Trust and Safety Centre

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Trust and Safety Policy

Welcome to MOTI! We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone who uses our platform. This Trust and Safety Policy outlines the standards, practices, and procedures we follow to ensure the security, integrity, and well-being of all Users, including learners, Instructors, and staff.

Scope

This policy applies to all Users of MOTI, including registered and unregistered Visitors, Instructors, Students, and Affiliates. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to abide by this policy and our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

General Principles

Inclusivity – we welcome everyone, regardless of their background, and foster an environment that values diversity and accessibility.
Transparency – our policies and enforcement measures are clear and open to ensure fairness and trust.
Accountability – we hold ourselves and our Users responsible for upholding community standards and policies.
Safety First – we prioritize physical, emotional, and digital safety for all Users.
Empowerment – our tools and resources are designed to help Users succeed and grow within a supportive community.
Fairness – our policies are impartial and apply equally to all Users.
Collaboration – we work with our community and external experts to ensure best practices in trust and safety.
Privacy – we respect and protect User data through robust security measures and clear privacy practices.
Innovation – we use cutting-edge technology to identify risks and improve the platform’s safety.

In the context of MOTI, “Users” refer to any individuals or entities that interact with the platform, including but not limited to accessing, creating, or consuming content and participating in the platform’s activities. Users are categorized into distinct roles based on their engagement with the platform, as outlined below:

(a) “Students” are individuals who enrol in and participate in online courses or access educational resources on the platform.

The key activities of the Students are:

– enrolling in courses;
– engaging in discussions, forums, or other interactive course components;
– submitting assignments or assessments;
– providing feedback and reviews on courses; and
– accessing supplementary materials and resources.

Responsibilities of the Students:

– adhering to any and all platform policies;
– respecting Instructors, fellow Students, and staff; and
– submitting honest and constructive feedback.

(b) “Instructors” are individuals or entities who create and teach courses, providing educational content and engaging with Students.

The key activities of the Instructors are:

– designing and uploading course materials, including videos, documents, and assessments;
– managing course discussions and answering Student questions;
– tracking Student progress and offering feedback; and
– updating and maintaining course content to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Responsibilities of the Instructors:

– ensuring the content aligns with platform guidelines, including intellectual property standards.
– fostering a respectful and inclusive learning environment; and
– communicating professionally with Students and staff.

(c) “Visitors” are individuals who browse the platform without creating an account or engaging in its interactive features.

Key Activities:

– exploring available courses, content previews, or public resources;
– accessing free or open-access educational materials.

Responsibilities:

– complying with the platform’s general policies, such as respecting intellectual property rights;
– avoiding any unauthorized access or misuse of the platform’s resources.

(d) “Platform Administrators” and “Moderators” are staff members responsible for the management and oversight of the platform’s operations and community standards.

The key activities of the Platform Administrators and Moderators are:

– monitoring platform interactions to ensure adherence to policies;
– previewing reported violations and taking appropriate action; and
– updating and refining platform features and policies based on feedback and trends.

The responsibilities of the Platform Administrators and Moderators are:

– acting impartially and fairly in the enforcement of rules;
– protecting User data and ensuring platform security; and
– maintaining open lines of communication with Users.

(e) “Affiliates” and “Partners” include third-party organizations or individuals who collaborate with the platform to promote courses, provide additional resources, or enhance the platform’s offerings.

Key Activities:

– marketing and promoting the platform and its courses; and
– providing specialized content or services through partnerships.

Responsibilities:

– complying with platform agreements and policies; and
– representing the platform ethically and professionally.

(f) “Other Users” includes any other individuals or entities that interact with the platform, such as guest speakers, content reviewers, or beta testers.

Their key activities are participating in specific roles or projects as defined by the platform and, as responsibilities, it is required that they align with the platform’s standards and contributing positively to its goals.

Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct establishes a framework of behaviour that ensures MOTI remains a safe, respectful, and engaging platform for everyone. All Users, including Students, Instructors, and Visitors, are expected to uphold the following guidelines.

