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.

Data Processing Agreement (DPA)

Policy Categories
Published

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:

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: