UniVerse aims to provide a creative, safe and supportive environment as a social platform for university students. As part of this community, you must respect yourself and other users. Violating the rules may result in content removal, account suspension or permanent removal from the platform.
1. Originality and Intellectual Property
Every user on UniVerse is responsible for the originality of the content they share on the platform. All content must be legally produced by you or content that you have the right to share. This rule covers all types of materials, from written texts to images, videos to music and software codes.
- Copyright Violation: It is forbidden to use or share materials belonging to others without permission. These contents are not allowed to be shared on the platform unless express permission is obtained from the copyright owners. Content owners who are subject to copyright violations can contact us to have the content removed and the necessary legal process can be initiated in cases of violation.
- Creative Commons and Public Domain Content: If the content is under a Creative Commons license or is labeled as public domain, it is mandatory to act in accordance with the requirements of the relevant license when sharing such content. Users should pay attention to the license’s terms regarding commercial use or creation of derivative works.
- Fraud and Misrepresentation: In content that you did not create, presenting the content as your own is misleading and is considered fraud. It is prohibited to steal, use or misuse the work of others. If fraudulent content is detected, such content will be removed and the content owner will be warned.
- Review Process: When a content is notified that it violates copyright, the content will first be reviewed and may be temporarily removed from publication. If copyright violation is detected as a result of the review, the content will be completely removed from the platform and the relevant user will be notified. If it is determined at the end of the process that there is no copyright violation and the content has been temporarily removed, it will be republished.
2. Privacy and Security
As the UniVerse community, protecting the privacy and security of our users is one of our top priorities. While protecting your own personal information, you must also respect the privacy rights of others. It is strictly prohibited to disclose or disseminate another user’s personal information without permission. In line with our commitment to protecting the privacy and security of our users, you can review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use pages. You can find more information on how the UniVerse platform works and how your data is protected on these pages.
- Security of Personal Information: You should use strong passwords to keep your own account information safe. If you notice suspicious or unauthorized access, immediately report it to the UniVerse support team. While protecting your own personal information, you should also protect the information of other users. Sharing another person’s phone number, address, or other personal information without permission is a serious violation and may result in legal consequences.
- Privacy Violation: Sharing other people’s personal information (e.g. address, phone number, private email addresses) without permission is prohibited and will be dealt with immediately. User accounts may be suspended or permanently banned from the platform as a result of privacy violations. Such actions may lead to legal action.
- Inappropriate Content and Nudity: Explicitly sexual content, nudity, or sexually explicit images are not accepted on the platform. Artistic, educational or medical content may be considered as long as it is presented in an appropriate context. However, it is mandatory that such content is presented according to appropriate age restrictions. Such content is carefully moderated, taking into account the age of users on the platform.
3. Harassment, Bullying, and Hate Speech
UniVerse has zero tolerance for any form of harassment, bullying, or hate speech. All members of the community must treat each other with respect. Behavior that threatens or disturbs the safety of any member is unacceptable. If you encounter cyberbullying, harassment, or other negative behavior, please feel free to report it to the UniVerse team.
- Harassment: Sending persistent, unwelcome, or threatening messages to any person, stalking them, or violating their personal boundaries is prohibited. Such behavior can harm the user physically, emotionally, or psychologically and is completely unacceptable on the platform. Emotionally and psychologically damaging behaviors also constitute harassment and may result in removal from the platform.
- Bullying: Degrading, mocking, embarrassing, or targeting another user is prohibited. Both online and offline bullying behaviors are treated equally. Emotional and psychological bullying is also included in this category and appropriate sanctions are applied.
- Hate Speech: Hate speech or calls for violence based on basic identity characteristics such as race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability are prohibited. Such speech may result in immediate closure of user accounts and legal action being taken.
4. Misleading Information and Spam
UniVerse places the responsibility on its users to ensure the accuracy and reliability of all shared content. Misleading information and spam content can negatively impact the safety of the community and the experience of users. Therefore, spreading misleading information and sharing spam content is strictly prohibited.
Misleading Information:
- Intentional Misinformation: Sharing misleading or false information is strictly prohibited, especially on important issues that may affect health, safety, financial issues or public order. Such content may cause users to make wrong decisions and may have serious consequences. Misleading information may endanger the health and safety of users.
- Manipulative Content: Content that aims to deceive users with misleading headlines, photos, videos or fake statistics has no place on the platform. Such content disrupts community dynamics and undermines the reliability of the platform.
- Disinformation Campaigns: It is strictly forbidden to participate in or prepare the ground for organized campaigns to spread fake news or false information. Individually spreading misleading information is as serious a violation as the campaigns.
Spam:
- Unnecessary and Repetitive Content: Sharing the same or similar content repeatedly in a short period of time is prohibited. Such repeated content disrupts the operation of the platform and negatively affects the experiences of other users.
- Advertisements and Promotions: Unauthorized promotion of products or services, promotions, and sharing advertising content that disturbs users are prohibited. However, they may share promotional content such as business profiles, campaigns, and discounts within certain limits.
- Invitation and Referral Spam: Those who abuse UniVerse’s reference or invitation system and excessively disturb users and send invitations without their consent may face certain sanctions due to these activities.
