Moderation Policy

What we moderate

minShelf removes content that violates our Terms of Service or applicable law. Common reasons content is removed:

• Spam or low-quality content - automated posts, duplicates, ads
• Harassment or abuse - targeting an individual or group
• Inappropriate or off-policy content - content that violates community standards
• Misinformation or fake specimen claims - deliberately misleading identifications, fake locality data
• Copyright or IP infringement - using photos you don’t have the right to publish
• Off-topic - content unrelated to rocks, minerals, fossils, or earth sciences
• Illegal content - anything illegal under UK or EU law

How content gets reviewed

Content is reviewed by minShelf moderators following a report from a user. Anyone can report a specimen, comment, or listing they believe violates the rules using the "Report" option on each post.

Reports are reviewed manually - we do not currently use automated tools to remove content. A moderator decides whether the content stays, is removed, or whether the report is dismissed.

Statement of reasons

If your content is removed, you will receive a notification with the reason for removal. The reason is selected from the controlled list above; the moderator may add a free-text explanation if needed. This satisfies our obligation under Article 17 of the EU Digital Services Act.

Appealing a moderation decision

If you believe your content was removed in error, email moderation@minshelf.com with:

• The notification you received (or its approximate date/time)
• What your content was about
• Why you believe the removal was incorrect

We will respond within 7 days. If we agree with you, the content will be restored. If we disagree, you will receive a written explanation of why. Repeated frivolous appeals may result in your account being restricted.

Under the Digital Services Act, you may also pursue out-of-court dispute resolution via a certified body in your member state, or take legal action through the courts.

Reporting illegal content

If you encounter content on minShelf that you believe is illegal under UK or EU law (for example: child sexual abuse material, terrorism content, or trade in stolen goods), please report it using the Report option on the post and additionally email legal@minshelf.com with the details. We will action illegal content reports as a priority.

Repeat offenders

Accounts with multiple confirmed violations may be temporarily restricted or permanently terminated. We weigh severity, frequency, and good-faith correction when making these decisions.

Audit trail

Every moderation decision is logged with the reviewer, reason, timestamp, and a snapshot of the removed content. You can request a copy of any record relating to your own account by emailing privacy@minshelf.com.