Acceptable Use Policy

Introduction

Welcome to BakkMe. This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP" or "Policy") defines the rules and standards that govern how you may use the BakkMe platform, including its social media, fundraising, payment, live streaming, group, chat, and creator monetization features (collectively, the "Services"). This Policy applies to all users of the BakkMe application (package: com.bakkme.app (Android) / com.bakkme.io (iOS)), including individuals, organizations, creators, campaign organizers, and group administrators.

By accessing or using BakkMe, you agree to comply with this Policy in its entirety. This AUP supplements our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Community Guidelines. In the event of a conflict between this Policy and any other BakkMe policy, the more restrictive provision shall apply.

BakkMe reserves the right to update this Policy at any time. We will notify users of material changes through in-app notifications, email, or by posting a revised effective date. Continued use of BakkMe after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

Permitted Uses

BakkMe is designed to support a wide range of positive and constructive activities. You are encouraged to use BakkMe for the following purposes:

• Social Networking: Creating a profile, connecting with others, sharing updates, photos, videos, and stories, and engaging with content through likes, comments, and shares.
• Fundraising: Launching legitimate fundraising campaigns for personal, charitable, community, educational, medical, or creative purposes in compliance with applicable laws and our Fundraising Rules.
• Payments: Sending and receiving payments, donations, tips, and other financial transactions using BakkMe's integrated payment features in compliance with applicable financial regulations.
• Live Streaming: Broadcasting live video content that complies with this Policy and our Community Guidelines, including creative performances, educational sessions, community events, and personal expression.
• Groups and Communities: Creating, joining, and participating in groups and communities centered around shared interests, causes, hobbies, professions, or geographic locations.
• Chat and Messaging: Communicating with other users through direct messages, group chats, and multimedia messaging in a respectful and lawful manner.
• Creator Monetization: Earning revenue through content creation, subscriptions, tips, sponsored content, digital goods, and other monetization features available on the platform.
• Commerce: Promoting and conducting legitimate business activities, including selling products and services, where permitted by applicable law and BakkMe policies.

All permitted uses are subject to compliance with this AUP, our Terms of Service, Community Guidelines, and all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations.

Prohibited Content

You may not create, upload, share, distribute, stream, or otherwise make available any content that falls into the following categories. This applies to all areas of BakkMe, including profiles, posts, comments, messages, live streams, group content, fundraiser descriptions, and any other user-generated content.

3.1 Illegal Content

Content that violates any applicable local, national, or international law or regulation is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Content that facilitates, promotes, or glorifies illegal activities, including drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, human trafficking, and smuggling.
• Content related to the sale or distribution of controlled substances, illegal drugs, or unauthorized pharmaceutical products.
• Content promoting or facilitating illegal gambling or unlicensed financial services.
• Content that infringes upon court orders, regulatory requirements, or legal prohibitions.
• Content depicting or facilitating the exploitation of persons, forced labor, or servitude.

3.2 Hate Speech and Discrimination

Content that attacks, demeans, or incites hatred or violence against individuals or groups based on protected characteristics is prohibited. Protected characteristics include, but are not limited to:

• Race, ethnicity, or national origin
• Religion or belief
• Gender, gender identity, or gender expression
• Sexual orientation
• Disability or medical condition
• Age
• Immigration or citizenship status
• Caste or socioeconomic status

This includes slurs, dehumanizing language, stereotyping, calls for exclusion or segregation, denial of well-documented historical atrocities, and the use of hateful symbols or imagery.

3.3 Violence and Threats

The following content is strictly prohibited:

• Direct or indirect threats of physical violence against any individual or group.
• Content that glorifies, celebrates, or encourages acts of violence.
• Graphic depictions of violence intended to shock, disturb, or incite.
• Incitement to violence, including coded language or indirect calls to action.
• Threats to damage or destroy property.
• Content that provides instructions for carrying out violent acts, including the manufacture of weapons or explosives.

