Community Guidelines

1. Introduction

VoteMyThought is a platform where people create polls, cast votes, and share opinions on topics that matter to them. We believe in free expression and open debate. However, to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all users, we have established these Community Guidelines.

These Community Guidelines apply to all content posted on the Platform, including poll questions, descriptions, poll options, and any other user-generated content. By using the Platform, you agree to follow these guidelines.

These guidelines are published in accordance with Rule 3(1)(b) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which requires intermediaries to inform users of the categories of content that are prohibited from being hosted, displayed, or shared on the Platform.

2. Prohibited Content

The following categories of content are strictly prohibited on VoteMyThought. Posting any such content may result in immediate removal of the content, a warning, account suspension, or permanent account termination.

2.1 Content that belongs to another person

Do not post content that belongs to someone else and to which you do not have the right to use. This includes copyrighted material, private information, and confidential data.

2.2 Obscene, harassing, or hateful content

Do not post content that is:

• Obscene, pornographic, or paedophilic;
• Invasive of another person's privacy, including bodily privacy;
• Insulting or harassing on the basis of gender;
• Racially or ethnically objectionable;
• Relating to or encouraging money laundering or gambling;
• Promoting enmity between different groups on the grounds of religion or caste with the intent to incite violence.

2.3 Content harmful to children

Do not post any content that is harmful to children, including but not limited to child sexual abuse material, content that sexualises minors, or content that encourages dangerous behaviour by children.

2.4 Copyright infringement

Do not post content that infringes any patent, trademark, copyright, or other proprietary rights of any party. If you believe your copyright has been infringed, please refer to our Copyright & DMCA Policy.

2.5 Misleading or deceptive content

Do not post content that:

• Deceives or misleads about the origin of the message;
• Is patently false or misleading in nature but may reasonably be perceived as a fact;
• Is written or published with the intent to mislead or harass a person, entity, or agency for financial gain or to cause injury.

2.6 Impersonation

Do not impersonate another person. This includes using another person's name, photograph, or identity to create a false impression. Impersonation complaints are handled on a priority basis with a 24-hour takedown commitment.

2.7 Content threatening national security or public order

Do not post content that:

• Threatens the unity, integrity, defence, security, or sovereignty of India;
• Threatens friendly relations with foreign States;
• Causes incitement to the commission of any cognisable offence;
• Prevents investigation of any offence;
• Is insulting to any other nation.

2.8 Malicious code

Do not post content that contains software viruses or any other computer code, file, or program designed to interrupt, destroy, or limit the functionality of any computer resource.

2.9 Patently false and misleading content

Do not post content that is patently false and untrue, written or published with the intent to mislead or harass a person, entity, or agency for financial gain or to cause any injury to any person.

2.10 Content violating applicable law

Do not post content that violates any law for the time being in force in India or any other applicable jurisdiction.

2.11 Privacy-violating content (nudity, impersonation)

Special protections apply to content that:

• Exposes the private area of an individual;
• Shows an individual in full or partial nudity or depicts sexual acts;
• Constitutes impersonation in electronic form, including artificially morphed images.

Complaints regarding such content will be acted upon within 24 hours of receipt, in accordance with Rule 3(2)(b) of the IT Rules, 2021.

3. Enforcement Actions

When we become aware of content that violates these Community Guidelines, we will take one or more of the following actions:

Removed content will be preserved for 180 days for investigation purposes, as required by Rule 3(1)(g) of the IT Rules, 2021.

4. Reporting Violations

If you encounter content on the Platform that you believe violates these Community Guidelines or applicable law, please report it to us:

5. Grievance Resolution Timeline

In accordance with Rule 3(2) of the IT Rules, 2021:

• We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 24 hours;
• We will resolve the complaint within 15 days from the date of receipt.

For complaints relating to content that exposes private areas, shows nudity, depicts sexual acts, or constitutes impersonation (including artificially morphed images), we will take action to remove or disable access within 24 hours of receipt of the complaint.

6. Grievance Officer

Our Grievance Officer is available to address any concerns or complaints regarding content on the Platform:

7. User Education

We shall periodically inform users, at least once every year, about these Community Guidelines, our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and the consequences of non-compliance, in accordance with Rule 3(1)(c) and 3(1)(f) of the IT Rules, 2021.

8. Changes to These Guidelines

We may update these Community Guidelines from time to time to reflect changes in law, platform features, or community standards. Material changes will be communicated through the Platform or via email.

9. Contact

For any questions regarding these Community Guidelines, please contact: