Content Policy
Last Updated: September 10, 2025
Introduction
This Content Policy outlines what may be published, shared, or hosted on our platform. Its purpose is to protect both our community and the business from harmful or unlawful material, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all users. By using the platform, you agree to follow these rules and guidelines. We ask that you not only abide by the letter of this policy but also respect its spirit, helping us maintain a positive community for robotics enthusiasts.
Allowed and Encouraged Content
Our platform is dedicated to robotics projects and related content. We allow and encourage content that aligns with this focus, including but not limited to:
- Robotics Project Repositories and Media: Images of robots and their components, project descriptions, documentation, and other repository metadata. You may showcase code, CAD files, and other project files stored on external services (e.g. GitHub) as they are visualized on our site. All such content should be related to robotics projects or robot environments/components.
- User Profiles and Bios: Information you provide in your profile (such as a bio, profile picture, and display name) is allowed and will be publicly visible. Please ensure profile content remains appropriate (no offensive imagery or text).
- Collaborative & Shareable Projects: We especially encourage robotics projects that can be used or replicated by others. This includes providing resources like 3D-printable models, bills of materials (BOMs), schematics, and clear documentation/instructions on how to assemble or run the robot. Sharing this kind of useful content fosters learning and collaboration in the community.
- All allowed content must still comply with the rules in this policy. Even if a type of content is generally permitted, it may not contain any material that is prohibited (see Prohibited Content below for details).
Prohibited Content
We explicitly ban certain types of content to keep the platform safe and lawful. Do not post or share content that contains or links to any of the following:
- Illegal or Unlawful Material: Content that violates any applicable law or regulations, or encourages others to do so. This includes discussions of illicit activities, instructions for wrongdoing, or any content that could result in civil or criminal liability for you or the platform. Keep it legal at all times.
- Hate Speech and Harassment: Any content that attacks, bullies, or encourages harm toward an individual or group. In particular, hate speech targeting someone based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected traits is strictly forbidden. Personal attacks, slurs, or content that glorifies or incites violence against others will be removed. Everyone should be able to participate without fear of harassment or intimidation.
- Violence and Threats: Graphic depictions of extreme violence, gore, or animal abuse are not allowed. Threatening violence or harm to others is prohibited. Content that endorses or incites violent acts is also banned. We have zero tolerance for posts that could lead to real-world harm.
- Sexually Explicit or Pornographic Content: Our platform is intended for all ages, so no pornography or sexually explicit material is allowed. Content involving sexual exploitation or abuse (especially any content involving minors) is absolutely forbidden. Even suggestive sexual content with no educational or scientific context is not permitted. Keep content family-friendly.
- Child Exploitation: Any content that in any way sexualizes minors or depicts the exploitation or abuse of a minor is banned and will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
- Private Personal Information (Doxxing): Do not post personal or sensitive information about others without their consent. This includes addresses, phone numbers, emails, financial information, or intimate media of someone else. Respect others’ privacy.
- Copyright-Infringing Material: Only post content that you have rights to use. Uploading someone else’s work (images, code, text, etc.) without permission or a proper license is prohibited. We will comply with copyright law, including responding to valid DMCA takedown requests for any infringing content. (Remember, when a user posts content on a public platform, the original creator still retains copyright unless explicitly transferred.) If you believe content on the platform infringes your intellectual property, please report it as described in the Reporting section.
- Malware or Malicious Content: Do not share content that contains viruses, malware, or any code intended to disrupt or harm systems. Similarly, content that phishes or attempts to scam users is forbidden.
- Spam and Irrelevant Advertising: Unsolicited bulk content, repetitive posts, or advertisements not relevant to robotics are considered spam. This includes posting promotional content across multiple projects or comments purely to drive traffic or sales. Exception: You may include promotional or commercial content on your own repository/project pages, such as links to your product, store, or crowdfunding page related to your robot. Promotional content is only allowed within your repository page as context for your project. Using the platform purely as an advertising space or spamming other users’ pages with promotions is not allowed.
- Off-Topic or Unrelated Content: Content must be relevant to robotics, technology, or the community interests of the platform. Posts completely unrelated to the platform’s purpose (e.g. random advertisements, political or religious content not tied to a project, etc.) may be removed.
- Impersonation and Misrepresentation: Do not impersonate any person or organization or misrepresent your affiliation. Parody is allowed in good faith, but impersonation intended to deceive is prohibited.
- Other Harmful Content: This includes content that glorifies self-harm or suicide, encourages dangerous activities, or is otherwise deemed by the platform moderators to pose a risk to users. We reserve the right to remove any content that we find harmful or inappropriate, even if it doesn’t fit neatly into one of the above categories.
If you are unsure whether something is allowed, please err on the side of caution or contact a moderator before posting. We may update the above list of prohibited content as new forms of harmful material emerge.
User Responsibilities
By contributing content to the platform, you are responsible for ensuring that your content follows this policy and all applicable laws. In practice, this means:
- Follow the Rules: You must review and abide by this Content Policy (as well as our Terms of Service). Do not attempt to circumvent or “test” the limits of these rules. If something is prohibited, any workaround to post essentially the same content will be treated as a violation.
- Own Your Content (or Have Permission): Only upload or embed content that you have created yourself, or that you have the legal right to use. This includes text, images, videos, and code. If your project uses third-party assets (like someone else’s code or design), ensure you have a license or permission to include it, and give proper credit when required. Misusing someone else’s intellectual property can have legal consequences for you and for us.