3.4 Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE) Content

Prohibited content includes:

• Any visual depiction (photograph, video, digitally generated image, or illustration) of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct or in a sexualized context.
• Content that sexualizes minors in any way, including written content, audio, or suggestive imagery.
• Solicitation or grooming behavior directed at minors.
• Sharing, requesting, or distributing CSAE material, including links to external sources.
• Content that promotes, normalizes, or advocates for sexual contact with minors.
• Content that identifies or exposes victims of child exploitation.

3.5 Terrorism and Extremism

BakkMe prohibits content that supports, promotes, or facilitates terrorism or violent extremism, including:

• Content created by or on behalf of designated terrorist organizations or violent extremist groups.
• Recruitment, radicalization, or propaganda materials for terrorist or extremist organizations.
• Glorification or celebration of terrorist attacks or extremist acts of violence.
• Content that provides operational support to terrorist or extremist groups, including fundraising, logistical planning, or weapons procurement.
• Manifestos, speeches, or communications issued by perpetrators of terrorist or extremist attacks, when shared with the intent to praise, endorse, or amplify.

3.6 Harassment, Bullying, and Doxxing

Content or behavior intended to harass, intimidate, bully, or silence others is prohibited. This includes:

• Harassment: Repeated, unwanted contact, targeted insults, degradation, or intimidation directed at a specific individual.
• Bullying: Behavior intended to coerce, humiliate, or harm another person, particularly when there is a power imbalance.
• Doxxing: Publishing or threatening to publish another person's private or identifying information (such as home address, phone number, email address, workplace, financial information, or identity documents) without their explicit consent and with the intent to harass, threaten, or facilitate harm.
• Coordinated harassment: Organizing or participating in campaigns to target, mass-report, or pile on a specific individual or group.
• Sexual harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually suggestive comments, or other verbal or visual conduct of a sexual nature.
• Revenge or retaliation: Targeting individuals for reporting violations or cooperating with BakkMe's safety processes.

3.7 Self-Harm and Suicide Promotion

Content that promotes, glorifies, encourages, or provides instructions for self-harm or suicide is prohibited. This includes:

• Content that depicts, promotes, or glorifies self-injury, suicide, or eating disorders.
• Challenges, games, or pacts that encourage self-harm or suicide.
• Detailed descriptions or instructions of methods of self-harm or suicide.
• Content that mocks or shames individuals for their mental health conditions, self-harm, or suicidal ideation.

3.8 Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery

BakkMe strictly prohibits the sharing of intimate, sexual, or nude imagery of any person without their explicit consent. This includes:

• Intimate images or videos shared without the subject's consent (commonly known as "revenge porn").
• Sexually explicit deepfakes or digitally manipulated images of real individuals created or distributed without their consent.
• Covert recordings of individuals in intimate or private settings ("voyeurism").
• Threats to share intimate imagery as a form of coercion, extortion, or harassment ("sextortion").
• "Creepshots" or images taken of individuals in public settings that focus on intimate body parts without their knowledge or consent.

3.9 Misinformation and Disinformation

BakkMe is committed to combating the spread of harmful false information. The following is prohibited:

• Health misinformation: False or misleading health claims that may cause serious harm, including anti-vaccination misinformation that contradicts established scientific consensus, unproven medical treatments promoted as cures, and content that discourages people from seeking appropriate medical care.
• Election and civic misinformation: False information about voting processes, election dates, eligibility requirements, or results that could suppress voter participation or undermine trust in democratic processes.
• Manipulated media: Synthetically generated or manipulated audio, video, or images (including deepfakes) presented as authentic, especially when intended to deceive or cause harm.
• Dangerous conspiracy theories: False narratives that incite violence, promote discrimination, or cause significant real-world harm.
• Coordinated inauthentic behavior: Organized campaigns to spread disinformation using fake accounts, bots, or coordinated networks.

