Changes: DMs, chat room, AI-generated content

[Second Summer]

New regulations recently came into force here in the UK to protect people from various online harms. Additionally, AI-generated content posted online is problematic as was previously discussed here.

With this in mind I have modified our rules and terms slightly. The main changes are:

1. A new rule #4 against AI-generated content (unless clearly labelled as such).
2. Clarification that Direct Messages are also subject to review by staff.

On the last item, I should further clarify that we (moderators) don't generally read your direct messages (in fact haven't been for years), but just please be aware that direct messages are still not strictly private, and that these will unfortunately likely need to be monitored somehow going forward.

Additionally, I have made a change so that the ability to start a new direct message conversation is only possible for members who have made at least a small number of posts and additionally have started a thread to introduce themselves in the Introduce Yourself forum.

And finally, regarding the chat room: While I thought it sounded like a great idea to have a chat room, this never caught on. A big feature like this sitting around unused is an unnecessary vector of attack for hackers etc, and it also adds unnecessarily to the moderation burden. With the new UK online safety regulations coming into force on top of everything, I have decided to close down the chat room.

 

[PTree15]

Understandable on all counts, Second Summer. Thank you for keeping us up to date and as safe as you can.