Code of Conduct

We are committed to providing an inclusive, safe, and collaborative environment for all participants, regardless of their gender, gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, sexual characteristics, physical appearance, disability, or age.

This code of conduct applies to all of our events, online spaces, and virtual spaces, including any parties and gatherings at restaurants or bars related to any of our initiatives.

The code of conduct is a set of guidelines that establishes shared values and ensures that behaviors that may harm participants are avoided. We are focused on developing both our individual and collective potential, supporting and empowering the most marginalized, mutual respect, and an anti-violence approach that favors support and collaboration among participants and the resolution of conflicts.

A code of conduct helps us co-exist in a more positive way, and provides individuals who are victims of negative behaviors with confidence that they will be supported by the organization, who respects and stands behind the code of conduct.

Unacceptable Behaviors

Harassment may occur online or in person. Examples of unacceptable behaviors include:

1. Verbal comments that reinforce oppression related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, age or religion (or lack thereof);

2. Imitating or making fun of accents or grammatical errors, or giving unsolicited grammar corrections (but clarifying questions are fine);

3. Verbal threats or demands;

4. Sexualized images in public spaces;

5. Intimidation or bullying;

6. Stalking;

7. Harassing photography or recording;

8. Sustained disruption of sessions or events;

9. Unwelcome physical contact or sexual attention;

10. Drugging food or drink;

11. Violating the conference privacy policy in order to attract negative attention to an attendee;

12. Enlisting the help of others, whether in person or online, in order to target an attendee;

13. Intentional dismissal of an attendee’s gender identity, expression or sexual orientation in any form;

14. Spamming, trolling, flaming, baiting or other attention-stealing behavior in virtual spaces.

14. Advocating for or encouraging any of the above behavior.

Let someone leave a conversation that makes them uncomfortable, and do not follow people who asked to be left alone. If you discuss difficult topics that may be traumatic for participants, provide warnings so people may leave a conversation or plan coping strategies.

Individuals who are asked to stop harassing behaviors are expected to cease immediately. Depending on severity of harassment or repeat offenses, our staff will respond appropriately, including but not limited to giving warnings or expulsion from the event. With the consent of the person being harassed, local authorities will be called if needed.

We count on everyone - from partner organizations to individuals - to do their part to ensure positive experiences for all participants. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact our team.

Wellness Team

Overseeing the COC

For in-person events, the IFF Wellness Team will oversee the Code of Conduct, including addressing all incident reports. The IFF Wellness Team will be lead by two mental health care professionals with assistance from Trinh Nguyen, the IFF's Head of Safety & Technology.

For virtual events, the Head of Safety & Technology serves as the primary point of contact of the Code of Conduct.

Report a violation

Reports can be made confidentially by doing one of the following:

• For in-person events, locate a member of the IFF staff on-site. IFF staff can be identified by conference logo shirts, and will be at the information desk by the front entrance throughout the conference.

• Email: codeofconduct@internetfreedomfestival.org | GPG Public Key: 4EB6 6CD8 B9F6 E6FE 90A9 1746 B7FC 780B 01E4 9BFD

• Wire @Internetff

All reports are confidential. You will not be asked to take actions that make you feel unsafe. Breaking the code of conduct may result in immediate expulsion from the event.