Our principles
blob exists to help university students connect, share ideas, find their people and participate in campus life. That only works if users feel safe, respected and able to control what they share. These Guidelines apply to profiles, posts, stories, comments, reactions, messages, groups, communities, societies, modules, events, marketplace listings, petitions, bookings, discounts and any other use of blob.
1. Be respectful and safe
Do not harass, bully, threaten, intimidate, shame, dox or target other users. Do not post hate speech or discriminatory content based on protected characteristics, including race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or age. Do not share someone else's private information, images, location, contact details or confidential campus information without permission. Do not use blob to pressure, manipulate, stalk, exploit or endanger another person.
2. Keep it legal
Do not post, share, promote, sell or facilitate illegal content, goods, services or activity. We have zero tolerance for child sexual abuse material, terrorism content, credible threats of violence, intimate image abuse, fraud, stalking, serious harassment, hate offences and content facilitating serious crime. Where required or appropriate, we may remove content, suspend accounts, preserve evidence and report matters to law enforcement, regulators or specialist reporting bodies.
3. Sexual, violent and self-harm content
Do not send or post pornography, sexual solicitation, unsolicited sexual images, non-consensual intimate content or sexual content involving anyone under 18. Do not post graphic violence, gore, animal cruelty or content designed to shock or disgust. Do not promote, encourage or instruct self-harm, suicide or eating disorders. Supportive discussion is allowed where it is safe and non-graphic.
4. Be authentic
Do not impersonate people, universities, societies, student unions, brands or public bodies. Do not create fake accounts, misrepresent where you study or manipulate engagement, votes, swipes, scores, petitions or marketplace activity. Do not claim that blob content, hubs, societies or offers are officially endorsed unless this is true and authorised.
5. Marketplace rules
Only list items you own and have the right to sell. Describe items honestly, including condition, authenticity, price and collection/delivery arrangements. Do not list weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, vapes, counterfeit goods, stolen goods, live animals, dangerous chemicals, adult products, prescription medicines, academic cheating materials, digital account credentials or any item prohibited by law or by blob. If you are acting as a trader or business seller, you are responsible for complying with applicable consumer, tax and trading laws.
6. Events, bookings and campus facilities
Only create real events or bookings that you are authorised to create. Be accurate about location, time, capacity, tickets, alcohol, access restrictions and safety information. Follow all university, student union, venue, facility and health and safety rules. Do not use events or bookings to mislead, harass, exclude unlawfully, endanger others or access spaces without authorisation.
7. Discounts and partner offers
Do not abuse, resell, scrape, manipulate or fraudulently redeem discounts, codes, rewards or partner offers. Do not misrepresent your student status or eligibility for an offer. Do not post fake offers, phishing links or promotions that mislead other users.
8. Petitions
Petitions must relate to genuine issues and must not be used to harass individuals, incite hatred, defame others or manipulate signatures. Be aware that creating or signing petitions may reveal sensitive information about your views. Use the privacy controls available and think carefully before signing.
9. Reporting, enforcement and appeals
If you see content or behaviour that breaks these Guidelines, use the in-app report function or email help@blobme.ai. If someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services on 999. Depending on the circumstances, we may remove content, restrict visibility, issue warnings, disable features, suspend accounts, permanently ban accounts, preserve evidence or report matters to law enforcement, regulators, universities, student unions or other relevant bodies. If we take action against your content or account and you believe we made a mistake, you may appeal through the in-app appeal process or by emailing help@blobme.ai.
10. Online Safety Act
blob is likely to be a user-to-user service for the purposes of the UK Online Safety Act 2023. We assess risks, provide reporting and complaints mechanisms, apply these Guidelines consistently and take proportionate steps to prevent, identify and remove illegal content as required by law.
questions about this document?
we keep these in plain words. if anything's unclear, write to help@blobme.ai.