Trust & Safety Policy

Published

Spectrum for Men Trust & Safety Policy

Effective Date: May 9, 2025

Spectrum for Men (“we,” “us,” “our”) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and trustworthy environment for our adult community. This Trust & Safety Policy outlines our approach to protecting users, preventing abuse, and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. Our efforts are supported by dedicated resources, technical safeguards, and clear procedures, as detailed below.

1. Principles

  • Safety First: User safety, privacy, and trust are core values guiding all aspects of our platform.
  • Inclusivity & Respect: We foster an environment where all Gay, Bi, and Queer men can participate free from harassment, discrimination, or illegal activity.
  • Transparency: We clearly communicate our policies, enforcement actions, and user rights.

2. Policy Framework

Our Trust & Safety framework is built on three pillars:

  • Principles: Defining our values and acceptable behavior.
  • Policies: Setting clear rules for content, conduct, and participation (see Community Guidelines, Acceptable Use Policy, and User-Generated Content Agreement).
  • Procedures: Outlining how we enforce rules, handle reports, and support users.

3. Content Moderation

  • Pre-Publication Review: Content (including text, images, and videos) is subject to a rigorous screening process that utilizes automated and/or human moderation before being made public, especially in age-restricted areas.
  • Post-Publication Monitoring: Ongoing moderation and user reporting mechanisms ensure continuous oversight. Content may be re-evaluated and removed if found to violate policies.
  • Explicit Content Controls: Only verified users aged 18+ may access or contribute to explicit content, which is restricted to designated sections.

4. User Verification & Age Restriction

  • Strict Age Checks: All users must complete age verification using approved methods (e.g., government-issued ID, third-party verification) before accessing restricted content.
  • No Minors Permitted: Our platform is strictly for adults; minors are not allowed under any circumstances.

5. Reporting & Appeals

  • User Reporting: Users can easily report content or behavior that violates our policies via platform tools or support channels.
  • Timely Response: Reports are reviewed promptly, with a target response time of seven (7) business days, extendable for complex cases.
  • Appeals Process: Users may appeal moderation decisions through our formal Appeals Process. Decisions about non-consensual or disputed content may be referred to a neutral body if unresolved.

6. Technical & Organizational Safeguards

  • AI & Human Moderation: We employ both automated tools and human reviewers to detect and address harmful, illegal, or inappropriate content.
  • Keyword & Hash Filtering: Proactive systems flag suspicious terms and prevent re-upload of previously removed content using digital fingerprinting.
  • Data Security: All personal and verification data is encrypted, stored securely, and retained only as necessary for compliance and safety.
  • No Downloading: Downloading of user content is prohibited to reduce the risk of unauthorized redistribution, except where technically unavoidable.

7. Partnerships & Resources

  • External Resources: We collaborate with organizations and utilize third-party services to enhance safety, such as digital identity verification and support for victims of abuse.
  • User Support: Resources are available to assist users with safety concerns, reporting, and appeals. Our support team can be reached via our ticketing system.

8. Legal & Regulatory Compliance

  • Zero Tolerance for Illegal Content: We prohibit all forms of illegal content, including non-consensual material, child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and exploitation.
  • Cooperation with Authorities: We cooperate with law enforcement as required and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Supplier & Partner Standards: All partners and suppliers must adhere to our Supplier Code of Conduct and Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement.

9. Continuous Improvement

  • Ongoing Review: We regularly review and update our policies, moderation tools, and procedures to address emerging risks and maintain high standards of safety.
  • User Feedback: We welcome feedback to improve our Trust & Safety practices.

10. Contact & Further Information

For questions, reporting, or support regarding Trust & Safety, contact us via our support channels. For detailed procedures, see our Community Guidelines, Acceptable Use Policy, Appeals Process, and other referenced policies.

By using Spectrum for Men, you agree to abide by this Trust & Safety Policy and all related policies.

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

Policy Categories
Published

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:

Terms of Service

Policy Categories
Published

Originally Published:
Thu, 1 May 2025 - 00:00

Welcome to Spectrum for Men (“we”, “us”, “our”). These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our website and services. By accessing or using our site, you agree to these Terms. Please read them carefully.

