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:

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.

Age Restriction and Verification Policy

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

1. Purpose

This policy explains age verification requirements for accessing Spectrum for Men, safeguard minors from accessing age-restricted content and ensuring compliance with global laws (e.g., EU DSA, US state laws) and alignment with our Privacy Policy.

2. Age Restriction

Access is limited to individuals 18+ (or jurisdictional age of majority). Users confirm compliance via age verification. By using our website, you confirm that you meet this minimum age requirement.

3. Verification Methods

We use:

• Government ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
• Third-Party Services (Yoti, AgeChecker.net)
• Biometric/Facial Recognition (required in TX, VA)
• Credit Card Checks (LA, MS)

4. Regional Compliance

Methods vary by jurisdiction:

Jurisdictional Verification Requirements:

5. Data Handling

• Retention: Governed by our Data Retention Policy. IDs deleted post-verification unless legally required.
• Security: All age verification data is encrypted AES-256 encryption in transit and at rest, and protected using industry-standard security measures.
• Purpose Limitation: This data is used solely for confirming eligibility to access age-restricted content and for legal compliance.
• No Marketing Use: Age verification data is never used for marketing or profiling and is not shared with third parties except as required by law or for verification purposes.
• Disclosure: We may disclose verification data to law enforcement or regulatory authorities if legally required.

6. Jurisdictional Requirements

7. User Rights

You have the right to request information about your stored age verification data or request its deletion, subject to legal and compliance requirements. To exercise your rights, please contact us via our contact form, subject to legal holds.

8. Policy Updates

We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or our verification processes. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

9. Information Disclosure

Age verification data may be disclosed to law enforcement as required by law. See our Age Restriction and Verification Policy for more on how this data is handled.

10. Contact

Questions? Contact us.

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

This Data Processing Agreement (“DPA”) is an addendum to and forms part of the Terms of Service and related agreements between Spectrum for Men (“Data Controller,” “we,” “us,” “our”) and any partner, vendor, or service provider (“Data Processor,” “you,” “your”) that processes personal data on our behalf. This DPA outlines the rights and obligations of both parties regarding the processing of personal data, in accordance with applicable data protection laws and regulations, including but not limited to the GDPR, Washington State law, and other relevant jurisdictions.

1. Purpose and Scope

• This DPA governs the processing of personal data by the Data Processor on behalf of Spectrum for Men, strictly for the purposes described in our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and related policies.
• The processing includes user account management, marketing, analytics, advertising, profile matching, and other services as specified in the main agreement and annexes.

2. Roles and Responsibilities

• Spectrum for Men acts as the Data Controller, determining the purposes and means of processing personal data.
• Data Processor acts on documented instructions from the Data Controller and must not process personal data for any other purpose.
• Both parties are responsible for complying with their respective obligations under applicable data protection laws.

3. Types of Personal Data and Data Subjects

• Personal Data Processed: Usernames, names, email addresses, IP addresses, payment details, technical and process logs, and any sensitive information provided by users in profiles or content.
• Categories of Data Subjects: Registered users, customers, and community members of Spectrum for Men.
• Sensitive Data: May include sexual orientation, health, or other information voluntarily provided by users. No data from minors is processed.
• Age Verification Data: A combination of Personal and Sensitive data. We encrypt all sensitive or personal data before it is stored. 

4. Duration of Processing

• The Data Processor will process personal data only for the duration necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in the main agreement, or as required by law.
• Upon termination of the agreement, all personal data must be returned or securely deleted, unless retention is required by law.

5. Processing Instructions

• The Data Processor may process personal data only on documented instructions from the Data Controller, including with regard to transfers of personal data to a third country or an international organization, unless required to do so by law.
• The Data Processor must promptly inform the Data Controller if any instruction infringes applicable law.

6. Confidentiality and Security

• The Data Processor must implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure the security, confidentiality, integrity, and availability of personal data, including protection against unauthorized or unlawful processing, accidental loss, destruction, or damage.
• All persons authorized to process personal data must be bound by confidentiality obligations.

7. Sub-processors

• The Data Processor may not engage another processor (sub-processor) without prior written authorization from the Data Controller.
• The Data Processor must ensure sub-processors are bound by the same data protection obligations as set out in this DPA and remains fully liable for their compliance.

8. Data Subject Rights

• The Data Processor must assist the Data Controller in fulfilling its obligations to respond to data subject requests regarding access, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, and objection to processing, as required by law.
• The Data Processor must promptly notify the Data Controller of any requests received directly from data subjects.

