Impersonation Enforcement Rules

1. Purpose & Scope

Impersonation undermines trust, enables scams, facilitates harassment, and can cause significant real-world harm. ReelCiety enforces a strict zero-tolerance approach to deceptive impersonation across all account types.

These rules apply to usernames, display names, profile photos, bios, content, comments, messages, and any other account signals.

2. Definition of Impersonation

Impersonation occurs when an account falsely represents itself as another individual or entity in a manner likely to mislead others.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Pretending to be a real person without authorization
• Pretending to represent a business, brand, or organization
• Using names, logos, or imagery to imply official status
• Mimicking official support, moderation, or staff accounts

3. High-Risk Impersonation Categories

The following forms of impersonation are considered severe violations:

• Impersonation used for fraud, scams, or financial exploitation
• Impersonation of public officials or government entities
• Impersonation of emergency services or safety authorities
• Impersonation used to harass, threaten, or manipulate others

4. Impersonation vs. Parody & Commentary

ReelCiety distinguishes deceptive impersonation from lawful parody, satire, and commentary.

Accounts claiming parody or fan status must:

• Clearly disclose parody, fan, or commentary intent in the profile
• Avoid misleading usernames or profile images
• Not replicate official branding or identity elements

5. Detection & Identification

ReelCiety identifies impersonation through:

• User and rights-holder reports
• Automated similarity detection systems
• Behavioral analysis and network signals
• Manual review by Trust & Safety teams

6. Reporting Impersonation

Any user, brand, or rights holder may report suspected impersonation. Reports should include:

• Account username and profile link
• Evidence of impersonation
• Proof of identity or authorization (when applicable)

7. Enforcement Actions

Depending on severity and intent, enforcement may include:

• Mandatory profile corrections or disclosures
• Username or display name changes
• Content removal
• Temporary account restrictions
• Permanent account suspension

8. Immediate Removal Cases

Accounts may be permanently removed without warning if impersonation:

• Involves fraud or financial deception
• Targets minors or vulnerable individuals
• Impersonates law enforcement or emergency services
• Is part of coordinated abuse or manipulation campaigns

9. Repeat Offenders

Repeat impersonation attempts, including re-registration after enforcement, may result in:

• Device-level restrictions
• Network or account-linking enforcement
• Permanent platform exclusion

10. Appeals Process

Users may appeal impersonation enforcement actions. Appeals must:

• Be truthful and complete
• Include supporting documentation where applicable
• Not attempt to mislead reviewers

11. Legal & Regulatory Cooperation

In cases involving fraud, identity theft, or public harm, ReelCiety may cooperate with law enforcement or regulatory authorities as required by law.

12. Platform Authority

Nexa-Group retains sole discretion to determine impersonation, enforcement severity, and remedial actions to protect platform integrity and user safety.

13. Updates to This Policy

This policy may be updated to reflect emerging impersonation risks or legal requirements. Continued use of ReelCiety constitutes acceptance of updates.

14. Contact

Impersonation Reports: impersonation@reelciety.com
Trust & Safety: safety@reelciety.com
Legal: legal@nexa-group.org