contact
Mild insults or name-calling
Argumentative behavior (not repeated)
Action: Warning + content removal

Bullying

Repeated behavior targeting vulnerable individuals:

Mocking appearance, abilities, circumstances
Exclusion campaigns
Spreading rumors or false information
Encouraging self-harm or suicide
Targeting minors (if discovered)

Action: Account suspension or termination depending on severity

What is NOT Harassment:

✅ Criticism of public figures or brands
✅ Disagreeing with someone's opinion
✅ Blocking/unfollowing someone
✅ Reporting violations
✅ Single negative comment
✅ Debate or argument

Examples:

❌ "Kill yourself"
❌ Publishing someone's personal info
❌ 50 comments calling someone ugly
❌ Creating parody accounts to mock
✅ "I disagree with your political views"
✅ "This celebrity's movie was terrible"
✅ Blocking harasser and reporting

3.5 Sexual Content

Prohibited Sexual Content:

Adult Sexual Content:

Pornographic images, videos, or animations
Explicit sexual acts
Genitalia or sexual activity
Sex workers advertising services
Links to pornographic websites

Action: Content removal + warning (first), suspension (repeat)

Exception: Artistic nudity (paintings, sculptures, medical/educational content) may be allowed with appropriate warnings

Non-Consensual Intimate Images:

Sharing intimate images without consent ("revenge porn")
Deepfakes of sexual nature
Upskirt or hidden camera content
Hacked or stolen intimate content

Action: Immediate removal + permanent ban + law enforcement report (depending on jurisdiction)

Sexual Solicitation:

Offering or requesting sexual services
Sexual propositions or advances
Sexual content involving minors (any age under 18)
Grooming behavior

Action: Permanent ban + law enforcement report (if involving minors)

What IS Allowed:

✅ Discussions about sex education
✅ Sexual health information
✅ LGBTQ+ content (not sexual)
✅ Breastfeeding content
✅ Artistic nudity (with warning)
✅ Advocacy for sex workers' rights (not solicitation)

3.6 Self-Harm & Suicide

Our Approach: Balance between preventing harm and not censoring those seeking help.

Prohibited:

Instructions for self-harm or suicide methods
Encouragement of self-harm or suicide
Suicide pacts or challenges
Glamorizing or romanticizing self-harm
Graphic self-harm imagery

Action: Content removal + resources provided + wellness check (if credible risk)

Allowed with Support Resources:

Discussing personal struggles with mental health
Seeking support from community
Recovery stories
Mental health advocacy
Educational content about prevention

Examples:

❌ "10 ways to end it all"
❌ "You should just kill yourself"
❌ Graphic cutting videos
❌ "Suicide challenge"
✅ "I'm struggling with depression and need support"
✅ "I've been clean from self-harm for 6 months"
✅ Mental health resources and hotlines

Resources We Provide:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
International Association for Suicide Prevention: iasp.info

3.7 Dangerous Organizations & Individuals

Prohibited: Content that promotes, supports, or represents:

Terrorist organizations (per FBI/UN lists)
Hate groups
Criminal organizations (drug cartels, gangs)
Mass violence perpetrators
Militia movements advocating violence

Includes:

Recruitment materials
Fundraising
Praise or support
Using symbols or slogans
Coordinating offline activity

Action: Permanent ban + law enforcement notification

Exceptions:

✅ News reporting
✅ Academic discussion
✅ Condemnation or criticism
✅ Historical documentation
✅ Counter-terrorism content

3.8 Misinformation & Deceptive Content

Health Misinformation

Prohibited:

Dangerous "cures" or treatments
Vaccine misinformation that could cause harm
COVID-19 misinformation (outdated per CDC guidance)
Medical advice from unqualified individuals

Examples:

❌ "Bleach cures cancer"
❌ "Vaccines cause autism" (scientifically disproven)
❌ False COVID treatments
✅ Personal health experiences
✅ Discussions of side effects (factual)
✅ Questions about treatment options

