Content Moderation Policy

Version: 1.0
Last Updated: 7th July 2026

Content Moderation Policy

Our Approach

Circles is built around the belief that adults should be free to connect, communicate and express themselves in a respectful, safe and consensual environment. Also, content moderation helps maintain that environment by protecting our members from illegal, harmful or abusive content while allowing genuine adult discussion and expression.

Our goal is not to censor lawful content, but to encourage respectful participation and ensure that all members feel safe using the platform.

How Content is Moderated

Circles uses a combination of automated systems and human moderation. Automated technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), may assist by identifying or flagging content that appears to breach our policies. This enables us to respond more quickly and consistently to potential issues.

Moreover, AI is used to assist moderation, not replace human judgement. Where appropriate, flagged content may be reviewed by trained moderators before action is taken.

Content We Encourage

Generally, we welcome content that is:

  • Respectful and courteous.
  • Consensual and appropriate for verified adults.
  • Honest and authentic.
  • Supportive of a welcoming community.
  • Relevant to discussions taking place on the platform.

Members are encouraged to treat one another with kindness, respect personal boundaries and communicate openly.

Content That Is Not Permitted

The following types of content are prohibited and may be removed without notice:

  • Illegal content of any kind.
  • Content involving minors or the exploitation of children.
  • Non-consensual intimate images or videos.
  • Harassment, bullying or intimidation.
  • Hate speech or content promoting violence or discrimination.
  • Threats of violence or criminal activity.
  • Impersonation of another person.
  • Fraud, scams or deceptive behaviour.
  • Spam or unsolicited commercial advertising.
  • Malware, phishing or malicious links.
  • Content encouraging self-harm, suicide or criminal behaviour.
  • Copyright-infringing material where a valid complaint has been received.
  • Content that breaches our Terms of Service or applicable law.

Adult Content

Circles is intended for verified adults.

Consensual adult discussions and appropriately shared adult content is permitted within areas of the platform designed for that purpose, provided such content:

  • Is lawful.
  • Involves only consenting adults.
  • Does not exploit, coerce or harm another person.
  • Does not violate another member’s privacy.
  • Complies with all other Circles policies.

Basically, the existence of adult content areas does not exempt members from following community standards.

Member Reporting

Members can report content, profiles or behaviour they believe breaches our policies.

Reports are reviewed as quickly as reasonably possible. Depending on the nature of the report, we may:

  • Remove the content.
  • Restrict visibility while it is reviewed.
  • Request further information.
  • Issue a warning.
  • Temporarily suspend an account.
  • Permanently remove content or accounts.
  • Refer matters to law enforcement where legally required.

False or malicious reporting may itself result in action being taken.

Enforcement

Moderation decisions are made based on the seriousness of the breach, previous account history and the potential risk posed to other members.

Possible enforcement actions include:

  • Educational guidance.
  • Content removal.
  • Temporary feature restrictions.
  • Temporary suspension.
  • Permanent account termination.

Serious violations may result in immediate account removal without prior warning.

Appeals

After that, if you believe moderation action has been taken in error, you may contact our support team to request a review.

Appeals are assessed by a human reviewer wherever reasonably practicable. Providing additional context may help us reach a fair decision.

Not all moderation decisions will be overturned.

Illegal Content

Where required by law, Circles may preserve evidence, restrict access to content and cooperate with law enforcement agencies or regulatory authorities.

In effect, we will comply with applicable legal obligations while respecting the privacy rights of our members.

Continuous Improvement

Our moderation systems continue to evolve as the platform grows.

We regularly review:

  • Emerging online safety risks.
  • Changes in legislation.
  • Community feedback.
  • Improvements to AI-assisted moderation.
  • Internal moderation procedures.

This ongoing process helps us provide a safer and more consistent experience for everyone.

Questions

Finally, if you have questions about this policy or believe content has been moderated incorrectly, please contact our support team.

Our aim is always to balance freedom of expression with the safety, dignity and well-being of every member of the Circles community.