- Automatic Interactions: Bots, automated messages, and fake interactions are prohibited. Users’ attempts to gain interaction on the platform through unnatural means (likes, followers, comments, etc.) may result in the suspension of their accounts.
5. Account Integrity and Identity Verification
UniVerse requires users to open accounts with accurate and real information. Fake accounts, attempts to impersonate others, or providing false information damage the credibility of the community and negatively impact the user experience.
Using Real and Accurate Information:
- Real Name and Identity: UniVerse is a platform exclusively for university students and users are required to open accounts with their own names and accurate information. Opening accounts with false or fake information is prohibited and may be closed if detected. (Different verification methods may be applied for international expansions.)
- University Email Verification: When opening an account, users are required to use the official email addresses provided by their universities. This is done to ensure the credibility and integrity of the community.
Identity Impersonation and Fake Accounts:
- Impersonating Others: Impersonating another person, opening an account using their name or identity is prohibited. Such violations may result in immediate account closure and permanent removal from the platform. (Additional documentation may be requested when identity verification is required.)
- Fake Accounts: Unverified, fake or bot accounts are immediately closed when detected. Such accounts disrupt the natural interactions of the community and jeopardize security.
Security Practices:
- Strong Passwords: Users are encouraged to use strong and unique passwords to protect their accounts. If suspicious activity is detected, users should immediately change their passwords to secure their accounts. Additionally, we recommend that you do not click on links from sources you do not recognize.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (2FA): Users can enable two-step verification (2FA) to increase the security of their accounts. This provides an additional layer of security and makes it more difficult to hack accounts.
6. Illegal Activities and Promoting Crime
UniVerse cannot be a platform that promotes or encourages illegal activities. The advertising, sale or dissemination of drugs, weapons, dangerous materials or other illegal products and services is strictly prohibited.
Sharing Illegal Content:
- Drugs and Dangerous Substances: The use, sale, production or promotion of narcotics is strictly prohibited. Likewise, the sharing or sale of substances such as hazardous chemicals or explosives is prohibited.
- Weapons and Dangerous Items: The sale, distribution or promotion of weapons, explosives or other dangerous devices is prohibited.
- Scams and Criminal Solicitations: Any type of fraudulent attempt, illegal business offers or content that promotes crime is strictly prohibited.
(Such statements may result in immediate closure of user accounts and legal action being taken.)
7. Violence and Self-Harm
UniVerse has absolutely no tolerance for threats of violence or content that promotes self-harm. The physical and mental health of all users is a priority on our platform. Such content undermines the safety of the community and can have serious consequences.
Threats of Violence and Physical Harm
Violent threats, any content that clearly demonstrates the intent to harm individuals or groups, have no place on the platform. Calls for physical violence, threats of assault, intent to kill, or threats targeting a specific individual or group will be removed upon proven violation.
- Examples: Direct threats to an individual or group, sharing violent images or videos, provocative statements that could result in violence.
- Emergency Response: If threats are serious, we will cooperate with the relevant authorities and user information may be forwarded to law enforcement if deemed necessary.
Self-Harm and Encouragement
UniVerse takes a sensitive approach to the sharing of content that encourages self-harm, suicide or similar behaviors. Posts that encourage, explain methods of self-harm or include such content directly threaten the safety of users.
- Examples: Messages encouraging suicide, content explaining methods of self-harm, posts lacking support that may deepen depression.
- Support: At UniVerse, when such posts are noticed, the user is provided with contact information for mental health support services and professional help is recommended depending on the situation.
Community Sensitivity
Posts containing violence and self-harm are not limited to content that directly covers these two categories. Posts that harm the safety of the community, create fear, horror or sadness are also subject to serious sanctions. Creating a positive and supportive environment on our platform is everyone’s responsibility.
Artistic, Educational or Medical Content: These content must be presented with appropriate age restrictions. If content that involves violence or self-harm is shared in an artistic or educational context, it should be accompanied by appropriate age restrictions and explanations.
8. Content Reporting and Moderation
UniVerse encourages users to actively participate in the healthy functioning of the community. Every user has the right to report content that violates the community guidelines. Reported content is reviewed promptly and appropriate action is taken when violations are detected.
Content Reporting Process
If any content violates the community guidelines, users can report it directly on the platform. These content are reviewed by our moderation team.
- How to Report: Users can report a post by using the “Three dots” button located in the top right corner of the content. Reasons for reporting are provided with options (for example: spam, false information, illegal acts).
- Report Review: Reported content is reviewed within 1-3 business days. In some complex cases, this process may take up to 7 business days.
- Feedback: Once the review is complete, the reporting user is informed about whether the content is compliant and the actions taken.
Moderation Process
Our moderation team reviews content using moderation tools. This ensures the safety of the community and fair enforcement of the rules.
- Transparency Policy: Moderation decisions are communicated to the user in a transparent manner. When any content is removed or an account is suspended, the relevant user is notified explaining the reasons.
- Incorrect Reporting: If a content is incorrectly reported and found to be compliant, it will remain on the platform without being removed.
