cyberangels code of conduct

Cyberangels supports the principles of free speech to the fullest extent protected by applicable law. But the right of free speech does not exist in a vacuum: it is balanced with other rights. The right to free speech does not give anyone the right to harass, harm or defraud someone, or otherwise traffic in illegal content, like child pornography.

Cyberangels supports the right of each person to enjoy cyberspace without being harassed, preyed upon or attacked.

Cyberangels supports the right of each person to privacy and responsible treatment of their personal information.

Cyberangels supports the right of children to explore cyberspace without being targets for unethical advertising methods, adult material, pedophiles and sexual predators.

Cyberangels is a worldwide network of Internet users from different countries, societies, cultures and beliefs, where lawful divergent cultures and customs are respected and tolerated.

Cyberangels supports the parents' right to choose what their children see and don't see.

Cyberangels practice the golden rule, by treating others as we would want to be treated online and offline.

Cyberangels believes in a self-regulated Internet. To the extent that self-regulation is not successful in stemming serious abuses online, Cyberangels will do what it can to help educate legislators about the Internet and how such abuses can be responsibly and carefully regulated.

Cyberangels believes in enforcing existing laws in cyberspace, and in assisting and supporting law enforcement in enforcing those laws.

Cyberangels does not endorse knee-jerk legislation of any kind, and will help legislators understand real needs.

Cyberangels comply with the laws applicable in cyberspace, with the terms of service of their Internet providers and with the rules of netiquette.

Cyberangels do not go undercover at any time, under any circumstances, to try to lure predators. This applies to all teams. Under no circumstances do we take on the persona of a minor or try to get predators to incriminate themselves (or for any other reason). At no time do we misrepresent ourselves.

Cyberangels do not accept child pornography from anyone, at any time, under any circumstances, through any medium.

Cyberangels do not download, store, or upload child pornography or any other illegal material to or from any computer.

Cyberangels members must follow our rules and only work on matters under our guidance.

Cyberangels will never put personal egos or petty politics before our mission...to help make the Internet safer for everyone.

Cyberangels respects other reputable safety advocacy groups and does not disparage other reputable groups.

Cyberangels volunteers who are not Net Patrol members, Team Leaders, Division Directors or Executives are free to work with any other reputable safety advocacy organization, providing that such work does not interfere with their duties to Cyberangels. Cyberangels understands that we are all in this together...and that working for more than one organization or program is a personal choice of any volunteer, not one that should be dictated by the organization or program.

Only Cyberangels who have been authorized in writing by the Executive Director of the Cyberangels program may represent Cyberangels and speak, in such a capacity, to anyone in an official capacity, such as, IRCops, other advocacy groups, Admins, ISPs, Abuse Depts., Attorneys, Media or Law Enforcement.

Cyberangels will always respect the privacy of others, the ethics of confidence and will not discuss Cyberangels internal operations with third parties.

Cyberangels will follow this Code of Conduct even when confronted with anything that offends their personal morals or beliefs.