What happens if someone posts something illegal on my forum?

[ahawkua]

I want to have a forum but am afraid to because I can't disable pictures on my forum. I don't want someone posting inappropriate or illegal content.

[Draxion]

I can tell you right now just cause you would own a forum, I don't think anyone will post anything illegal on there since if set rules and stuff. Thousands own forums here and it's like a 1 in a million chance it happens. I've owned seven in my time of being here and I haven't had that problem before.

If in the event it does happen -- cause it can happen -- you can hurry and remove the content and just outright ban the person who did permanently.

[ahawkua]

What about in PMs?

[Draxion]

Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing if they do send via PM's since only the members can read their PM's. If you feel like they can abuse this power, you can disable their right to send PM's.

[ahawkua]

Can you disable PMs except for staff?

[Draxion]

Yes, you would have to do it manually for each user, unfortunately, but it's possible.

[ahawkua]

Ah okay. I have been trying to decide which site to have my forum on. On here at forumotion or on proboards

[Draxion]

I haven't used ProBoards myself but I have been on them before, but I can say each forum host has their pros and cons. I personally like Forumotion better because there are far more features you can apply on the forum, along with the freedom to customize it however you please. Plus, the support is fabulous! Deciding between the two is a personal preference.

[ahawkua]

Ah well I might just try both and see which I like better. Thanks for your help. I also might disable PMs for everyone as they join.

[ahawkua]

I thought there would be a way to actually see the PMs. I know there is on proboards

[Draxion]

No, they are called "private" messages for a reason. haha Only the members send them to each other can read them.

[ahawkua]

Ah okay. I just don't want to be liable if people send inappropriate or illegal content to one another.

[Draxion]

I understand your reason but what SLGray said it what has to happen.

[SLGray]

You could be if the violating content is not removed.  You are responsibility for what is on your forum.  This means you need to remove anything that breaks the Terms of Service.

[ahawkua]

Exactly why maybe I shouldn't have one. I do not want to go to prison

[SLGray]

I do not mean that.  I mean your forum could be ban for the violations.

[ahawkua]

Oh I thought you meant the owner is responsible for everyone's actions and could go to prison for their members

[SLGray]

Only if you are promoting the illegal activity.

[ahawkua]

What if you're not?

[SLGray]

You need to stay on top of everything on your forum.  Get trusted staff members to help monitor the forum.

[ahawkua]

I will but am still worried

[SLGray]

I am going to send you a PM.  I want to ask you a question.

[brandon_g]

You can't be arrested for stuff other people post on your website, there is actually a law that protects website owners against this specifically, legally speaking, you can only be held liable for content you personally post, not what others post.

None the less, you need to get a good staff and monitor the site cause if anything that breaks our tos occurs, your forum can be shut down by our litigation team. That is the abosolute worst that can happen.

-Brandon