Action: Content removal + warning label on borderline cases

Election Misinformation

Prohibited:

False information about voting procedures
Voter suppression tactics
Fraudulent election claims without evidence
Impersonating election officials

Examples:

❌ "Vote by text" (false procedure)
❌ Wrong election dates
❌ Threats against voters
✅ Endorsing candidates
✅ Discussing policies
✅ Encouraging voter registration

Action: Content removal during election periods + account warning

Manipulated Media

Prohibited Without Disclosure:

Deepfakes
Deceptively edited videos
Fabricated quotes
Misleading photo editing

Required: Clear labeling when content is manipulated

Examples:

❌ Deepfake of politician saying something false
❌ Edited video to misrepresent events
✅ Parody video (clearly labeled)
✅ Photo edit for artistic purposes (disclosed)
✅ Memes (obviously humorous)

Action: Labeling required + removal if harmful + suspension for repeated violations

3.9 Regulated Goods & Services

Prohibited Sales:

Illegal drugs and controlled substances
Prescription medications without license
Firearms and ammunition (in most regions)
Explosives and dangerous weapons
Endangered species or products
Stolen goods or services
Counterfeit items
Human organs or body parts
Tobacco and vaping products to minors
Alcohol to minors

Allowed (with restrictions):

Legal products (must comply with local laws)
Digital goods and services
Vintage/antique firearms (with proper documentation)
CBD products (where legal, with disclaimers)

Action: Content removal + suspension + permanent ban for repeated violations

4. PROHIBITED BEHAVIOR

4.1 Platform Manipulation

Artificial Engagement

Prohibited:

Buying followers, likes, or engagement
Using bots or automation for engagement
Engagement pods or circles
Follow/unfollow schemes
Like/comment exchange services
Fake reviews or testimonials

Examples:

❌ Buying 10,000 followers
❌ Auto-liking bot
❌ "Like for like" schemes
❌ Fake marketplace reviews
✅ Organic growth strategies
✅ Asking followers to share (genuine)

How We Detect:

Suspicious engagement patterns
Sudden follower spikes
Bot-like behavior
Mass actions in short time
Third-party service detection

Action:

First offense: Removal of fake engagement + warning
Second offense: 30-day suspension
Third offense: Permanent ban

Vote Manipulation

Prohibited:

Creating multiple accounts to vote/engage
Vote brigading from external sources
Asking for upvotes/engagement in exchange for something
Coordinated inauthentic behavior

Action: Account suspension + removal of manipulated content

4.2 Impersonation

Identity Impersonation

Prohibited:

Pretending to be another person
Using someone else's name, photo, or identity
Creating fake verified accounts
Misleading account names suggesting affiliation

Types:

Impersonation of Individuals:

❌ Using celebrity's name and photo
❌ Pretending to be someone's friend/family
❌ Creating fake account of real person

Impersonation of Brands:

❌ Fake company accounts
❌ Misleading business names
❌ Unauthorized brand representatives

Impersonation of VYRAL:

❌ Fake "VYRAL Support" accounts
❌ Fake "VYRAL Official" accounts
❌ Phishing for login credentials

Allowed:

✅ Parody accounts (clearly labeled as parody)
✅ Fan accounts (clearly labeled as unofficial)
✅ Tribute accounts (clearly disclosed)
✅ Using stage names/pseudonyms for yourself

Action: Immediate account termination for malicious impersonation; warning for unclear parody

4.3 Coordinated Harmful Activity

Prohibited:

Coordinated harassment campaigns
Review bombing
Mass reporting of legitimate content
Brigading from other platforms
Coordinated account creation for manipulation
Artificial controversy creation

Indicators:

Sudden influx of negative engagement
Coordinated messaging
External coordination (Discord, Telegram servers)
Multiple accounts created same day
Similar usernames/behavior patterns

Action: All involved accounts suspended or terminated

4.4 Privacy Violations

Doxxing

Prohibited:

Publishing private personal information
Sharing without consent: home address, phone number, workplace, school
Family member information
Private communications
Financial information
Medical records

