Social Media Community Standards

Social Media
Community Standards

Guidelines to ensure a standard of behaviour expected on the platform to create a safe environment for users to interact, learn and have fun.

Effective Date: January 1, 2024

1. Purpose of Standards

Egale Canada is committed to maintaining a positive and inclusive online community. The purpose of the Social Media Community Standards is to provide guidelines for the responsible and ethical management of comments on Egale Canada’s social media platforms. This policy specifically addresses the identification, handling, and removal of problematic and hateful comments and the appropriate circumstances for blocking users engaging in such behaviour.

2. Defining Problematic and Hateful Content:

Social media comments and submissions that will be removed and/or reported may include, but are not limited to:

  • Hateful, harassing, intimidating or threatening comments to another person
    • Hateful comments include but are not limited to those that are discriminatory, offensive, threatening, or harassing based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic. 
    • Comments that incite violence or other action in violation of any federal or provincial anti-discrimination/human rights laws
  • Sexually explicit and sexually vulgar language and profanity
  • Comments that promote illegal activity
  • Solicitations or promotions of products or services of any third party, unless approved in advance by Egale Canada 
  • Comments that include false or defamatory information
  • Posts that misrepresent or hide the poster’s identity
  • Comments that violate privacy or confidentiality
  • Comments unrelated to the topic or to the 2SLGBTQI community
  • Repetitive comments and spam posts

3. Comment Moderation Guidelines:

  1. Prompt Review: All comments on Egale Canada’s social media platforms will be regularly monitored by Egale Canada’s Communications and Marketing Department.
  2. Professionalism: Egale Canada’s Communications and Marketing Department will approach comment review professionally and impartially, adhering to the principles of free expression while ensuring a safe and respectful online environment.

4. Removal of Problematic and Hateful Comments:

  1. Immediate Removal: Problematic and hateful comments will be promptly hidden or removed to prevent further harm, misinformation or discomfort to our online community.
  2. Notification: When appropriate, users posting hateful comments may receive a private message explaining the reason for comment removal and reminding them of our community guidelines.

5. Blocking Problematic and Hateful Users:

  1. First Offense: Users engaging in spam misinformation, hateful or other problematic behaviour may be given a warning and educational materials about our community guidelines.
    1. Exceptions: In order to ensure a safe online community space, users engaging in hateful behaviour may be subject to an immediate block if deemed appropriate by Egale’s Communications and Marketing Department. 
  2. Repeat Offences: In cases of repeat offences, users may be blocked from Egale Canada’s social media platforms to maintain a positive online space.

6. Transparency and Communication:

  1. Public Notice: In cases where a user’s comment is removed or they are blocked, a public notice may be posted, emphasizing our commitment to maintaining a respectful online environment.
  2. Record of Blocks and Deletions: To the best of their ability Egale Canada will keep a record of problematic and hateful users and comments. For those who have been blocked access to Egale Canada’s channels, a rationale will be recorded in the records. 
  3. Appeals Process: Users who believe their comments were wrongly removed or were unfairly blocked can submit an appeal through the designated channels. Egale’s Communications Leadership team will review appeals promptly and provide the user with a response within 48 hours. 

7. Regular Review and Updates:

This policy will be subject to regular reviews to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. Updates will be made based on changes in community standards, social media platforms, or Egale Canada’s guidelines.

By participating in Egale Canada’s social media platforms, users acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the Social Media Community Standards.

8. Public Access to the Standards

These Social Media Community Standards will be available to the public at egale.ca/communitystandards with the link easily discoverable through digital communications conducted by Egale Canada. 

9. Additional Social Media Community Standards

For further information on Egale Canada’s Social Media Community Standards contact us at communications@egale.ca