wedium Code of Conduct

Foundation for a Respectful, Safe, and Open Digital Community

 

1. Why We Need a Code of Conduct

This platform aims to enable genuine human interaction, trustworthy communication, and open exchange. It positions itself as an independent digital space that promotes diversity, avoids manipulation, and respects the dignity of all participants.

Social media shapes public opinion, societal debates, and interpersonal relationships. To ensure this space is used constructively, clear shared rules are essential. They provide orientation, build trust, and offer protection—especially where power imbalances, conflicts, or emotional dynamics arise.

This Code of Conduct establishes the foundation for:

• a safe and respectful environment,
• equal participation,
• transparency in conflict resolution,
• the protection of individuals and the community.

It supplements the wedium Terms of Service & Privacy Policy and aligns with European values, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the Digital Services Act (DSA). Violations of this Code may result in civil, criminal, or platform-specific consequences, particularly under §§ 126a, 185 et seq. of the German Criminal Code (StGB) (threats, insults), § 201a StGB (violation of personal rights through image recordings), Articles 5–9 GDPR (data processing), and Articles 14–17 DSA (transparency, complaint management).

Important Note: Specific rules of conduct and protective measures regarding underage users will be added to this Code of Conduct once the use of wedium is permitted for individuals under the age of 18 following the implementation of age verification measures. During the beta testing phase, use of the platform is restricted to adults only. Please also refer to our Terms of Use.

 

2. Purpose and Scope

This Code of Conduct defines minimum standards for behavior on the platform. It applies to:

• all users,
• moderators and community managers,
• members of bodies (e.g., Advisory Board, Ethics Council),
• official representatives of the platform,
• all public and private interactions within the platform.

The Code applies regardless of:

• origin, language, gender, identity, religion or worldview, sexual orientation,
• political stance, provided it is rule- and democracy-based (facts are checked in compliance with GDPR by AI and humans),
• social or professional status,
• reach, fame, or function on the platform.

Local (country and language) or topic-specific rules may supplement this Code but must not undermine it. In cases of conflict with local laws (e.g., stricter regulations on hate speech or data protection), those laws take precedence.

 

3. Core Values of the Platform

Our community is based on the following values:

• respect and human dignity,
• diversity and inclusion,
• transparency and accountability,
• dialogue over escalation,
• freedom of expression while respecting the boundaries of others.

Freedom of speech ends where it violates the rights, safety, or dignity of others.

 

4. Expected Behavior

4.1 Mutual Respect

All users are expected to:

• communicate respectfully, fairly, and constructively,
• acknowledge different perspectives,
• assume good intentions unless evidence suggests otherwise,
• express criticism in a constructive, understandable manner without personal attacks,
• respect others’ self-identifications, names, and pronouns,
• be mindful of personal boundaries, sensitivities, and needs.

Empathy and active listening are key skills for a functioning community.

4.2 Courtesy, Collegiality, and Responsibility

We encourage:

• a courteous, non-demeaning tone,
• mutual support, especially for new users,
• willingness to help and share knowledge,
• recognition and appreciation of contributions.

All members share responsibility for ensuring the platform remains a safe and constructive space.

4.3 Responsibility for Content

All users are expected to:

• handle information with care and responsibility,
• avoid deliberately spreading false or misleading information,
• properly attribute sources when relevant,
• clearly distinguish between opinions, interpretations, and facts,
• clearly label AI-generated content that realistically depicts people, statements, or events (e.g., with #AI or “AI-generated”), unless it is obviously fictional or artistic, such as memes or caricatures.

 

5. Unacceptable Behavior

5.1 Harassment and Discrimination

The following are strictly prohibited:

• insults, slurs, or degrading remarks,
• discriminatory language or content, particularly racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or ableist statements,
• sexualized comments or unwanted advances,
• threats, intimidation, or calls for violence,
• systematic disruption of discussions (trolling),
• repeated unwanted contact or targeted provocation.

Even repeated minor boundary violations can constitute harassment.

5.2 Abuse of Power, Reach, or Influence

The following are not acceptable:

• exploiting moderation privileges, roles, or reach advantages,
• intimidation through status, fame, or networks,
• targeted public shaming,
• psychological manipulation or coercion.

Individuals with greater visibility or responsibility bear an increased duty to set an example.

5.3 Protection of Privacy

The following are strictly prohibited:

• publishing private or personal data without consent (doxxing),
• deliberately collecting or disseminating such information,
• indirect doxxing or hints that could lead to identification,
• sharing AI-generated images or content that place someone in a compromising situation without their consent or clear labeling as AI-generated.

5.4 Platform Abuse

The following are not permitted:

• deliberate vandalism or systematic manipulation of content,
• coordinated disinformation, particularly false claims about elections, pandemics, or scientific findings intended to manipulate public debate (e.g., fake screenshots of alleged “official sources” or deepfake videos without AI disclosure),
• hate speech or dehumanizing content,
• use of intimidating symbols or codes without context,
• violations of copyright, such as sharing protected music, images, or texts without the permission of rights holders.

 

6. Handling Violations

Violations of this Code may result in the following measures, depending on severity:

• warnings or notices,
• moderation or removal of content,
• temporary restrictions (e.g., 3-day suspension),
• permanent account suspension.

Users can report violations via the reporting system or by emailing moderation@wedium.social. wedium reviews reports within 24 hours (sooner for urgent cases) and notifies affected parties of the outcome. Users subject to moderation actions may appeal within 14 days (see §14 of the Terms of Service).

It is at the discretion of the platform operator to decide when a user should be deleted or reported. In cases of serious violations (e.g., calls for violence, hate speech, or criminal content), wedium will cooperate with authorities and may initiate legal action (see §§ 126a, 130 StGB).

The goal of these measures is to restore and protect a safe environment, not to punish for its own sake.

 

7. Final Thoughts

This Code of Conduct is not a rigid set of rules but a shared framework for orientation. Its success depends on it being understood, respected, and actively upheld.

A healthy social media platform is not created by technology alone but by responsible individuals who are willing to treat each other with respect.

 

Conclusion

A Code of Conduct is not a control instrument but a shared foundation of values. It protects people, strengthens collaboration, and ensures the quality of projects. Its success depends on it being lived, communicated, and consistently applied.