Advertising and Sponsored Content Policy

Effective Date:
Thu, 1 May 2025 – 00:00

Spectrum for Men (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to transparency in all advertising and sponsored content. This policy outlines how we manage paid promotions, sponsored content, and advertisements on our platform.

1. Scope

This policy applies to all paid advertisements, sponsored content, branded partnerships, and affiliate marketing displayed on our website, social media, emails, or other channels.

2. Labeling and Transparency

• Clear Identification: All sponsored content, branded partnerships, and paid advertisements will be clearly labeled with terms such as:
  • “Sponsored”
  • “Advertisement”
  • “Paid Partnership”
  • “Promoted”
• Separation from Editorial Content: Sponsored content and ads will be visually distinct from editorial content (e.g., borders, shading, or headers).

3. Advertising Standards

• Prohibited Content: Advertisements must not promote:
  • Illegal activities.
  • Discrimination, hate speech, or harassment.
  • Misleading claims or false endorsements.
  • Products/services violating our Community Guidelines (e.g., non-consensual content).
• Adult Products: Ads for adult products/services must comply with applicable laws and clearly target adults (no minors in imagery or targeting).

4. Sponsored Content Guidelines

• Editorial Independence: Sponsored content is subject to review and must align with our community standards. We reserve the right to reject or remove sponsored content that conflicts with our values.
• Accuracy: Sponsored content must be factually accurate and not misleading.

5. User Reporting

Users may report concerns about advertisements or sponsored content via [contact method]. Reports will be reviewed within 48 hours, and violating content will be removed.

6. Compliance

• We comply with FTC guidelines, GDPR (for EU users), and other applicable advertising laws.
• Advertisers and sponsors must certify compliance with all legal and platform requirements.

7. Updates

Changes to this policy will be posted here with an updated effective date. Continued use of the site constitutes acceptance.

8. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

Moderation Transparency Reports Policy

Effective Date:
Thu, 1 May 2025 – 00:00

1. Purpose

Transparency reports provide users, regulators, and the public with clear, factual information about our content moderation activities, enforcement actions, and appeals. These reports are a key part of our compliance with the EU Digital Services Act, FTC guidelines, and our own Trust and Safety framework.

2. Reporting Frequency

• Biannual Reports: We publish moderation transparency reports twice a year (every six months), in line with DSA requirements for platforms of our size.
• Additional Updates: We may issue interim updates in response to significant events, regulatory requests, or at our discretion.

3. Report Content

Each report will include, at minimum:

• Content Removal Statistics:
  • Number of pieces of content removed, by category (e.g., CSAM, Non-Consensual Content, Hate Speech, Terrorist Content, Spam, etc.).
  • Number of account suspensions, terminations, or other enforcement actions.
• Appeals and Outcomes:
  • Number of appeals submitted by users.
  • Outcomes of appeals (e.g., reinstated, upheld, modified).
• Automated vs. Human Moderation:
  • Percentage of actions initiated by automated systems vs. human moderators.
  • Accuracy rates and error rates for automated moderation (where available).
• User Reporting:
  • Number of user reports received, by category.
  • Average response and resolution times.
• Law Enforcement Requests:
  • Number of requests received and responded to, as detailed in our Guidelines for Law Enforcement and Government Requests.
• Recommender System Transparency:
  • High-level description of how content is recommended or prioritized, as required by the Terms of Service.
• Notable Trends and Policy Changes:
  • Summaries of any significant changes to moderation practices, policies, or enforcement priorities.

4. Data Integrity and Privacy

• All published data is aggregated and anonymized to protect user privacy, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Data Retention Policy.
• We do not disclose personally identifiable information in transparency reports.

5. Accessibility

• Reports are published on our Policy Directory and are freely accessible to users, regulators, and researchers.
• Archived reports are maintained for a minimum of five years.

6. Researcher and Regulator Access

• Qualified researchers and regulators may request additional, non-public data for independent assessment, subject to review and compliance with privacy and legal standards.

7. Feedback and Continuous Improvement

• Users and stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on our transparency reporting via contact form.
• We review and update our reporting practices regularly to reflect regulatory changes, best practices, and community needs.

