Code of Ethics
The rules that underpin our responsible community
Bulle is a European social media platform that places respect, truth and human dignity at the heart of its operations. This code of ethics defines the strict rules that every user agrees to follow in order to maintain a healthy and caring environment.
Inspired by the Munich Charter of the Duties and Rights of Journalists, it is designed to be clear, enforceable and protective of all members of our community.
The 10 Duties of Every User
Every Bulle user agrees to uphold these fundamental duties:
1Respect the truth
Only publish verified and honest information. When in doubt, accompany the content with the necessary caveats. Do not spread false information, manipulation or disinformation, regardless of the consequences for yourself.
2Uphold responsible freedom of expression
Express yourself freely while respecting others. Freedom of expression never justifies harassment, insults, hatred or incitement to violence. Debate and criticism are encouraged; aggressiveness is banned. Partisan, militant or polarizing positions must remain respectful and constructive; content deliberately intended to divide, provoke or fuel toxic controversies is prohibited.
3Respect intellectual property
Any reproduction or sharing of content (articles, images, videos, etc.) is prohibited without prior authorization from the author or rights holder. Only short quotations are permitted, provided they are justified (analysis, criticism, commentary), proportionate and clearly attributed to their author. Any unauthorized use will be sanctioned.
4Protect the privacy of others
Never publish personal information, photos or videos concerning another person without their explicit consent. Respect the privacy and dignity of everyone. Doxing and any form of privacy violation result in immediate banning.
5Correct your mistakes
Immediately rectify any published information that turns out to be inaccurate or misleading. Acknowledging your mistakes is a sign of respect toward the community and strengthens mutual trust.
6Ban harassment in all its forms
Harassment, whether moral, sexual or repeated, is strictly prohibited. No form of intimidation, threats, cyberbullying or toxic behavior will be tolerated. Victims must be protected and heard.
7Prohibit hatred, discrimination and offensive speech
Any racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, ableist or discriminatory content is prohibited. Attacks based on origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or any other personal characteristic result in immediate sanctions.
8Clearly distinguish authentic content from advertising
All sponsored, advertising or promotional content must be clearly identified as such. Transparency is mandatory. Never mislead the community about the commercial nature of a publication. All promotional activity must go through the Advertising Service.
9Contribute positively to the community
Prioritize constructive exchanges, mutual support and kindness. Avoid trolling behavior, gratuitous provocations and pointless debates. Bulle is a space for respectful dialogue, not toxic confrontation. Content intended to shock, divide or emotionally exploit Users is contrary to the spirit of Bulle.
10Report problematic behavior
Every user has the responsibility to report any content or behavior that violates this code of ethics. Moderation can only act effectively with the vigilance of the community. Do not be complicit in silence.
Sensitive Content and Regulated Topics
Bulle aims to be a space that respects the exchange of ideas, where opinions can be expressed freely within the framework set by this code of ethics. However, Bulle cannot host content likely to offend the sensibilities of its Users, manipulate them, mislead them or harm their physical or psychological well-being.
For the most complex topics, which we cannot resolve alone, Shabon is in the process of establishing an independent expert advisory committee composed of qualified professionals (scientists, doctors, lawyers, media specialists, civil society representatives). This committee will be responsible for establishing clear and balanced guidelines. Pending its establishment, Shabon cannot approve publication requests concerning the topics listed below and reserves the right to refuse or remove any content falling within these categories.
Strictly prohibited topics
Proselytism and indoctrination
Any content aimed at converting, recruiting, indoctrinating or exerting spiritual, religious, ideological or psychological control over Users is strictly prohibited. This includes religious proselytism, the endorsement of cult movements or cult-like practices, and the promotion of gurus, self-proclaimed spiritual leaders or influential figures exerting control over their community.
Manipulation and psychological control
Content using psychological manipulation techniques (guilt-tripping, isolation, creating emotional or financial dependence, exploiting vulnerability) is strictly prohibited, whether disseminated in a religious, spiritual, commercial or personal context.
Partisan political positions
Political propaganda content, promotion of political parties or movements, support for candidates, and more generally militant or activist content of a partisan nature are prohibited. Informational content covering political topics in a factual, balanced and sourced manner is permitted.
Topics pending the expert committee
The following topics require expertise that Shabon does not claim to possess alone. They are subject to a temporary publication suspension pending recommendations from the expert committee:
Religion and spirituality
Religious or spiritual content - excluding proselytism (prohibited under all circumstances) - is subject to a temporary suspension. This concerns spiritual testimony, religious practice, theological commentary, or promotion of spiritual movements. Educational, historical or cultural content covering religion in a factual and academic manner remains permitted.
