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PauseAI Code of Conduct

PauseAI is a community united by a shared mission. We want everyone, regardless of background, to feel safe, respected, and able to contribute fully. This Code of Conduct applies to all PauseAI spaces: events, online platforms, and any community forum.

If you believe someone is violating this Code of Conduct, please report it to the Designated Safeguarding Contact (DSC) at safeguarding@pauseai.info  .

For protest-specific conduct guidelines, please also see our Protesters Code of Conduct.

Encouraged Behaviours

  • Be welcoming, patient, and considerate, especially toward people who are new.
  • Disagree constructively. Critique ideas, not people, and assume good faith.
  • Respect boundaries. Ask for consent in ambiguous situations and honor a no.
  • Be an active bystander. Check in if someone seems uncomfortable or you think is being treated poorly.
  • Be considerate of others. What’s fine between close friends may not be appropriate in a group setting.

Unacceptable Behaviours

The following are not tolerated in any PauseAI space:

Harassment and abuse

  • Statements that demean people based on race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, or similar characteristics, whether framed as humor or not.
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, unwanted physical contact, or unwelcome sexual attention. Please see our Sexual Harassment Policy for more information.
  • Threats, either physical, verbal, or via sharing someone’s private information.

Exclusionary or harmful conduct

  • Statements or jokes that stereotype, mock, or dehumanise people based on race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or religion, regardless of intent.
  • Name-calling, singling out individuals for ridicule, or making someone feel they don’t belong.
  • Continuing behavior after being asked to stop.

Alcohol, cannabis and illegal drugs

  • Do not persuade others to consume alcohol, cannabis or illegal drugs.
  • Intoxication is never an excuse for violating this Code of Conduct. You are entirely responsible for your words and actions, regardless of your level of impairment.
  • The consumption of illegal drugs is not permitted at our events. This policy does not prohibit participants from the lawful use and possession of prescribed medications.

Note: Subtle missteps in conversation are not automatic violations as we all make mistakes. However, repeating behaviour after it has been pointed out, or arguing with someone who raised a concern, is.

Standards for Events by PauseAI

  • People joining need to be informed about and adhere to this Code of Conduct policy.
  • Inclusion: Make it easier for people with different backgrounds, neurotypes and disabilities to attend by clear communication about the venue and program.

Large In-Person Events of More Than 1 Day

  • At least one Designated Safeguarding Contact (or deputy) available and clearly identified at the event.
  • Quiet space to retreat to (this can also be their hotel rooms).
  • Active communication about the Code of Conduct being enforced at this event.

Reporting

If you witness or experience a violation, please report it to the Designated Safeguarding Contact (DSC) at safeguarding@pauseai.info  .

Privacy: We will handle your report with the utmost sensitivity. Information will be shared only on a strict need-to-know basis with the DSC and essential decision-makers. While we will always try to respect your wishes, PauseAI may need to share information or take action without your consent if there is a risk of serious harm, unlawful conduct, risk to a minor, or risk to the wider community.

We will minimise identifying information where possible, but anonymity cannot always be guaranteed, particularly in small event settings where the context of an incident may make identities apparent.

Alternative reporting route: If your concern involves the DSC or a member of senior leadership, please contact the named external advisor / board contact (to be confirmed). An independent reporting route must always be available.

For more information on what to do if this is breached, please see our Safeguarding Protocol.

Graduated Range of Responses

Depending on the severity and circumstances, responses to violations may include:

  • Informal conversation or reminder
  • Formal warning
  • Behavioural agreement or conditions
  • Removal from a specific event
  • Temporary suspension from community spaces
  • Permanent ban from all PauseAI spaces
  • Referral to authorities where appropriate

Interim Measures

While a concern is being assessed, the DSC may put precautionary measures in place. These are not determinations of fault. They may include:

  • No-contact directions between parties
  • Seating or accommodation changes at events
  • Restricted access to certain spaces or channels
  • Temporary suspension from community spaces pending review

Support for Affected Persons

PauseAI is committed to supporting anyone affected by a Code of Conduct violation:

  • You may bring a support person to any conversation about a report.
  • The DSC can provide referrals to relevant external support services.
  • The DSC will check in with the affected person after the initial response to ensure ongoing wellbeing.

Anti-Retaliation and Good Faith Reporting

PauseAI prohibits retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, makes a report, seeks support, or participates in a review or investigation. Retaliation is itself a violation of this policy.

A report made in good faith that turns out to be unsubstantiated is not a false report. However, knowingly making a false or malicious report is a breach of this policy.