8. Updates

We may update this policy as required by law or platform needs. Updates will be posted on this page with a new effective date. Continued use of the site constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

10. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:
 

Non-Consensual Content (NCC) Policy

Effective Date:
Thu, 1 May 2025 – 00:00

Spectrum for Men (“we”, “us”, “our”) strictly prohibits non-consensual content (NCC)-any intimate, sexual, or explicit material shared without the subject’s consent. This policy outlines our prohibition, reporting process, and enforcement actions to protect user privacy and safety.

1. Prohibited Content

• NCC includes:
  • Intimate images/videos taken or shared without consent (e.g., revenge porn, hidden camera footage).
  • Threats to distribute NCC for coercion, harassment, or extortion (“sextortion”).
  • Deepfakes or manipulated media depicting individuals in explicit scenarios without consent.
• NCC violates our Community Guidelines and is illegal in many jurisdictions.

2. Reporting NCC

• How to Report:
  Submit a report via our 24/7 NCC Reporting Form. Include:
  • URL(s) of the content.
  • Proof of consent (if disputing a report).
  • Your contact information (optional).
• Confidentiality: Reports are confidential. Retaliation against reporters is prohibited.

3. Removal Process

• Review: Reports are prioritized and reviewed within 2 hours by our Trust & Safety team.
• Action:
  • Confirmed NCC is removed immediately.
  • Uploaders receive a violation notice and may appeal via our Appeals Process.
• Preservation: Content may be retained for 90 days for legal investigations (see Data Retention Policy).

4. Consequences for Violations

• First Offense: Permanent account termination.
• Legal Action: NCC is reported to law enforcement per our Law Enforcement Guidelines.
• Platform Bans: Violators are added to industry-wide anti-abuse databases.

5. Support for Victims

• Resources: We provide links for both emotional support and legal support.
• Data Deletion: Victims may request NCC-related data deletion via our Privacy Policy.

6. Cross-References

This policy works with:

• Community Guidelines: Prohibited content standards.
• Privacy Policy: Data handling for reports.
• Moderation Transparency Reports: Stats on NCC removals.

7. Updates

Changes will be posted here. Continued use of the site constitutes acceptance.

8. Related policies

Effective Date: May 1, 2025

Spectrum for Men (“we,” “us,” “our”) is an online community for Gay, Bi, and Queer individuals, offering forums, blogs, product reviews, directories, social networking, and affiliate content. We are committed to transparency, user privacy, ethical business practices, and legal compliance. By using our site or services, you agree to these policies.

1. Nature and Purpose

• Spectrum for Men is a private, adult-only community. No minors are permitted.
• Content includes product reviews, articles, blogs, directories, forums, social networking, affiliate links, and advertising (including lifestyle, wellness, and adult products/services).
• Profile matching helps users find others with shared interests; this is not a dating website and real-life meetings are not permitted.

2. Age Restriction and Verification

Spectrum for Men is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. 

To comply with legal requirements and protect minors, all users must complete an age verification process before accessing age-restricted areas or content. This process may include submitting your date of birth and verifying your age using a government-issued ID, third-party verification service, or other approved method.

Information Collected for Age Verification:
We collect and securely store the following data for verification purposes:

• Date of birth (encrypted at rest)
• Verification status (e.g., verified/unverified)
• Verification method (e.g., government-issued ID, third-party service)
• Confirmation tokens, reference, or transaction ID

Your age verification data is used solely to confirm your eligibility to access age-restricted content and for legal compliance. This data is encrypted and retained only as long as necessary for compliance, auditing, and security. We do not use this data for marketing or profiling and do not retain copies of government-issued IDs after verification is complete.

For more details, see our Age Restriction and Verification Policy.

3. User Interaction and Content

• Explicit or adult content is restricted to verified users aged 18+. See 2. Age Restriction and Verificationtion.
• Users may post, upload, and share content (text, images, videos, reviews, comments) in accordance with our User-Generated Content Agreement, Acceptable Use Policy, and Community Guidelines.
• Content moderation uses both human and AI review. Explicit or adult content is restricted to designated, age-restricted areas.
• Users retain copyright to their content but grant us a license to display it on the site unless consent is withdrawn.

