Terms of Services

Effective Date: May 31st, 2025

Welcome to the DIACOMET Online Forum (“the Forum”). By registering or participating in this platform, you agree to comply with these Terms of Service, which reflect the core values of dialogic communication ethics, safety, and inclusivity.

1. Purpose of the Forum

The Forum is a moderated, multilingual online space developed to foster ethical dialogue on communication dilemmas. It serves educators, NGOs, students, and civic actors as a space for reflection, case-based learning, and exchange of perspectives grounded in mutual respect.

2. Core Communication Principles

A. Equality and Safety

  • No user’s human dignity may be violated in or through communication.
  • All participants must be able to express their views freely and equally without fear of retaliation.
  • Those with greater influence (e.g., moderators, experts) bear increased responsibility for respectful dialogue.
  • Manipulative communication to gain power or silence others is prohibited.
  • Unfounded public accusations or “cancel culture” practices are not permitted.

B. Dialogue and Understanding

  • Participants are expected to listen actively, show empathy, and reflect understanding.
  • Constructive and non-judgmental feedback is encouraged.
  • Use “I” statements and focus on personal experience or perspective.
  • Criticism must be directed at ideas, not personalities. Public shaming is forbidden.

C. Conflict and Disagreement

  • Dissenting views are welcome and must be respected.
  • Seek reasons behind disagreements and maintain courtesy in conversation.

D. Autonomy and Privacy

  • Users may choose what personal information to share and must ensure it is truthful.
  • Avoid speaking about others without involving them.
  • Respect all requests for silence or withdrawal from discussion.
  • Take extra care with minors and vulnerable individuals.

E. Information Integrity

  • All contributions should strive for truthfulness and completeness.
  • Misinformation, half-truths, and propaganda are not allowed.
  • Users must correct errors and avoid contributing to misunderstandings.

3. Registration and User Accounts

  • Only registered users may post content.
  • Users must use their real names.
  • Strong passwords are required.
  • Users are responsible for all activities under their accounts.

4. Moderation and Community Management

  • Original case submitters may act as moderators or co-moderators.
  • Moderators ensure adherence to principles and may remove violating content.
  • AI tools may flag potentially harmful content for moderator review.
  • Repeated violations may lead to suspension or removal.

5. Acceptable Use

You agree NOT to:

  • Harass, threaten, or impersonate others.
  • Distribute discriminatory, defamatory, or unethical content.
  • Share false or manipulative information.
  • Post others’ personal data without consent.
  • Use the forum for commercial or political campaigns.

6. Privacy and Data Handling

  • The Forum respects your informational autonomy.
  • Minimal data is collected only for participation and moderation.
  • All data is encrypted and stored securely.
  • Users may request data deletion at any time.

7. Intellectual Property

  • You retain ownership of your contributions.
  • You grant the Forum a license to use your content for educational and research purposes.
  • Forum content may be archived for academic use.

8. Educational and Research Use

  • Contributions may be used in university, NGO, or public educational events.
  • Students may use content for academic projects, with ethical conduct.

9. Termination and Appeals

  • Violations may result in warnings, suspension, or termination.
  • Appeals can be made through a feedback system or advisory board.

10. Amendments and Updates

  • Terms may evolve with platform growth.
  • Material changes will be notified, and users may need to reconfirm agreement.

11. Contact and Support

For questions, technical issues, or to report violations, contact: [email protected]