1 Respectful Communication

Respectful interaction is the foundation of a positive learning community. Use language that is constructive, polite, and encourages open dialogue. Do not use offensive, discriminatory, or inflammatory language based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other personal characteristic. Recognize that everyone learns at their own pace, and avoid making derogatory remarks or mocking others for their questions or opinions.

2 Intellectual Property

Respect for intellectual property ensures the rights of creators and contributors. Do Not Plagiarize and submit only original work in assignments or discussions. Do not upload, share, or use copyrighted material without proper authorization or license. Give credit where credit is due when referencing external content or ideas.

3 Authenticity

Authenticity builds trust and credibility within the community. Use your real name and accurate personal details when creating accounts or profiles. Do not create fake accounts, impersonate others, or misrepresent your qualifications or intentions.

4 Prohibited Content

Certain types of content and behaviours are strictly prohibited to maintain a safe environment. Avoid any content or communication that promotes violence, hatred, or discrimination. Refrain from sharing or promoting explicit content or material inappropriate for a learning environment. Do not discuss, promote, or share content related to illegal substances or activities.

5 Don’t Spam

Spamming disrupts the learning experience and undermines the platform’s purpose. If you are an Instructor, refrain from promoting unrelated products, services, or personal ventures and do not send unsolicited messages to Students or other Instructors. If you are a Student, avoid excessive posting of irrelevant content in course discussions or forums and do not use the platform for self-promotion.

6 Don’t Game the System

Gaming the system compromises the integrity of the platform and harms the community. If you are an Instructor, do not attempt to redirect Students off the platform, exploit policy loopholes, or inflate course ratings artificial and focus on providing valuable, high-quality content. If you are a Student, do not request free coupons, barter for favourable reviews, or use fraudulent methods to gain access to courses. Take note that honest interactions build trust and reliability.

7 Keep It Professional

Professionalism ensures a positive and productive learning environment. Maintain polite interactions and communicate with Instructors, Students, and staff in a respectful, professional tone. Avoid personal attacks and instead, focus on constructive feedback rather than criticism directed at individuals. Never ask for personal contact information or make unsolicited contact outside the platform.

8 Be a Positive Contributor

A thriving community depends on the active participation of its members. Collaborate by engaging in meaningful discussions, share insights, and support fellow learners. Abide by platform rules and encourage others to do the same and promote originality by summitting only your own work and contributions, ensuring a culture of integrity.

9 If You See Something, Say Something

Your vigilance helps maintain the safety and integrity of our platform. Use built-in reporting tools or email bianca@moti-academy.com to alert us to any behaviour or content that violates this policy. When reporting, include details such as links, screenshots, or descriptions to help our team investigate efficiently. If you’re unsure whether something violates our policies, report it anyway. Our team will review and determine the appropriate action.

10 Consequences of Violations

Violating the Code of Conduct can result in disciplinary actions based on the severity and frequency of the misconduct. Minor Violations may result in a warning or temporary suspension, while serious or repeated violations can lead to permanent account bans, removal of privileges, or legal action where applicable.

Users have the right to appeal actions by contacting bianca@moti-academy.com. All appeals will be reviewed impartially.

Trust and Safety Measures

At MOTI, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our community. Our trust and safety measures are designed to prevent misconduct, protect User data, and respond promptly to any violations.

1 User Verification

To ensure a secure and authentic community, we employ robust User verification processes.

(a) Email Verification – all Users must verify their email addresses when creating accounts. This step helps confirm the legitimacy of User identities.
(b) Optional Identity Verification for Instructors – Instructors may undergo identity verification processes, such as uploading official identification documents, to build trust with Students and enhance the credibility of their courses.

2 Moderation and Monitoring
We use a combination of technology and human oversight to ensure compliance with community standards.

(a) AI-Powered Content Moderation – advanced algorithms analyse text, images, and videos uploaded to the platform to identify and flag inappropriate content, spam, or harmful behaviour.
(b) Human Moderation Team – a dedicated team of moderators reviews flagged content, User reports, and escalated cases to ensure fair and accurate decision-making.
(c) Real-Time Monitoring – discussion forums, comments, and other User interactions are monitored in real-time to detect and address issues promptly.