BakkMe distinguishes between opinion, satire, and demonstrably false factual claims. Content clearly labeled as satire, parody, or opinion may be permissible even if it contains inaccurate statements, provided it does not otherwise violate this Policy.

Prohibited Activities

In addition to prohibited content, the following activities and behaviors are not permitted on BakkMe:

4.1 Spam, Manipulation, and Fake Engagement

• Sending unsolicited bulk messages, comments, or invitations.
• Repetitive, irrelevant, or excessively frequent posting designed to disrupt or overwhelm.
• Artificially inflating follower counts, likes, shares, comments, views, or other engagement metrics through purchased, exchanged, or automated means.
• Operating fake or duplicate accounts to amplify content, manipulate algorithms, or evade enforcement actions.
• Using misleading tags, hashtags, or metadata to attract engagement to unrelated content ("clickbait" manipulation).
• Engagement bait tactics that manipulate users into interacting with content through deceptive means.

4.2 Scams and Fraud

• Impersonating another person, brand, company, or organization to deceive others.
• Running investment scams, Ponzi schemes, pyramid schemes, or multi-level marketing fraud.
• Promoting fraudulent products, services, or financial opportunities.
• Advance-fee fraud, lottery scams, romance scams, or employment scams.
• Using deceptive practices to obtain money, personal information, or other valuables from users.
• Creating fake testimonials, reviews, or endorsements.
• Misrepresenting the nature, quality, or origin of goods or services offered on the platform.

4.3 Phishing

• Creating fake login pages, websites, or applications that mimic BakkMe or other services to steal user credentials.
• Sending messages designed to trick users into revealing passwords, financial information, personal data, or authentication tokens.
• Distributing links that redirect to phishing sites or malicious landing pages.
• Social engineering attacks designed to compromise user accounts or personal information.

4.4 Malware Distribution

• Sharing links, files, or content that contain viruses, trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, or other malicious software.
• Distributing or promoting tools designed to compromise devices, networks, or accounts.
• Attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in BakkMe's infrastructure, applications, or user devices.
• Sharing or promoting hacking tools, exploit kits, or zero-day vulnerabilities.

4.5 Unauthorized Data Collection

• Scraping, harvesting, or systematically collecting user data, content, or information from BakkMe without explicit written authorization.
• Using BakkMe data for targeted advertising, profiling, or marketing purposes outside the platform without user consent.
• Collecting or storing other users' personal information (including but not limited to email addresses, phone numbers, and location data) without their explicit consent and a lawful basis.
• Selling, licensing, or commercially exploiting data obtained from BakkMe users or the platform.

4.6 Platform Manipulation (Bots and Automated Access)

• Using bots, scripts, crawlers, or other automated tools to access, interact with, or extract data from BakkMe without prior written authorization from BakkMe.
• Automated account creation, posting, messaging, following, or engagement of any kind.
• Circumventing rate limits, access controls, security measures, or technical restrictions.
• Reverse engineering, decompiling, or disassembling any part of BakkMe's software or infrastructure.
• Interfering with or disrupting BakkMe's servers, networks, or infrastructure through denial-of-service attacks, packet flooding, or similar methods.
• Accessing or attempting to access other users' accounts, administrative functions, or non-public areas of BakkMe without authorization.

Fundraising Rules

BakkMe provides fundraising tools to help users raise money for legitimate causes. All fundraising campaigns must comply with this Policy, our Terms of Service, and all applicable laws and regulations, including charitable solicitation laws.

5.1 Legitimate Campaigns Only

All fundraising campaigns on BakkMe must be for a genuine, lawful purpose. Campaigns must be created in good faith with the true intent to use funds as described. Examples of legitimate campaigns include:

• Medical expenses and healthcare costs
• Educational expenses, tuition, and student support
• Disaster relief and emergency assistance
• Community projects and civic initiatives
• Charitable and nonprofit causes
• Creative projects, artistic endeavors, and content creation
• Business and entrepreneurial ventures (with accurate disclosure)
• Memorial funds and family support during hardship
• Animal welfare and rescue efforts

5.2 Accurate Representation

Campaign organizers must provide truthful and accurate information, including:

• A clear, honest description of the purpose and intended use of funds.
• Accurate identification of the beneficiary (whether the organizer or a third party).
• Truthful supporting materials, including photographs, documents, and stories.
• Timely and accurate updates to donors on campaign progress and fund utilization.
• Disclosure of any fees, costs, or deductions that may reduce the amount delivered to the beneficiary.

