# Blacksky Community Guidelines **Effective Date:** January 2025\ **Last Updated:** October 2025 Blacksky is a protected digital space built by Black people, for Black people. These guidelines reflect the clear will of our community, gathered through democratic assemblies where community members shaped what Blacksky should be. They work alongside our [Privacy Policy](https://www.blackskyweb.xyz/about/support/privacy-policy) and [Terms of Service](https://www.blackskyweb.xyz/about/support/tos) to create a safe and empowering environment. Our foundation is Ubuntu - "I am because we are" - recognizing that our collective safety, joy, and flourishing require intentional boundaries and fierce protection of our space. *** ### 1. Our Purpose #### This Space Is For Black People Blacksky exists as a sanctuary for Black voices, experiences, and community. The main Blacksky feed and platform are exclusively for Black people to post, share, and connect. **Who is welcome:** * Black people globally, from all parts of the diaspora * African Americans and descendants of enslaved Africans * Continental Africans from all nations * Afro-Caribbeans, Afro-Latinx peoples, Black Europeans, Black Asians * Biracial and multiracial people who identify as Black * All shades, all backgrounds, all expressions of Blackness **Non-Black people** cannot create accounts to post on Blacksky. This boundary is essential to maintaining Blacksky as a space where Black people can exist without performing for, explaining to, or accommodating non-Black audiences. #### Community Standards Blacksky operates on a principle of good faith. We assume people joining our community are doing so authentically and in alignment with our purpose as a space for Black people. If you observe behavior that seems inconsistent with our community's purpose—including potential digital blackface, bot activity, or other bad faith participation—please report it. Our moderation team will investigate and take appropriate action. *** ### 2. What We Don't Allow #### Illegal Content and Behavior Content or behavior that is illegal is prohibited. We report child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. #### Harassment and Threats * Threats of violence or calls for violence against individuals or groups * Sustained harassment, stalking, or intimidation * Coordinated attacks or brigading * Doxxing or sharing private information without consent * Using the report system to harass others #### Hate Conduct We have zero tolerance for hate speech and discrimination:
* **White Supremacy:** White supremacist content, ideology, or rhetoric results in immediate, permanent bans with no appeals * **Anti-Black Racism:** Any form of anti-Blackness, including internalized anti-Blackness, colorism, and discrimination based on skin tone * **Misogynoir:** Any form of anti-black racism or sexism directed at Black women, non-binary people, and gender expansive people. * **Homophobia and Transphobia:** Anti-LGBTQIA+ bigotry, including TERF (trans-exclusionary) or SWERF (sex worker-exclusionary) content * **Ableism:** Slurs, mockery, or dehumanization of disabled people * **Fatphobia:** Body-based harassment, health concern trolling, or discrimination against fat people * **Casteism:** Discrimination based on caste or tribal affiliation * **Diaspora Wars:** Antagonistic discourse that pits different Black communities against each other or perpetuates harmful stereotypes #### Impersonation and Digital Blackface * Pretending to be Black when you are not (immediate permanent ban) * Impersonating other people, brands, or organizations * Parody accounts must be clearly labeled as such * Misleading profile information intended to deceive #### Spam and Inauthentic Behavior * Excessive posting or automated content * Engagement farming or rage bait * Artificially manipulating reach or metrics * Mass posting of identical or near-identical content #### Misleading Content * AI-Generated Content: Deepfakes, AI-generated images, or videos must be clearly labeled. Using AI to defame, deceive, or impersonate results in permanent bans * Misinformation: Deliberately spreading false information about public health, elections, or emergencies #### Intellectual Property * Plagiarism or theft of creative work without credit * Copyright infringement (see our [Terms of Service](https://www.blackskyweb.xyz/about/support/tos) for DMCA process) * Removing watermarks or attribution from others' work #### Harmful Content * Content promoting self-harm, eating disorders, or suicide, including telling other users or groups to harm themselves * Non-consensual intimate imagery * Sexual exploitation or abuse * Extreme violence or gore shared for shock value *** ### 3. Content Standards #### Adult Content Adult content is permitted on Blacksky with appropriate labeling:
* Mark NSFW (not safe for work) content appropriately * Nudity in cultural, artistic, or educational contexts is protected * Sex workers and adult content creators are welcome members of our community * Consensual adult content must be labeled; non-consensual content is prohibited #### Commercial Activity Black-owned businesses are welcome on Blacksky with clear identification:
* Commercial accounts must clearly identify themselves * Excessive promotional content may be restricted * Business accounts should engage authentically with the community #### Accessibility We encourage practices that make Blacksky accessible to all: * Adding descriptive alt text to images and videos helps blind and low-vision community members * Using clear language and avoiding unnecessary jargon *** ### 4. Moderation #### Our Approach Blacksky's moderation team prioritizes Black moderators who understand our cultural contexts and includes diverse representation across queer, trans, and disabled Black experiences throughout the diaspora.
