Community Guidelines
Standards and ethics for the BEACONSAFE community
BEACONSAFE exists to protect the environment through transparent, verified reporting. Our community includes whistleblowers, verifiers, NGOs, and environmental advocates working together for a sustainable future. These guidelines ensure our platform remains trustworthy, respectful, and effective.
Truth & Accuracy
All reports must be truthful and based on real observations. False information undermines our mission.
Protection & Safety
We prioritize whistleblower safety and anonymity. Never compromise someone's security.
Respect & Collaboration
Treat all community members with respect. We're working toward the same goal.
Fairness & Objectivity
Verification decisions must be objective and based on evidence, not personal bias.
What Makes a Good Report
- Factual and Specific: Describe exactly what you observed, when, and where
- Well-Documented: Include clear photos, videos, or measurements as evidence
- Objective: Stick to facts; avoid assumptions or speculation
- Timely: Report issues as soon as possible after observation
- Complete: Provide all relevant context and details
- Location-Specific: Accurate GPS coordinates or address
- Safety-Conscious: Don't put yourself at risk to gather evidence
What NOT to Include in Reports
- False Information: Never fabricate or exaggerate issues
- Personal Information: Don't include others' identifiable information without consent
- Speculation: Avoid unsupported claims about causes or responsibility
- Inflammatory Language: Keep reports professional and factual
- Duplicate Reports: Check if issue is already reported
- Unrelated Content: Stay focused on environmental issues
- Private Property Details: Be cautious with private property information
Evidence Requirements
- Photos must be clear, in focus, and show the issue clearly
- Videos should be stable and well-lit (max 50MB)
- Include multiple angles or views when possible
- Timestamp and location data strengthen credibility
- Documents must be readable and relevant
- Never edit or manipulate evidence
Objectivity & Impartiality
Verifiers must review all reports objectively based on evidence alone. Personal opinions, biases, or external pressures should never influence verification decisions. If you have a conflict of interest, recuse yourself from that report.
Thorough Review Process
- Examine all provided evidence carefully
- Cross-reference with external sources when possible
- Check location data and timestamps for consistency
- Research the reported location and issue type
- Request additional information if needed (don't guess)
- Document your verification reasoning
Confidentiality
Never disclose whistleblower identities or share unverified reports outside the platform. Maintain strict confidentiality about ongoing investigations. Breach of confidentiality results in immediate removal.
Timely Response
Review assigned reports within 72 hours. Critical/urgent reports should be prioritized. If you cannot complete verification on time, reassign the report to another verifier.
Constructive Feedback
When rejecting reports or requesting more information, provide clear, specific, and helpful feedback. Explain what's missing or why evidence is insufficient. Help reporters improve their submissions.
✅ Encouraged Behavior
- Professional and respectful communication
- Constructive feedback and helpful suggestions
- Collaboration and knowledge sharing
- Asking clarifying questions
- Expressing appreciation for good work
- Reporting technical issues or bugs
❌ Prohibited Behavior
- Harassment, threats, or intimidation of any kind
- Hate speech, discrimination, or offensive language
- Spam, advertising, or solicitation
- Sharing personal information without consent
- Impersonating other users or organizations
- Attempting to manipulate verification or rewards
- Coordinated false reporting campaigns
Violations of these guidelines will result in appropriate action based on severity and frequency:
Warning
First-time minor violations receive a formal warning and explanation of the guideline.
Temporary Suspension
Repeated minor violations or single moderate violations result in 7-30 day suspension.
Permanent Ban
Serious violations (fraud, harassment, threats, coordinated manipulation) result in permanent account termination.
Immediate Ban Offenses
- Submitting intentionally false reports to harm others
- Compromising whistleblower safety or anonymity
- Attempting to hack or breach platform security
- Verifiers accepting bribes or showing bias
- Organizing coordinated manipulation campaigns
- Threats of violence or severe harassment
If you witness violations of these guidelines:
- Use the "Report" button on the specific content
- Provide detailed information about the violation
- Include screenshots or evidence if possible
- For urgent safety concerns, email urgent@beaconsafe.org immediately
- Our admin team reviews all reports within 24 hours
False or malicious reports against other users are themselves violations and will be treated seriously.
Our Shared Commitment
By participating in BEACONSAFE, you agree to uphold these guidelines and contribute to a trustworthy, effective platform for environmental protection. Together, we can make a real difference while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and respect.