A Legal Resource for Node Operators

The Radicle project is committed to fostering a decentralized and censorship-resistant internet. We believe in the power of distributed systems to promote freedom of information and resist single points of control. Without seeking to patronize or intending to introduce centralized content moderation elements, we want to provide node operators with certain best practices that seem to properly address illegal and harmful content while maintaining our core belief in decentralization and censorship resistance. By doing so, we hope you will be part of maintaining a safe and lawful Radicle ecosystem for all participants.

Applicable Laws and Regulations:

• Copyright Infringement: Respecting intellectual property rights and taking down content upon notification of copyright infringement in accordance with relevant laws.
• Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM): Proactively identifying and reporting any suspected instances of child sexual abuse material in compliance with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) guidelines and reporting procedures.
• Hate Speech and Discrimination: Avoiding the storage and distribution of content that promotes hate speech, discrimination, or violence against any individual or group, adhering to principles outlined by organizations like the Global Network Initiative (GNI). Terrorism and Extremism: Refusing to store or distribute content that promotes terrorism, extremism, or violence, aligning with best practices established by organizations like the Counter Extremism Project.
• Data Privacy: Ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

Important Notes:

This resource is meant to inform node operators about some of the basic laws and regulations that apply to content moderation; it is not an exhaustive list. Node operators are responsible for ensuring their own compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This notice does not absolve node operators from any liability arising from storing or distributing illegal or harmful content.

This resource may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in applicable laws, regulations, and best practices, and to incorporate updates from relevant standard-setting bodies.

This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided here is not intended to replace professional legal counsel. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified legal professional for specific advice regarding your individual circumstances and how these regulations may affect you.

For comparable approaches in similar contexts see also the work of the Tor Project and the Electronic Frontier Foundation