Badge Removal & Misuse Penalties
This policy defines when Vibble may remove verification badges or labels and what penalties apply when badges, labels, or verified status are misused.
1. Scope
These rules apply to all identity and verification indicators on Vibble, including:
- Blue badges (verified individuals).
- Gold badges (verified organizations).
- Grey badges (government entities and officials).
- Media labels (state-affiliated, government-controlled, public interest labels).
2. Reasons for Badge Removal
Badges may be removed if:
- The account no longer meets eligibility criteria (e.g., official role ends, organization dissolves).
- Identity or affiliation information is falsified or cannot be re-verified.
- Severe policy violations occur (hate, harassment, CSAM, incitement of violence, fraud).
- The badge is used to mislead users into scams, phishing, or financial abuse.
- The account is sold, transferred, or otherwise changes hands improperly.
3. Types of Misuse
- Implying endorsement by Vibble, Nexa Group, or regulators without authorization.
- Marketing or selling “verified” status or badges to third parties.
- Using the badge to pressure users into unsafe or exploitative activity.
- Coordinating disinformation campaigns under the cover of verified status.
4. Penalties
Depending on severity and history, penalties can include:
- Warning and education notices.
- Temporary removal of the badge pending re-review.
- Permanent badge removal and loss of verification eligibility.
- Feature restrictions (limited posting, reduced reach, monetization loss).
- Permanent account suspension in egregious cases.
5. Relationship to Other Policies
Badge removal decisions are aligned with:
- Identity, Verification & Account Authenticity policies.
- Warning & Ban System.
- Impersonation Enforcement Rules.
- Creator, Ads, and Monetization policies where applicable.
6. Notification & Appeals
Where feasible, Vibble will notify the account when a badge is removed, including a brief explanation. In some circumstances (e.g., legal obligations, safety concerns), details may be limited.
Accounts may appeal badge removal if they believe there was a mistake or have resolved the underlying issue. Re-verification may require updated documentation and additional checks.
7. Contact
Verification & Badges: verification@vibble.com
Safety & Abuse: safety@vibble.com
Appeals: appeals@vibble.com