Unconventional medicine and alternative therapies
The promotion of medical practices not validated by the scientific community, alternative therapies not recognized by health authorities, pseudo-sciences, and any content likely to substitute for professional medical advice is subject to a temporary suspension. This includes notably: naturopathy, crystal healing, magnetism therapy, reiki, shamanism, quantum medicine, and any other practice whose effectiveness has not been scientifically proven.
Highly controversial societal issues
Certain societal issues (bioethics, end of life, identity questions, etc.) are the subject of deep debates in society. Opinionated, militant or provocative content on these topics is subject to a temporary suspension. Informational, factual and balanced content remains permitted.
This temporary suspension is not censorship. It reflects our desire to build a fair and informed framework before opening these topics to publication. The expert committee, once established, will publish guidelines that will be incorporated into this code of ethics. Creators whose editorial project covers these topics will be informed as soon as the guidelines are available and may then submit or resubmit their application.
The 5 Rights Guaranteed to Users
Bulle guarantees all its users the following fundamental rights:
1. Right to freedom of expression
Every user has the right to express themselves freely on all matters of public interest, as long as this respects this code of ethics and the restrictions on sensitive content. No arbitrary censorship will be applied. Moderation decisions are always justified and can be contested.
2. Right to protection against harassment
Any user who is a victim of harassment, intimidation or threats has the right to immediate protection. Bulle commits to promptly investigating any complaint and taking effective measures to protect victims, including banning perpetrators and cooperating with authorities if necessary.
3. Right to transparency of rules and sanctions
Users have the right to know precisely the applicable rules and the sanctions incurred. Every moderation decision must be justified and explained. Sanctions range from warnings to permanent banning depending on the severity and recurrence of violations.
4. Right to the protection of personal data
Every user has an absolute right to the protection of their personal data in accordance with the European GDPR. Data is never sold to third parties. Users can at any time access their data, modify it or request its permanent deletion. Advertisers never have access to your personal data.
5. Right to leave the platform
Every user retains the right to leave Bulle at any time and to permanently delete their account and all of their content, without justification. No pressure will be exerted to retain a user who wishes to leave.
Code of Ethics for Content Creators
Creators must comply with all 10 general duties, the restrictions on sensitive content, plus the following obligations:
1. Full transparency on commercial partnerships
All sponsored content, product placements, paid partnerships or benefits received must be declared at the time of publication via the designated form, in order to notify users through a visual overlay on the video. Failure to disclose results in sanctions up to and including banning.
2. Authenticity and honesty of recommendations
Only recommend products, services or content that have been genuinely tested and approved. It is strictly forbidden to promote scams, dangerous products, fraudulent services or misleading content.
3. Protection of vulnerable audiences
Exercise extreme vigilance with content intended for minors. It is prohibited to promote alcohol, tobacco or gambling to young audiences. Clearly flag sensitive content or content intended for adult audiences.
4. Responsibility for the influence exerted
Be aware of the impact of your content. Do not incite dangerous, illegal or self-destructive behavior (dangerous challenges, eating disorders, self-medication). Promote positive and responsible messages. Do not exert psychological, emotional or financial control over your community.
5. Verification of shared information
Verify sources and accuracy before sharing information. As a creator, you are obligated not to contribute to disinformation. In case of error, correct immediately and publicly.
6. Respect for copyright and systematic attribution
Always credit the works used. Obtain the necessary authorizations. Content theft and plagiarism are punishable by immediate banning and reporting to the authorities.
7. Moderation of your own community
Take responsibility for moderating comments. Do not tolerate harassment, hatred or toxic behavior in your community.
8. Prohibition of manipulative practices
It is prohibited to buy followers, likes or comments. It is prohibited to manipulate algorithms. It is prohibited to use psychological manipulation techniques (excessive clickbait, false urgency, emotional exploitation).
9. Respect for the privacy of filmed individuals
Obtain the explicit consent of any identifiable person. Blur faces without consent. Never film in private locations without authorization. Respect the right to one's image, particularly for minors.
10. Disclosure of conflicts of interest
Disclose any conflict of interest when you discuss a topic in which you have a personal, financial or professional interest.
11. Educational and health content: qualification requirements
For content related to health, psychology or law: state your actual qualifications and include a disclaimer if you are not a professional. Never replace the advice of a qualified professional. The promotion of unconventional medicine and alternative therapies is suspended pending the expert committee (see Sensitive Content section).
12. Neutrality and balance
Creators must refrain from any political, religious, spiritual or ideological proselytism. Opinion content is tolerated provided it is presented as such, in a respectful and non-manipulative manner. Content aimed at indoctrinating, radicalizing or exerting ideological influence over the audience is strictly prohibited.
13. Exemplary compliance with the general code of ethics
As a creator, you must be exemplary in complying with the 10 general duties and the restrictions on sensitive content. Violations by creators are sanctioned more severely due to their visibility and influence.
