Don’t be offensive
- Comments that contain offensive or discriminatory content are not allowed. Racist, sexist, homophobic, disablist, sexually explicit or abusive material will be removed.
Don’t be abusive or disruptive
Abusive or disruptive behaviour is not allowed. This includes:
- Using swear words (including abbreviations or alternative spellings) or other language likely to offend
- Harassing, threatening or causing distress to anybody
- Flaming, i.e. posting something that’s angry and mean-spirited
- Trolling, i.e. saying deliberately provocative things just to stir up trouble.
Don’t risk breaking UK law
- Contributing a comment with the intention to commit a crime, break the law, or condone or encourage unlawful activity is prohibited.
Don’t endanger other users
- We may remove comments that we consider could endanger other users – for example, offering medical and health advice, or encouraging drug or alcohol abuse or self-harm.
Don’t post potentially defamatory statements
- Defamation laws exist to protect individuals or organisations from unwarranted, mistaken or untruthful attacks on their reputation. Posting a defamatory statement in an online comment is the same as publishing it in a newspaper or magazine.
- To avoid breaking defamation laws in your comments, ensure that you verify the information in your posting, especially when presenting negative statements as facts. Also avoid jumping to conclusions, exaggerating or making subtle implications. Remember that adding the word ‘allegedly’ to a statement does not stop it being defamation.
Don’t include others’ personal details
- Please do not reveal any personal information – such as home/mobile phone numbers, postal or personal email addresses – about other people.