User Policy

StreetBuzz User Policy

Effective Date: [24/04/2025]

StreetBuzz is committed to building a platform where community comes first. To ensure a respectful, safe, and valuable experience for all users, the following User Policy outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and limitations of using the app. By creating an account or using StreetBuzz in any capacity, you agree to follow these terms.

1. Eligibility

• Users must be at least 17 years old to register.
• Account setup requires (at a minimum) a verified Australian phone number.
• We also encourage you to verify your identity with your ID to promote safety, trust, and transparency.

2. Account Responsibilities

• You are responsible for all activity conducted through your account.
• You may not share your account with others or impersonate another person or organisation.
• If you suspect unauthorised use of your account, you must notify us immediately.

3. Content Guidelines

• We value free expression and freedom of speech, but are committed to keeping the platform safe and constructive. Content that violates any of the following may be removed:
• You may not post or comment:
  • False or misleading information that could cause public panic or harm.
  • Unverified allegations targeting individuals (e.g., falsely accusing someone of a crime).
  • Graphic violence without content warnings.
  • Nudity or sexually explicit content.
  • Hate speech, racism, or personal attacks.
  • Promotion of conspiracy theories, political ideologies or parties (StreetBuzz is politically neutral).
  • Overly offensive language (e.g., excessive swearing — we don’t want the app becoming the Wild West like other social media companies have become).
• You are encouraged to post:
  • Verified incidents, alerts, or videos/photos from your neighbourhood.
  • Public safety updates (e.g., missing persons, car break-ins, road hazards).
  • Positive stories about everyday heroes or community events.
  • Lost and found alerts for pets, items, or persons.

4. Respect for Emergency Services

• Users must never interfere with emergency service activity.
• You must not broadcast or livestream during active emergencies where it may impede or endanger response efforts.
• Always call emergency services first in a life-threatening situation before using the app.

5. Identity Verification

• Users are encouraged to verify their identity upon signup.
• This helps protect against fake profiles, bots, scammers, and repeat offenders.
• ID verification is kept confidential and secure as outlined in our Privacy Policy.

6. Advertising and Promotions

• Users may not post promotional content, affiliate links, or external sales pitches without prior approval.
• Businesses may apply to become verified partners to post community-relevant updates or promotions.

7. Suspension and Termination

• StreetBuzz reserves the right to suspend or terminate any user account at our discretion, especially for:
  • Violating community standards or policies.
  • Abusing, harassing, or threatening other users.
  • Threatening our staff or company.
  • Using the app for unlawful purposes or criminal coordination.
  • Sharing confidential emergency service communications.

8. Reporting and Moderation

• Users can report inappropriate content directly through the app.
• A combination of human moderators and smart moderation tools will review flagged content.
• Repeat offenders may be permanently banned.

9. Community-First Focus

• StreetBuzz is designed to work with the community. We are here to help you! You don’t need followers to be heard here — your voice matters just as much as anyone else’s. Every user contributes to making their street, suburb, and city safer and more connected.