codeofconduct

Code of conduct is a written guideline used by organizations, events, and online communities to define acceptable behavior and to foster inclusive, safe environments. It sets out shared values, the types of conduct that are encouraged, and the consequences for violations. A Code of Conduct (CoC) typically applies to participants, organizers, staff, volunteers, speakers, contributors, and attendees, and covers activities both in physical spaces and online channels such as forums, chat, issue trackers, and social media.

A typical code of conduct outlines expected behavior, including treating others with respect, avoiding harassment and discrimination, welcoming diverse perspectives, and maintaining a considerate tone. It also defines prohibited behavior, such as harassment, hate speech, intimidation, doxxing, stalking, or any form of retaliation against reporters. The document specifies reporting mechanisms and assigns responsible entities, such as designated moderators or an ethics or safety team. It describes the process for handling reports, balancing confidentiality with accountability, and potential responses ranging from warnings to temporary removal or permanent exclusion. It may also include an appeals process and timelines.

Adoption of a code of conduct is common in open source projects, tech conferences, professional associations, and online platforms. While they aim to improve safety and inclusivity, CoCs can be contentious, requiring clear governance, regular review, and transparent enforcement to be effective.