False Accusations & Reputational Harm
Do not knowingly invent, embellish, or recklessly repeat factual accusations about abuse, crime, grooming, scams, identity, employment, health, or other serious misconduct. Phrase uncertain information as uncertain and use the private reporting process.
A good-faith report does not become misconduct merely because evidence is incomplete or the allegation cannot be proven. The violation is deliberate fabrication, reckless circulation, material distortion, or refusal to correct a claim known to be false.
Do not publish accusation lists, unofficial offender databases, call-out documents, or “expose” campaigns targeting community members. Staff may preserve relevant material while preventing public retaliation and contamination of evidence.
Corrections should reach substantially the same audience as the original claim. Quietly deleting a viral accusation without correcting it may be insufficient when identifiable harm continues.