- Responsible Sharing: You are accountable for the content you share. Do not post anything that you wouldn’t want associated with your identity or that could harm others. Remember that even if you later delete something, others might have already seen or copied it.
- Profile Information: Ensure that your username, display name, avatar, and bio do not contain any offensive language or imagery that violates this policy. Profile data (like your username, profile picture, and bio) is public on this platform, so choose this information wisely.
- Comply with Age Guidelines: Our platform does not enforce a strict age minimum, meaning younger users may be present. As such, every user has a responsibility to keep public content appropriate for all ages. If you are a minor, we encourage you to have parental guidance when sharing content online. If you are an adult, be mindful that minors can see your public posts.
- No Evasion: Don’t try to evade bans or other enforcement actions. If your account is suspended or content removed, respect those actions. Creating new accounts to get around a ban or repost removed content is a further violation and may result in permanent expulsion.
Content Visibility and Privacy
We understand that not all content is meant for everyone. Our platform provides controls for content visibility:
- Public vs Private Projects: As a user, you can choose to make your robot projects/repositories publicly visible or keep them private. Public projects can be seen by everyone (even unregistered visitors), whereas private projects are accessible only to you and those you explicitly share access with. Use these settings to control who can view your work.
- Profile Visibility: Basic profile information (such as your username, display name, and profile picture) is always public. Other users can see your presence on the platform. However, you are not required to use your real name, and you can control what personal details you include in your profile. Avoid sharing sensitive personal information on your profile or project pages, since they are public by default.
- Repository Content from External Sources: If you integrate content from external repositories (for example, pulling in images or data from a GitHub repository), be aware that making your project public will also publicly display that integrated content on our site. Ensure that any external content you bring in is either already public or something you have the right to share.
- Privacy of Others: If your project includes personal data (images of people, personal information, etc.), make sure you have permission to share that content or anonymize it. Do not inadvertently expose someone else’s private information through your uploads.
Remember, once content is public, you cannot control who sees it or how it’s used outside of our platform. Even on private projects, exercise caution with sensitive data. For more details on how we collect, use, or store data, please refer to our Privacy Policy (if applicable).
Reporting Violations
We rely on our community to help enforce these standards. If you encounter content or behavior that you believe violates this Content Policy, please report it to us so we can investigate. Here’s how reporting works:
- How to Report: Most public content will have a “Report” or “Flag” option nearby. Use this feature to alert us to the problematic content, and select the reason for the report (e.g., hate speech, pornography, harassment, etc.). If for some reason a direct reporting button is not available, you can email us at vmold@mechaverse.dev with details (links, usernames, and a description of the issue).
- What to Include: Provide as much detail as possible when reporting. Tell us why you believe the content violates the policy, and where it is (a link or screenshot). This helps our moderators assess the situation quickly.
- Confidentiality: Reports are kept confidential. The user you report will not be notified about who reported them. Your privacy and safety in reporting are important to us.
- Our Response: When a report is received, our moderation team will review the content in question. We handle reports on a case-by-case basis (we do not use only automated processes to judge content – a human will evaluate the context of each report). We aim to respond promptly, but response times can vary based on volume and severity. Urgent issues (like threats or self-harm situations) are prioritized.
- Outcomes: If we find a violation, appropriate action will be taken (see Moderation and Enforcement below). If we determine the content doesn’t violate the policy, it will remain up. In either case, we may reach out to the reporter or the content owner if additional information is needed. We may not always be able to provide detailed feedback on our decision due to privacy, but we strive to be fair and consistent.
- Appeals: If your content was reported and you disagree with the action taken (e.g., your post was removed or your account was suspended), you can contact us to appeal the decision. Explain the situation and why you believe it was a mistake. We will re-review the case, though repeated or baseless appeals may be disregarded.
Reporting is a vital tool in keeping the community safe. Please use it responsibly — false or malicious reports (e.g. to harass someone) are themselves a violation of this policy. We will take action against users who abuse the reporting system.
Moderation and Enforcement
To maintain a healthy environment, we reserve the right to enforce this Content Policy at our discretion. By using the platform, you acknowledge that the moderation team (administrators and authorized moderators) has the authority to manage content and user accounts. Enforcement measures may include:
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Content Removal or Edit: We can remove, hide, or edit any content that violates the rules. This includes posts, comments, images, or any other user-submitted material. In some cases, we may remove part of the content (for example, censoring a slur in an otherwise valuable comment) rather than deleting the whole submission, but this is at our discretion.
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Warnings: For minor or first-time violations, we often send a warning or reminder of the rules. This is a gentle nudge to correct behavior. More serious violations may skip warnings and go straight to sanctions.
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Account Suspension or Ban: We may suspend user accounts temporarily or permanently for serious or repeated violations. A suspension can range from a “timeout” (e.g. 24-hour or 7-day ban) to a permanent ban (account deactivation). Banned users will lose access to the platform’s features under that account. Attempts to create new accounts to evade a ban will lead to further action.
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Content Filtering or Restrictions: In some cases, we might add restrictions instead of full bans. For example, we could mark certain content as NSFW (Not Safe For Work) or age-restricted (if that feature exists) to limit its visibility instead of removing it, if it’s borderline acceptable. We might also restrict your ability to post (e.g., require moderator approval for future posts) if you have a history of borderline content.