9. Data Breach Notification

• The Data Processor must notify the Data Controller without undue delay after becoming aware of a personal data breach.
• The notification must include all relevant information to enable the Data Controller to comply with its legal obligations, including the nature of the breach, affected data, and remedial actions taken.

10. Data Transfers

• No international transfers of personal data are permitted unless explicitly authorized in writing by the Data Controller and in compliance with applicable data protection laws.
• If transfers are necessary, appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) must be implemented.

11. Audits and Compliance

• The Data Processor must make available all information necessary to demonstrate compliance with this DPA and allow for audits or inspections by the Data Controller or its designated auditor, upon reasonable notice.
• The Data Processor must cooperate fully with any regulatory authorities as required by law.

12. Liability and Indemnity

• Each party is liable for breaches of this DPA and applicable laws to the extent of its responsibility.
• The Data Processor shall indemnify the Data Controller against any losses, damages, or penalties arising from its breach of this DPA or applicable data protection laws.

13. Termination

• This DPA remains in effect for the duration of the main agreement or until all personal data is deleted or returned to the Data Controller.
• Upon termination, the Data Processor must, at the choice of the Data Controller, delete or return all personal data, unless retention is required by law.

14. Governing Law

• This DPA is governed by the laws of Washington State, USA, and any other applicable data protection regulations.

15. Contact Information

You may contact us via our online form or at:

Spectrum for Men
PO Box 2269
Westport, WA 98595

This Data Processing Agreement supplements and should be reviewed, at a minimum, with our:

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

This End User License Agreement (“EULA”) is a legally binding contract between you (“End User,” “you,” or “your”) and Spectrum for Men (“we,” “us,” “our”). By accessing, downloading, installing, or using any software, application, or downloadable content (“Software”) provided by Spectrum for Men, you agree to be bound by the terms of this EULA. If you do not agree, do not use the Software.

1. Definitions

• Software: Any service, application, downloadable content, or digital product provided by Spectrum for Men.
• End User: The individual or entity using the Software.
• Licensor: Spectrum for Men.

2. Grant of License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable, revocable license to use the Software solely for your personal, non-commercial use, subject to this EULA and our other site policies. This license does not constitute a sale of the Software or any intellectual property rights therein.

3. Eligibility

Access to the adult sections of the Software is strictly limited to users who have completed our age verification process. For details, see our Age Restriction and Verification Policy.

4. Restrictions

You may not:

• Modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Software.
• Copy, distribute, sell, lease, sublicense, or otherwise transfer the Software to any third party.
• Use the Software for any unlawful, harmful, or unauthorized purpose.
• Circumvent or attempt to circumvent any technical measures or security features of the Software.

5. Intellectual Property

All rights, title, and interest in and to the Software, including all intellectual property rights, remain with Spectrum for Men or its licensors. You acknowledge that you acquire no ownership rights by using the Software.

6. User Data and Privacy

Use of the Software is subject to our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data. We do not knowingly collect data from minors. Data is collected via forms, cookies, and similar technologies for account creation, analytics, and advertising. No international data transfers occur.

7. Updates and Upgrades

We may provide updates, patches, or upgrades to the Software at our discretion. These updates may be automatic and may modify or remove features. Continued use of the Software after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised EULA.

8. Term and Termination

This EULA is effective until terminated. We may terminate your license at any time if you violate these terms, our Terms of Service, or other site policies. Upon termination, you must cease all use of the Software and destroy any copies in your possession.

9. Warranty Disclaimer

The Software is provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We disclaim all warranties, including but not limited to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. We do not warrant that the Software will be error-free or uninterrupted.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Spectrum for Men shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or for any loss of profits or revenues, whether incurred directly or indirectly, arising from your use of the Software.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Spectrum for Men and its affiliates from any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising from your violation of this EULA or misuse of the Software.

12. Governing Law

This EULA is governed by the laws of the State of Washington, USA, and applicable international regulations. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Washington State.

13. Entire Agreement and Related Policies

This EULA, together with our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, Acceptable Use Policy, Community Guidelines, Data Retention Policy, and User-Generated Content Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and Spectrum for Men regarding the Software. We reserve the right to update this EULA at any time; changes will be posted on our website with an updated effective date.

14. Acceptance

By clicking “I accept,” checking a box, or otherwise indicating agreement, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this EULA.

15. Contact Information

For questions about this EULA or to contact us.

This EULA, should be reviewed with, at the minimum, 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: