Community Guidelines

MerMapp was created to be the best place for merfolk to connect, share, and build community. Our Community Guidelines ensure everyone can express themselves and find their pod—while maintaining a safe, respectful environment for all. This document explains what is and isn't allowed across all MerMapp spaces, including in-app chat, direct messages, forums, comments, and our social media channels.

Introduction

These Guidelines apply to all content, behaviors, and interactions within the MerMapp platform. Our moderation team reviews reports from users and takes appropriate action when these guidelines are violated. Depending on the severity of the violation, actions may include warnings, content removal, temporary restrictions, or permanent account removal.

By using MerMapp, you agree to follow these community standards and help us maintain a positive environment for all merfolk.

Respect and Inclusivity

Be Respectful to All Merfolk

Treat others the way you would like to be treated, and assume best intentions. Our community thrives when we support each other. We do not tolerate any form of harassment, including sustained bullying, sexual harassment, or coordinated attacks against community members.

No Hate Speech or Discriminatory Behavior

Do not use hate speech or engage in hateful conduct. This includes language, imagery, or behavior that attacks or promotes hatred against others based on identity characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected attributes. Keep negativity to a minimum and focus on building positive connections.

No Threats or Intimidation

Do not threaten harm against any individual or group of people. This includes direct, indirect, and suggestive threats. MerMapp should be a space where everyone feels safe and welcome.

Avoid Microaggressions and Subtle Discrimination

Be mindful of language or behavior that may unintentionally marginalize or offend others, even if it’s not overtly hateful.

Respect Cultural Differences

Celebrate diversity and avoid stereotypes, cultural appropriation, or insensitive remarks about others’ traditions or identities.

Content Standards

Age-Appropriate Content

MerMapp welcomes users of various ages - however, everyone must be above 18 years old. All public content must be appropriate for a general audience. Sexually explicit content is not permitted in any public spaces of the platform. Users who are in countries where the legal age is 20 or 21, if they are below these ages, they should not engage in any content or conduct that puts their online or physical safety at risk.

Stay On Topic

Use channels and spaces as intended and be mindful of what other users might find helpful or interesting. Stay on topic to keep conversations focused and productive. MerMapp is primarily for mermaid and ocean-related content and discussions, however, there are also other dedicated areas where you can "flow" more easily and breach to other topics as well.

Language Guidelines

Please use English in public channels and forums to ensure all users can participate in community discussions. You are free to speak any language you want in private messages with those who share your language.

No Spamming or Flooding

Do not spam or flood the platform with repetitive messages, as this disrupts the community experience. All-caps messages, posting repeatedly in a short amount of time, or making very similar posts sequentially are considered forms of spamming.

Private Message Conduct

Even in private messages, all community guidelines apply. Harassment, hate speech, or inappropriate content in DMs will result in the same consequences as in public spaces.

Privacy and Security

Protect Personal Information

Do not share or threaten to share personally identifiable information (PII) of any individual without consent1. This includes "doxxing" or compiling personal information about others without their permission.

No Impersonation

Do not misrepresent your identity on MerMapp in a deceptive or harmful way. This includes creating fake profiles and attempts to impersonate an individual, group, or organization1.

Security Practices

Do not engage in activities that could damage or compromise the security of accounts or the MerMapp platform. This includes phishing, using malware, or attempting to overwhelm our systems.

Data Privacy

MerMapp is committed to protecting your data. We do not share your personal information with third parties without your consent. For more details, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Reporting Privacy Violations

If you encounter doxxing or other privacy violations, report it immediately using the in-app reporting tool.

Prohibited Activities

No Illegal Content or Activities

Do not use MerMapp to organize, promote, or engage in any illegal activities. This includes but is not limited to sharing illegal content, promoting regulated or dangerous goods, or coordinating illegal actions.

No Misinformation

Do not share false or misleading information that can lead to significant harm. Content that is false, misleading, and can result in physical or societal harm may be removed.

No Harmful or Disturbing Content

Do not share content that glorifies self-harm, suicide, or eating disorders. Similarly, do not share real media depicting gore, excessive violence, or animal harm, especially with the intention to shock or disturb others.

No Financial Scams

Do not engage in or promote financial scams, fraudulent schemes, or pyramid schemes on MerMapp.

External Links and Advertising

Be mindful when posting links. Share only mermaid and ocean-related content in appropriate channels. Generally, no advertising or promotion of other platforms is allowed except for officially approved partnerships which will happen in dedicated channels.

No Affiliate Links or Monetized Content

Unless explicitly approved by MerMapp, do not share affiliate links or content intended for personal financial gain.

No Misleading Links

Do not share links with deceptive or misleading descriptions. All links must accurately represent their content.

Intellectual Property

Respect Copyright and Ownership

Do not share content that violates anyone's intellectual property or other rights. This includes unauthorized sharing of copyrighted materials, designs, or creative works.

Original Content Encouraged

We encourage sharing your original mermaid content, experiences, and creations. When sharing others' work, provide proper attribution and ensure you have permission to share.

Enforcement and Reporting

Reporting Violations

If you encounter content or behavior that violates these guidelines, please report it through the in-app reporting system. Provide as much detail as possible to help our moderation team address the issue effectively.

Enforcement Actions

Violations of these guidelines will result in appropriate actions based on the severity and frequency of the violation:

• First-time or minor violations may receive a warning

• Repeated violations may result in temporary restrictions

• Severe or persistent violations may lead to permanent account removal

• In some cases, we may be required to report illegal activities to appropriate authorities

No Evasion of Enforcement

Do not attempt to evade enforcement actions by creating new accounts after being removed for violating our platform rules.

Appeals Process

If you believe your content or account was mistakenly moderated, you may appeal the decision by contacting contact@mermapp.com.

Transparency in Moderation

MerMapp is committed to fair and unbiased moderation. If you have concerns about moderation practices, please reach out to us.

Conclusion

These Guidelines will continue to evolve as MerMapp grows. We may take action against content or behavior that violates the spirit of these Guidelines even if not explicitly covered in the current version.

Our goal is to build the best possible community for merfolk around the world. By following these guidelines, you help make MerMapp a positive, supportive, and inspiring place for everyone who shares a passion for mermaiding and ocean conservation.

We Value Your Feedback: If you have suggestions for improving these guidelines, please share them with us at contact@mermapp.com.

Together, we can create and maintain a safe and welcoming space for all merfolk. Thank you for helping us uphold these standards!