We use a graduated approach to enforcement:
* **Immediate Permanent Bans:** White supremacy, CSAM, digital blackface, severe threats * **Warnings:** First-time guideline violations * **Temporary Restrictions:** Limited functionality for repeat violations * **Suspensions:** Temporary account suspension for serious or repeat violations * **Permanent Bans:** Patterns of harm or severe violations Context matters. We consider intent, cultural context, and community harm when making moderation decisions. #### Reporting If you see content that violates these guidelines:
1. Use the report button on the post or account 2. Select the most relevant category 3. Provide context if helpful 4. We review all reports promptly Mass reporting or weaponizing the report system to harass users will result in action against your account. You can learn more about [Blacksky's moderation practices here](/info-about-blacksky-the-community/blacksky-moderation.md). All users and services on the AT Protocol can also [subscribe to Blacksky's Moderation labeler](https://blacksky.community/profile/did:plc:d2mkddsbmnrgr3domzg5qexf). #### Appeals You may appeal most moderation decisions:
* Submit an appeal through the platform * A different moderator will review your appeal * We aim to respond within 7 days No appeals are available for: White supremacy, CSAM, digital blackface, or severe threats of violence. *** ### 5. Privacy and Safety #### Data Protection The platform actively resists data harvesting and surveillance by law enforcement. We prioritize your privacy and safety: * Minimal data collection - only what's necessary to provide services * Strong encryption and security protections * User control over your data * Transparency about what we collect and why * Clear data retention policies Review our [Privacy Policy](https://www.blackskyweb.xyz/about/support/privacy-policy) for complete details. #### Apps and Developer Tools Apps and developer tools that don't respect user privacy will not be allowed in our ecosystem. Personal Data Servers (PDS) that spread hate speech or spam will be automatically disconnected. *** ### 6. Subcommunities #### Using the Blacksky Name Communities building on Blacksky infrastructure must request permission to use "Blacksky" or "BlackSky" in their community name. This protects our brand and ensures subcommunities align with our values. You can contact us at to request use. #### Requirements for Subcommunities Communities on Blacksky infrastructure must: * Not promote hate speech, white supremacy, or discrimination * Clearly communicate their community rules * Handle reported violations promptly * Protect member privacy and safety Subcommunities may:
* Set their own specific membership criteria * Create their own posting rules within our framework * Develop community-specific guidelines * Moderate their space as they see fit *** ### 7. Our Commitment These guidelines prioritize serving users over profit motives. They are living documents that evolve with our community:
* Regular Review: Guidelines are reviewed annually * Community Input: Major changes are discussed through [People's Assemblies](https://assembly.blacksky.community/) * Transparency: All changes are announced with clear explanations * User-First: Decisions prioritize community safety and well-being *** ### Contact * Support: * Moderation Questions: Use the appeals process * Community Assembly: *** ### Acknowledgment These guidelines were developed through the [Blacksky People's Assembly](https://assembly.blacksky.community/), with input from 645 community members who shaped the vision for this platform. This is what we chose. This is what we built. This is who we are.
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