What Counts as Private:

Information not publicly available
Information from private profiles
Information obtained through hacking
Private conversations (DMs, messages)

What is NOT Doxxing:

✅ Information from public profiles
✅ Information voluntarily shared by subject
✅ Public business addresses
✅ Official contact information
✅ Public figure information (already public)

Action: Immediate removal + 7-30 day suspension + permanent ban for severe cases

4.5 Platform Abuse

Abuse of Features

Prohibited:

False reporting of content
Spam reporting to harass
Abuse of appeals process
Creating accounts to evade bans
Circumventing blocks or mutes
Exploiting technical vulnerabilities

Examples:

❌ Mass reporting competitor's content
❌ Creating new account after ban
❌ Using VPN to bypass IP ban
❌ Exploiting bugs for personal gain
❌ Submitting frivolous appeals repeatedly

Action: Extended suspensions + permanent ban for evasion

Interference with Operations

Prohibited:

DDoS attacks or attempts
Hacking or unauthorized access
Reverse engineering the platform
Creating tools to violate these rules
Scraping data beyond API limits
Compromising other users' accounts

Action: Permanent ban + law enforcement referral + legal action

5. MARKETPLACE RULES

5.1 Prohibited Items

Cannot Be Sold on VYRAL Marketplace:

Illegal or Dangerous Items:

Drugs and controlled substances
Prescription medications
Weapons (firearms, explosives, tactical gear)
Stolen property
Counterfeit goods
Hazardous materials
Endangered species or products
Human remains or body parts
Live animals (in most cases)
Tobacco products
Alcohol (without proper licensing)

Regulated Items Requiring Licensing:

Medical devices
Cosmetics (must meet safety standards)
Electronics (must meet safety certifications)
Food products (must meet health codes)
Professional services requiring licenses

Services We Don't Allow:

Adult/sexual services
Illegal services
Services requiring professional licensing (medical, legal advice)
Multi-level marketing (MLM) recruitment
Get-rich-quick schemes

Digital Goods Restrictions:

Pirated software or media
Hacked accounts or credentials
Stolen digital assets
Malware or hacking tools

Action: Listing removal + warning (first offense), suspension (repeated), ban (severe violations)

5.2 Listing Requirements

All Listings Must:

Accurately describe the item
Include clear photos of actual item
State correct condition
Disclose any defects or issues
Price items fairly (no extreme price gouging)
Be available for sale (not bait-and-switch)

Prohibited Listing Practices:

❌ Bait-and-switch (listing one item, selling another)
❌ Stock photos only (must show actual item)
❌ Misleading descriptions
❌ Hidden fees not disclosed upfront
❌ Impossible/joke listings
❌ Advertising unrelated to the item

Required Disclosures:

Used vs. new condition
Any damage or defects
Authenticity (if replica/reproduction)
Return policy
Shipping costs
Processing time

5.3 Seller Responsibilities

Sellers Must:

Ship items within stated timeframe
Package items securely
Provide tracking information
Respond to buyer questions
Honor stated policies
Issue refunds when appropriate
Maintain positive transaction history

Seller Prohibitions:

❌ Collecting payment outside platform (avoiding fees)
❌ Requesting additional fees after sale
❌ Switching items after purchase
❌ Refusing to ship after payment
❌ Harassing buyers for reviews
❌ Retaliatory negative reviews

Action for Violations:

Warning + required refund
Marketplace suspension (7-90 days)
Permanent marketplace ban
Account termination (severe cases)

5.4 Buyer Responsibilities

Buyers Must:

Pay promptly after purchase
Communicate issues politely
Follow dispute resolution process
Provide honest reviews
Not abuse return policies

Buyer Prohibitions:

❌ False claims to get refunds
❌ Returning different items
❌ Harassment of sellers
❌ Threatening negative reviews for discounts
❌ Chargebacks without attempting resolution

Action for Violations:

Warning
Marketplace suspension
Account termination (fraud cases)