1. Nature and Purpose of the Website

Spectrum for Men is a niche online community for Gay, Bi, and Queer individuals, providing product reviews, articles, blogs, a directory, forums, social networking, and affiliate content. The site includes advertising, some of which may be for adult goods and services. Content is intended strictly for individuals over the age of consent; minors are not permitted.

2. Age Restriction and Verification Policy

All users must complete our age verification process as described in our Age Restriction and Verification Policy before they may access any adult content. We do not accept self-declared age or payment-based age checks as sufficient for access to age-restricted content. Only robust age verification methods, such as government-issued ID, biometric verification, or approved third-party services, are accepted. We do not retain copies of government-issued IDs or sensitive documents after verification is complete, except as required by law. Only non-identifying verification tokens and status are retained for compliance and audit purposes.”Access to Spectrum for Men is restricted to individuals 18 years of age or older.

3. User Interaction and Content

  • Users may post, upload, and share content including text, images, videos, reviews, and comments.
  • All content must comply with our Acceptable Use Policy and Community Guidelines. Prohibited behaviors include harassment, hate speech, illegal activity, and spam.
  • Content moderation is performed by both human and AI processes; flagged content may be reviewed and removed at our discretion.
  • Users are solely responsible for their contributions and must ensure they have the rights to post any material.

4. Data Collection and Processing

  • We collect personal information such as usernames, names, emails, IP addresses, payment details, and technical logs.
  • Data is collected via forms, cookies, and similar technologies for account creation, marketing, advertising, and analytics.
  • Users may provide sensitive information in profiles or content. No data is knowingly collected from minors.
  • For more details, see our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

5. Data Sharing and Third Parties

  • User data is not knowingly shared with third parties except for essential partners, vendors, and advertising networks.
  • No international data transfers occur.
  • For further information, refer to our Data Processing Agreement (DPA).

6. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

We comply with applicable data protection and consumer laws, including:

  • United States (Washington State: RCW, WAC, FTC Act, COPPA, HIPAA, GLBA, PAVE Act)
  • Canada (PIPEDA, provincial laws)
  • UK (UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018)
  • Ireland (EU GDPR, Irish Data Protection Act 2018)
  • Australia (Privacy Act 1988, APPs)
  • New Zealand (Privacy Act 2020)

7. Intellectual Property

  • Website articles, reviews, and blog posts created by us are our property. All other content is user-generated.
  • Users retain copyright and licensing for their content but grant us a perpetual, worldwide license to display it on the site unless consent is withdrawn.
  • For copyright issues, see our Copyright Notice & Intellectual Property Policy.

8. Commercial Terms, Memberships, Subscriptions, and Donations

  • SaaS, memberships, and donations are refundable upon request within 30 days.
  • Recurring subscriptions may be canceled and refunded within 30 days or before the end of the subscription period.

9. Payment, Delivery, Refund, and Return Policies

  • Payment is due before goods or services are provided. Accepted payment methods are listed at checkout.
  • Shipping is within the US only; goods are shipped within 3 business days for in-stock items.
  • Returns are accepted within 30 days for credit or replacement; merchandise must be returned in like-new condition, with all original packaging. Return shipping is the customer’s responsibility.
  • Taxes and a 15% restocking fee may apply to returned physical goods.
  • Subscription and membership taxes apply where required.
  • Payment disputes are handled via customer support; chargebacks or failed payments may result in account suspension.

10. Customer Service

  • Support is available via self-service resources, ticketing, and email, with a response within 2 business days.

11. Pricing

  • No hidden fees or dynamic pricing, except for location-based conversions with a US based currency (e.g., $10 USD or $12 CAD).

12. Limitations of Liability and Disclaimers

  • Use of the site is at your own risk. We provide information for general purposes only and disclaim any liability for actions taken based on site content.
  • We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information, including advice or recommendations.
  • See our Disclaimer for more details.

13. User Rights and Responsibilities

14. Administrative and Contact Information

  • The site is owned and operated by Spectrum for Men, Contact us. PO Box 2269, Westport, WA 98595, USA.
  • We are the Data Controller. No Data Protection Officer is appointed.

15. Modifications

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the site constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

16. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Washington State, USA, and applicable international regulations.

If you have questions or require assistance, contact us or via our support channels.

This Terms of Service should be read in conjunction with, at a minimum, our: