Banetypes

Banetypes is a term used in discussions of governance and moderation to describe the various sanctions that online platforms and communities use to enforce rules. Ban types define how access or capabilities are restricted in response to violations, and they can be combined or layered to fit specific policies, jurisdictions, and community norms. The concept emphasizes that moderation consequences are not monolithic but come in distinct categories with different scopes and durations.

Common ban types include:

- Temporary ban: a defined suspension period after which normal access is restored.

- Permanent ban: an indefinite denial of access, often for repeated or severe violations.

- Account ban: the user’s account is disabled, sometimes alongside other bans.

- IP ban: blocks access from a specific IP address, which may affect others sharing the address.

- Device ban: blocks access from a particular device or fingerprint.

- Domain or email ban: blocks usage tied to certain domains or email addresses.

- Shadow ban: the user is limited in visibility or reach without clear notification, often apparent only to the affected user.

- Content ban: removal or hiding of specific posts or content without restricting overall access.

- Feature ban: restriction of specific actions, such as posting, commenting, or messaging.

- Rate-limit or throttling ban: temporary restrictions after exceeding action limits.

Implementation and policy considerations include who can enact bans (human moderators or automated systems), how long bans last, notice and appeal processes, and how bans are communicated. Platforms vary in transparency and standardization, and there are ongoing debates about fairness, due process, and the potential for overreach or false positives. Ban policies often balance community safety and freedom of expression, while also considering privacy, technical feasibility, and compliance with applicable laws. See also moderation, terms of service, and appeals processes.