- Removal of creator status (Bulle Avenir or Professional)
- Temporary or permanent demonetization
- Removal of content in violation
- Reduced reach of publications
- Suspension or banning of the account
- Reporting to the relevant authorities (fraud, illegal promotion)
Repeat offenses or serious violations result in permanent banning with no possibility of return.
Bulle Avenir Program - Specific Commitments
The Bulle Avenir Program allows semi-professional creators to access video content publication on Bulle. The full conditions (eligibility, application process, pricing, termination) are defined in the General Terms of Sale.
By signing this Code of Ethics as part of their application to the Bulle Avenir Program, the creator specifically commits to:
Comply with the approved editorial line
Publish content that conforms to the theme and editorial project presented during the application and approved by the Editorial Committee. Any significant change in editorial direction must be reported and approved in advance.
Accept the non-remuneration framework
The Bulle Avenir Program does not entitle the creator to any remuneration. The creator publishes with full knowledge of the facts and cannot claim any financial compensation from Shabon for their publications.
Submit to the Editorial Committee's oversight
Accept that the Editorial Committee may at any time request modifications, remove content or terminate the Bulle Avenir status if publications no longer meet quality standards, the approved editorial line or this Code of Ethics.
Do not circumvent commercial rules
Do not use the Bulle Avenir status for disguised commercial promotion. All promotional activity must go exclusively through the Advertising Service.
Refrain from suspended topics
Do not publish content related to topics pending the expert committee (religion, spirituality, alternative medicine, highly controversial societal issues) or strictly prohibited topics (proselytism, indoctrination, political propaganda).
Artificial Intelligence and Deepfakes
AI-generated content
Mandatory transparency
Any content generated in whole or in part by artificial intelligence (text, image, audio, video) MUST be clearly identified as such at the time of publication. This disclosure must be visible and unambiguous.
Examples of AI content requiring disclosure
Images created by Midjourney, DALL-E, Stable Diffusion • Texts generated by ChatGPT, Claude or other LLMs • Videos created by Sora, Runway • Cloned or synthesized voices • AI-generated music • Any substantial modification of content via AI
Deepfakes and manipulations
- Malicious deepfakes: Creating or distributing manipulated videos or images to make people believe a real person said or did something they did not
- AI identity theft: Using AI to impersonate another person (voice, face, style)
- Deepfake pornography: Creating or sharing non-consensual pornographic content using a real person's face or voice
- Political disinformation: Using AI to create fake speeches, interviews or statements by public figures
- Manipulation of images of minors: Any use of AI involving images of minors
Acceptable uses of AI
- Original artistic creation clearly identified as AI-generated
- Automatic translation of content (with mention)
- Writing assistance for people with disabilities
- Parody or satire clearly identified as such
- Enhancement of personal photos (very light retouching, colorization)
- Automatic subtitling (with human verification)
For uses requiring disclosure, the AI mention must appear on the published content.
Specific obligations for creators
Creators using AI must:
- Systematically disclose the use of AI in their content
- Specify the tool used (e.g., "Image created with Midjourney v6")
- Never deceive their audience about the nature of the content
- Verify the accuracy of AI-generated information before publication
- Assume responsibility for the AI content they publish
Detection and moderation
Bulle's measures:
- Deployment of automatic detection tools
- Enhanced human moderation of suspicious content
- Easy reporting for the community
AI/Deepfake sanctions
- Failure to disclose AI: Warning then content removal
- Malicious deepfake: Immediate and permanent banning + reporting to authorities
- Deepfake pornography: Immediate banning + reporting to police/judiciary
- Serious AI disinformation: Banning + reporting
- Repeat AI disclosure failure: Restriction then suspension
Sanctions
Failure to comply with this code of ethics results in graduated sanctions based on the severity of the violation:
| Sanction | Duration | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Warning | - | Minor or unintentional violations |
| Content removal | Immediate | Content in violation of the rules |
| Feature restriction | 24h to 30 days | Repeated minor violations |
| Removal of creator status | Temporary or permanent | Violation of creator obligations, editorial deviation |
| Temporary suspension | 7 to 90 days | Serious violations or repeat offenses |
| Permanent banning | Permanent | Harassment, hatred, threats, doxing, malicious deepfakes, proselytism, indoctrination, serious repeat offenses |
Our Collective Commitment
By using Bulle, you accept this code of ethics and commit to contributing to a respectful, caring and responsible digital space.
Together, let us build the social network we all deserve.
This code of ethics evolves:
To adapt to the needs of the community, technological developments and recommendations from the expert committee (currently being established), this code of ethics may be modified. Users will always be informed of substantial changes. The establishment of the expert committee will allow this code of ethics to be enriched with clear guidelines on topics currently suspended.
Complementary documents: