Introduction
Preamble
We, the architects and stewards of digital platforms, recognize the fundamental rights of all users to participate in online spaces that respect their privacy, dignity, and well-being.
This Charter establishes the principles and standards that shall govern the development and operation of ethical digital platforms.
The charter
Articles of Rights
Eleven commitments for platforms that put people, communities, and their rights ahead of extraction and engagement at any cost.
Select an article to read its principles.
Article 1 Right to Privacy
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Data Minimization
Only the data necessary for core functionalities is collected. Platforms must justify the necessity of each data point gathered.
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Explicit Consent
Users must give informed consent before any personal data is gathered, stored, or shared with third parties. Consent must be freely given, specific, and revocable.
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Privacy by Design
Platform features and updates are developed with user privacy as a default, preventing unnecessary data exposure.
Article 2 Freedom from Surveillance
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No Non-Consensual Tracking
Users are not secretly monitored or tracked across the internet. Any form of tracking must be explicitly disclosed and consented to.
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Clear Oversight
If analytics or tracking is used for security, spam prevention, or debugging, it is transparently documented and limited in scope.
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User-Controlled Visibility
Users can easily adjust visibility settings for their profiles and content to manage their own privacy.
Article 3 Safeguards Against Hate Speech
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Zero Tolerance Policy
Policies explicitly prohibit hate speech, harassment, and targeted violence, with swift and transparent moderation actions.
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Accessible Reporting System
A simple and accessible system allows users to flag harmful content for review.
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Clear Community Standards
Clear definitions and examples of harmful content are publicly posted, so users understand what is and isn't permissible.
Article 4 Strong Protections for Vulnerable Communities
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Inclusive Moderation Policies
Moderation teams are trained to recognize and address content targeting race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or other marginalized identities.
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Intersectional Approach
Rules and enforcement protocols consider overlapping vulnerabilities that amplify harmful impacts.
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Responsive Support
Dedicated channels exist for users to quickly reach out if they feel threatened or unsafe on the platform.
Article 5 Data Portability and User Agency
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Easy Export
Users have the right to download or export their data at any time, in a common format.
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Right to Deletion
Upon request, a user's data will be permanently deleted from the platform, subject to legal or safety exceptions.
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Decentralized & Interoperable
Whenever possible, the platform supports open protocols and standards to allow users freedom to migrate and connect across different services.
Article 6 Transparency and Accountability
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Open Governance
Platform policies and governance processes are open, with regular community consultations and oversight.
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Public Roadmaps
Changes to platform policies or technology are made public, and stakeholders can comment or propose modifications.
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Independent Oversight
An impartial body or advisory group can audit or review moderation and data-handling practices to ensure they meet high ethical standards.
Article 7 Safety and Well-Being
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Content Warnings & Moderation Tools
Robust tools empower users to shield themselves from disturbing or harmful content through content warnings and filter lists.
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Mental Health Resources
The platform shares resources and hotlines for mental health support to foster a healthier online environment.
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Preventing Digital Harm
Proactive measures like rate limits and thoughtful friction counteract addictive patterns, spam, and abuse.
Article 8 Transparent Cybersecurity Posture
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Security Posture Transparency
Regular publication—at least annual—of security practices and implemented safeguards, enabling users to make informed decisions about platform trustworthiness.
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Incident Disclosure
Security incidents affecting user data or platform integrity must be promptly disclosed to all impacted users with clear impact assessment.
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Public Post-Mortems
Detailed post-incident analysis reports are published for security incidents and unplanned downtime, explaining root causes, remediation steps, and preventive measures.
Article 9 Fairness in Algorithmic Systems
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Explainable Feeds
If a feed or search results are algorithmically curated, users deserve understandable explanations of key ranking factors.
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Option to Opt Out
Users can select a chronological feed or other simplified view if they do not wish to engage with algorithmic recommendations.
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Bias Mitigation
Regular audits ensure algorithms do not disproportionately suppress or amplify content based on protected characteristics.
Article 10 Inclusive Community and Governance
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Equitable Representation
Community rules and leadership should reflect diverse voices and experiences.
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Language Accessibility
Key policies, help guides, and moderation guidelines are available in multiple languages, as resources allow.
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Collaborative Policy Development
Users are encouraged to participate in policy discussions and help shape the platform's continued evolution.
Article 11 Continuous Improvement and Evolution
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Periodic Review
The Charter, policies, and implementation strategies are reviewed regularly and updated to meet changing social and technological landscapes.
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Community Feedback
Mechanisms exist for users to submit feedback, suggestions, or concerns, ensuring the platform remains responsive to its community.
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Shared Responsibility
All participants—users, maintainers, and external contributors—share the responsibility of upholding these principles.
Make a commitment
Take the pledge
By pledging, your organization commits to implementing and upholding these principles. Applications are reviewed before being publicly listed as a signatory.
Include your organization's website and a short statement describing your commitment to the Charter.