Hate Speech Policy

1. Definition of Hate Speech

Hate speech is content that attacks, threatens, dehumanizes, or incites discrimination or violence against people based on protected characteristics, including:

• Race, ethnicity, or national origin
• Religion or belief
• Sex, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation
• Disability, serious illness, or genetic condition
• Immigration or refugee status
• Caste, indigenous status, or similar protected categories under local law

2. Prohibited Hate Content

Vibble does not allow the following:

• Slurs, epithets, or derogatory terms used to attack a protected group or individual.
• Dehumanizing language (e.g., calling groups “animals”, “subhuman”, or “vermin”).
• Calls for segregation, exclusion, or denial of civil/human rights for a protected group.
• Glorification of violence, genocide, or ethnic cleansing.
• Assertions of genetic inferiority or “purity” narratives targeting groups.
• Content promoting or praising organizations that advocate hate-based violence.

3. Implicit & Coded Hate

Vibble also addresses coded, implicit, or dog-whistle expressions of hate, including symbols, numerology, or phrases widely recognized as hate slogans. In borderline cases, we consider:

• Context and surrounding conversation.
• Historical and cultural meaning of the symbol or phrase.
• Whether the content is used approvingly or critically.

4. Satire, Quotation & Counterspeech

Some content may reference hateful terms in the context of condemning or documenting hate. Vibble may allow:

• News reporting or academic discussions about hate groups.
• Survivor testimony or documentation of abuse.
• Counterspeech that critiques or opposes hateful views.

Even when allowed, we may limit reach or add warnings to reduce harm and repeated exposure to targeted users or communities.

5. Intersection with Harassment & Extremism

Hate speech often overlaps with harassment, threats, and extremist propaganda. Violations may trigger multiple policies, leading to accelerated enforcement such as removal or permanent suspension.

6. Enforcement

Depending on severity and history, we may:

• Remove hateful content or media.
• Apply visibility limits (e.g., search, replies, trends).
• Issue warnings or temporary suspensions.
• Permanently ban accounts that repeatedly or severely violate this policy.

7. Reporting Hate Speech

Users can report hate speech directly from posts, profiles, or messages. Reports are prioritized when they involve threats, organized groups, or minors.

Safety & Hate Content: safety@vibble.org
General Support: support@vibble.org

8. Appeals

If you believe our hate speech enforcement was applied in error, you may appeal through in-app mechanisms or by contacting:

Appeals: appeals@vibble.org

9. Policy Evolution

Hate speech patterns evolve over time. Vibble will periodically update examples, internal guidelines, and training to reflect current risks and cultural contexts.