User generated content online
The guiding principle is that we offer shared space for our users to enjoy. Successful online communities operate by consent and encourage a genuine sense of ownership among their users. To enhance the experience of contributors who wish to publish their own content we should ensure there are clear rules and that any messages which break them, for example if they contain abusive or inappropriate material, are removed. We must also be able to implement a swift and robust escalation strategy for example if illegal material is posted or illegal conduct is suspected.
Every online space where user generated content is published must have someone editorially responsible for that content and should have a host to provide a visible and active presence and a moderator who can remove illegal or inappropriate content.
User generated content is moderated in one of three ways:
1. Pre-moderation is where material cannot be accessed by visitors to the website until the moderator has seen it and decided it is suitable for posting. Sites designed to appeal to children are pre-moderated. Sites which invite users to email pictures are pre-moderated.
2. Post-moderation is where the moderator sees the material after it has been posted and decides whether it is suitable to remain. This is likely to be appropriate for websites which attract robust debate about current affairs.
3. Reactive moderation is where visitors to the website alert the moderator to an inappropriate or offensive message. It is likely to be suitable for a mature online community where few messages have to be removed. It is not suitable for a site which is likely to attract a high proportion of children.
Any proposal to reactively moderate a site with user generated content must be referred in advance to Head of Editorial Affairs, New Media & Technology, and Editorial Policy.
For advice about the degree of moderation a site should receive refer to Head of Editorial Affairs, New Media and Technology or Editorial Policy, who will liaise with Programme Legal Advice if necessary.