5.3 Prohibited Fundraiser Types

The following types of fundraising campaigns are not permitted on BakkMe:

• Illegal activities: Campaigns that fund illegal acts, including drug purchases, weapons procurement, or any activity that violates applicable law.
• Personal enrichment fraud: Campaigns created under false pretenses to enrich the organizer, including fabricated medical emergencies, fictitious causes, or misrepresented beneficiaries.
• Hate and extremism: Campaigns that fund hate groups, extremist organizations, or activities that promote discrimination or violence.
• Terrorism financing: Campaigns that directly or indirectly provide financial support to designated terrorist organizations or individuals.
• Bounties and rewards for harm: Campaigns offering financial incentives for acts of violence, harassment, intimidation, or illegal activity against any individual or group.
• Get-rich-quick schemes: Campaigns promoting investment opportunities, high-yield programs, or guaranteed returns that are fraudulent in nature.
• Unauthorized gambling: Campaigns tied to illegal or unlicensed gambling, raffles, or lotteries (unless in compliance with applicable law and with BakkMe's prior approval).
• Sanctioned entities: Campaigns benefiting individuals, organizations, or countries subject to economic sanctions.

5.4 Accountability and Transparency

• Campaign organizers must be willing to provide BakkMe with verification of their identity and the legitimacy of their campaign upon request.
• Organizers must respond to donor inquiries in a reasonable and timely manner.
• BakkMe reserves the right to require documentation or evidence supporting the claims made in a campaign before releasing funds.
• BakkMe may hold, freeze, or return funds if a campaign is under investigation for potential violations of this Policy.
• Organizers must provide a final accounting of how funds were used when requested by BakkMe or as required by applicable law.

Payment Rules

BakkMe offers integrated payment features that enable users to send, receive, and manage financial transactions. All users who utilize payment features must comply with the following rules and all applicable financial laws and regulations.

6.1 No Money Laundering

BakkMe strictly prohibits the use of its payment features for money laundering or any activity designed to conceal the origins of illegally obtained funds. Prohibited activities include:

• Structuring transactions to avoid reporting thresholds or detection.
• Using BakkMe payments to layer, integrate, or place funds derived from criminal activity.
• Using multiple accounts, third parties, or shell entities to obscure the source, ownership, or destination of funds.
• Converting proceeds from illegal activities through the platform.

BakkMe complies with all applicable anti-money laundering (AML) laws and regulations, including Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. Users may be required to verify their identity, source of funds, or the purpose of transactions. Failure to provide requested information may result in transaction holds, account restrictions, or termination.

6.2 No Fraudulent Transactions

• Initiating or participating in transactions with the intent to defraud any party.
• Using stolen payment credentials, including credit cards, bank accounts, or digital wallets.
• Initiating chargebacks or payment disputes in bad faith or as a form of fraud.
• Exploiting BakkMe payment systems, promotions, or referral programs through fraudulent means.
• Processing payments for goods or services that do not exist, were never delivered, or were materially different from what was described.
• Using BakkMe payments for unauthorized transactions on behalf of third parties.

6.3 Compliance with Financial Regulations

• Users must comply with all applicable financial regulations in their jurisdiction, including tax reporting obligations, foreign exchange controls, and sanctions compliance.
• Users may not use BakkMe payments to transact with individuals, entities, or countries subject to economic or trade sanctions imposed by the United States (OFAC), European Union, United Nations, or other applicable sanctioning authorities.
• Users who receive payments through BakkMe are responsible for any applicable tax obligations arising from those payments.
• BakkMe reserves the right to impose transaction limits, require additional verification, or restrict payment features based on risk assessments or regulatory requirements.
• BakkMe may report suspicious transactions to relevant financial authorities as required by law.

Live Streaming Rules

Live streaming on BakkMe allows users to share real-time content with their audience. Because live content reaches viewers immediately and cannot be pre-moderated, streamers bear heightened responsibility for ensuring compliance with this Policy.

7.1 Age Restrictions

• Users must be at least 18 years of age to initiate a live stream on BakkMe.
• Users must be at least 13 years of age (or the minimum age required by applicable law in their jurisdiction) to view live streams.
• Minors (users under 18) may not appear as the primary subject of a live stream unless supervised by a parent or legal guardian who is the account holder.
• Live streams that are specifically designed for or directed at children must comply with all applicable child protection laws, including the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and equivalent laws.
• BakkMe reserves the right to require age verification before granting access to live streaming features.

7.2 Prohibited Streaming Content

All prohibited content listed in Section 3 of this Policy applies to live streams. In addition, the following is specifically prohibited during live streams:

• Nudity, sexual activity, or sexually explicit conduct.
• Consumption of illegal substances or dangerous quantities of legal substances.
• Dangerous stunts, challenges, or activities that pose a risk of serious injury or death.
• Real-time depiction of criminal activity or law-breaking.
• Streaming while operating a motor vehicle (unless using a securely mounted, hands-free device as permitted by local law).
• Broadcasting private conversations, locations, or activities of individuals without their knowledge and consent.
• Streaming in locations where recording is prohibited by law (e.g., certain government buildings, courtrooms, private property without consent).
• Content that encourages viewers to engage in dangerous, harmful, or illegal activities.

7.3 Moderation Requirements

• Streamers are responsible for the content of their live streams, including content shared by guests, co-hosts, or viewers through interactive features.
• Streamers must actively moderate chat and viewer interactions during live streams, either personally or by appointing designated moderators.
• Streamers must promptly address policy violations that occur during their stream, including removing offending content and blocking offending participants.
• BakkMe reserves the right to interrupt, restrict, or terminate any live stream that violates this Policy, without prior notice.
• Streamers with recurring moderation issues may have their live streaming privileges suspended or permanently revoked.
• BakkMe may employ automated content moderation tools to detect and flag potential policy violations in live streams.

Groups and Communities Rules

BakkMe Groups and Communities allow users to form and participate in spaces organized around shared interests, goals, or identities. Group administrators and moderators have additional responsibilities to ensure that their communities comply with this Policy.

8.1 Group Administrator Responsibilities

• Group administrators are responsible for establishing and enforcing group rules that are consistent with this Policy and BakkMe's Terms of Service.
• Administrators must actively moderate group content and remove content that violates this Policy in a timely manner.
• Administrators must not use their position to harass, exploit, or discriminate against group members.
• Administrators should appoint sufficient moderators to maintain appropriate oversight given the group's size and activity level.
• Administrators must respond to BakkMe's requests regarding content moderation and policy compliance within a reasonable timeframe.

8.2 Group Content Standards

• All content posted within groups must comply with this Policy, regardless of whether the group is public or private.
• Private and closed groups do not have different content standards. The same rules apply across all groups.
• Groups may not be created or used for the purpose of organizing, planning, or carrying out activities that violate this Policy, applicable law, or BakkMe's Terms of Service.
• Groups dedicated to hateful ideologies, extremism, coordinated harassment, or illegal activities will be removed and their administrators may face account-level enforcement actions.

8.3 Group Naming and Description

• Group names and descriptions must not contain prohibited content, including hate speech, slurs, or violent language.
• Group names must not impersonate other groups, brands, organizations, or public figures.
• Group descriptions must accurately represent the group's purpose and content.