4. Data Collection, Use, and Processing

• We collect only necessary personal data: usernames (pseudonyms allowed), display names, emails, passwords, IP addresses, payment details, and technical logs.
• We collect age verification data as described in, 2. Age Restriction and Verification section
• Data is collected via forms, cookies, and similar technologies for account management, site functionality, marketing, analytics, and advertising.
• Sensitive data (e.g., sexual orientation, health) is provided at your discretion. Minors are not permitted to access our system and no data from minors is collected.
• For more, see our Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, Age Restriction and Age Verification, and Data Processing Agreement.

5. Data Sharing, Processors, and International Transfers

• We do not sell or rent personal data. Data may be shared with trusted service providers (e.g., hosting, analytics, payment processors, advertising networks) bound by strict confidentiality and security obligations.
• International transfers are avoided where possible; if required, we implement legal safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses).
• See our Data Processing Agreement and Supplier Code of Conduct for more information.

6. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

• We comply with all applicable laws, including US, Canadian, UK, EU, Australian, and New Zealand privacy and consumer protection laws.
• We cooperate with law enforcement in accordance with our Guidelines for Law Enforcement and Government Requests.

7. Intellectual Property

• All original website content (articles, reviews, blogs, branding) is owned by Spectrum for Men. User-generated content remains the property of its creator.
• Users grant us a license to display their content unless consent is withdrawn.
• For copyright issues, see our Copyright Notice & Intellectual Property Policy.

8. Commercial Terms

• Refund & Return Policy: Refunds for SaaS, memberships, and donations are available within 30 days. Physical goods may be returned within 30 days for credit or replacement (customer pays return shipping; 15% restocking fee applies). Returns must be in like-new condition with original packaging.
• Payment Terms: Payment is due before goods/services are provided. Accepted methods are listed at checkout. Taxes apply where required.
• Shipping Policy: Goods ship within 3 business days (US only). Tracking and notifications provided.
• Customer Service: Support is available via self-service, tickets, and email (response within 2 business days).
• Pricing: No hidden fees; location-based pricing may apply (e.g., $10 USD, $12 CAD).

9. User Rights and Responsibilities

• Users must complete age verification and may request information about or deletion of their age verification data, subject to legal requirements.
• Users may access, correct, or delete their data at any time.
• Users must comply with all site policies, including User Code of Conduct, Moderator Code of Conduct, Community Guidelines, Age Restriction and Verification Policy and Acceptable Use Policy.
• Accounts may be suspended or terminated for violations.

10. Data Retention and Security

• Data is retained only as long as necessary for stated purposes or as required by law. Account and profile data are deleted upon account deletion, with some retention for legal or operational reasons.
• Age verification data is encrypted and retained only as long as necessary for compliance and security.
• We use robust security measures (encryption, access controls, regular audits).
• See our Data Retention Policy for details.

11. Limitation of Liability and Disclaimers

• Use of the site is at your own risk. Information is for general purposes only and not professional advice.
• We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information.
• See our Disclaimer for more details.

12. Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking

• We prohibit all forms of forced labor, slavery, and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains.
• Suppliers must comply with our Supplier Code of Conduct and Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement.

13. Enforcement, Appeals, and Reporting

• Moderation actions are taken to protect the community and ensure compliance. Users may appeal moderation decisions.
• Violations may result in warnings, suspension, or permanent removal.
• Reports of violations, abuse, or concerns can be made via our support channels.

14. Policy Updates and Contact

• We may update these policies as needed. Significant changes will be communicated via the website or email.
• For questions or to exercise your rights, contact us.
  Spectrum for Men
  PO Box 2269
  Westport, WA 98595, USA

By using Spectrum for Men, you acknowledge and agree to all of the above policies and terms. Please review each referenced policy for further details on your rights and responsibilities. For your convenience, below is a concise list of policies.

Affiliate Disclosure

Spectrum for Men (“we”, “us”, “our”) participates in affiliate marketing programs and displays affiliate links and content throughout our website. This Affiliate Disclosure explains how affiliate relationships work on our site and how we maintain transparency and integrity in all affiliate-related activities.

1. What Are Affiliate Links?

Some links on our website-including within articles, reviews, blogs, directories, and other content-are affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase or take an action, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the seller or service provider.
There is no additional cost to you as a result of using our affiliate links.

2. How Affiliate Relationships Work

• We only recommend products, services, or brands that we believe are relevant and potentially valuable to our community.
• Affiliate links may appear in product reviews, recommendations, sponsored sections, and other content areas.
• Commissions earned from affiliate links help support the operation and ongoing development of the website, enabling us to provide free and valuable content to our users.

3. Advertising and Sponsored Content

• In addition to affiliate links, we may display paid advertisements, including those for lifestyle, wellness, and adult products or services.
• Some advertising or sponsored content may be provided by third-party networks or partners.
• All affiliate links, advertisements, and sponsored content are clearly identified and separated from editorial content to maintain transparency and user trust.

4. Editorial Independence

• Our editorial content-including reviews and recommendations-is written independently and is not influenced by affiliate partnerships or advertising relationships.
• We strive to provide honest, unbiased information to our users, regardless of any affiliate or advertising arrangements.

5. Compliance and Transparency

• We comply with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines and all applicable laws regarding affiliate marketing disclosures, including requirements for clear and conspicuous disclosure.
• Disclosures are placed prominently and in proximity to affiliate links, in accordance with FTC guidance.
• Users are encouraged to review this policy and contact us with any questions about our affiliate relationships.

6. No Endorsement or Guarantee

• The inclusion of affiliate links or advertisements does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of the products or services offered by third parties.
• Users are responsible for conducting their own research and making informed decisions before purchasing any product or service via affiliate links.

7. Auditing and Review

• We regularly audit our content to ensure all affiliate links and sponsored content are properly disclosed and compliant with evolving regulations.
• If you notice content that you believe is not properly disclosed, please notify us immediately.

8. Updates to This Disclosure

• We may update this Affiliate Disclosure from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.
• Continued use of the site constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

9. Contact Information

For questions about our affiliate relationships or this disclosure, contact us at [insert contact email or form].

10. Related Policies

This Affiliate Disclosure is part of our legal and transparency framework and should be read in conjunction with our:

• [Privacy Policy]
• [Terms of Service]
• [Community Guidelines]
• [Advertising and Sponsored Content Policy]
• [Cookie Policy]

For more information, visit our [Policy Directory].

Last updated: 1 May 2025

Effective Date:
Thu, 1 May 2025 - 00:00

1. Purpose

The purpose of this AUP is to ensure a safe, respectful, and lawful environment for all users. By using our website and services, you agree to comply with this AUP. If you do not agree, you must immediately cease use of the service.

2. Lawful and Responsible Use

• You may use our services only for lawful purposes.
• You may not use the site to engage in, encourage, or promote any illegal, fraudulent, or harmful activity, including but not limited to:
  • Harassment, hate speech, threats, or abuse
  • Defamation, libel, or invasion of privacy
  • Distribution or solicitation of illegal or controlled substances
  • Child exploitation or any activity involving minors (strictly prohibited)
  • Fraud, impersonation, or misrepresentation
  • Promote illegal drugs
  • violate export control laws
  • Illegal gambling
  • Illegal trafficking;

3. Prohibited Activities

The following activities are strictly prohibited:

• Spamming: Sending unsolicited messages, advertisements, or bulk communications (“spam”).
• System Disruption: Disrupting, degrading, or adversely affecting the website, network, or other users’ experience (e.g., denial of service attacks, flooding, mail bombing).
• Unauthorized Access (“Hacking”): Attempting to access accounts, data, or systems without authorization, including probing, scanning, or testing vulnerabilities, or using password-guessing or cracking tools.
• Malware and Exploits: Uploading, distributing, or linking to malicious software, viruses, or any code intended to harm or compromise systems or data.
• Circumventing Security: Attempting to bypass or disable security features or restrictions on the site or related services.
• Abuse of Resources: Exploiting or abusing open resources (e.g., open SMTP servers, insecure routers) or running intentionally disruptive servers or scripts.
• Inappropriate Content: Posting or sharing content that is excessively violent, obscene, pornographic (except as permitted in non-public, age-restricted areas), or otherwise violates community standards.
• Continued Unwanted Contact: Sending communications to any individual who has indicated they do not wish to receive messages from you.

