Community Guidelines

1. Our Community Values

PinPals is built on the principle of helping friends coordinate and stay connected. Our community thrives when members treat each other with respect, honesty, and kindness.

2. Respectful Communication

2.1 Be Respectful

Treat other community members with respect, even if you disagree. We welcome diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

2.2 No Harassment or Bullying

Harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited. This includes:

• Persistent unwanted contact or messages
• Targeted attacks or insults
• Threats of violence or harm
• Intimidation or coercion
• Doxing (sharing private information)
• Coordinated harassment

2.3 Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment or unwanted sexual advances are not tolerated. This includes unsolicited sexual messages or images, sexual comments about appearance, and pressure for sexual content or meetups.

3. Safety and Legality

3.1 No Illegal Activity

Do not use PinPals to arrange, promote, or facilitate illegal activities, distribute controlled substances, engage in fraud or scams, or coordinate violence.

3.2 Physical Safety

• Always meet in public places
• Tell a trusted friend where you're going
• Trust your instincts; if something feels wrong, leave
• Don't share personal addresses or sensitive information early
• Report threatening behavior immediately

3.3 No Stalking or Surveillance

Do not use location data to stalk or follow anyone without consent, monitor someone's movements persistently, or ambush someone in a threatening way. Misuse of location features will result in account termination.

3.4 No Impersonation

Do not pretend to be someone you're not, use fake profiles, impersonate public figures, or use another person's photos without permission.

4. Content Standards

4.1 Prohibited Content

Do not share:

• Sexually explicit images or videos
• Child sexual abuse material (CSAM)
• Graphic violence or gore
• Obscene or vulgar content

4.2 Hate Speech and Discrimination

We do not tolerate content that attacks people based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, or disability.

4.3 Spam and Manipulation

Do not send unsolicited messages en masse, post repetitive content, use bots, or create multiple accounts to bypass restrictions.

5. Privacy and Consent

5.1 Respect Others' Privacy

• Don't share others' personal information without consent
• Don't post others' photos without permission
• Don't share private conversations
• Don't expose someone's location or personal details (doxing)

5.2 Location Privacy

Do not screenshot or share others' location information, create pins revealing someone else's private locations, or use location data to circumvent privacy settings.

6. Location Features Guidelines

6.1 Proper Pin Usage

Pins should be used to coordinate meetups and share locations.

6.2 RSVP Honesty

When you RSVP to an event, be honest about your intention to attend, update your RSVP if plans change, and don't create fake events for malicious purposes.

7. Enforcement and Consequences

We take violations of these guidelines seriously. Depending on severity, consequences may include:

• Warning: First minor offense; notice of violation
• Temporary Mute: Cannot send messages or create pins (24-48 hours)
• Suspension: Account temporarily disabled (up to 30 days)
• Permanent Termination: Severe or repeated violations
• Law Enforcement Referral: Illegal activity or CSAM

Zero Tolerance

Some violations result in immediate termination without warning:

• Child sexual abuse material
• Human trafficking or exploitation
• Threats to commit acts of violence
• Organized harassment campaigns

Appeals

If your account is suspended or terminated, you may appeal within 30 days by emailing [email protected]. We will review and respond within 14 days.

8. Reporting Violations

How to Report

If you encounter content or behavior that violates these guidelines:

• Use the in-app report button on the user's profile or content
• Email [email protected] with details and screenshots

Report Handling

• Initial review within 24 hours
• Confidential handling of reporter identity
• Action taken based on severity
• Feedback provided when possible

Note: Filing false reports to harass someone may result in suspension or termination of your account.

9. Blocking and Muting

Block Users

You can block any user to prevent them from viewing your location, sending you messages, adding you as a friend, or viewing your profile.

Mute Users

You can mute users to hide their location from you while maintaining the friend connection.

10. Contact Us

For questions about these Community Guidelines or to report violations:

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Urgent Safety Issues: Contact local law enforcement and email [email protected] immediately

Thank You

PinPals is a platform for friends to stay connected and coordinate hangouts safely. These guidelines ensure our community remains respectful, safe, and welcoming for everyone. Thank you for helping us build a positive community! 💜