8.4 Group Commerce and Fundraising

• Groups used for commercial activities or fundraising must comply with the Fundraising Rules (Section 5), Payment Rules (Section 6), and all applicable laws.
• Group administrators are responsible for ensuring that commercial activities within their groups are legitimate and lawful.
• Pyramid schemes, multi-level marketing fraud, and other deceptive commercial practices within groups are strictly prohibited.

Chat and Messaging Rules

BakkMe's chat and messaging features enable private and group communication between users. While we respect user privacy, all messages are subject to this Policy.

9.1 General Messaging Standards

• All prohibited content and activities described in this Policy apply equally to private messages, group chats, and multimedia messages.
• Users must not use messaging features to harass, stalk, threaten, or otherwise abuse other users.
• Unsolicited bulk messaging (spam) is prohibited, including promotional messages sent to users who have not opted in to receive them.
• Sending unsolicited sexual or intimate content through messages is prohibited.

9.2 Privacy and Confidentiality

• Users must not share, forward, screenshot, or otherwise distribute the private messages of other users without the sender's consent, except when reporting policy violations to BakkMe.
• Users must not use information obtained through private messages to harass, stalk, doxx, or otherwise harm other users.
• Recording private voice or video calls without the consent of all participants is prohibited where required by applicable law.

9.3 Messaging Safety for Minors

• Adults may not initiate unsolicited private messages to minors they do not know in real life.
• Messaging interactions between adults and minors are subject to additional monitoring and safeguards as determined by BakkMe's safety systems.
• Any attempt to solicit personal information, meetings, or inappropriate content from minors through messaging is strictly prohibited and will be reported to law enforcement.

9.4 Automated and Commercial Messaging

• Automated messaging is only permitted through BakkMe's officially supported APIs and tools for verified businesses and creators.
• All commercial or promotional messages must clearly identify the sender and provide an option to opt out of future messages.
• Users must not use messaging features to distribute malware, phishing links, or other harmful content.

Creator Monetization Rules

BakkMe offers monetization features that allow eligible creators to earn revenue from their content and audience. Participating in BakkMe's monetization programs requires adherence to additional standards beyond the general Policy.

10.1 Eligibility and Enrollment

• Creators must meet BakkMe's eligibility criteria, including minimum age requirements (18 years or older), account standing, and any applicable verification requirements.
• Creators must provide accurate personal and financial information, including tax identification details as required by applicable law.
• Creators must comply with all applicable terms of BakkMe's Creator Monetization Agreement in addition to this Policy.

10.2 Content Standards for Monetized Content

• All monetized content must comply with this Policy and BakkMe's Community Guidelines.
• Monetized content must be original or properly licensed. Creators must have the legal right to monetize all content they publish.
• Creators must not monetize content that contains or promotes prohibited content as defined in Section 3 of this Policy.
• Content created solely for the purpose of gaming monetization algorithms (e.g., clickbait, engagement bait, repetitive low-quality content) may be demonetized.

10.3 Transparency and Disclosure

• Creators must clearly disclose sponsored content, paid partnerships, endorsements, and affiliate relationships in accordance with applicable advertising disclosure laws and guidelines (e.g., FTC guidelines).
• Creators must not make false or misleading claims about products, services, or brands in sponsored or monetized content.
• Subscription-based content must be accurately described, and creators must deliver the content and value promised to subscribers.
• Creators must not engage in deceptive practices to inflate earnings, including self-tipping, coordinated artificial engagement, or fraudulent subscription manipulation.

10.4 Financial Compliance

• Creators are responsible for reporting and paying all applicable taxes on income earned through BakkMe.
• Creators must not use monetization features to facilitate money laundering, fraud, or other financial crimes.
• BakkMe reserves the right to withhold payments pending investigation of potential policy violations or fraud.
• Earnings obtained through violation of this Policy may be forfeited and recovered by BakkMe.

10.5 Prohibited Monetization Practices

• Offering or selling illegal products, services, or substances through creator storefronts or monetization features.
• Gatekeeping prohibited content behind paywalls or subscription tiers.
• Using monetization features to collect payments for off-platform services that violate this Policy.
• Soliciting donations or tips through deceptive, coercive, or emotionally manipulative means.

Intellectual Property

BakkMe respects intellectual property rights and expects all users to do the same. Users must not use BakkMe to infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others.

11.1 Copyright

• Users must not upload, share, stream, or distribute copyrighted material without proper authorization from the rights holder or a valid legal basis (e.g., fair use, fair dealing, or applicable statutory license).
• This includes but is not limited to music, videos, films, television shows, photographs, artwork, written works, software, and other creative works.
• BakkMe processes copyright infringement reports in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and applicable international copyright laws.
• Repeat copyright infringers will have their accounts terminated in accordance with our repeat infringer policy.

11.2 Trademarks

• Users must not use the trademarks, trade names, logos, or brand identifiers of others in a manner that is likely to cause confusion, deception, or mistake as to affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement.
• The BakkMe name, logo, and associated branding are trademarks of BakkMe. Users may not use these marks without prior written permission, except as permitted by applicable trademark law.

11.3 Counterfeit Goods

• Promoting, advertising, selling, or distributing counterfeit or pirated goods on BakkMe is strictly prohibited.
• This includes counterfeit physical goods, unauthorized copies of digital content, pirated software, and fake luxury goods.

11.4 Reporting Intellectual Property Violations

If you believe your intellectual property rights have been infringed on BakkMe, you may submit a report to support@bakkme.com with the following information:

• A description of the copyrighted work or trademark you believe has been infringed.
• The location (URL or description) of the infringing content on BakkMe.
• Your contact information.
• A statement of good faith belief that the use is not authorized by the rights owner.
• A statement, under penalty of perjury, that the information in the notification is accurate and that you are authorized to act on behalf of the rights owner.
• Your physical or electronic signature.

Reporting Violations

BakkMe depends on its community to help identify and report content and behavior that violates this Policy. We are committed to reviewing all reports promptly and taking appropriate action.

12.1 How to Report

You can report violations through the following channels:

• In-App Reporting: Use the report button (available on posts, profiles, messages, live streams, groups, fundraisers, and comments) to flag content or accounts that violate this Policy. This is the fastest and most effective way to report violations.
• Email: Send a detailed report to safety@bakkme.com for safety-related concerns, or support@bakkme.com for general policy violations.
• In-App Support: Access the Help Center within the BakkMe app for additional reporting options and guidance.

12.2 What to Include in a Report

To help us investigate efficiently, please include as much of the following information as possible:

• The username or profile URL of the account involved.
• A description of the violation and why you believe it breaches this Policy.
• The specific content (post, message, stream, etc.) that you are reporting, including URLs or screenshots where available.
• The date and time of the violation, if known.
• Any additional context that may assist our review.

12.3 Report Processing

• All reports are reviewed by BakkMe's Trust & Safety team.
• Reports involving imminent threats to safety, CSAE content, or terrorism-related content are prioritized for immediate review.
• BakkMe aims to acknowledge reports within 24 hours and resolve standard reports within 72 hours, though complex cases may take longer.
• Reporters will be notified of the outcome of their report where feasible and permitted by privacy considerations.
• All reports are treated confidentially. The identity of the reporter is not shared with the reported user unless required by law.

12.4 False and Abusive Reporting

BakkMe's reporting system is a critical safety tool. Misuse of the reporting system is itself a violation of this Policy. Prohibited reporting behaviors include:

• Filing reports in bad faith or with the intent to harass or silence another user.
• Coordinating mass reports against an account or content that does not violate this Policy.
• Submitting knowingly false or misleading information in a report.
• Repeatedly filing reports that have already been reviewed and found not to violate this Policy.

Enforcement and Consequences

BakkMe enforces this Policy through a graduated system of consequences designed to be fair, proportionate, and transparent. The specific enforcement action taken depends on the severity of the violation, the user's history, and the context of the behavior.

13.1 Enforcement Actions

13.2 Warning System

• Most first-time, minor violations will result in a warning. Warnings are cumulative and remain on the account record.
• Accumulation of multiple warnings within a rolling 12-month period will result in escalating enforcement actions.
• Certain severe violations (including CSAE content, terrorism, credible threats of violence, and fraud) bypass the warning system and result in immediate account suspension or permanent ban.

13.3 Content Removal

• Content that violates this Policy may be removed with or without prior notice to the user.
• In some cases, content may be restricted (e.g., age-gated, labeled, or reduced in distribution) rather than fully removed.
• Removed content may be preserved by BakkMe for a limited period for review, appeals, and legal compliance purposes.

13.4 Account Restrictions

• Restrictions may include but are not limited to: posting limitations, comment restrictions, messaging restrictions, live streaming suspension, fundraising suspension, payment feature suspension, demonetization, group creation restrictions, and reduced content distribution.
• Restrictions are applied based on the nature of the violation and may target specific features related to the offending behavior.

13.5 Temporary and Permanent Bans

• Temporary bans are imposed for serious or repeated violations. The duration is determined by the severity and frequency of violations.
• Permanent bans are imposed for the most severe violations, including but not limited to: CSAE content distribution, terrorist content, credible threats of mass violence, repeated severe violations after prior enforcement actions, and fraud resulting in significant harm.
• Permanently banned users are prohibited from creating new accounts. BakkMe employs technical measures to detect and remove ban-evasion accounts.
• Funds held in the accounts of permanently banned users will be handled in accordance with applicable law and BakkMe's Terms of Service.

13.6 Legal Referral

• BakkMe cooperates with law enforcement and regulatory authorities in accordance with applicable law.
• BakkMe will report CSAE content to NCMEC and relevant authorities as required by law.
• BakkMe may disclose user information to law enforcement in response to valid legal process or when there is an imminent threat to the safety of any person.
• BakkMe may proactively report suspected criminal activity to appropriate authorities.

Appeals Process

BakkMe is committed to fair enforcement. If you believe an enforcement action was taken against your account or content in error, you have the right to appeal.

14.1 How to Appeal

• In-App Appeals: When an enforcement action is taken, the notification will include an option to appeal directly within the BakkMe app. This is the recommended and fastest method.
• Email Appeals: You may submit an appeal by email to support@bakkme.com with the subject line "Enforcement Appeal" and include your username, a description of the enforcement action, and your reasons for the appeal.

14.2 Appeal Timeframe

• Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of the enforcement action.
• BakkMe aims to review and respond to appeals within 10 business days of receipt. Complex cases may require additional time.

14.3 Appeal Review Process

• All appeals are reviewed by a member of BakkMe's Trust & Safety team who was not involved in the original enforcement decision.
• The reviewer will examine the content or behavior in question, the applicable policy provisions, the context of the violation, and the user's account history.
• The reviewer may request additional information from the appellant during the review process.

14.4 Appeal Outcomes

• Upheld: The original enforcement action is maintained. The user will be informed of the reasons.
• Overturned: The enforcement action is reversed. Content may be restored, and account restrictions or bans may be lifted. The enforcement record may be amended.
• Modified: The enforcement action is adjusted. For example, a ban may be reduced to a restriction, or a permanent ban may be changed to a temporary suspension.

14.5 Limitations

• Each enforcement action may be appealed only once. The appeal decision is final.
• Appeals are not available for enforcement actions related to court orders, legal obligations, or situations where content has been referred to law enforcement.
• Filing an appeal does not automatically pause or reverse the enforcement action during the review period, except where required by applicable law.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this Acceptable Use Policy, need to report a violation, or wish to submit an appeal, please contact us through any of the following channels:

For urgent safety matters, including imminent threats to life, please contact your local emergency services immediately. BakkMe's safety team is available to assist law enforcement with emergency requests on a 24/7 basis via safety@bakkme.com.