Online Safety Policy

Last updated: 21-Jul-2025 Review Cycle: Annually or upon legislative updates
Responsible Officer: Andy Brice, Director

1. Purpose

This policy outlines how Easy Data Transform forum, a small online discussion platform, complies with the UK Online Safety Act 2023. It aims to protect users from illegal and harmful content while maintaining a respectful and safe environment.

2. Scope

Applies to:

• All users and visitors.
• Forum moderators and administrators.
• User-generated content including posts, comments and media uploads.

3. Illegal Content Management

We prohibit content that may:

• Promote terrorism, child sexual exploitation or hate speech.
• Encourage suicide or serious self-harm.
• Involve intimate image abuse or incite violence.
• Is inappropriate for under 18s (including pornography and gambling related material).

Measures Taken:

• Clear terms of use outlining prohibited content.
• A ‘Flag’ button for users to flag concerning posts.
• Manual review and removal of flagged content.
• Escalation to authorities if required.

4. Risk Assessments

We conduct the following risk assessments yearly:

• Children’s Access Assessment.
• Illegal Content Risk Assessment.

Mitigation:

• Moderator review of every post.
• Automated features for reducing spam and unwanted content built into the Discourse platform.
• Community guidelines.
• A designated compliance contact.

5. User Reporting & Complaints

Users can report content via:

• A ‘Flag’ button on every post.
• Direct contact with moderators.

Complaints Process:

• Acknowledgement within 48 hours.
• Resolution within 7 days.
• Appeals handled by the forum owner.

6. Privacy & Anonymity

• Personal data is handled under GDPR.
• Anonymous posting is allowed unless abused.

7. Moderator Duties

Moderators are responsible for:

• Reviewing flagged content.
• Enforcing guidelines.
• Escalating serious issues.
• Balancing safety with privacy and expression rights.

8. Record Keeping

We maintain:

• Logs of moderation actions.
• Risk assessment notes.
• Complaint records.

9. Legal Compliance

This policy aligns with:

• UK Online Safety Act 2023.
• Ofcom’s guidance for small platforms.
• Applicable UK criminal law.