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Community-Level Actions: If an entire project or community space (if our platform has groups/forums) is overrun with rule violations, we might take action at the community level. This could include closing a project’s comment section, delisting a community from search, or in extreme cases, banning a project/repository from the platform.
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Legal Action or Reporting to Authorities: If we believe content violates the law (for example, child exploitation, credible threats of violence, or other unlawful activity), we will report it to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. We may also take legal action to prevent misuse of our service, especially if someone is abusing our platform in ways that could cause harm or legal liability.
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Other Measures: We have broad authority to act to preserve the safety and integrity of the platform. This might include measures not explicitly listed here, taken in extreme or unforeseen circumstances. Our goal is to be fair and transparent, but we also must be able to respond to novel threats or abuse tactics.
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No Automated Enforcement: Enforcement decisions are made by human moderators reviewing each case; we do not rely solely on automated filters or AI to remove content. Automated tools (like spam filters or image recognition) may assist us by flagging content, but final decisions involve human judgment. This case-by-case approach helps avoid mistakes and provides context to our enforcement actions.
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Consistency and Fairness: We strive to apply the rules evenly. However, context matters – the same phrase might be a harmless joke in one context and serious harassment in another. Moderators will consider context, intent, and impact. If we remove content or ban you, it means we determined that the benefits of removal (protecting users, complying with law, etc.) outweighed leaving it up. We do not discriminate in enforcement based on who you are; whether you’re a newcomer or a prominent user, these rules apply equally.
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Appeals Process: As noted, if you feel we have made an error in moderation, you can appeal. We will have another moderator (or group of moderators) review the decision. If a mistake was made, we will correct it (e.g., reinstate content or lift a ban). Please note that during the appeal review, the content or account in question typically remains removed or suspended.
Finally, while we outline these enforcement options, we hope never to have to use many of them. Our preferred outcome is a community where users self-moderate by following the rules and looking out for each other. If you adhere to the Content Policy and treat others with respect, you should not face any enforcement action.
Copyright and Ownership of Content
Users retain ownership of the content they create and post on the platform. Uploading your robotics project, images, or code does not transfer your copyright to us or anyone else – it remains your intellectual property. However, by using our platform to host or display your content, you grant us certain rights so that we can operate and share the platform effectively:
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License to the Platform: By posting content, you give us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, reproduce, distribute, and adapt your content within the platform and in marketing materials. This license is only for the purpose of running the service and promoting your projects or the platform itself (for example, featuring your robot on a highlights page or in a promotional newsletter). We do not claim ownership of your work, and this license does not allow us to sell your content or take exclusive rights. It simply allows us to show your content to others as you intend when you share it.
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License to Other Users: Additionally, you allow other users of the platform to view and share your content through the normal functionality of the site (e.g., viewing your project page, commenting on it, sharing a link to it). If you mark your project as public, other users may also fork or utilize your open-source repository if it’s provided (subject to whatever open-source license you attached to your code/design). If your repository is meant to be open-source, please include a license file to clarify reuse terms. If it’s not, be aware that posting it publicly might invite reuse anyway, so consider keeping proprietary projects private.
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Your Warranty: When you post content, you warrant (promise) that you have the rights to post it and to grant the above licenses. This means the content is your own creation or you have obtained necessary permissions/licenses from the rightful owner. You also promise that sharing the content on our platform does not violate any laws or anyone’s rights (including privacy rights, publicity rights, contract rights, etc.). If your content includes images of people or someone’s personal data, you should have their consent.
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Copyright Infringement and Takedown: If we receive a credible claim that something you posted infringes someone’s copyright, we will take action, which may include removing or disabling access to the content. We comply with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and similar laws. That means if a rights holder sends us a valid takedown notice, we will remove the content and notify you. You will have a chance to file a counter-notice if you believe a mistake was made. Repeated infringement may result in account termination. We encourage you to proactively avoid this by only posting content that is yours or properly licensed.
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Retention and Backup: If you delete content or your account, we will remove it from public view, but please note that backups or cached copies might persist for a time. Other users might have also downloaded or copied your content while it was public; we cannot force those copies to be deleted. Think carefully before posting anything confidential.
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Feedback: If you submit feedback or suggestions to us (for improving the platform, for example), note that we can use that freely without obligation to you. Feedback is not considered your proprietary content under this policy.
In summary, you keep your rights to your work, and you’re simply giving us permission to host and display it. Nothing in this policy grants us ownership of your creations. We’re here to provide a space for your robotics projects, not to take them from you.
Age Restrictions
Our community is open to robot enthusiasts of all ages. We do not impose a strict age minimum for viewing or posting content. However, because younger users may be present, we enforce rules to ensure all public content is appropriate for a general audience:
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No Explicit Adult Content: As stated in Prohibited Content, pornography and sexually explicit material are not allowed on the public areas of the site. We maintain a family-friendly environment in the public galleries and project pages, so that even younger robotics fans can browse safely.
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Minors on the Platform: If you are under the age of 13, please obtain permission from a parent or guardian before creating an account or posting content, in compliance with relevant child online privacy laws. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. If we discover an under-13 user without consent, we may have to suspend the account until consent is verified.
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Interactions: All users, including minors, are expected to follow the Content Policy. If you are an adult, be mindful of how you interact with younger members – no inappropriate interactions will be tolerated. If you are a minor, be cautious about what information you share and report any behavior that makes you uncomfortable.
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Age-Targeted Content: If certain content is only suitable for older audiences (e.g., a complex technical discussion or mildly graphic robotics surgery image), please use content warnings or notes as appropriate. Extremely mature content should not be posted at all if it violates our rules. Generally, however, most robotics content should be suitable for all ages.
Because we do not age-gate most content, we take the above restrictions seriously. Ensuring a safe environment for younger users is a community effort – if you see content that is too mature or harmful for minors, report it to us.
Platform-Specific Guidelines
Beyond the general rules above, here are some guidelines specific to the nature of our platform and community. These help clarify expectations in contexts like forums, comments, repository pages, and more:
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Stay On-Topic in Community Spaces: If our platform includes forums, comment sections, or group discussions, keep contributions relevant to the subject. In a robotics discussion, for example, questions and answers should be about the project or related technology. Off-topic discussions should be taken to appropriate channels (or kept off the platform). This ensures that technical resources remain useful and not cluttered with unrelated content.
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No Spam or Flooding: Do not flood project pages or forums with repetitive messages, irrelevant links, or excessive self-promotion. One promotional post about your new robot project is fine; posting the same message in dozens of places is not. Quality of engagement is valued over quantity.
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Self-Promotion and Commercial Content: We understand that some robotics projects are also commercial products or personal ventures. It’s permissible to include promotional content on your own repository or project page – for instance, you can link to your startup’s website, a Kickstarter for your robot, or a store selling your robot kits. This kind of content is allowed within the context of your project. However, promotional content should not spill over into unrelated areas: do not use comments on others’ projects purely to advertise, and don’t send unsolicited promotional messages to users. Essentially, promote responsibly and only where it makes sense.
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Contributor Guidelines: If your project allows contributions (like an open-source robot design inviting improvements), be clear about your contribution guidelines in the repository. While not strictly a content policy issue, having guidelines helps set expectations for tone and format (e.g., coding standards, how to propose changes). We encourage collaborative development and respectful communication in project collaborations.
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No Automated Content Posting: Content should be posted by real users, not bots, unless specifically authorized. We curate our public robot gallery manually or on a case-by-case basis – there are no automated mass postings of content. If you run a script or bot to upload content, it might be flagged as spam or malicious unless you have prior permission. We want genuine human-curated content to maintain quality.
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Quality and Relevance: To maintain a high-quality gallery of robots, we may set certain minimal standards for posts. For example, a project page should include a reasonable description or images of the robot; extremely vague or empty project listings might be removed or unpublished until they have more substance. This isn’t about judging your project’s worth, but about ensuring that public listings are informative for viewers.
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Community Etiquette: Treat other members with respect in all interactions. This includes giving constructive feedback instead of rude criticism, acknowledging others’ contributions, and fostering an inclusive tone. Remember that written text can be misinterpreted – be clear and kind. Disagreements will happen, but stay civil and focus on facts or solutions, not personal attacks. Our platform may have additional Community Guidelines or a Code of Conduct covering etiquette; those are considered part of this Content Policy as well.
These platform-specific guidelines are meant to complement the main rules. They address how we handle content in the unique context of our robotics community. Adhering to them will help keep the community productive, friendly, and focused on what we all love – building and sharing robots!
Policy Updates and Changes
We may update this Content Policy from time to time as our platform grows and new circumstances arise. Changes might be made for several reasons: to address emerging types of content issues, to clarify existing rules, or to adapt to new laws and regulations.
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Notification of Changes: When we make significant changes to this policy, we will notify users in a reasonable way. For example, we might post an announcement on the website, send out an email notification, or prompt you to review the new policy when you log in. Minor tweaks that do not materially change the intent may be updated on the policy page without a broad announcement, but the “Last Updated” date at the top will always reflect the latest revision.
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Continued Use = Acceptance: By continuing to use the platform after a policy update, you accept the new terms of the Content Policy. If you do not agree with a change, you should discontinue use of the platform or contact us with your concerns. We welcome feedback on the policy, but we must ultimately have a unified set of rules to operate the site.
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Version History: For transparency, we maintain an archive or changelog of policy versions (or at least the major changes). If you’re interested, you can request a copy of earlier versions or a summary of what changed. This helps long-term users track how the rules evolve.
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Legal Compliance: If any change is required by law (for instance, new regulations on content moderation or age-related content), those may take effect immediately as needed to keep the platform in legal compliance. We will still endeavor to inform users of such changes promptly.
It’s a good practice to review the Content Policy periodically. We try not to make frequent or arbitrary changes – any revisions are carefully considered with the community’s best interests in mind. Your understanding and cooperation with the Content Policy help ensure that our platform remains a safe and vibrant space for everyone.
Conclusion
By adhering to this Content Policy, you are helping to create a safe, inclusive, and vibrant community of makers and learners. We appreciate every user who follows the rules and contributes positively. Thank you for being a part of our platform and for helping maintain the standards that allow everyone to enjoy and benefit from the content here. Together, we can protect our community and keep it focused on sharing innovative robotics content in a respectful environment.
If you have any questions about this Content Policy or are unsure about any specific case, please reach out to the site administrators. We are always willing to clarify the rules and help you understand how to stay within them. Happy building, and thank you for helping us uphold these guidelines!