5.5 Dispute Resolution

Process:

Direct Communication: Buyer and seller attempt resolution
Mediation: VYRAL support mediates (within 5 business days)
Decision: VYRAL makes binding decision based on evidence
Refund/Action: Appropriate remedy applied

Evidence Required:

Transaction records
Photos of item/packaging
Communication history
Tracking information
Proof of issue

Possible Outcomes:

Full refund to buyer
Partial refund
Return required
No action (claim unfounded)
Seller reimbursement (false claim)

5.6 Marketplace Fees & Payments

Transaction Fees:

5% platform fee (deducted from seller)
Paid in VCoins
No hidden fees
No payment outside platform

Prohibited:

❌ Asking buyers to pay outside VYRAL (avoiding fees)
❌ Inflating prices to cover fees (dishonest pricing)
❌ Requesting "gifts" instead of purchases
❌ Cryptocurrency payments outside VCoin

Action: Marketplace ban for fee avoidance

6. VYCIN & CRYPTO-SPECIFIC RULES

6.1 Prohibited Crypto Activities

Scams & Fraud

Prohibited:

Ponzi schemes
Pump-and-dump schemes
Fake ICOs or token sales
Rug pulls
Exit scams
Phishing for wallet credentials
Fake giveaways
Impersonation for crypto theft

Examples:

❌ "Send 1 VCoin, get 10 back!" (fake giveaway)
❌ "Guaranteed 1000% returns in 30 days"
❌ Impersonating VYRAL to steal login credentials
❌ Pump-and-dump coordination
❌ Promoting obvious scam tokens

Action: Immediate permanent ban + report to authorities

Market Manipulation

Prohibited:

Coordinated pump-and-dump
False information to manipulate price
Wash trading
Spoofing
Insider trading (if applicable)
Coordinated buying/selling to manipulate

Examples:

❌ "Everyone buy VCoin at 3pm to pump price!"
❌ Spreading false rumors about VYRAL to affect price
❌ Coordinating dumps in private groups

Action: Permanent ban + potential legal action

Unlicensed Financial Advice

Prohibited:

Giving specific investment advice without disclaimers
Recommending specific trades for compensation
Acting as unlicensed financial advisor
Guaranteeing returns

Allowed:

✅ Sharing general market opinions
✅ Educational content about crypto
✅ Personal investment stories (not advice)
✅ Technical analysis (with disclaimers)

Required Disclaimer: "This is not financial advice. Do your own research."

Examples:

❌ "Buy VCoin now, guaranteed to 10x!"
❌ Paid signal groups
❌ "I'm a financial advisor, buy this token"
✅ "In my opinion, crypto has potential" (opinion)
✅ "I personally invested in VCoin" (personal story)
✅ "Here's how to read charts" (educational)

Action: Content removal + warning + suspension for repeated violations

6.2 VCoin Earning Rules

Legitimate Ways to Earn:

✅ Creating quality content
✅ Receiving tips from users
✅ Selling legitimate marketplace items
✅ Earning rewards through platform activities
✅ Creator subscriptions

Prohibited Methods:

❌ Bot accounts for automated earning
❌ Multiple accounts to abuse rewards
❌ Coordinated engagement schemes
❌ Artificial engagement to boost earnings
❌ Exploiting bugs or glitches
❌ Content farms/low-quality spam for rewards

Action: Forfeiture of earned VCoins + suspension or ban

6.3 Wallet & Transaction Rules

Prohibited:

Money laundering through VCoin
Using VYRAL for illegal transactions
Terrorist financing
Sanctions evasion
Structuring transactions to avoid reporting
Using stolen payment methods

We Monitor:

Suspicious transaction patterns
Large transactions (>$10K)
Rapid movement of funds
Known scam addresses
Sanctioned addresses

Action: Account freeze + investigation + law enforcement referral + permanent ban

6.4 Promotion of Other Tokens

Allowed (with limits):

✅ Discussing other cryptocurrencies
✅ Comparing VCoin to alternatives
✅ Educational content about crypto generally

