Confidentiality/Privacy Clauses

[padraic]

During the investigation the reporter(s) should respect the Community Mediation Team's workings, and the privacy of the accused offending party. For example, there should be no public shaming of the accused offending party, nor of the Community Mediation Team's way of handling things before a conclusion by the team is reached.

For the avoidance of doubt and equal treatment, this should be worded to apply to all parties in the process whether they be a reporter, the accused, or any other involved parties. It should probably also stress "confidentiality" of the details. That might cover the issue from all angles without specifically attaching it to just one party or one action. "Public shaming" presumes a breach of confidentiality after all.

I know there's a balancing act to the Covenant term focused on reporter privacy, but that may indicate the Covenant text could be modified directly to contain this? Have it in one location, not spread across two or three?

[padraic]

Note: I'll create a PR later with suggested changes for consideration. I'm stuck away from my PC for the time being.

[brandonsavage]

You might also think about adding that public shaming itself is a violation of the Code of Conduct, regardless of when it happens.

[padraic]

Public shaming is a legal activity, assuming you mean calling out people online over their opinions or running campaigns against companies.

So, er, no? The COC is not here to police opinions. If the "shaming" constitutes harassment then it would fall under the COC. Harassment is illegal. Libel is also illegal.