Content Policy
Last Updated: September 10, 2025
Introduction
This Content Policy outlines what may be published, shared, or hosted on our platform. Its purpose is to protect both our community and the business from harmful or unlawful material, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all users. By using the platform, you agree to follow these rules and guidelines. We ask that you not only abide by the letter of this policy but also respect its spirit, helping us maintain a positive community for robotics enthusiasts.
Allowed and Encouraged Content
Our platform is dedicated to robotics projects and related content. We allow and encourage content that aligns with this focus, including but not limited to:
- Robotics Project Repositories and Media: Images of robots and their components, project descriptions, documentation, and other repository metadata. You may showcase code, CAD files, and other project files stored on external services (e.g. GitHub) as they are visualized on our site. All such content should be related to robotics projects or robot environments/components.
- User Profiles and Bios: Information you provide in your profile (such as a bio, profile picture, and display name) is allowed and will be publicly visible. Please ensure profile content remains appropriate (no offensive imagery or text).
- Collaborative & Shareable Projects: We especially encourage robotics projects that can be used or replicated by others. This includes providing resources like 3D-printable models, bills of materials (BOMs), schematics, and clear documentation/instructions on how to assemble or run the robot. Sharing this kind of useful content fosters learning and collaboration in the community.
- All allowed content must still comply with the rules in this policy. Even if a type of content is generally permitted, it may not contain any material that is prohibited (see Prohibited Content below for details).
Prohibited Content
We explicitly ban certain types of content to keep the platform safe and lawful. Do not post or share content that contains or links to any of the following:
- Illegal or Unlawful Material: Content that violates any applicable law or regulations, or encourages others to do so. This includes discussions of illicit activities, instructions for wrongdoing, or any content that could result in civil or criminal liability for you or the platform. Keep it legal at all times.
- Hate Speech and Harassment: Any content that attacks, bullies, or encourages harm toward an individual or group. In particular, hate speech targeting someone based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected traits is strictly forbidden. Personal attacks, slurs, or content that glorifies or incites violence against others will be removed. Everyone should be able to participate without fear of harassment or intimidation.
- Violence and Threats: Graphic depictions of extreme violence, gore, or animal abuse are not allowed. Threatening violence or harm to others is prohibited. Content that endorses or incites violent acts is also banned. We have zero tolerance for posts that could lead to real-world harm.
- Sexually Explicit or Pornographic Content: Our platform is intended for all ages, so no pornography or sexually explicit material is allowed. Content involving sexual exploitation or abuse (especially any content involving minors) is absolutely forbidden. Even suggestive sexual content with no educational or scientific context is not permitted. Keep content family-friendly.
- Child Exploitation: Any content that in any way sexualizes minors or depicts the exploitation or abuse of a minor is banned and will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
- Private Personal Information (Doxxing): Do not post personal or sensitive information about others without their consent. This includes addresses, phone numbers, emails, financial information, or intimate media of someone else. Respect others’ privacy.
- Copyright-Infringing Material: Only post content that you have rights to use. Uploading someone else’s work (images, code, text, etc.) without permission or a proper license is prohibited. We will comply with copyright law, including responding to valid DMCA takedown requests for any infringing content. (Remember, when a user posts content on a public platform, the original creator still retains copyright unless explicitly transferred.) If you believe content on the platform infringes your intellectual property, please report it as described in the Reporting section.
- Malware or Malicious Content: Do not share content that contains viruses, malware, or any code intended to disrupt or harm systems. Similarly, content that phishes or attempts to scam users is forbidden.
- Spam and Irrelevant Advertising: Unsolicited bulk content, repetitive posts, or advertisements not relevant to robotics are considered spam. This includes posting promotional content across multiple projects or comments purely to drive traffic or sales. Exception: You may include promotional or commercial content on your own repository/project pages, such as links to your product, store, or crowdfunding page related to your robot. Promotional content is only allowed within your repository page as context for your project. Using the platform purely as an advertising space or spamming other users’ pages with promotions is not allowed.
- Off-Topic or Unrelated Content: Content must be relevant to robotics, technology, or the community interests of the platform. Posts completely unrelated to the platform’s purpose (e.g. random advertisements, political or religious content not tied to a project, etc.) may be removed.
- Impersonation and Misrepresentation: Do not impersonate any person or organization or misrepresent your affiliation. Parody is allowed in good faith, but impersonation intended to deceive is prohibited.
- Other Harmful Content: This includes content that glorifies self-harm or suicide, encourages dangerous activities, or is otherwise deemed by the platform moderators to pose a risk to users. We reserve the right to remove any content that we find harmful or inappropriate, even if it doesn’t fit neatly into one of the above categories.
If you are unsure whether something is allowed, please err on the side of caution or contact a moderator before posting. We may update the above list of prohibited content as new forms of harmful material emerge.
User Responsibilities
By contributing content to the platform, you are responsible for ensuring that your content follows this policy and all applicable laws. In practice, this means:
- Follow the Rules: You must review and abide by this Content Policy (as well as our Terms of Service). Do not attempt to circumvent or “test” the limits of these rules. If something is prohibited, any workaround to post essentially the same content will be treated as a violation.
- Own Your Content (or Have Permission): Only upload or embed content that you have created yourself, or that you have the legal right to use. This includes text, images, videos, and code. If your project uses third-party assets (like someone else’s code or design), ensure you have a license or permission to include it, and give proper credit when required. Misusing someone else’s intellectual property can have legal consequences for you and for us.
- Responsible Sharing: You are accountable for the content you share. Do not post anything that you wouldn’t want associated with your identity or that could harm others. Remember that even if you later delete something, others might have already seen or copied it.
- Profile Information: Ensure that your username, display name, avatar, and bio do not contain any offensive language or imagery that violates this policy. Profile data (like your username, profile picture, and bio) is public on this platform, so choose this information wisely.
- Comply with Age Guidelines: Our platform does not enforce a strict age minimum, meaning younger users may be present. As such, every user has a responsibility to keep public content appropriate for all ages. If you are a minor, we encourage you to have parental guidance when sharing content online. If you are an adult, be mindful that minors can see your public posts.
- No Evasion: Don’t try to evade bans or other enforcement actions. If your account is suspended or content removed, respect those actions. Creating new accounts to get around a ban or repost removed content is a further violation and may result in permanent expulsion.
Content Visibility and Privacy
We understand that not all content is meant for everyone. Our platform provides controls for content visibility:
- Public vs Private Projects: As a user, you can choose to make your robot projects/repositories publicly visible or keep them private. Public projects can be seen by everyone (even unregistered visitors), whereas private projects are accessible only to you and those you explicitly share access with. Use these settings to control who can view your work.
- Profile Visibility: Basic profile information (such as your username, display name, and profile picture) is always public. Other users can see your presence on the platform. However, you are not required to use your real name, and you can control what personal details you include in your profile. Avoid sharing sensitive personal information on your profile or project pages, since they are public by default.
- Repository Content from External Sources: If you integrate content from external repositories (for example, pulling in images or data from a GitHub repository), be aware that making your project public will also publicly display that integrated content on our site. Ensure that any external content you bring in is either already public or something you have the right to share.
- Privacy of Others: If your project includes personal data (images of people, personal information, etc.), make sure you have permission to share that content or anonymize it. Do not inadvertently expose someone else’s private information through your uploads.
Remember, once content is public, you cannot control who sees it or how it’s used outside of our platform. Even on private projects, exercise caution with sensitive data. For more details on how we collect, use, or store data, please refer to our Privacy Policy (if applicable).
Reporting Violations
We rely on our community to help enforce these standards. If you encounter content or behavior that you believe violates this Content Policy, please report it to us so we can investigate. Here’s how reporting works:
- How to Report: Most public content will have a “Report” or “Flag” option nearby. Use this feature to alert us to the problematic content, and select the reason for the report (e.g., hate speech, pornography, harassment, etc.). If for some reason a direct reporting button is not available, you can email us at vmold@mechaverse.dev with details (links, usernames, and a description of the issue).
- What to Include: Provide as much detail as possible when reporting. Tell us why you believe the content violates the policy, and where it is (a link or screenshot). This helps our moderators assess the situation quickly.
- Confidentiality: Reports are kept confidential. The user you report will not be notified about who reported them. Your privacy and safety in reporting are important to us.
- Our Response: When a report is received, our moderation team will review the content in question. We handle reports on a case-by-case basis (we do not use only automated processes to judge content – a human will evaluate the context of each report). We aim to respond promptly, but response times can vary based on volume and severity. Urgent issues (like threats or self-harm situations) are prioritized.
- Outcomes: If we find a violation, appropriate action will be taken (see Moderation and Enforcement below). If we determine the content doesn’t violate the policy, it will remain up. In either case, we may reach out to the reporter or the content owner if additional information is needed. We may not always be able to provide detailed feedback on our decision due to privacy, but we strive to be fair and consistent.
- Appeals: If your content was reported and you disagree with the action taken (e.g., your post was removed or your account was suspended), you can contact us to appeal the decision. Explain the situation and why you believe it was a mistake. We will re-review the case, though repeated or baseless appeals may be disregarded.
Reporting is a vital tool in keeping the community safe. Please use it responsibly — false or malicious reports (e.g. to harass someone) are themselves a violation of this policy. We will take action against users who abuse the reporting system.
Moderation and Enforcement
To maintain a healthy environment, we reserve the right to enforce this Content Policy at our discretion. By using the platform, you acknowledge that the moderation team (administrators and authorized moderators) has the authority to manage content and user accounts. Enforcement measures may include:
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Content Removal or Edit: We can remove, hide, or edit any content that violates the rules. This includes posts, comments, images, or any other user-submitted material. In some cases, we may remove part of the content (for example, censoring a slur in an otherwise valuable comment) rather than deleting the whole submission, but this is at our discretion.
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Warnings: For minor or first-time violations, we often send a warning or reminder of the rules. This is a gentle nudge to correct behavior. More serious violations may skip warnings and go straight to sanctions.
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Account Suspension or Ban: We may suspend user accounts temporarily or permanently for serious or repeated violations. A suspension can range from a “timeout” (e.g. 24-hour or 7-day ban) to a permanent ban (account deactivation). Banned users will lose access to the platform’s features under that account. Attempts to create new accounts to evade a ban will lead to further action.
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Content Filtering or Restrictions: In some cases, we might add restrictions instead of full bans. For example, we could mark certain content as NSFW (Not Safe For Work) or age-restricted (if that feature exists) to limit its visibility instead of removing it, if it’s borderline acceptable. We might also restrict your ability to post (e.g., require moderator approval for future posts) if you have a history of borderline content.
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Community-Level Actions: If an entire project or community space (if our platform has groups/forums) is overrun with rule violations, we might take action at the community level. This could include closing a project’s comment section, delisting a community from search, or in extreme cases, banning a project/repository from the platform.
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Legal Action or Reporting to Authorities: If we believe content violates the law (for example, child exploitation, credible threats of violence, or other unlawful activity), we will report it to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. We may also take legal action to prevent misuse of our service, especially if someone is abusing our platform in ways that could cause harm or legal liability.
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Other Measures: We have broad authority to act to preserve the safety and integrity of the platform. This might include measures not explicitly listed here, taken in extreme or unforeseen circumstances. Our goal is to be fair and transparent, but we also must be able to respond to novel threats or abuse tactics.
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No Automated Enforcement: Enforcement decisions are made by human moderators reviewing each case; we do not rely solely on automated filters or AI to remove content. Automated tools (like spam filters or image recognition) may assist us by flagging content, but final decisions involve human judgment. This case-by-case approach helps avoid mistakes and provides context to our enforcement actions.
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Consistency and Fairness: We strive to apply the rules evenly. However, context matters – the same phrase might be a harmless joke in one context and serious harassment in another. Moderators will consider context, intent, and impact. If we remove content or ban you, it means we determined that the benefits of removal (protecting users, complying with law, etc.) outweighed leaving it up. We do not discriminate in enforcement based on who you are; whether you’re a newcomer or a prominent user, these rules apply equally.
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Appeals Process: As noted, if you feel we have made an error in moderation, you can appeal. We will have another moderator (or group of moderators) review the decision. If a mistake was made, we will correct it (e.g., reinstate content or lift a ban). Please note that during the appeal review, the content or account in question typically remains removed or suspended.
Finally, while we outline these enforcement options, we hope never to have to use many of them. Our preferred outcome is a community where users self-moderate by following the rules and looking out for each other. If you adhere to the Content Policy and treat others with respect, you should not face any enforcement action.
Copyright and Ownership of Content
Users retain ownership of the content they create and post on the platform. Uploading your robotics project, images, or code does not transfer your copyright to us or anyone else – it remains your intellectual property. However, by using our platform to host or display your content, you grant us certain rights so that we can operate and share the platform effectively:
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License to the Platform: By posting content, you give us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, reproduce, distribute, and adapt your content within the platform and in marketing materials. This license is only for the purpose of running the service and promoting your projects or the platform itself (for example, featuring your robot on a highlights page or in a promotional newsletter). We do not claim ownership of your work, and this license does not allow us to sell your content or take exclusive rights. It simply allows us to show your content to others as you intend when you share it.
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License to Other Users: Additionally, you allow other users of the platform to view and share your content through the normal functionality of the site (e.g., viewing your project page, commenting on it, sharing a link to it). If you mark your project as public, other users may also fork or utilize your open-source repository if it’s provided (subject to whatever open-source license you attached to your code/design). If your repository is meant to be open-source, please include a license file to clarify reuse terms. If it’s not, be aware that posting it publicly might invite reuse anyway, so consider keeping proprietary projects private.
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Your Warranty: When you post content, you warrant (promise) that you have the rights to post it and to grant the above licenses. This means the content is your own creation or you have obtained necessary permissions/licenses from the rightful owner. You also promise that sharing the content on our platform does not violate any laws or anyone’s rights (including privacy rights, publicity rights, contract rights, etc.). If your content includes images of people or someone’s personal data, you should have their consent.
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Copyright Infringement and Takedown: If we receive a credible claim that something you posted infringes someone’s copyright, we will take action, which may include removing or disabling access to the content. We comply with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and similar laws. That means if a rights holder sends us a valid takedown notice, we will remove the content and notify you. You will have a chance to file a counter-notice if you believe a mistake was made. Repeated infringement may result in account termination. We encourage you to proactively avoid this by only posting content that is yours or properly licensed.
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Retention and Backup: If you delete content or your account, we will remove it from public view, but please note that backups or cached copies might persist for a time. Other users might have also downloaded or copied your content while it was public; we cannot force those copies to be deleted. Think carefully before posting anything confidential.
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Feedback: If you submit feedback or suggestions to us (for improving the platform, for example), note that we can use that freely without obligation to you. Feedback is not considered your proprietary content under this policy.
In summary, you keep your rights to your work, and you’re simply giving us permission to host and display it. Nothing in this policy grants us ownership of your creations. We’re here to provide a space for your robotics projects, not to take them from you.
Age Restrictions
Our community is open to robot enthusiasts of all ages. We do not impose a strict age minimum for viewing or posting content. However, because younger users may be present, we enforce rules to ensure all public content is appropriate for a general audience:
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No Explicit Adult Content: As stated in Prohibited Content, pornography and sexually explicit material are not allowed on the public areas of the site. We maintain a family-friendly environment in the public galleries and project pages, so that even younger robotics fans can browse safely.
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Minors on the Platform: If you are under the age of 13, please obtain permission from a parent or guardian before creating an account or posting content, in compliance with relevant child online privacy laws. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. If we discover an under-13 user without consent, we may have to suspend the account until consent is verified.
