Content restrictions - zero tolerance, or not?

[Ar****]

Is it possible for us as a community to please get an official hard response from FET regarding content, specifically in the context of the two examples I'm about to give below and how they contradict the site's Code of Conduct (which gets highlighted every single Treasure Hunt including the current one)?

 

Under the Code of Conduct subsection "Content Restrictions" there is the following line:- 

 

We have zero-tolerance when it comes to sharing sexual content involving minors, bestiaIity/animaI abusə, necrophiIia - along with racism, illegal drug use, and threatening to post intimate images of others.

 

I am reasonably confident this has been FET's position for years if not since its inception, and rightly so for several reasons. As members of the community you ask us to report any such content so that it can be acted upon, removed, and the poster dealt with. 

 

Because of the international nature of the site "Illegal drug use" has always meant drug use which is illegal in any part of the world where the site is used i.e. cannabïs could not be shown, talked about, or referred to even in a medicinal context because (for example) while it may be legal in some US states it is not in others. Yet members of the site frequently flaunt this rule seemingly without consequence; not only does 420 get mentioned in a great many profiles but some members even have it in their username. Reporting this to Support does nothing - at least nothing visible, the drųgs glorification vioIation remains visible - so I have to wonder if policy has changed?

 

Of far greater concern is the recent amount of content I have seen involving sexual content regarding minors. One particular Forum thread "How I Found My First Kink" (created by a Community Manager and in the Kink Academy which should surely require extra care/delicacy) saw a flurry of replies approved which described chiId/undərage activity. After making reports and drawing this to the attention of the FETMods I was stunned to be told by two of them that they had been told such content was allowed for that thread. Why that thread? What makes it special? At what point does zero-tolerance to such content become "zero-tolerance except for when it suits"?

 

Following on from that shocking revelation which left me questioning what could possibly motivate I or anyone else to remain involved with an organisation which promotes such a conversation, I have since witnessed two further topics published in the forum which directly reference sexual content involving minors in the OP (in at least one instance inviting more such references in the comments section).

 

Therefore,

1. Does the Fetish.com/FET Code of Conduct as found on the website/app still apply?

2. If it no longer applies, will it be updated soon to reflect this?

3. If the Code of Conduct does continue to apply, why is zero-tolerance to these illegal activities i) not being enførced when reported, and ii) actively being encouraged and promoted by FET?

 

Thank you.

Edited January 20 by Aranhis

[CaraVirt]

Thank you for your thoughtful post @Aranhis  — and for raising these concerns so clearly.
Especially with sensitive topics like this, it’s important to us to communicate transparently about how our policies work and where misunderstandings may arise.

I’d like to take the time to respond to each point in detail, as this is an important issue — and the reference to actions by the Community Management makes it even more relevant to address openly.
 

1. The Code of Conduct is still active and unchanged

Yes — the FET Code of Conduct, as published on our website and in the app, is still fully in effect.

It includes the following line under “Content Restrictions”:

"We have zero-tolerance when it comes to sharing sexual content involving minors, b@stiality/an1mal abus@, n@crophilia — along with racism, illegal drug use, and threatening to post intimate images of others."

This policy has existed for years and remains unchanged. It reflects our core values.
 

2. Zero-tolerance still applies — but en***ment always requires context

“Zero-tolerance” means we do not allow this type of content under any circumstances.
However, practical en***ment always includes a case-by-case review, especially with sensitive material:

• Most content is only reviewed after it has been reported. Pre-filtering of all possible ***s is not technically feasible.
• Some content — such as autobiographical stories — requires a contextual assessment to determine whether it violates our guidelines or the law.
• Forum moderation also considers whether the post is genuinely reflective, informative, or intentionally provocative.

This sometimes leads to the impression of inconsistency — but in fact, we are acting in accordance with our guidelines.
 

3. Why some reported content may remain visible

When content remains visible after a report, that does not mean no action was taken.

Possible reasons include:

• The content was assessed and not found to be in *** — based on context, tone, and intent.
• The content was flagged, but not removed because it was not deemed explicitly harmful or promotional.
• In edge cases, decisions are reviewed with Support Leaders or Legal before action is taken.

We take all reports seriously — but we act based on law and policy, not keywords alone.
 

4. Content involving minors or stories of underage experiences

Let’s be absolutely clear here:

Sexual content involving minors is strictly forbidden on FET — with no exceptions.
This includes:

• Depictions, descriptions, or invitations to sexual acts with minors
• Fantasies involving actual minors
• Content that normalizes or minimizes such acts

However, there is one specific category that often causes confusion:
autobiographical stories describing early experiences in childhood or adolescence, especially when shared reflectively or thoughtfully.

These are not automatically considered ***s — instead, we review them carefully based on:

• Wording, tone, and intention
• Whether it presents the past as neutral, educational, or arousing
• Whether it risks normalizing or promoting illegal acts

We are currently conducting a detailed re-review of the thread “How I Found My First Kink”, as mentioned in your post.
If any entries are found to cross the line, they will be removed accordingly.
 

5. How to report content effectively — even if no visible action occurs

We strongly encourage you to continue reporting content you believe to be inappropriate.

To make your report more actionable:

• Use the “Report” button directly
• If necessary, include screenshots or context in a Support ticket
• Understand that visible removal is not the only form of moderation

Every report is logged, reviewed, and — if needed — escalated.
 

6. Our commitment — and what we continue to stand for

At FET, we remain committed to:
✔ Upholding our Code of Conduct
✔ Maintaining zero-tolerance for serious ***s
✔ Reviewing every report seriously
✔ Balancing protection with legal and contextual accuracy

Moderation outcomes may not always be immediately visible — but the process behind them is active, thorough, and ongoing.

Thank you for raising your concerns so clearly — and for continuing to help us protect this community.

Carmen - FET Community Team