Access and use of Spectrum for Men's adult areas is limited to users who have completed age verification. See our Age Restriction and Verification Policy.
 

4. Content Standards and Moderation

• All content must comply with our Community Guidelines and User-Generated Content Agreement.
• Content moderation is performed by both human and AI processes; content may be flagged, reviewed, and removed at our discretion.
• Users are responsible for the legality and appropriateness of their content.
• Erotic or adult content is allowed only in designated, age-restricted areas and must comply with all applicable laws and site guidelines.

5. Security Responsibilities

• You are solely responsible for the security of any device you use to access our services and for safeguarding your account credentials.
• Take necessary steps to prevent unauthorized access to your account.
• Promptly address any security vulnerabilities or abuse of resources if notified by us.
• Use of our services by underage individuals is not to be permitted under any circumstances.

6. Data and Privacy

• Do not attempt to collect, harvest, or misuse personal data of other users.
• Respect the privacy and consent of all users, especially regarding sensitive or personal information.

7. Enforcement and Consequences

• Violation of this AUP may result in suspension or termination of your account, removal of content, or legal action, at our sole discretion.
• We reserve the right to investigate suspected violations and cooperate with law enforcement as required.
• We may update this AUP at any time; continued use of the site constitutes acceptance of any changes.

8. Reporting Violations

If you encounter content or behavior that violates this AUP, please report it to us through our designated reporting channels.

9. Contact Information

We can be reached via our contact form.

This Acceptable Use Policy is designed to work together and should be reviewed with the following policies:

Effective Date:
Thu, 1 May 2025 - 00:00

This Disclaimer applies to Spectrum for Men (“we”, “us”, “our”) and should be read in conjunction with our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and related policies.

1. General Information Only

All content and materials provided on this website, including articles, reviews, blogs, forums, directories, and user-generated content, are for general informational and educational purposes only. The information is not intended as, and should not be construed as, professional advice of any kind-including but not limited to legal, medical, financial, or psychological advice. Always consult a qualified professional for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

2. User-Generated Content

Much of the content on this site is generated by users and reflects their personal opinions, experiences, and viewpoints. Such content does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Spectrum for Men, its administrators, or the broader community. Each user is solely responsible for the content they publish.

3. Accuracy and Reliability

While we strive to maintain a welcoming, informative, and accurate platform, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content provided. We are not liable for any errors, omissions, or potential misinterpretations of information. Users are encouraged to independently verify any details before relying on them.

4. No Endorsement or Warranty

We do not endorse, warrant, or guarantee any products, services, opinions, or information described or linked to on this website, including advertising and affiliate content. All use of the site and its content is at your own risk. We make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the suitability, reliability, availability, or accuracy of the website or any content therein.

5. Limitation of Liability

Spectrum for Men, its owners, administrators, and affiliates will not be held responsible for any loss, damage, or harm-direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential-arising from your use of, or reliance on, any content or services provided on this website. This includes but is not limited to damages caused by viruses, errors, service interruptions, or unauthorized access.

6. Community Standards and Content Moderation

We encourage respectful and inclusive discussions. However, we are not responsible for any offensive, misleading, or inappropriate content shared by users. If you encounter such content, please report it for review. Content moderation is performed by both human and AI processes, but we cannot guarantee the removal of all objectionable material.

7. External Links

This website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or reliability of external sites. Accessing third-party links is at your own risk. All external links are indicated by default.

8. Age Restriction

Spectrum for Men is intended strictly for individuals over the age of consent. No content or services are directed at minors, and we do not knowingly collect data from individuals under the age of consent. For details on age verification, see our Age Restriction and Verification Policy.

9. Changes to This Disclaimer

We reserve the right to modify this Disclaimer at any time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, regulatory, or operational reasons. Please review this page periodically to stay informed of updates.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Disclaimer, please contact us.

This Disclaimer is intended to be read alongside, at a minimum, our: