The Kode
-
Bullying
Cyberbullying
A type of bullying that leverages digital environment, thus it can be especially harmful due to its potential for instant and widespread reach. It includes sending hurtful messages or threats, posting embarrassing or fake content such as photos or videos, creating fake profiles to harass someone, excluding someone from online groups, spreading misinformation through social media and other digital platforms, etc.
Physical Bullying
The form of bullying that involves using physical force to harm, mistreat or intimidate others. It may take form of one particular or a combination of physical actions such as hitting, kicking, punching, shoving, tripping, pushing, stealing or damaging possessions, inappropriate touching, making threatening gestures, etc. This type of bullying is the most common and visible form of bullying.
Relational Bullying
Also known as social bullying, relational bullying is a type of bullying that aims to harm someone's relationships, reputation, or social standing via spreading misinformation, embarrassing or fake content, deliberately excluding someone from a group, public humiliation, manipulating social situations, etc.
Verbal Bullying
A type of bullying that leverages words for frightening or intimidating one or multiple victim or victims. It manifests as name-calling and insults, teasing and taunting, various threats, as well as discriminatory, derogatory or offensive language.
-
Discrimination
Age Discrimination
Also known as ageism, is the unfair treatment of individuals based on their age.
Disability Discrimination
Unfair treatment of individuals based on their disability or perceived disability. A disability is generally defined as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Gender Reassignment Discrimination
Unfair treatment of individuals based on their gender reassignment status, which is protected under the Equality Act 2010. This form of discrimination applies to people who are proposing to undergo, are undergoing, or have undergone a process to reassign their sex.
Marital Status Discrimination
Unfair treatment of individuals based on their marital status or perceived marital status, which is:
- Single
- Married
- Divorced
- Widowed
- Separated
- In a domestic partnership or civil partnership
- In a de facto relationship
Pregnancy and Parental Discrimination
Refers to the unfair treatment of individuals based on their pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, maternity/paternity leave, or parental status.
Race Discrimination
Unfair treatment of individuals based on their race, color, nationality, ethnic or national origin.
Religion or Belief Discrimination
Unfair treatment of individuals based on their religion (e.g., Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism), religious beliefs, or philosophical beliefs (e.g., atheism, humanism, agnosticism), lack of religion or belief.
Sex Discrimination
Unjust and unequal treatment of individuals or groups based on their sex – a state of being male or female.
Sexual Orientation Discrimination
Unjust and unequal treatment of individuals or groups based on their sexual orientation – which is the fact of someone being sexually or romantically attracted to people of a particular sex, or more than one sex.
-
Harassment
Sexual Harassment
Broadly defined as unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates a person's dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment for them. This behaviour can be physical, verbal or non-verbal, and it doesn't necessarily have to be repeated to constitute harassment. It's considered that sexual harassment can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, and can be perpetrated by individuals of any gender or position within an organisation. The definition and perception of sexual harassment vary significantly across different cultures, reflecting diverse social norms, legal frameworks, and cultural attitudes. This variation presents challenges in addressing sexual harassment on a global scale.
Stalking
A pattern of unwanted and persistent behaviour aimed at a specific person, which would cause the victim to feel anxiety, fear or distress. Initially this refers to the act of following a person or animal as closely as possible without being seen or heard, yet nowadays the notion has widened to a range of activities, also carried out online. The pattern typically involves two or more incidents that demonstrate a continuity of purpose, whereas among other features of stalking are fixation on the object of stalking and obsessive nature of this fixation.
-
Hate speech
Derogatory Language
A form of communication that expresses a negative, disrespectful, or low opinion of a person, group, or thing. It includes words, phrases, or statements that are intentionally offensive, disparaging, or belittling.
Discriminatory Imagery
Discriminatory images are visual representations that depict or promote unfair treatment, prejudice or bias against individuals or groups based on protected characteristics (such as race, gender identity, disability, and other). The context plays a crucial role in determining whether an image is discriminatory. For example, some images may be used to educate about discrimination rather than promote it, and interpretation can vary based on cultural and historical factors.
Hate Symbols
Hate symbols are visual representations that express animosity, hostility, or prejudice towards specific groups (for example, based on protected characteristics such as race, gender identity, disability, and other). Generally hate symbols refer to the following types, however not limited to:
- Images and Objects (noose, the swastika, Confederate flag, etc.)
- Phrases, Slogans and relative Acronyms (such as 'Sieg Heil' – the famous slogan of the German Nazi Party)
- Logos and Flags (Including those associated with hate groups or extremist ideologies)
- Gestures (hand signs or body language with hateful connotations)
Hostile Rhetoric
Refers to aggressive, antagonistic or inflammatory language used in communication, especially in political discourse. It is characterised by emotionally charged language, confrontational tone with language that creates or exaggerates opposition or conflict between groups or individuals, dehumanising metaphors such as 'cancer' or 'rats', direct or disguised calls for physical and other harm or elimination of targeted groups or individuals, punishment against others, etc.
Offensive Gestures
Non-verbal communications that are considered insulting, rude, or vulgar in specific cultural contexts. These gestures can vary widely across different regions social groups, often carrying strong negative connotations. These include yet not limited to hand gestures (such as the middle finger), finger configurations, body language (including crossed arms in some cultures) or certain ways of pointing, facial expressions (for example, sticking out the tongue or rolling the eyes).
Slurs and Epithets
Linguistic devices used to describe or characterise individuals or groups, often in a negative or offensive manner. While they share some similarities, they have distinct definitions and uses. While slurs refer to offensive terms or phrases deliberately used to show disrespect or insult a person or particular group of people, epithets are descriptive words or phrases used to characterize a person, place, or thing and unlike slurs can be neutral, positive, or negative. Besides, it is deemed that epithets can evolve and change meaning over time, whereas slurs typically retain their offensive nature.
-
Nudity & Sexual Content
Adult Goods and Services Promotion
Refers to the marketing and advertising of products or services (e.g. sex toys, erotic content, adult clubs, dating services, sexual enhancement products, etc.) intended for adult audiences. These promotions are subject to strict regulations and guidelines to ensure compliance with cultural sensitivities, international and local legal requirements and other relevant policies.
Breastfeeding and Childbirth
Due to certain cultural norms, legal, organisational or other policies, breastfeeding and childbirth content (with or without regard to its form, e.g. depiction, discussion or sharing of breastfeeding and childbirth-related material) is subject to various limitations or regulations, especially when it comes to public, digital or media contexts. Such restrictions aim to balance educational value with sensitivity to audiences who may find it distressing or inappropriate.
Educational and Scientific Nude or Sexual Content
Refers to any form of nude or sexual content, which is designed, selected, presented or otherwise processed for educational, scientific or documentary purposes. Thus, specific regulations or limitations may be imposed to ensure authorised access solely for professionals, and that such content is not gratuitous or intended for sexual gratification of general public, therefore, it excludes exposure for sensitive social groups who may find it distressing or inappropriate.
Erotics
The term refers to the broad concept that includes aesthetics, psychology and other forms of exploration of human sexuality, sensuality, and desire through artistic, emotional or intellectual expressions. Rooted in the Greek word 'eros', meaning love or desire, it has complex nature and excludes superficial sexual stimulation without deeper emotional engagement as in pornography, hence erotics includes wider and more subtle range of expressions that often emphasise evoking sensual or emotional responses rather than mere physical arousal. As of form, the themes of intimacy and love that in combination may be categorised as erotics are often explored through paintings, literature, music, and film across many cultures.
Explicit or Suggestive Emojis
Refer to the emojis used in digital communication to convey sexual meanings, innuendos or flirtatious undertones. These emojis often rely on metaphorical or symbolic representations of sexual acts, body parts or desires, such as an eggplant emoji symbolising penis, tongue suggesting licking or oral sex, a combination of a pointing finger and OK hand altogether representing sexual intercourse, etc.
Nude and Artworks
As a form of visual art, the nude focuses on the unclothed human figure. It dates to the beginning of art with the female figures called Venus figurines from the Late Stone Age. While prehistory and early examples were generally understood to be symbols of fertility or well-being, later on unclothed figures in sculpture, paintings and other art usually served for specific purposes, such as history painting, allegorical and religious art, portraiture, etc. Thus due to cultural, legal, or platform-specific guidelines, some artworks can be considered as subjects to limitations or censorship.
Nudity
The condition of being unclothed, either partially or fully, so that the parts of the human figure that are typically concealed in public contexts are exposed. It may involve the exposure of genitals, buttocks, or female breasts, while overall context heavily depends on particular cultural and social norms.
Pornography
Explicit content of sexual activity or behaviour in various forms, such as images, videos, text, or audio, designed to provoke sexual excitement or arousal. It has no artistic value and usually shows sexual acts or naked people with exposed genitals. In legal frameworks, pornography is often distinguished from obscenity or erotica by taking into consideration specific community standards and intent. This distinction can vary widely across jurisdictions.
Sexting
Short for a combination of the words 'sex' and 'texting', the term refers to the act of sending, receiving, or sharing sexually explicit messages, images, or videos through digital devices. Usually the context implies that such conversation is carried out as part of romantic or sexual relationships of the involved sides hence with a mutual consent having been given, yet it may also happen in non-consensual or coercive contexts, such as bullying, blackmail (sextortion), or grooming.
Sexually Suggestive Behaviour
Actions, gestures or expressions that carry sexual undertones or imply sexual intent, often aimed at provoking interest or arousal.
Signs of Personal Affection
Refer to behaviours, gestures, and expressions that demonstrate fondness, care, or emotional connection toward another person or a group of people. These can be expressed verbally, non-verbally and physically. Due to various reasons, mostly to comply with law, local cultural norms or related organisational rules, a number of specific limitations can be imposed on the expressions of personal affection, which primarily refers to behaviour in public. Some cultures forbid physical displays of affection such as kissing, hugging, holding hands, etc.
-
Prohibited and Restricted Goods, Organisations, Individuals and Activities
Prohibited Activities
Actions or behaviours that are explicitly forbidden by laws, regulations, contracts or organizational policies. These activities are typically restricted due to their potential risks, legal implications, or ethical concerns. The consequences for engaging in prohibited activities can range from warnings and disciplinary actions to legal prosecution and financial penalties, depending on the severity and context of the violation. The list of prohibited activities can vary depending on the context, but generally includes actions that violate laws or regulations, activities that can result in criminal penalties, fines, or legal consequences, behaviors that breach contractual obligations or agreements, engaging in competitive activities against one's employer, disclosing confidential information or trade secrets, participating in activities that conflict with job responsibilities or company interests, unauthorized transactions, insider trading or money laundering, performing medical procedures without proper qualifications, carrying out building work without proper authorisation or inspections, production, sale, or distribution of 'gray market' goods or services, etc.
Prohibited and Restricted Organisations
Typically these are entities subject to sanctions, trade or other restrictions, often for reasons related to national security or international policy, being aimed at protecting public safety, national interests, and ensuring compliance with international agreements and domestic laws.
Prohibited Goods
Items that are legally banned in terms of their import, export, transfer, production, distribution, promotion, glorification, etc. within certain domain (for example, a country or union) due to safety, security, cultural, economic or other concerns. These are listed and can include certain chemicals, weapons, technologies, endangered animal and plant species, indecent and obscene materials, and other products that may pose risks if not properly controlled.
Restricted Activities
Specific actions or services that are limited or controlled by laws, regulations or organisational policies due to associated risks or the need for specialised competencies. These activities typically fall into several categories such as Health and Safety, Building and Construction, Legal Services, Employment and Business and other.
Restricted Goods
Items that have certain legal limitations and special procedures in terms of their import, export, transfer, production, possession, distribution, etc. within certain domain (for example, a country or union) due to safety, security, cultural, economic or other concerns. These are listed and mostly require obtaining special licence or permit. Typically these are some tourist curios, certain drugs or foods, exotic leather goods, musical instruments, furs, weapons, chemicals, artworks, and other products that may pose risks if not properly controlled.
Restricted Individuals
Also known as restricted persons, restricted individuals are those who are prohibited from certain activities or transactions, usually due to political, legal, security, and regulatory reasons – for instance, statesmen, politicians, entrepreneurs, individuals under indictment, convicted of certain crimes, and people associated with sanctioned countries or terrorist organisations. The measures against listed individuals may include criminal penalties, including potential imprisonment, travel bans or restrictions, including denial of entry visas or revocation of existing visas and limitations on travelling within their own country, asset freezes preventing access to bank accounts, real estate, and other financial assets, etc.
-
Scam
Charity Scams
Deceptive schemes designed to exploit people's generosity and goodwill by posing as legitimate charitable organisations. These fraudulent activities aim to trick donors into giving money or personal information to fake causes.
Impersonation
Act of pretending to be another person, which can be done for various purposes such as entertainment, deception or fraud. While non-malicious examples mainly refer to comedians or other people mimicking celebrities, public figures and ordinary people for the sake of audience amusement and entertainment, impersonation is also widely used for fraudulent purposes such as money or data theft, attempting to gain an unfair advantage or deceive others, etc. Impersonation can range from harmless entertainment to serious criminal activity, with consequences varying based on the intent and method of impersonation.
Investment Scams
Deceptive schemes designed to trick people into investing money in fraudulent or non-existent opportunities. These scams often promise high returns with little or no risk, exploiting investors' trust and desire for financial gain.
Lottery or Prize Scams
Deceptive schemes designed to trick people into believing they've won a large sum of money or valuable prize in a lottery or sweepstakes. These scams exploit people's hopes for financial gain and often target vulnerable individuals.
Phishing
A cybercrime in which a target or targets are contacted by email, telephone or text message by someone posing as a legitimate institution to lure individuals into providing sensitive data such as personally identifiable information, banking and credit card details, and passwords.
-
Spam
Browser Spam
Also known as browser hijacking, browser spam is a specific form of malware that modifies web browser settings without the user's permission to inject unwanted content and alter browser functionality. Unlike traditional spam that simply delivers unwanted messages, browser hijacking has an invasive nature so that it actively takes control of the browser by modifying homepage settings, default search engines, and redirecting users to unwanted websites. It also can include spyware and keylogger functionality.
Comment Spam
Refers to unsolicited messages that are completely unrelated to the post content and placed in comment sections of websites, blogs, forums, and social media platforms. They typically contain links to external websites for the purpose of promoting certain products, driving user traffic or improving the spammer's site SEO rankings.
Email Spam
Also known as junk email or Unsolicited Bulk Email (UBE) or Unsolicited Commercial Emails (UCE), email spam is a form of spam messages, which are sent in bulk by email to multiple recipients without their consent, thus being of unsolicited nature.
Malspam
Short for malicious or malware spam, the term refers to the spam designed to deliver malware directly to a recipient's device via email, chats, messengers, social media platforms, etc. Malicious content, such as infected attachments, dangerous links, or embedded scripts, is aimed at installing various types of malware including ransomware, Trojans, spyware, and keyloggers in order to trick unsuspecting users into clicking links or downloading attachments, thereby enabling cybercriminals to infiltrate their systems and execute various manipulations with users' devices and stored data on it.
Messenger Spam
Also known as SPIM (Spam over Instant Messaging), messenger spam is specifically defined as unsolicited bulk messages targeting users of instant messaging services, SMS, or private messages within social media platforms and websites. Unlike email spam, messenger spam exploits the immediate and personal nature of messaging platforms, often leveraging information available on linked social media profiles such as age, sex, location, and interests to target users.
-
Violence
Animal Cruelty
An intentional harm of animals, including wilful neglect, inflicting injury, pain or distress or malicious killing of animals.
Death Threat
Single or repetitive expression of intention to inflict lethal outcome to one or multiple living beings, which can be manifested in different ways, including verbal or written communication, gestures, symbols, footage or pictures of physical actions.
Explicit Violence or Physical Abuse
Material that depicts, describes and otherwise represents acts of physical harm, violence or abuse, often being spread to cause alarm, distress or harm to viewers. This type of content is strictly regulated or restricted to prevent the glorification, normalisation or incitement of violence and potential damage it may cause to the exposed audiences.
Human Trafficking
The act of recruiting, transporting, transferring, harbouring or receiving individuals through force, fraud, coercion or deception for the purpose of their further exploitation, e.g. organ removal, forced labour, sexual exploitation, etc. Being considered as a form of modern slavery, it is regarded as a severe violation of human rights.
Property Damage Threat
The act of making threats in any form (e.g. verbally, in writing including suggestive symbols, through depictions or videos and other) to damage or destroy someone else's property. These threats are considered criminal offences under various legal frameworks.
Self-harm
Also known as self-injury or self-mutilation, self-harm is the act of purposely hurting oneself (as by cutting or burning one's skin, poison oneself by chemicals or taking too many tablets, etc.), which is being used as emotional coping mechanism or method to express extreme emotional distress.
Suicide
The act of intentionally carrying out an action to kill oneself.
Terrorist Content and Activity
Refers to any material that encourages, supports or facilitates acts of terrorism or extremist ideologies. This content is typically created and shared with the intent to advance political, religious, racial, or ideological causes through violence and intimidation, yet it's not limited to the stated methods only. Terrorist activity online generally refers to actions like disseminating propaganda, recruiting members, coordinating attacks through digital platforms, etc.
Threat of Physical Harm
Single or repetitive expression of intention to inflict bodily injury to one or multiple living beings, which can be manifested in different ways, including verbal or written communication, gestures, symbols, footage or pictures of physical actions.
Violence and Disorder Provocations, Incites and Promotion
Refers to actions, words and other behaviour aimed at encouraging, provoking or inciting acts of violence or public disorder. The examples include supporting, glorifying or facilitating large-scale acts of public unrest such as riots, violent protests, vandalism, which can also include verbal encouragement, sponsoring, planning or directing such activities.