Prohibited:

❌ Spamming other token promotions
❌ Shill campaigns for specific tokens
❌ Using VYRAL primarily to promote competing platform
❌ Coordinated brigading for token promotion

Guidelines:

Crypto discussion should be genuine, not promotional spam
Disclose if you're affiliated with promoted token
Don't manipulate for personal gain
Educational > promotional

Action: Content removal + warning + suspension for spam

7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

7.1 Copyright

You Must Own or Have Rights:

Photos and videos you post
Text and written content
Music and audio
Art and designs
Any content you upload

Prohibited:

❌ Posting others' photos without permission
❌ Using copyrighted music in videos
❌ Sharing movies, TV shows, or pirated content
❌ Reposting others' art without credit/permission
❌ Copying articles or blog posts
❌ Using stock photos without license

Allowed:

✅ Content you created
✅ Content you licensed
✅ Fair use (commentary, criticism, parody, education)
✅ Public domain content
✅ Creative Commons (following license terms)
✅ Reposting with clear credit (if allowed by creator)

Fair Use Examples:

✅ Reviewing a movie (showing short clips)
✅ Parody or satire
✅ Educational critique
✅ News reporting
✅ Commentary with small excerpts

Action:

First offense: Content removal + warning
Repeated offenses: Suspension
Serial infringement: Permanent ban

Copyright Claims: See DMCA process in Terms of Service

7.2 Trademark

Prohibited:

Using brand names misleadingly
Using logos without permission
Impersonating brands
Selling counterfeit goods
Trademark squatting (username/handle)

Allowed:

✅ Discussing brands generally
✅ Honest reviews of products
✅ Nominative fair use ("iPhone case" listing)
✅ Reselling authentic branded items

Examples:

❌ Creating "Nike Official VYRAL" account (not affiliated)
❌ Using Apple logo as your profile picture
❌ Selling "Louis Vuitton" counterfeits
✅ "Review: My experience with Samsung phones"
✅ Reselling authentic Nike shoes
✅ "iPhone 15 compatible case" (descriptive)

Action: Content/account removal + warning + permanent ban for counterfeits

7.3 Plagiarism

Prohibited:

Copying others' content without credit
Presenting others' work as your own
Paraphrasing without attribution
Serial content theft

Allowed:

✅ Quoting with attribution
✅ Sharing with clear credit
✅ Curating content (with permission/credit)
✅ Inspired-by content (clearly derivative)

Examples:

❌ Copying entire blog post as yours
❌ Reposting memes without credit
❌ Screenshot of tweets without attribution
✅ "Great post by @user about X: [quote]"
✅ "Inspired by @creator's style"
✅ Retweeting/sharing with built-in attribution

Action: Content removal + warning + suspension for repeated violations

8. SPAM & MANIPULATION

8.1 Spam Content

Prohibited:

Repetitive posts of same content
Mass posting to unrelated communities
Unsolicited commercial messages
Misleading clickbait
Excessive hashtags/tags
Chain messages or copy-pasta
Auto-generated or low-quality content

Examples:

❌ Posting same ad 50 times
❌ Spamming "Check out my profile!" on every post
❌ "CLICK HERE FOR FREE VYCINS!!!"
❌ Using 100 unrelated hashtags
❌ "Share this or bad luck for 7 years"
✅ Occasional self-promotion in appropriate context
✅ Genuine engagement with community

Limits:

Same post: Once per 24 hours
Self-promotion: Max 10% of your activity
Messages to non-followers: Max 10 per hour
Tags: Max 30 relevant tags per post

Action: Content removal + warning + suspension for severe spam

8.2 Engagement Bait

Prohibited:

"Like for X, comment for Y"
"Share or something bad will happen"
Vote manipulation tactics
Artificial engagement requests
Tag baiting ("Tag 3 friends")
Giveaway scams
False contests

Examples:

