Sensitive Topics Handling Policy

1. Purpose & Scope

ReelCiety is a visual-first social platform where content can spread rapidly and influence public perception. Certain topics require heightened care due to the potential for harm, exploitation, panic, or misinformation.

This Policy applies to all discovery and amplification systems, including:

• Search results
• Explore and recommendation feeds
• Hashtag and topic pages
• Trending and popular content modules
• Suggested accounts and content

2. Definition of Sensitive Topics

Sensitive topics are subjects that may pose increased risks to user safety, well-being, or societal stability if misrepresented or amplified without context. These include, but are not limited to:

• Self-harm, suicide, and eating disorders
• Violence, terrorism, and mass casualty events
• Sexual exploitation and abuse
• Content involving minors
• Public health emergencies and pandemics
• Natural disasters and humanitarian crises
• Extremist ideologies and hate-based movements
• Election-related and civic integrity matters

3. Principles Guiding Sensitive Topic Handling

ReelCiety’s approach is guided by the following principles:

• Harm Reduction: Minimize exposure to content that could cause distress or danger.
• Contextual Integrity: Provide context where appropriate instead of blanket removal.
• Proportionality: Apply the least restrictive intervention necessary.
• Transparency: Offer explanations without enabling abuse.
• Regulatory Alignment: Comply with applicable safety and transparency laws.

4. Discovery & Amplification Restrictions

Content related to sensitive topics may be subject to restrictions including:

• Exclusion from trending or explore feeds
• Removal from hashtag and topic recommendations
• Reduced ranking in search results
• Ineligibility for algorithmic promotion
• Age-based access controls

5. Warning Screens & Interstitials

ReelCiety may display warning screens before sensitive content is viewed. These notices may:

• Alert users to potentially distressing material
• Provide mental health or crisis resources
• Require user acknowledgment before viewing
• Restrict viewing for underage users

6. Search Query Interventions

Certain search queries may trigger protective interventions, including:

• Redirects to authoritative information sources
• Display of safety resources and helplines
• Limitation or modification of search results
• Suppression of harmful or exploitative content

7. Crisis & Breaking Event Handling

During unfolding crises, ReelCiety may implement temporary measures such as:

• Pausing trends or hashtags
• Restricting monetization on related content
• Down-ranking unverified or speculative posts
• Prioritizing content from trusted sources

8. Public Health & Medical Topics

For health-related content, especially during emergencies:

• Misinformation may be limited or removed
• Authoritative sources may be elevated
• Visual misinformation may be labeled or restricted
• Commercial exploitation may be prohibited

9. Content Involving Minors

Content involving minors receives the highest level of scrutiny. Measures include:

• Strict discovery limitations
• Prohibition of sexualized or exploitative material
• Immediate escalation for suspected abuse
• Mandatory reporting where legally required

10. Context Labels & Educational Notices

ReelCiety may apply context labels to sensitive content to:

• Clarify disputed or misleading claims
• Indicate graphic or mature subject matter
• Distinguish opinion from verified information
• Provide links to additional resources

11. Algorithmic Safeguards

Recommendation systems incorporate safeguards to:

• Avoid reinforcing harmful consumption loops
• Detect escalation toward distressing content
• Limit repeated exposure to sensitive material
• Trigger human review where necessary

12. Appeals & Review

Creators may request review of restrictions applied under this policy. Appeals are evaluated by trained moderation teams with consideration for context, public interest, and user safety.

13. Regional & Legal Variations

Handling of sensitive topics may vary by jurisdiction due to legal, cultural, or regulatory requirements. ReelCiety reserves the right to apply region-specific restrictions where required.

14. Policy Updates

This Policy may be updated to reflect emerging risks, regulatory guidance, or improvements in safety practices.

15. Contact

Safety & Trust: safety@reelciety.com
Transparency & Integrity: transparency@reelciety.com
Legal & Compliance: legal@nexa-group.org