- Appeal Process: Users who wish to appeal the decision can request a reconsideration of the moderation decision by filling out the appeal form on the UniVerse website.
Special Cases
Some cases require special attention. For example, issues such as child harm, illegal activities or security threats can be reported to the authorities in accordance with local laws. Such cases are handled with priority in order to protect the safety of users and the reliability of the platform.
Emergency Response: In case of detection of illegal content, security threats or child abuse content, rapid cooperation with the competent authorities can be provided.
9. Sensitive Content Management
UniVerse is a large community where users from different backgrounds come together. Therefore, it is very important to consider users’ preferences regarding sensitive content. Although the content is public, some content may contain topics that users may find uncomfortable. Sensitive content management has a significant impact on the overall user experience of the platform.
- Sensitive Content Definition: Some topics such as insects, plants, open heart surgery, etc. can be considered sensitive. Such content should be filtered according to users’ preferences.
- Content Filtering: Users can avoid sensitive content by using content filtering options.
- Reporting and Response: In case sensitive content is incorrectly marked or shared without a filter, users can report such content. The reported content is reviewed by the moderation team and if necessary, the content is marked as sensitive. The content provider is informed about this.
- Sharing in Appropriate Context: Sensitive content can be shared in areas such as health, art, education. However, it should be ensured that these contents are appropriate and contextual. Otherwise, these contents may also be considered to violate the community rules.
10. Collaboration and Commercial Communication
UniVerse supports beneficial collaborations and commercial opportunities for university students. However, it is important that commercial content and collaborations comply with the platform’s rules and contain accurate information. Misleading or deceptive commercial content damages the community’s trust and damages the platform’s reputation.
- Collaborations: Collaborations and sponsored content on UniVerse must be designed to directly benefit university students. The relevant brands or services must address the needs of the student community and be promoted in a sincere manner. Misleading campaigns or incomplete information will not be accepted.
- Accuracy of Commercial Content: All commercial content shared must contain accurate and up-to-date information. Misleading or misleading users may result in serious sanctions. Campaigns or advertisements must not mislead users, and no unfair gains should be made by misleading them with false information.
- Campaigns and Sweepstakes: Campaigns, discounts or sweepstakes offered within the scope of collaborations must be transparent. The benefits promised to users must be clearly stated and consistent in practice. In case of violation of the rules, collaborating accounts may be suspended or permanently removed from the platform.
- Commercial Communication Ethics: Advertisements or commercial messages should be organized in a way that does not disturb users and is in accordance with the general structure of the platform. Spammy commercial messages may lead to account suspension.
11. Violations and Sanctions
In the event of violations of the UniVerse Community Guidelines, the following sanctions may be applied. The severity of the sanctions may increase depending on the severity or repetition of the violations.
Originality and Intellectual Property Violations
- In cases such as copyright infringement, fraud, misuse of Creative Commons and Public Domain content:
- First violation: Content is removed, user is warned.
- Repeated violations: Account may be temporarily suspended.
- Serious and persistent violations: Account may be permanently closed, legal action may be taken.
Privacy and Security Violations
- Sharing other people’s personal information without permission, violating privacy rights:
- First violation: Content is removed and user is warned.
- Repeated violations: Account may be temporarily suspended.
- Serious privacy violations: Account may be permanently closed, legal action may be taken.
Harassment, Bullying and Hate Speech
- Behaviors such as harassment, bullying, hate speech, threats of violence:
- First violation: Content is removed and user is warned.
- Repeated violations: Account may be temporarily suspended.
- Serious cases: May result in immediate account termination and permanent suspension from the platform.
Misleading Information and Spam
- Spreading misleading information, spamming, bot usage:
- First violation: Content will be removed and the user will be warned.
- Repeated violations: Account may be temporarily suspended.
- Continuing violations: Account may be permanently suspended.
Account Integrity and Identity Verification
- Creating a fake account, impersonation:
- First violation: Account will be warned and verification may be requested.
- Impersonation or bot account: Account may be immediately suspended and permanent suspension may be applied.
Profanity, Inappropriate Language, and Obscene Content
- Use of profane language, derogatory remarks, or out-of-context explicit content:
- First violation: Content will be removed and the user will be warned.
- Repeated violations: Account may be temporarily suspended.
- Serious or ongoing violations: Account may be permanently suspended.
Nudity and Sexual Content
- Posts containing sexual content, sexually explicit images, or offensive nudity:
- First violation: Content will be removed and the user will be warned.
- Repeated violations: Account may be temporarily suspended.
- Continuing or serious violations: Account may be permanently terminated.
Each violation will be evaluated based on its scope and severity, and more severe sanctions may be applied if deemed necessary. UniVerse reserves the right to take action without notice regarding possible sanctions. UniVerse is not responsible for the content shared by users, but reserves the right to take appropriate action in cases where the community rules are violated.
Keep Our Community Strong
Everyone on UniVerse has a responsibility to help keep the community a safe and supportive place. Don’t hesitate to report content that violates the rules. Together, we can make UniVerse a safer and more creative place. If you have questions about how the app works or anything else, please visit our Help Center.
Remember: Following the rules is the most important way to ensure that our community grows in a healthy and respectful way.