❌ "Like for good luck, ignore for bad luck"
❌ "Comment 'yes' and see what happens"
❌ "Share this or your mom will die"
❌ "Tag 10 friends to win" (no actual prize)
✅ Legitimate contests with clear rules
✅ "What do you think?" (genuine question)

Action: Content removal + warning + suspension for repeated violations

8.3 Misleading Content

Prohibited:

Deceptive headlines/titles
Clickbait with no payoff
Misleading thumbnails
False information for engagement
Sensationalized false claims
Disguised advertising

Examples:

❌ "You won't BELIEVE what happened next!" (nothing interesting happened)
❌ Thumbnail showing something not in video
❌ "BREAKING NEWS" (not news)
❌ Ads disguised as personal content

Action: Content removal + warning + reduced reach for repeated violations

9. ACCOUNT INTEGRITY

9.1 Ban Evasion

Prohibited:

Creating new account after ban
Using alternate accounts to circumvent restrictions
Using VPN to evade IP ban
Having others post on your behalf to evade ban

How We Detect:

Device fingerprinting
Behavioral patterns
IP address monitoring
Connected accounts analysis

Action: Permanent ban of all associated accounts + extended ban duration

9.2 Account Selling/Trading

Prohibited:

Selling your VYRAL account
Buying VYRAL accounts
Trading accounts
Account takeovers
Sharing accounts for commercial purposes

Why:

Security risks
Fraud potential
Violates Terms of Service
Enables ban evasion

Action: Permanent ban of all involved accounts

9.3 False Information

Prohibited:

Lying about age (must be 18+)
Fake identity during KYC
False business/brand claims
Impersonating professionals (doctors, lawyers, etc.)
False credentials or qualifications

Examples:

❌ Using fake ID for KYC
❌ Claiming to be licensed doctor (not licensed)
❌ Lying about brand affiliation
❌ False verified status claims

Action: Account termination + forfeiture of VCoins + possible legal action

10. REPORTING VIOLATIONS

10.1 How to Report

In-App Reporting:

Click "..." menu on any post
Select "Report"
Choose violation type
Provide additional details
Submit

Email Reporting:

For serious violations: [email protected]
For copyright: [email protected]
For security: [email protected]
For privacy: [email protected]

Urgent/Emergency:

Immediate danger: Contact local emergency services (911)
Child safety: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)
Terrorism: FBI tip line

10.2 What to Include

Your Report Should Include:

Link to violating content/profile
Description of violation
Category (harassment, spam, illegal, etc.)
Screenshots (if helpful)
Context or backstory
Your relationship to issue (if relevant)

Good Report: "User @badactor is harassing me. They've sent 20 threatening messages today after I blocked them. Screenshots attached. Messages say 'I know where you live' and include my home address. I've asked them to stop multiple times."

Less Helpful Report: "This person is mean and I don't like them."

10.3 False Reporting

Prohibited:

Filing false reports to harass
Mass reporting legitimate content
Coordinated false reporting campaigns
Weaponizing report system

We Verify:

Report patterns
History of reports
Legitimacy of claims
Coordinated behavior

Action Against False Reporters:

Warning (first offense)
Temporary loss of reporting ability
Account suspension
Permanent ban (severe abuse)

10.4 Reporter Protection

Your Safety:

Reports are confidential
Username not shared with reported user
No retaliation allowed
Protection for good-faith reporters

Exception:

Legal requirement to disclose (subpoena)
Reporter is the harasser (false reporting)

11. ENFORCEMENT & CONSEQUENCES

11.1 Enforcement Approach

We Use:

Automated detection (AI/ML filters)
User reports
Human review
Pattern analysis
Proactive monitoring

Priority Levels:

Critical (Immediate Action):

CSAM
Credible violence threats
Human trafficking
Active self-harm
Doxxing with threats

High (Within 4 hours):

Hate speech
Severe harassment
Fraud/scams
Major platform abuse

Medium (Within 24 hours):

Spam
Moderate harassment
Copyright violations
Misleading content

Low (Within 72 hours):

Minor policy violations
Quality issues
Duplicate content

11.2 Enforcement Actions

Escalating Consequences:

