Content Policy
Last Updated: May 11, 2025
TLDRPolicy Highlights
- The $1 cost naturally reduces low-quality content, but we still maintain content standards
- Content moderation follows a graduated response system, from warnings to account termination
- Messages removed for policy violations are refunded, but repeated violations may lead to account restrictions
- Content policies are reviewed regularly based on user feedback and platform needs
- Users can appeal moderation decisions through a formal review process
1. Our Approach to Content
OneDollarChat was created to foster thoughtful, respectful conversation. Our core premise—that each message costs $1 to send—naturally reduces spam and low-quality content by encouraging users to think before they post.
While this economic model creates a natural filter, we still maintain standards for what content is appropriate on our platform. Our content policies are designed to ensure OneDollarChat remains a space where ideas can be exchanged freely while maintaining respect for all users.
"No refunds shall be issued for words poorly chosen or hastily sent."—OneDollarChat Codex
This philosophy guides our approach: we believe in personal responsibility for one's words. Each $1 message represents a deliberate choice to contribute to the conversation, and our content policy exists to maintain the quality of that conversation.
2. Prohibited Content
The following types of content are not allowed on OneDollarChat:
Illegal Content
Content that violates any applicable laws or regulations, including but not limited to:
- Content that promotes illegal activities
- Content related to illegal goods or services
- Content that violates criminal statutes
Harassment, Hate Speech, or Threats
Content that:
- Targets individuals or groups for abuse or harassment
- Contains hate speech or promotes hatred
- Makes threats of violence or harm
- Intentionally causes distress to others
Spam, Scams, or Misleading Content
Content that:
- Consists of unsolicited or repeated messages
- Attempts to deceive or scam other users
- Contains false or intentionally misleading information
- Impersonates other individuals or entities
Sexually Explicit Material
Content that:
- Contains explicit sexual descriptions or language
- Solicits sexual interactions
- Contains sexual content involving minors (which will also be reported to authorities)
External Links or Promotional Content
Currently, OneDollarChat does not permit:
- URLs or links of any kind
- Promotional or advertising content
- Referral codes or affiliate links
This policy may evolve as the platform develops. We'll notify users of any changes.
Intellectual Property Violations
Content that:
- Infringes on copyrights, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights
- Reproduces substantial portions of copyrighted works without permission
- Shares pirated content or unauthorized downloads
Language and Profanity
OneDollarChat takes a balanced approach to language:
- General profanity is permitted, as we recognize it can be part of authentic expression
- Excessive or gratuitous profanity that detracts from meaningful conversation may be moderated
- Profanity directed at other users as part of harassment or attacks is prohibited
- Slurs and hateful language targeting protected characteristics are strictly prohibited
The $1 per message model naturally encourages thoughtful word choice, and we trust our users to communicate respectfully even when using strong language.
Special Note on Links Policy
Our current restriction on links serves several purposes: preventing spam, reducing promotional content, and maintaining conversation quality. We recognize that some legitimate use cases for links exist, and we're evaluating potential changes to this policy. Any updates will be announced to all users with reasonable notice.
3. Enforcement Process
OneDollarChat enforces content policies through a combination of automated systems and human review. Our approach to moderation follows a graduated response model:
Warning
For minor or first-time violations, users receive a warning explaining the violation and referencing the specific policy violated.
Content Removal
Violations of policies will result in message removal. The user will be notified of the removal, including the reason and reference to specific policy violated.
Temporary Suspension
Repeated violations or moderate severity violations may result in temporary account suspension, typically 24-72 hours depending on the violation.
Account Termination
Severe violations or a pattern of repeated violations may result in permanent account termination. Any remaining balance will be handled according to our Terms of Service.
Immediate Action for Severe Violations
Severe violations may skip one or more steps in the graduated response process. Particularly severe violations (illegal content, threats, etc.) may result in immediate account termination and, when appropriate, referral to law enforcement authorities.
4. Appeal Process
Users have the right to appeal content moderation decisions. Here's how the appeal process works:
How to Submit an Appeal
- Send your appeal to appeal@onedollarchat.com
Appeal Review Process
- Initial Review: All appeals are initially reviewed by a member of our moderation team who was not involved in the original decision
- Timeframe: Appeals are typically reviewed within 2-5 business days
- Appeal Decision: If your appeal is successful, the moderation action will be reversed and any applicable refunds processed
- Finality: Secondary appeal reviews are only available in exceptional circumstances
Appeal Guidelines
Appeals are more likely to be successful when:
- You can demonstrate a clear misunderstanding or misapplication of our content policies
- You provide additional context that was not available during the initial review
- There was an obvious technical error in the moderation process
Appeals that are abusive, contain false information, or simply restate the original content will be denied.
5. Refund Policy for Moderated Content
Refund Policy for Removed Content
At OneDollarChat, we understand that everyone can make mistakes. When a message is removed for violating our content policies, we generally refund the $1 message fee to the user's account balance. However, repeated violations may result in account suspension or termination, regardless of refunds.
Our refund policy for moderated content applies in the following scenarios:
- First-time or occasional violations receive both a warning and a refund
- Content removed after user reports and subsequent moderator review is refunded
- Content removed through automated detection systems, confirmed by human review, is refunded
Important: While we refund the $1 fee, the moderation action still counts towards your account history. Repeated violations, even with refunds, may lead to account restrictions or termination.
In cases where content was removed in error (confirmed through the appeal process), the following remedies apply:
- Restoration of the removed content when possible
- Refund of the $1 message fee to the user's account balance
- Removal of the incident from your moderation history
- Documentation of the error to improve our moderation processes
Account Termination Balance Policy
For policy regarding account balances after termination, please refer to Section 5 of our Terms of Service.
6. Content Policy Review and Updates
Our content policies are living documents that evolve with our platform and community. We commit to:
- Reviewing our content policies at least quarterly
- Considering user feedback in policy evolution
- Announcing significant policy changes at least 14 days before implementation
- Maintaining an archive of previous policy versions for reference
We encourage user participation in shaping our policies. If you have suggestions for policy improvements, please submit them through the feedback form in your account settings.
7. Contact Information
For questions about our Content Policy or to report content violations, please contact us at:
Email: content@onedollarchat.com
We aim to respond to all inquiries within 2 business days.