3 Reporting Tools and Processes

We provide accessible tools and clear processes for Users to report violations.

(a) In-App Reporting Tools – Users can report inappropriate content, behaviour, or violations directly from the platform through dedicated buttons or forms.
(b) Anonymous Reporting – Users may report issues anonymously to protect their privacy and encourage the reporting of sensitive matters.
(c) Escalation Pathways – serious violations are escalated to specialized teams or external authorities when necessary.

4 Secure Communication

We ensure that all interactions on the platform remain private and secure.

(a) Encryption – all communication, including messages and discussions, is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.
(b) No Off-Platform Contact – Users are discouraged from sharing personal contact information or engaging in off-platform communications unless explicitly required and consented to.
(c) Private Messaging Oversight: Messages are subject to automated scanning for harmful or inappropriate content, with flagged communications reviewed by moderators.

5 Data Privacy and Security

Protecting User data is a top priority, and we take extensive measures to secure it.

(a) Compliance with Global Privacy Laws – we adhere to regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and other applicable data protection laws.
(b) Data Encryption – sensitive User data is encrypted at rest and in transit to prevent breaches.
(c) Minimal Data Collection – we only collect data necessary to provide and improve our services. Users are informed about how their data is collected, stored, and used.
(d) Regular Security Audits – third-party audits and internal reviews ensure that our security measures remain up-to-date and effective.

6 Dispute Resolution and Appeals

A fair and transparent resolution process helps maintain trust in our enforcement actions.

(a) Clear Reporting Process – Users can report issues via platform tools or email bianca@moti-academy.com.
(b) Timely Review – all reports are reviewed within 24-48 hours, with urgent issues prioritized.
(c) Evidence-Based Decisions – Moderators base enforcement decisions on evidence collected, including User reports, content analysis, and communication logs.
(d) Appeals Process – Users can appeal decisions by submitting an appeal request. Appeals are reviewed by a separate, impartial team to ensure fairness.

7 Proactive Risk Mitigation

We take proactive measures to prevent potential violations and risks before they occur.

(a) Educational Content – Users are provided with resources, guidelines, and FAQs to understand platform policies and standards.
(b) Onboarding for Instructors – Instructors undergo an onboarding process to familiarize themselves with policies, expectations, and tools for managing their courses.
(c) Regular Policy Updates – policies are updated periodically to address emerging risks, new technologies, and community feedback.

8 Collaboration with External Partners

We work with trusted partners and organizations to enhance safety and security.

(a) Expert Consultations – collaborating with safety organizations, educators, and legal experts to ensure our policies align with global best practices.
(b) Law Enforcement Cooperation – in cases involving illegal activities, we cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with legal obligations.
(c) Industry Partnerships – partnering with cybersecurity firms to maintain robust protection against potential threats.

9 Community Involvement

We encourage community participation in upholding trust and safety standards.

(a) User Feedback Loops – feedback mechanisms allow Users to share insights and suggest improvements for policies and platform features.
(b) Ambassador Program – trusted members of the community may act as ambassadors, helping to moderate discussions and promote positive interactions.
(c) Incentives for Reporting – Users who actively report violations or suggest safety improvements may be recognized or rewarded.

10 Incident Response and Crisis Management

We have protocols in place to address emergencies and crises effectively.

(a) Incident Response Team – a dedicated team handles crises, such as data breaches, widespread violations, or platform abuse.
(b) Rapid Communication – Users are notified promptly about incidents affecting their safety or the platform’s integrity.
(c) Post-Incident Reviews – after resolving incidents, we conduct reviews to identify lessons learned and implement improvements.

Reporting and Resolution

A robust reporting and resolution process is essential to maintaining a safe and fair platform. We are committed to ensuring that User concerns are addressed promptly, thoroughly, and transparently.

11 Reporting Violations

Users are encouraged to report any behaviour, content, or activity that violates our policies. Reporting is easy, confidential, and designed to protect the reporter’s identity when necessary.