Level 1 - Warning:

First-time minor violations
No account restrictions
Explanation of violation
Guidance to prevent future violations
Examples: Minor spam, unintentional rule breaking

Level 2 - Content Removal:

Violating content deleted
No account penalty (yet)
Warning issued
Strikes accumulate
Examples: Copyright violation, moderate spam

Level 3 - Feature Restriction:

Temporary loss of specific features
Duration: 24 hours - 7 days
Can still browse/view
Examples: Posting restrictions, messaging disabled, marketplace ban

Level 4 - Temporary Suspension:

Account access revoked temporarily
Duration: 7 days - 6 months
Cannot log in
Content preserved
Examples: Repeated harassment, spam campaigns, market manipulation

Level 5 - Permanent Ban:

All access revoked forever
All accounts terminated
VCoins may be forfeited (severe violations)
Cannot create new accounts
Examples: CSAM, terrorism, severe fraud, repeated serious violations

Level 6 - Law Enforcement Referral:

Account banned
Reported to authorities
Cooperation with investigation
Potential legal action
Examples: CSAM, credible threats, terrorism, fraud, money laundering

11.3 Strike System

How It Works:

Violations earn strikes
Strikes expire after 6 months (except severe)
3 strikes = escalation to next level
Severe violations skip straight to high levels

Strike Values:

Minor: 1 strike
Moderate: 2 strikes
Severe: 5 strikes (often immediate ban)

Progression: Strike 1: Warning Strike 2: Warning + content removal Strike 3: 7-day suspension Strike 4: 30-day suspension Strike 5: Permanent ban

Strike Removal:

Good behavior for 6 months
Appeals (if successful)
NOT automatic for severe violations

11.4 Immediate Ban Offenses

Zero Tolerance - Immediate Permanent Ban:

Child sexual abuse material (CSAM)
Human trafficking
Terrorism support/recruitment
Extreme violence/gore
Credible death threats with details
Doxxing with intent to harm
Major fraud/theft
Repeated ban evasion

No warnings, no strikes, no appeals for most of these.

11.5 VCoin Forfeiture

When VCoins May Be Forfeited:

Fraud or theft involving VCoins
Money laundering
Earnings from banned content (CSAM, terrorism)
Market manipulation
Major platform abuse for financial gain
Stolen payment methods

VCoins are NOT forfeited for:

Minor policy violations
First-time moderate violations
Non-financial violations
Account closure by user

Forfeited VCoins:

Cannot be withdrawn
May be returned if appeal successful
May be seized by law enforcement

12. APPEALS PROCESS

12.1 When You Can Appeal

Eligible for Appeal:

Account suspensions
Content removals
Feature restrictions
Strike assignments
Marketplace bans

NOT Eligible for Appeal:

Permanent bans for CSAM, terrorism, trafficking
Verified fraud/theft
Law enforcement actions
Terms of Service violations (not policy violations)

12.2 How to Appeal

Process:

Review Decision: Understand what you violated
Gather Evidence: Screenshots, context, explanations
Submit Appeal: [email protected] within 30 days
Review: Independent team reviews (not original moderator)
Decision: Response within 7-14 business days
Final: Appeals decision is final

Appeal Must Include:

Your username
Date of action
Specific content/account affected
Why you believe decision was wrong
Evidence supporting your appeal
Acknowledgment of rules

Good Appeal: "On [date], my post was removed for hate speech. I believe this was an error because [explain context]. The content was [explanation of intent]. I understand the rules against hate speech and believe my content doesn't violate because [reason]. Here's additional context: [evidence]."

Bad Appeal: "This is unfair. I didn't do anything wrong. Unban me."

12.3 Appeal Outcomes

Possible Results:

Appeal Granted:

Action reversed
Content restored (if applicable)
Strike removed
Account unsuspended
Apology provided

Appeal Partially Granted:

Reduced penalty
Strike downgraded
Shorter suspension
Clarification provided

Appeal Denied:

Original decision stands
Explanation of reasoning
Additional context provided
Decision is final

Appeal Escalation:

Serious errors may escalate to senior review
Legal issues may escalate to legal team
Pattern of bad moderation reviewed

12.4 Second Appeal

Available For:

New evidence discovered
Significant error in first appeal
Changed circumstances

Not Available For:

Same arguments already rejected
Disagreement with policy itself
Asking for mercy

Submit: [email protected] with subject "Second Appeal - [username]"

Review: 30-day timeline

13. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

13.1 Satire, Parody, and Humor

Generally Allowed:

Political satire
Parody accounts (clearly labeled)
Memes and humor
Exaggeration for effect
Social commentary

Must Be:

Clearly humorous/not literal
Not targeting individuals harmfully
Labeled as parody if impersonating
Not promoting harm

Examples:

✅ Political memes
✅ Parody account labeled "NotReal_Celebrity"
✅ Satirical posts about social issues
❌ "Joking" threats that seem credible
❌ Harmful "jokes" targeting protected groups
❌ Unlabeled parody misleading people

When Humor Crosses Line:

Threats disguised as jokes
Harassment claimed as "just kidding"
Hate speech "for laughs"
Harmful misinformation presented as satire

13.2 News & Journalism

Allowed:

Reporting on sensitive topics
Documentary content
Investigative journalism
War/crisis coverage
Historical documentation

Requirements:

Clearly news/educational
Appropriate content warnings
Factual accuracy
No gratuitous graphic content
Contextualized properly

Examples:

✅ News coverage of war (with warning)
✅ Documentary about historical atrocities
✅ Investigative report on crime
❌ Graphic violence without context/warning
❌ Misleading "news" articles
❌ Doxxing under guise of journalism

Credentials:

Professional journalists get consideration
Verification available for media credentials
No special treatment for policy violations

13.3 Artistic Expression

Allowed:

Artistic nudity
Controversial art
Performance art
Provocative content

Requirements:

Clearly artistic intent
Appropriate warnings
Not violating other rules (hate speech, etc.)
Not exploitative

Examples:

✅ Classical art with nudity
✅ Performance art commentary
✅ Provocative photography (tasteful)
❌ Pornography disguised as "art"
❌ Hate symbols "as art"
❌ Exploitative content

Evaluation Criteria:

Artistic merit
Context and intent
Cultural/historical significance
Community standards

13.4 Educational Content

Allowed:

Sex education
Drug education
Mental health discussions
Historical atrocities
Medical content

Requirements:

Clearly educational purpose
Appropriate age warnings
Factually accurate
Not promoting harmful behavior

Examples:

✅ "How to recognize addiction" (education)
✅ "Understanding the Holocaust" (history)
✅ "Sex education for teens" (appropriate)
❌ "How to make drugs" (harmful instructions)
❌ Glorifying historical atrocities

13.5 Political Content

Allowed:

Political opinions and advocacy
Candidate endorsements
Policy discussions
Protest organization
Political satire

Not Allowed:

Voter suppression
False election information
Incitement to violence
Illegal political coordination
Foreign interference

Examples:

✅ "I support Candidate X because..."
✅ "This policy would help/hurt..."
✅ "Join our peaceful protest on..."
❌ "Voters for X don't need to vote" (suppression)
❌ "Election is rigged" (without evidence)
❌ "Bring weapons to protest"

Balance:

Robust political debate encouraged
Civility expected
No harassment over politics
No calls for violence

13.6 Religious Content

Allowed:

Religious expression and belief
Theological discussions
Religious criticism/debate
Atheism and secularism
Religious humor (respectful)

Not Allowed:

Religious hate speech
Attacking religious groups as people
Promoting violence based on religion
Religious harassment

Examples:

✅ "I believe in [religion]"
✅ "I disagree with [religious teaching]"
✅ "Why I'm atheist"
❌ "[Religious group] are all evil"
❌ "Kill the infidels"
❌ Mocking religious trauma survivors

Balance: