What are Reddit's rules for content and behavior?

Reddit's rules for content and behavior are designed to create a respectful and productive environment for its users. These rules apply to the entire platform and are supplemented by individual subreddit-specific guidelines. Here's a comprehensive overview of Reddit's general rules and policies:

### **1. **Content Guidelines**

- **No Hate Speech:** Posts and comments that promote hatred or violence against individuals or groups based on attributes such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected categories are prohibited.
- **No Harassment:** Users must not engage in harassment or targeted abuse of other users. This includes persistent and unwelcome messages or comments.
- **No Spam:** Spammy content, including repetitive or irrelevant posts and self-promotion that is not appropriate, is not allowed.
- **No Threats or Violence:** Content that threatens violence or promotes harmful activities is strictly prohibited.
- **No Illegal Content:** Users must not post illegal content or engage in illegal activities. This includes the sharing of pirated content or encouraging illegal behavior.
- **No Misinformation:** While Reddit does not have a strict misinformation policy, spreading false information, especially in sensitive contexts, can lead to content removal or bans if it violates community rules.

### **2. **Behavior Guidelines**

- **Respect Others:** Engage in discussions respectfully and avoid personal attacks. Debate and disagreement should be handled with civility.
- **Follow Subreddit Rules:** Each subreddit may have its own set of rules in addition to Reddit's general guidelines. Users should familiarize themselves with and follow these rules.
- **Avoid Manipulative Behavior:** Engaging in vote manipulation or using multiple accounts to influence content visibility is prohibited.
- **Respect Privacy:** Do not share private information about individuals without their consent. This includes doxxing, which is the act of revealing someone's personal information.

### **3. **Moderation and Enforcement**

- **Community Moderation:** Individual subreddits are moderated by volunteer moderators who enforce both Reddit's general rules and the specific rules of their subreddits.
- **Content Removal:** Posts and comments that violate Reddit's rules can be removed by moderators. Users may also face temporary or permanent bans from subreddits or the entire site for repeated violations.
- **Reporting:** Users can report content or behavior that they believe violates Reddit's rules. Reports are reviewed by moderators and Reddit's administrative team.

### **4. **User Privacy and Security**

- **No Doxxing:** Posting personal information about others without their consent is against Reddit's rules.
- **Anonymity:** Users are encouraged to maintain privacy and anonymity, though Reddit does collect and store user data as per its privacy policy.

### **5. **Content Policies**

- **NSFW Content:** Reddit allows NSFW (Not Safe For Work) content, but it must be appropriately tagged and placed in relevant subreddits. There are restrictions on the visibility of such content in default subreddits and in certain contexts.
- **No Harassment or Abusive Content:** In addition to general rules, harassment or abusive content directed at individuals is not tolerated.
- **No Spam or Self-Promotion:** Excessive self-promotion or spammy behavior is restricted, especially in subreddits that are not dedicated to such content.

### **6. **Special Content Categories**

- **Adult Content:** Content involving explicit adult material must adhere to Reddit's adult content policy, including appropriate tagging and placement.
- **Violence and Threats:** Content that promotes or glorifies violence, self-harm, or threats is prohibited.

### **7. **Intellectual Property**

- **Respect Copyright:** Users must not post content that infringes on copyrights or other intellectual property rights. This includes unauthorized sharing of copyrighted material.

### **8. **User Appeals**

- **Appeals Process:** Users who believe their content was unfairly removed or their account was unjustly banned can appeal decisions. The appeal process typically involves contacting subreddit moderators or Reddit support for review.

### **Conclusion**

Reddit's rules for content and behavior are designed to foster a respectful, safe, and engaging environment for users. By adhering to these guidelines, Reddit aims to balance freedom of expression with the need to maintain a constructive and inclusive community. Users should always be aware of both Reddit's general rules and the specific guidelines of the subreddits they participate in.