11.1 Reporting Tools

The Users and the Visitors may use any of the dedicated options available for reporting any type of behaviour, content or activity that violates in any way our policies:

(a) In-App Reporting – is available on every course page, discussion thread, message, and profile and the Users can report specific content or interactions using a simple interface.
(b) Dedicated Reporting Portal – a centralized location where Users can file detailed reports about multiple types of violations, such as harassment, spamming, or intellectual property infringement.
(c) Email Reporting – Users can send detailed reports to bianca@moti-academy.com for violations or concerns not covered by in-app tools.

11.2 What to Include in a Report

To help our team investigate effectively, the reports should include:

(i) a description of the violation or issue;
(ii) links to offending content or profiles (if applicable);
(iii) screenshots, messages, or other supporting evidence; and
(iv) dates and times of the incident (if known).

11.3 Anonymity and Confidentiality

Reports can be submitted anonymously to protect the reporter’s identity. We maintain strict confidentiality, ensuring the reported party cannot retaliate or access the reporter’s details.

12 Investigation Process

When a report is received, our team follows a structured process to ensure fairness and accuracy.

12.1 The initial review includes:

– acknowledgment – the reporters receive a confirmation of their submission within 24 hours;
– triage – the reports are categorized by severity (e.g., urgent, standard, low priority) to prioritize responses; and
– preliminary assessment – the Moderators conduct an initial review to determine the validity of the report.

12.2 Evidence Collection

Moderators gather relevant evidence, including:

– User activity logs;
– content flagged by AI or other Users;
– communication records (e.g., messages, discussion posts);
– input from all parties involved may be requested to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the incident.

12.3 Evaluation and Decision

The decision related to the solution of the reports are taken with the observance of the following principles:

(i) policy application – actions are determined based on the severity of the violation and alignment with platform policies; and
(ii) consultation – complex cases may be escalated to senior moderators, legal teams, or external advisors for input.

13 Actions for Violations

Consequences for violations are tailored to the severity and impact of the offense.

13.1 Types of Actions

Following the investigation process, if there has been determined that a violation took place, the following sanctions may be applied:

(iii) warnings – issued for minor infractions, with guidance on avoiding future violations;
(iv) content removal – inappropriate or non-compliant content is deleted or hidden;
(v) account restrictions – temporary or permanent suspension of User privileges, such as posting or messaging;
(vi) account termination – permanent ban from the platform for severe or repeated violations; and/or
(vii) legal action – in cases involving criminal activity or significant harm, legal action may be pursued.

13.2 Notification of Actions

Reporters are informed when their report has been resolved, with a summary of actions taken (where privacy laws allow). The individuals subject to enforcement actions are notified of the reasons and given guidance on how to avoid future violations.

14 Appeals Process

Users have the right to challenge decisions if they believe enforcement actions were unfair or mistaken.

14.1 How to Submit an Appeal

Appeals must be filed within 14 calendar days of receiving the enforcement notification. Users can submit appeals through the dedicated appeals form or via email to bianca@moti-academy.com.

The formulated appeal shall include:

(i) a clear explanation of why the decision was incorrect (the absence of this request shall make the appeal inadmissible); and
(ii) any supporting evidence to counter the decision.

14.2 Appeal Review Process

Appeals are reviewed by a separate, impartial team to ensure fairness. Decisions are based on a thorough re-evaluation of evidence, including new evidence provided by the appellant. Users receive a final decision within 7-10 business days.

14.3 Finality of Decisions

Appeals are reviewed once, and the decisions made by the appeals team are final.

15 Proactive Community Involvement

15.1 Empowering Users

Educational resources and guides are available to help Users identify and report violations effectively. Regular updates on safety practices keep the community informed and engaged.

15.2 Encouraging Vigilance

Users are encouraged to report even minor infractions to ensure the platform remains a safe space for everyone. Reporting tools are continuously improved based on User feedback.

16 Transparency and Accountability

16.1 Transparency Reports

Periodic reports are published, summarizing the number and types of reports received, actions taken, and improvements made to Trust and Safety policies.

16.2 Continuous Improvement

Feedback from Users and lessons learned from past incidents are incorporated into refining our reporting and resolution processes.