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Online discussion rules

The following Online Discussion Rules (our “Rules”) apply to all Mountaineering Scotland and ClimbScotland social media accounts, online forums, and any digital engagement tools we use. In addition to our Rules, remember that all social media platforms and websites have their own terms of service, too.

We want our online channels to be a space where everyone, feels comfortable and is able to participate. We want to foster a:

  • friendly,
  • open, and
  • lively

environment that encourages you to share your views, and to listen to those of others.

Mountaineering Scotland encourages the use of social media and expects all users to abide by our Rules. Users should communicate and network online with appropriate discretion and courtesy. We always welcome debate, but it is important to remain respectful to other users. Focus on sharing and discussing your views and seeking positive contributions, rather than on personal attacks. You can help us foster this kind of positive space by following our Rules. Many of our social media platforms are open to the public – that means your comments are public, too! They can be seen by anyone, so think before you post.

Be kind – if you have a criticism, think how you would say it in person, and think about how to convey your tone (how the comment sounds and how it might come across). It is possible to have a robust disagreement and still be respectful.

The online world provides everyone with many opportunities; however it can also present risks and challenges and we have a duty to ensure that all children, young people and adults involved in our organisation are protected from potential harm online. We have a responsibility to help keep children and young people safe online, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.  We will work in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare and in helping young people to be responsible in their approach to online safety.

Mountaineering Scotland is not responsible for any user generated content including user comments, the content of discussion forums and messages posted by users on social media sites where we have a presence. In particular, without limitation, Mountaineering Scotland has no responsibility for any advice or information posted by any user or for any reliance placed on that advice or information. Users shall not upload, transmit, distribute or otherwise publish any materials which:

  •  libels, defames, or is obscene, pornographic, abusive or threatening
  • infringes the intellectual property rights of any other person or entity including (without limitation) infringing any person's / entity’s copyright or trademark(s)
  • is illegal
  • advocates or encourages illegal activity
  • advertises or solicits funds or is a solicitation for or offer to supply goods or services unless approved by us.

 Mountaineering Scotland reserves the right to exclude from using its social media channels any person whom we consider to be in breach of any of these Rules.

When engaging with Mountaineering Scotland/ClimbScotland and other people, please:

  • ensure you’ve read and understood all our Rules first.
  • get your parent/guardian’s permission if you are under the age of 12 before participating.
  • keep your contributions relevant to the discussion topic.

Please do not:

  • swear
  • make contributions that are unlawful, inflammatory, harassing, abusive, threatening, harmful, obscene, profane, sexual or racist
  • make contributions that are offensive to others with regards to religion or belief, gender, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, nationality or other personal (protected) characteristics
  • spam or resubmit the same, or similar, contributions
  • make defamatory contributions (untrue and capable of damaging the reputation of a person or organisation)
  • condone illegal activity or incite people to commit any crime, including incitement of hatred
  • make contributions that could prejudice ongoing or forthcoming court proceedings (contempt of court) or break a court injunction
  • use these channels for campaigning. This includes posting on behalf of an organisation, group, or social media account
  • make contributions containing someone else’s copyright material
  • make contributions containing personal information that could identify people without their permission (last names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, usernames, etc)
  • impersonate other people or falsely claim to represent a person or organisation
  • advertise or promote products or services
  • make contributions containing false news designed to spread misinformation, or manipulated images/videos designed to mislead

We reserve the right to take action where we consider contributions to be in breach of our Rules.

Actions can include:

  • Hiding your comment
  • Deleting your comment
  • Reporting your comment to a social media platform for breaking its terms of use
  • Banning commenters from our social media sites on a temporary basis
  • Permanently banning commenters from our social media sites
  • Reporting your comment to law enforcement bodies

Whilst we appreciate that the use of language, and how this is perceived by others, is subjective, we take a hard line on offensive content that includes hate speech. This is to safeguard a friendly and open environment, and promote a culture of mutual respect.

Mountaineering Scotland is a data controller under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and processes personal data according to the requirements of that legislation.

Find our full details about the privacy and protection of your data can be found in our privacy policy.

Read Mountaineering Scotland’s privacy policy here.