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Interactions: All users, including minors, are expected to follow the Content Policy. If you are an adult, be mindful of how you interact with younger members – no inappropriate interactions will be tolerated. If you are a minor, be cautious about what information you share and report any behavior that makes you uncomfortable.
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Age-Targeted Content: If certain content is only suitable for older audiences (e.g., a complex technical discussion or mildly graphic robotics surgery image), please use content warnings or notes as appropriate. Extremely mature content should not be posted at all if it violates our rules. Generally, however, most robotics content should be suitable for all ages.
Because we do not age-gate most content, we take the above restrictions seriously. Ensuring a safe environment for younger users is a community effort – if you see content that is too mature or harmful for minors, report it to us.
Platform-Specific Guidelines
Beyond the general rules above, here are some guidelines specific to the nature of our platform and community. These help clarify expectations in contexts like forums, comments, repository pages, and more:
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Stay On-Topic in Community Spaces: If our platform includes forums, comment sections, or group discussions, keep contributions relevant to the subject. In a robotics discussion, for example, questions and answers should be about the project or related technology. Off-topic discussions should be taken to appropriate channels (or kept off the platform). This ensures that technical resources remain useful and not cluttered with unrelated content.
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No Spam or Flooding: Do not flood project pages or forums with repetitive messages, irrelevant links, or excessive self-promotion. One promotional post about your new robot project is fine; posting the same message in dozens of places is not. Quality of engagement is valued over quantity.
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Self-Promotion and Commercial Content: We understand that some robotics projects are also commercial products or personal ventures. It’s permissible to include promotional content on your own repository or project page – for instance, you can link to your startup’s website, a Kickstarter for your robot, or a store selling your robot kits. This kind of content is allowed within the context of your project. However, promotional content should not spill over into unrelated areas: do not use comments on others’ projects purely to advertise, and don’t send unsolicited promotional messages to users. Essentially, promote responsibly and only where it makes sense.
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Contributor Guidelines: If your project allows contributions (like an open-source robot design inviting improvements), be clear about your contribution guidelines in the repository. While not strictly a content policy issue, having guidelines helps set expectations for tone and format (e.g., coding standards, how to propose changes). We encourage collaborative development and respectful communication in project collaborations.
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No Automated Content Posting: Content should be posted by real users, not bots, unless specifically authorized. We curate our public robot gallery manually or on a case-by-case basis – there are no automated mass postings of content. If you run a script or bot to upload content, it might be flagged as spam or malicious unless you have prior permission. We want genuine human-curated content to maintain quality.
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Quality and Relevance: To maintain a high-quality gallery of robots, we may set certain minimal standards for posts. For example, a project page should include a reasonable description or images of the robot; extremely vague or empty project listings might be removed or unpublished until they have more substance. This isn’t about judging your project’s worth, but about ensuring that public listings are informative for viewers.
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Community Etiquette: Treat other members with respect in all interactions. This includes giving constructive feedback instead of rude criticism, acknowledging others’ contributions, and fostering an inclusive tone. Remember that written text can be misinterpreted – be clear and kind. Disagreements will happen, but stay civil and focus on facts or solutions, not personal attacks. Our platform may have additional Community Guidelines or a Code of Conduct covering etiquette; those are considered part of this Content Policy as well.
These platform-specific guidelines are meant to complement the main rules. They address how we handle content in the unique context of our robotics community. Adhering to them will help keep the community productive, friendly, and focused on what we all love – building and sharing robots!
Policy Updates and Changes
We may update this Content Policy from time to time as our platform grows and new circumstances arise. Changes might be made for several reasons: to address emerging types of content issues, to clarify existing rules, or to adapt to new laws and regulations.
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Notification of Changes: When we make significant changes to this policy, we will notify users in a reasonable way. For example, we might post an announcement on the website, send out an email notification, or prompt you to review the new policy when you log in. Minor tweaks that do not materially change the intent may be updated on the policy page without a broad announcement, but the “Last Updated” date at the top will always reflect the latest revision.
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Continued Use = Acceptance: By continuing to use the platform after a policy update, you accept the new terms of the Content Policy. If you do not agree with a change, you should discontinue use of the platform or contact us with your concerns. We welcome feedback on the policy, but we must ultimately have a unified set of rules to operate the site.
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Version History: For transparency, we maintain an archive or changelog of policy versions (or at least the major changes). If you’re interested, you can request a copy of earlier versions or a summary of what changed. This helps long-term users track how the rules evolve.
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Legal Compliance: If any change is required by law (for instance, new regulations on content moderation or age-related content), those may take effect immediately as needed to keep the platform in legal compliance. We will still endeavor to inform users of such changes promptly.
It’s a good practice to review the Content Policy periodically. We try not to make frequent or arbitrary changes – any revisions are carefully considered with the community’s best interests in mind. Your understanding and cooperation with the Content Policy help ensure that our platform remains a safe and vibrant space for everyone.
Conclusion
By adhering to this Content Policy, you are helping to create a safe, inclusive, and vibrant community of makers and learners. We appreciate every user who follows the rules and contributes positively. Thank you for being a part of our platform and for helping maintain the standards that allow everyone to enjoy and benefit from the content here. Together, we can protect our community and keep it focused on sharing innovative robotics content in a respectful environment.
If you have any questions about this Content Policy or are unsure about any specific case, please reach out to the site administrators. We are always willing to clarify the rules and help you understand how to stay within them. Happy building, and thank you for helping us uphold these guidelines!